Do Shelties Make Good Pets?
These Loving & Sensitive Animals Make Loyal Companions
If you're looking around for just the right breed of dog, Shelties are loving, smart pets and just the right size! How do you know if a Sheltie is right for you?
Do Shelties make good pets for anyone? Shetland Sheepdogs make great pets for any number of reasons. Also known as Shetland Sheepdogs, they look like mini-Lassies. They quickly charm their way into your heart before you even know what hit you, and become part of the family overnight.
Shelties are incredibly intelligent. Their greatest asset is their total commitment to pleasing you. No matter what you want to teach them, they will try to learn it. They are highly adept at agility training and are eager to learn...the love to run! Sometimes they give their owners the impression they already knew what they wanted, all they had to do was ask!
Shelties are great family dogs, and love nothing better than being included in everything you do. They are very good with kids, but young families would do best to raise one from a puppy if they have very young children. Bred to herd sheep in the Shetland Islands, they love to run, play, and - yes - bark! Herding is instinctual for many of them, and it isn't unusual for them to try and herd the family cat, any turkeys or wildlife that may make their way into your yard, or even the grandkids! (A behavior that can and should be easily dealt with!) Sometimes they like to chase cars, which is another issue! A soccer game, tag, or any type of running and chasing activity in the yard is tailor made for these playful herding dogs.
One of the most significant traits of the Sheltie is their sensitivity. They are very loving, trusting and eager to please, and harsh words or physical reprimands during training are totally inappropriate and unnecessary. They have been faithful companions for hundreds of years. They have very sweet dispositions, and their feelings are easily hurt! They respond much better to positive reinforcement and loving guidance. Some Shelties may appear reserved or even ill-tempered toward strangers, but they warm up quickly once they become comfortable.
Grooming your Sheltie is important. Shelties vary in their coat length and thickness, but they do require grooming on a regular basis. Fortunately, even though they have a lot of hair, they don't seem to shed as much as many breeds do. Usually they lose their coat just once or twice a year. (Some short-haired breeds like boxers shed more than Shelties do) Shelties are beautiful dogs. They come in several colors: sable, white, black, and merle in a variety of combinations. They are compact and graceful, usually a maximum of 16" high at the shoulder, with an elegant ruff that gives a regal appearance.Brushing once a week or so is more than enough to keep them in good condition.
Yes, Shelties make good pets for adults, but they make excellent companions for children, particularly when they are raised together. If you are looking for a loving and loyal companion, a Shetland Sheepdog is a great option.
