FAQ's
FAQ's
When emailed recently about purchasing a puppy to be used as a therapy dog for an autistic child I was very moved, as you can see from my response, excerpted below:
...Your doctor is absolutely right. My 11 year old son in on the spectrum, he suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, which I am certain you are at least somewhat familiar with. When I started researching therapy dogs in relation to autism a few years ago I began allowing him more and more supervised time with the dogs and now I have a different child altogether. Our Shelties have truly changed his life... now Noelle sleeps in his room every night. Before... I could not trust him with a goldfish... This is a child who a few short years ago never got the punchline of a joke, cried when asked to sing or make up a story, cringed when touched, refused to go outside to play... Now he is a responsible, trustworthy pre-teen.... I give the dogs a lot of credit... Seeing genuine smiles on his face and sensing his genuine affection for the dogs is opening new doors for me in breeding, and we are now waiting on the upcoming litters to choose a therapy puppy for him to keep for his very own... it takes a sensitive but not shy, dog for the job... as an autism parent who has done hundreds of hours of research, I can tell you that no matter what the severity of the autism, from completely non-communicative to high-functioning Asperger's, a good dog can often make a marked difference in the child and in their quality of life...
What happens when you breed two blue merle Shelties?
Breeding two merles, whether blue merle, bi-blue, or sable merle, obviously doubles the merling gene in the puppies, and can result in what is commonly called a double merle Sheltie. These unfortunate puppies are also referred to as "white Shelties" although that term is a bit misleading. The double merle offspring are frequently deaf and sometimes blind, often requiring euthanasia. Breeding two merles can have some benefits to the breeding program, in that it may result in a clearer shade of blue in the non-double merle puppies, but it is not a common practice, nor should it be.
How much do your puppies cost?
My pet puppies sell for $500 to $800. Show/breeder prospects usually sell for $800 to $1200.
How long does it take to groom that long coat?
This is the number one most frequently asked question. Many people are afraid that the grooming requirements of a Sheltie are more than they can handle. The truth is, it takes 30 minutes of brushing per week to maintain their peak coat condition. That's right, I said per week, not per day. Furthermore, an indoor pet Sheltie usually only needs bathing 3 to 4 times per year, and never needs a haircut. Although, if needed, the feet may be neatened with scissors on occasion. If you think this is not important, click here to see why I strongly recommend it! It is especially important to trim the fur on the bottom of all four feet even with the paw pads, as fur tends to clump in these areas, making walking rather uncomfortable. I give all new owners a brushing lesson as well as written grooming instructions. I do recommend frequent (monthly is usually sufficient) nail trims and, of course, good oral hygiene.
Aren't Shelties really just miniature Collies?
No. They are a seperate breed, although Rough Collies obviously played a huge part in their ancestory.
I am interested in breeding my Sheltie, what advice and information can you give me?
Please see my breeding and whelping information page for an in-depth discussion on this subject.
How do you correct a poor earset (ears do not tip, or break too low, or are too wide set)?
There are a variety of methods for ear correction. I personally prefer to glue prick (upright, non-tipping or barely tipping) ears, and to brace low-breaking and wide-set ears with Japanese Sheltie tape. You can find videos and instuctions on taping the sheltie's ears, or instructions on glueing the ears by following these offsite links.
Where do Shelties come from?
Shetland Sheepdogs were originally bred in the Shetland Islands, hence their name, which also accounts for their diminutive size.
Are Shelties good herding dogs?
Many Shelties do retain their natural herding instincts, and those that do not, may be trained to herd.
Why do Shelties bark so loud?
Bred on the Shetland Islands, Shelties were never more than 3 miles from the sea. They developed a loud, distinctive bark which could be heard over the roar of the wind and surf.
Why do Shelties bark so much?
In the past, Shelties used their bark to help herd the sheep. They may have also barked to the shepherd to alert him to danger, or straying sheep. Now they use their bark to express every conceivable emotion, excitement, boredom, and simply for fun. This is just part of owning a Sheltie, but, thankfully, can be overcome with early and consistent training. See our article on bark training for more information.
What if my Sheltie barks, even with proper training?
Some Shelties are simply incorrigible. No one knows why some refuse to be quiet, no matter what the cost, but some do, just the same. If this is truly the case, and all training avenues have been exhausted, you may wish to consider having the dog surgically debarked. By no means is debarking cruel or inhumane. The dog can still bark, it is simply muted. The procedure is quite simple and recovery is almost immediate (most dogs are fully recovered within 24 hours). Please contact a licensed veterinarian for more information.
I hear that Shelties are one of the smartest breeds. Is that true?
Absolutely! It is not just a matter of intelligence, though. I have never come across another breed so determined to please their owners. A Sheltie will learn whatever you are willing to teach them, as fast as possible, to make you as happy as possible.
What training method works best with Shelties?
Hands down, positive reinforement is the way to go.Shelties are very sensitive, and harsh corrections are never appropriate with them. (Have you ever actually seen a dog's heart break? Not a pleasant sight.) Besides, they are naturally obedient, eager to please and willing to learn. So why destroy their trust in you with traditional training methods?
I have heard that Sheltie's are shy. Are they?
Of course not. At least, not if they are properly trained, and well socialized. If we allow our dogs to become anti-social we have no one to blame but ourselves. I have seen first hand what happens to an animal's self-esteem when they are left alone in a fence or cage. Such damage is not always reversible. Since I understand the importance of early socialization, all of my puppies are house-raised, and exposed to children, cats, televisions, radios, vacuum cleaners, and so on.
Do Shelties make good agility dogs?
Definitely. They have been performing admirably in agility since the sport's introduction. Naturally, you must have your dog checked by a licensed veterinarian before beginning agility training. It is best to wait until they are at least 12 months old before teaching jumps, to prevent damage to growing bones.
How big do Shelties get?
According to the breed standard, a Shetland Sheepdog should stand no taller than 16 inches at the withers (shoulders). They weigh an average of 15-25 pounds. Remember, though, that pet quality Shelties may occasionally have some size discrepancies from the standard.
How long do Shelties live?
Shelties live an average of 15 years.
Are Shelties good guard dogs?
No. Guarding is best left up to the big dogs, who were bred for that purpose. A Sheltie may bark to announce an intruder, only to then show them the way to your bedroom, where they are likely to hide under the bed.
Are Shelties good with children?
Generally speaking, yes. Shelties are wonderful pets for children. Puppies who are raised with children tend to do best. However, older dogs usually adjust easily to children.
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Sheltie clip art provided by Clan Duncan and The Dog Patch.Web Site Designed By Heather BethuneAll photography, unless otherwise specified, by Heather Bethune
