I am thinking of getting a shetland Sheepdog but am wondering what pros and cons they have. I live on 4 acres and have 2 horses so there is no shortage of space. Do they need to be exscercised every day and things like that.
2007-01-09 11:01:02 · 12 answers · asked by louisngene_r_cool 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have had two - one was the best dog around and the other is a little crazy.
I would go with a female - they tend to be calmer
They are very timed and pretty hyper
They are super smart and very playful
They are fast learners and great at agility
I love them! :-)
PS I also have horses - my current sheltie does herd the horses! :-) He hasn't got kicked but my horses dont really mind him either. :-)
2007-01-09 11:07:50 · answer #1 · answered by babyjustn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shelties are extremely intelligent, but can also be a bit on the neurotic side. They tend to bark incessantly, and frighten easily.
They'll herd anything they deem to be herdable, even inanimate objects at times. They're very loyal and respond quickly to training.
They do, however, seem to be a bit more prone to health problems than other breeds I've encountered. Purchasing quality stock from a reputable breeder who provides a written guarantee of health will greatly lessen your chances of having to deal with that.
2007-01-09 11:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by xxandra 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shelties are bright, active, VOCAL, and excitable.
U have to do Ur homework: they need TRAINING, as well as exercise!
many SHelties will bark at ringing phones, the toaster, the microwave beeping, etc.
U need to be willing to be proactive and head-off problem behaviors before they arise, and train incompatible behaviors whenever possible (dogs can't jump-to-greet if they are taught to SIT to be petted).
go to Sheltie Rescue orgs, see Petfinder, and look at some of the complaints people have had/reasons why they were given up.
2007-01-09 11:09:03 · answer #3 · answered by leashedforlife 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do indeed bark a lot, shed profusely, and yes they do herd people especially small children!! But, I love my sheltie libby to death (http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandas_photos/) they can be large barkers but they are extremely smart it took me 2 hours to teach her to sit, and shake hands. It also took me the first 2 days that I had her to completely potty train her. They need a big yard and need to be walked and I sugest that you buy on of those big iflatable balls that you can find in the kids department of wal mart that burns some of their energy during the day, the sheltie might try to herd your horses but once they realize that the horses are bigger than them they will stop or you need to teach the dog not to.
2007-01-09 11:15:27 · answer #4 · answered by Amanda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
The best online resource that teaches how to stop any unwanted dog behavior is: http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=572
You can find thousands of videos and interesting materials. Their methods are effective, gentle and simple.
Bye
2014-09-15 04:02:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
shelties are wonderful dogs!!!! i'm a pet groomer and adore every one that i groom. so far in a lot of years i can't remember any bad points!!!! i'm soooo jealous!!!(kidding)
2007-01-09 11:06:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pros and cons of Shelties
http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/shelties.html
Sheltie info off of the breed club
http://www.assa.org/
2007-01-09 11:11:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found this website helpful, for my nieghbor. She now has three of them. It gives a lot of info.
http://bowlingsite.mcf.com/SSlinks.html
Good Luck!!! :)
2007-01-09 11:09:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They bark A LOT, and can be nervous. Coat care, and exercise a must.
2007-01-09 11:05:14 · answer #9 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At least *HALF* you see at benched shows(where they're gathered in lg.numbers) are DE-BARKED!!!
What does that tell you?
2007-01-10 00:01:23 · answer #10 · answered by tyke 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋