Sheltie Attributes


Temperament
Although they can be a bit reserved with strangers, Shelties possess an intense desire to please their owners. They are highly trainable and very responsive, making them one of the top choices for many types of activities, such as obedience, herding, and agility. Shelties raised as pets develop a lasting loyalty to their families, and their natural affinity for children make them gentle and loving companions. Their propensity to guard their home make them highly protective, and most will bark when all is not right within their realm. Unlike some breeds, there is very little difference between male and female Shelties; either sex will make an exceptional pet.

Physical Features
According to the breed standard, the ideal Sheltie should stand between 13" and 16" at the shoulder. Oversized and undersized Shelties can appear in the same litter and should not be used for breeding. One of the most endearing qualities of the breed is its soft, sweet expression, which is enhanced by the correct set and tip of a puppy's ears. Most breeders will willingly assist you with proper ear care during puppy hood, which will give your Sheltie the correct 'look' as an adult.

Colors
There are three basic colors, all set off by varying amounts of white and or tan.

* Sable (ranging from golden brown to mahogany, with touches of black)
* Tri-color (black)
* Blue Merle (blue-gray, black)
* Bi-blue (blue-grey and black)
* Bi-black (black and white)

All colors should be clear and not diluted or washed out.

Sheltie Size Charts

bowlingsite.mcf.com/size/size.html

Care, Training and Breeding

General Care
Your puppy should have received a general physical within 72 hours of purchase. Your puppy's breeder should provide you with a complete Veterinary care report, with details of its inoculations, de-worming and physical checkup. Follow-up vaccinations and de-worming may be needed, as well as flea and heartworm preventative. Some Shelties may be sensitive to certain types of medications used in these products, so be sure to consult with your veterinarian and breeder prior to administering them to your dog. Spaying or neutering companion quality Shelties will prevent unwanted pregnancies, will lessen your dog's risk of cancer, and will make your Sheltie a better pet for the entire family. It is always recommended that your Sheltie be confined in a safe, secure fenced area. Permanent identification, either through tattooing, micro-chipping is a good idea, just in case your Sheltie ever gets lost or stolen.

Grooming
Your puppy's breeder should provide information and/or instruction in proper grooming techniques which will enable you to care for your Sheltie it's entire life. The Sheltie's double coat consists of long straight outer coat with a short, dense undercoat. The amount of grooming your dog will need will depend on the amount and type of coat it has, but as a general rule a weekly brushing should keep your dog in tip-top shape. You will need a slicker brush, pin brush, comb, nail trimmers and a scissors. A Sheltie coat should always be brushed or combed and should never be clipped down to the skin! Sharp nail tips should be trimmed frequently on a puppy; less often on an adult. Long hair may be trimmed on feet, ears and legs. Cleaning your puppy's ears and brushing its teeth should also be part of its regular grooming routine. If started at an early age, your Sheltie will learn to love the attention good grooming provides.



Feeding and Exercise
With proper nutrition , exercise and regular vet care, Shelties can have good longevity. Your breeder can recommend various types of food, which should be given only in the amounts needed to keep your dog fit and healthy. Many dog food labels, both dry and canned suggest feeding far too much food for the average pet. Doggy treats can also pack on the weight and often contain high amounts of sugar, salt, dyes and chemical preservatives. Like people, an overly fat Sheltie can experience joint problems, diabetes and a myriad of other health issues. Shelties need a fair amount of exercise. Daily walks and active play sessions are encouraged to keep your dog fit and happy.

There are many great brands of dog food out there, but there are also some that are not so great. Some foods we do NOT recommend include but aren't limited to: Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Purina, Pro Plan, Pedigree, Royal Canin, and Nutro. These foods contain very little meat protein, can include hard-to-digest fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, and often have harsh chemicals and dyes which can damage your dogs liver and kidneys when fed for long periods of time.

Some examples of higher quality foods which do not contain corn, wheat, soy, by-products, or chemical preservatives/dyes are: Blue Buffalo, Fromm, Orijen, Timberwolf, Nature's Variety, Canidae, By Nature, Avo Derm, California Natural, Wellness, Evo, and Natural Balance. Many of these foods are easily found at stores such as PetSmart and Petco.

Training
Sheltie puppies need to be exposed to new places, sounds and people as they grow into mature individuals. This 'socialization' will help a young puppy mature into a friendly, outgoing family member who will readily adjust to new situations in life. Puppy kindergarten, household obedience and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes are often available year-round in most locales. Ask your veterinarian or breeder for recommendations.


Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeders will provide buyers with a written contract covering the terms of sale for a new puppy. AKC rules are very specific. Breeders must supply buyers with an individual registration form for each puppy they sell, unless contract terms state otherwise. If a puppy has not been individually registered, the breeder must provide the following information: Breed, Sex, Color and markings, Date of Birth, Litter number (when available), Name and numbers of Sire and Dam, Name of Breeder and the Date Sold. Many breeders will also provide buyers with a pedigree and should be able to discuss a puppy's lineage. Dedicated and knowledgeable breeders do all in their power to breed according to the AKC Shetland Sheepdog Standard . It is their responsibility to produce sound, healthy animals that are good representatives of the breed. Companion quality animals should be sold on spay/neuter agreements and should not be used for breeding. Breeding for fun or profit rarely produces the quality, soundness or temperament achieved by reputable and conscientious breeders. While some breeders choose to utilize the AKC Limited Registration option, others may withhold AKC papers until proof of spay/neuter obligations are met. Regardless of which option the breeder chooses, all terms should be clearly spelled out in a written contract, signed by both parties.


Sheltie Activities

Because of their willingness to please shelties make fabulous companions. Their intelligence makes them treasured family pets that are great with children too! There are many activities you can do with a sheltie…..

Conformation
The showing of your dog in formal sanctioned shows or matches is known as conformation.

Agility
Shelties love this obstacle course of jumps, hoops, tunnels and ramps. They are enthusiastic, agile and winning. Build confidence and earn many titles with this fun sport for both you and your dog.

Obedience
Shelties are very smart and with the proper training can easily compete in the obedience arena.

Herding
Herding is the purpose for which the Sheltie was originally bred. Their innate herding instincts allow them to win formal herding competitions.

Tracking
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, they can use that skill to “track” the scent trail left by humans or other animals.

Flyball
One of the fastest growing sports, a relay race for dogs. The Sheltie’s agile body, quick learning and speed will give them a competitive edge.

Therapy
The loving Sheltie makes them wonderful therapy dogs. There is nothing more rewarding then having your Sheltie brighten the day of those in pain and infirmity.

These are just a few that scratch the surface, if you have questions or would like more detail on any of these areas please do not hesitate to ask one of the club members.