Anyone have a Sheltie?

[camper]

my daughter is turning 13 soon and has been wanting a dog forever. So today we stopped by the animal shelter and they had a 7yo sheltie that someone had just brought in today. That's the one my daughter really wants. The previous owner said that the sheltie is used to cats (we have three) and children.

 

[AZKathy]

Our friends have a sheltie and he is an incredibly beautiful dog. He is also well behaved for still being a puppy.

 

[legs22]

My mother has one. They bark waaaay too much! He's 14 now- blind and deaf. Thank goodness he doesn't bark as much as he used to. And their coats are long and need to be groomed. I myself would never get one after having had experience with my mother's dog. I had a nice short-haired greyhound so I can't stand all that dog grooming mess.

 

[Serena]

They are beautiful, but make sure and do your research. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

 

[Nutsy]

I don't have one, but have friends who do & they are adorable........I'd love one of my own, but we have our pooch a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

 

[Magix]

We had a sheltie for many years when I was a kid. She was a wonderful dog. Ours wasn't much of a barker - she really only barked when we were playing. An absolute sweetheart of a dog. Traveled with us in our trailer all over the western US and Canada - always tolerated the trips very well. Her hair was never a problem for us. She died rather unexpectedly and I miss her dearly to this day. I'd highly recommend a sheltie for your daughter - if it's a well behaved dog like ours was, she'll be the best, most loving companion your daughter could hope for.

 

[Shel]

I have a Sheltie, she is almost 15 years old. Shelties are incredibly smart, very personable, pretty dogs. They also tend to be a bit "barky" at times, and like to "herd", but it's all an instinct, and not something they do to misbehave. All in all, Sheltie's make wonderful pets.

 

[Cruisin]

Our neighbours have a Sheltie but she runs around the neighbourhood with the kids, so it feels like she belongs to everyone.
She is a real sweetheart. She loves the kids. You see her out on the street "herding" the kids. She is constantly running circles around the pack of kids, trying to keep them in order. It is quite funny to watch.
This sheltie also likes cats and other dogs too. She really only barks at the mail-man .

 

[MerryPoppins]

We had a Sheltie-poodle mix for a number of years. She was my baby and I miss her to this day. You couldn't have asked for a nicer dog! She was gentle and loving and sweet as they come. Enjoy your new family member.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My friend breeds and shows Shelties. They do bark alot. Need lots of grooming. Yes, they do herd you. I have collies and you get used to it after a while. Nice dogs but yes do your research. Do you know why someone gave up a 7yo dog? Thats a shame. Good Luck!

 

[camper]

Thanks for all of the replies. Yes, I'm aware of the "barking " feature. That is the reason the previous owner gave her up. They owned a home business and didn't like it when the dog would bark at the customers. The people at the shelter felt so bad for her that they would have let us take her home with us yesterday. Of course we wanted to discuss it some more.

 

[LisaTx]

We've had three Shelties.

They are wonderful dogs. They are highly intelligent and very easy to train. If you've ever seen an agility trial or obedience show on television, you'll notice a high percentage of Shelties. They are sweet, loving, and get along well with children and other pets.

The do need to be brushed or combed occasionally. Both of my kids love to brush the dog.

Our first two were very social and did not bark too much. Tia is wary of strangers and does bark when anyone comes around. Since Shelties are so trainable, it should be fairly easy to break the barking habit with a can of pennies or a squirt bottle. I really need to do that.

Here's a picture of Tia. She was a year old Nov. 3.
<img height=330 src="http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/139xmas02web.jpg">

 

[KristiKelly]

I've never owned one, but that's all that one of our neighbors has ever had and they love them. You could do an internet search for Shelties or Shetland Sheepdog and find a Sheltie discussion board and get some info. That's what I did before we bought the dog that we got over Christmas. You could also go to the AKC webpage and call your local vet. Hope this helps.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Originally posted by Serena
They are beautiful, but make sure and do your research. Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

Serena speaks truth! We have a dog and I often wish we did not. Boarding, vet visits, all the annoying things they do. Especially barking. That alone could drive you INSANE!!!

Good luck whatever you decide!!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We have had four shelties, 2 at a time. They do bark and shed. But, they are wonderful pets. I had shelties before I married and now have a husband and 2 teenagers. The dogs were wonderful with kids (and DH). What is nice about getting a dog that isn't a puppy is it has already gotten through the chewing stage and is probably already housebroken.

 

[emagirl]

Our Sheltie is 6 1/2 years old (we have had her since she was a pup) and her name is Shelby.

Shelby joined us when my daughter was 6 1/2. I can't imagine our house without her! She has been a total joy to have as a family companion.

True, they have to be groomed regularly and brushed but it's not that much work. Our Shelby loves people! She has such a wonderful personality and was very easy to train. She does bark (mostly when people LEAVE our home not when they arrive) and she barks a bit at noises around the house (dishwasher, icemaker, etc) but, her temperment and personality far outweigh any of that stuff.

My daughter is an only child and I can't say enought about this breed of dog and the positive impact they have had on eachother!

I agree, how sad to give up a pet after so many years!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[camper]

We have been approved for the adoption!! My dd is going to be thrilled!! I just hope "Penny" can adapt to her new home.
Beautiful Pictures, Lisa.
Yes, Carol, that is what I told dh. We won't have to go through the chewing stage (and we have plenty of toys and stuffed animals around to be chewed on).

 

[pokiemomo181]

Good, you will love the breed. We have owned 2 of them, and they are so loving and intelligent. Just brush them daily and the hair won't be such a problem. I think you made a wonderful choice.


Pokie

 

[MinnieMe2]

My sister adopted a sheltie a couple of years ago, our family's first experience with one. He is a doll! He does need to be brushed, but they do that at night while he's in their laps and all find it to be relaxing. Brutus (dumb name for a sweet dog, but they left it alone) isn't much of a barker, only when someone comes to the house. He does 'herd' us, gently bumping the backs of our knees. It's kind of cool, actually. We all love Brutus very much, and I hope your new little friend is as beloved as our Bru-Bru is.....

 

[LisaTx]

That's exciting. I'm sure your DD will be thrilled.

I hope Penny brings your family as much happiness as Tia has to ours.