Tell me about Shetland Sheepdogs

[Samiam]

Considering a pound puppy. It's this breed mixed with ???.

 

I have a dog, have always had dogs so not needing advice on dog care as much as just your personal experiences. I've read the breed specific sites, so I've read the pros/cons on the breed, just wondering if you've known or owned one?

 

[armom]

Shetland Sheepdogs aka Shelties are one our favorite dogs. They are very smart loyal dogs. They are however very barky and do not like to be alone. We currently have a 4 1/2 month old sheltie and she is wonderful with our kids. They are very energetic dogs.

[I talk to the trees]

I am a sheltie-holic. I have three right now. (I almost got to foster 2 sisters, but they were adopted before they ever made it to my house!) They are amazing family dogs, loyal, eager to please, intelligent, and a piece of cake to housebreak. Those are the pros. I should warn you that these lovely critters do come with some serious cons as well.

 

Like all herding dogs, they are very high-energy, and need exercise. They also need jobs. If you fail to give them a job (like fetching a ball or playing tug, or herding your children,) they will create a job for themselves (like chewing through drywall, devouring out-of-print books, or "sorting" the laundry.) They also shed like crazy. I actually took up spinning so that I'd have something to do with the bags and bags of combings! And many (okay, most) are very vocal. Mine bark when I sneeze, when the phone rings, when I reach for the aluminum foil, when I dry my hair, when I use the vacuum, and sometimes just to hear their heads rattle! (And yet, the three of them stood completely oblivious a few nights ago as a herd of deer crossed our yard.)

 

I think they're wonderful pets, and can't imagine my life without them, but if it's a calm couch-potato to curl up with you're looking for, shelties aren't the best choice.

[tex-bex]

I had Shelties from the age of 8 on, and they were wonderful, sweet, smart, trainable dogs. I loved playing with them!

But the fur. Omgosh, shed city.

[Danestress]

Considering a pound puppy. It's this breed mixed with ???.

 

I have a dog, have always had dogs so not needing advice on dog care as much as just your personal experiences. I've read the breed specific sites, so I've read the pros/cons on the breed, just wondering if you've known or owned one?

 

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I like everything about them except the barking, which I find intolerable. I've never been around dogs that bark as much about every day things inside their own homes. My sisters sheltie would bark at the sound of my boots clicking on the floor. Lots of dogs bark at people walking by or other perceived threats. But her Sheltie would bark at the leaves falling. It was insane and annoying,. My neighbors Sheltie was the same way. My breeder, who doesn't breed Shelties, owns one. He's a great dog trainer. His dogs will do anything - except the Sheltie who will. not. shut up.

 

I think they can be great dogs, and I am partial to herding breeds But I am more noise sensitive than most people, and I just can't take it.