Is a Sheltie right for me?

J

jumba

Forums Enthusiast
Hi all. I'm a brand new member. I've been lurking and reading for a few weeks now and am hoping to get some more information on the breed. I'm not looking to buy quite yet, but within the next year for sure. I just want this time so I can research breeders if it seems like a good fit for me. I'm not sure that they are a 100% fit. Or even at all.

Can you please tell me more infornation?

Are Shelties:
Good with other dogs or household pets if socialized properly?
Known to be same sex aggressive?
Good with kids? I don't have kids yet, but would not rule it out within the next 5 years.


Do Shelties:
In general, require a LOT of exercise? My significant other likes Aussies but, I know us and the amount of exercise an Aussie requires would be too much. I'm looking for a breed with a good off switch inside but is good with maybe a 30 minute game in the backyard, plus unlimited time in the backyard if desired, and a couple short to medium walks a day (morning and evening). I would not be happy with a dog that I have to run 5 miles a day with, and constantly provide mental stimulation or it would go nuts. I'm all for play, wrestling, buying Kong's to fill time, or those little puzzle boxes, but I don't want a dog smarter than me, if that makes sense.

Like water? Sometimes we go out on the boat and it would be nice to have a dog that can enjoy the water with us.


Other:
I work at home. Sometimes my work requires that I make or receive calls. I know Shelties are notorious for barking. How often do they bark, are they problem barkers or are they just warning barkers (I.e. heard a noise etc).

How much grooming do they REALLY require? Is this a breed that requires daily brushing or can I get away with brushing once a week and a professional groom maybe every 2-3 months or longer?

I live in an environment that is warm to hot most of the year. Is it selfish to a Sheltie to be subjected to heat with such a heavy/long coat? The dog would be an indoor dog but its a concern of my significant other that it is too hot here for a long coated dog for the times we do go outside.

I love Velcro dogs. I am very much looking for a family dog that is satisfied just being a pet. No showing, no trials or anything. I mean agility is attractive to me, however, I would not want to buy a dog for sport and then not do it. I want a dog that is happy to see us when we come home, eager to go on a walk, or a quick run, up for a game of tug or fetch, but has no problem curling up with us on the couch. We travel, and I like the more convenient size of a Sheltie versus other breeds we were looking at. I had a friend with one as a kid, and from what I remember she was just the sweetest little dog. She's the reason I am asking if they would fit our lifestyle.
 
jumba said:
Hi all. I'm a brand new member. I've been lurking and reading for a few weeks now and am hoping to get some more information on the breed. I'm not looking to buy quite yet, but within the next year for sure. I just want this time so I can research breeders if it seems like a good fit for me. I'm not sure that they are a 100% fit. Or even at all.

Can you please tell me more information?

Are Shelties:
Good with other dogs or household pets if socialized properly? Yes, but it depends on the individual dog
Known to be same sex aggressive? not that I am aware of- had two girls and a boy and now 3 boys and a girl
Good with kids? I don't have kids yet, but would not rule it out within the next 5 years. depends on the dog but mostly yes


Do Shelties:
In general, require a LOT of exercise? My significant other likes Aussies but, I know us and the amount of exercise an Aussie requires would be too much. I'm looking for a breed with a good off switch inside but is good with maybe a 30 minute game in the backyard, plus unlimited time in the backyard if desired, and a couple short to medium walks a day (morning and evening). I would not be happy with a dog that I have to run 5 miles a day with, and constantly provide mental stimulation or it would go nuts. I'm all for play, wrestling, buying Kong's to fill time, or those little puzzle boxes, but I don't want a dog smarter than me, if that makes sense.

a lot- not really- your plan sounds reasonable

Like water? Sometimes we go out on the boat and it would be nice to have a dog that can enjoy the water with us. that would depend on the dog- I have two that don't mind water but neither girl was/is into water


Other:
I work at home. Sometimes my work requires that I make or receive calls. I know Shelties are notorious for barking. How often do they bark, are they problem barkers or are they just warning barkers (I.e. heard a noise etc).

depends on the dog and how much training you do with them. My dogs do not bark at the phone ringing or when I'm on the phone usually. my girl is alert to every noise and movement- the boys not so much but they'll bark if she starts it

How much grooming do they REALLY require? Is this a breed that requires daily brushing or can I get away with brushing once a week and a professional groom maybe every 2-3 months or longer?

daily brushing is nice but you can definitely get away with once a week- just don't go too long or it will be a more involved process...

I live in an environment that is warm to hot most of the year. Is it selfish to a Sheltie to be subjected to heat with such a heavy/long coat? The dog would be an indoor dog but its a concern of my significant other that it is too hot here for a long coated dog for the times we do go outside.

I live in South Alabama- plenty of heat and humidity- my first sheltie as she got older didn't handle the heat as well but they certainly can do just fine in it.

I love Velcro dogs. I am very much looking for a family dog that is satisfied just being a pet. No showing, no trials or anything. I mean agility is attractive to me, however, I would not want to buy a dog for sport and then not do it. I want a dog that is happy to see us when we come home, eager to go on a walk, or a quick run, up for a game of tug or fetch, but has no problem curling up with us on the couch. We travel, and I like the more convenient size of a Sheltie versus other breeds we were looking at. I had a friend with one as a kid, and from what I remember she was just the sweetest little dog. She's the reason I am asking if they would fit our lifestyle.
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sounds like a good description of what my dogs are like- though we do compete in agility and rally
 
Others might have different answers, but here's what I've got. I italicized your questions and my answers are underneath.

Are Shelties:
Good with other dogs or household pets if socialized properly?

Depends on the dog, but in general yes.

Known to be same sex aggressive?

I have never had multiple shelties at once so I couldn't say

Good with kids? I don't have kids yet, but would not rule it out within the next 5 years.

Absolutely! I had a sheltie growing up. My siblings and I were 8, 4, and 2 when we got her. She was a wonderful family dog.

Do Shelties:
In general, require a LOT of exercise? My significant other likes Aussies but, I know us and the amount of exercise an Aussie requires would be too much. I'm looking for a breed with a good off switch inside but is good with maybe a 30 minute game in the backyard, plus unlimited time in the backyard if desired, and a couple short to medium walks a day (morning and evening). I would not be happy with a dog that I have to run 5 miles a day with, and constantly provide mental stimulation or it would go nuts. I'm all for play, wrestling, buying Kong's to fill time, or those little puzzle boxes, but I don't want a dog smarter than me, if that makes sense.

I think it depends on the dog, but if you get a puppy from a breeder they can generally tell you which puppy needs to go to a performance home and would require a lot of energy, and which dog would fit your lifestyle. My dog has just as much, if not more, energy than my parents border collie-aussie mix. And I think there is a difference between a dog that is smarter than you and a dog that can outsmart you :wink2:.

Like water? Sometimes we go out on the boat and it would be nice to have a dog that can enjoy the water with us.

My dog loves water, but I would say most shelties do not like water. That doesn't mean that a dog exposed to boating and water at an early age can't learn to love it!

Other:
I work at home. Sometimes my work requires that I make or receive calls. I know Shelties are notorious for barking. How often do they bark, are they problem barkers or are they just warning barkers (I.e. heard a noise etc).

Depends on the dog. I think it's possible to train a dog to learn when barking is appropriate. If a dog is sensitive to stimulus outside (such as seeing a jogger run by or another dog) I would recommend crating. Shelties can be very vocal, but as far as how vocal varies. My dog does not bark at home unless she's wound up and excited. She only really barks at flyball or when she's playing with other dogs at the dog park.

How much grooming do they REALLY require? Is this a breed that requires daily brushing or can I get away with brushing once a week and a professional groom maybe every 2-3 months or longer?

You could probably get away with one good brushing once a week. You just have to be proactive about feeling for mats and making sure you brush out the undercoat when they're blowing coat.

I live in an environment that is warm to hot most of the year. Is it selfish to a Sheltie to be subjected to heat with such a heavy/long coat? The dog would be an indoor dog but its a concern of my significant other that it is too hot here for a long coated dog for the times we do go outside.

I live in Houston, where the climate is pretty warm and humid most of the year. I've never had issues with either of my Shelties. Obviously you can't leave them outside all day during the summer. Others might have more to say about this.
 
I know many people will chime in and perhaps disagree with my post.

What I love about Shelties is that you can mostly make them into the dog you want.

They do have tendencies towards excessive barking, herding, etc. but this can be managed and trained if you are willing to spend the time. If you are not, then a Sheltie is not for you.

Exercise? If you have a fenced yard and willing to play fetch and return with your dogs, then good. If you don't then a minimum 1 hour exercise per day. You can make do with a little less, but you must watch the weight of your dog.

Shelties can be wonderful with kids if they are properly socialized with people If you let them live a sheltered life, then they can be anti-social. I've never had an issue with any of mine

Boating.....not so much...I have a cottage island property. The dogs don't like the water and don't like the boat. They instinctfully know how to swim but don't like it much. (yes, the dogs have fallen off the docks a few times, and yes we tried to get them to like swimming....not

Sheltie coats....don't shave them ever! Their undercoat is an insulator! However, on super hot and humid days, go ahead and hose them down. The probably won't like the experience but will feel better afterwards.

In my experience, my Shelties adapt to me not me to them. Though you do have to manage their weight. If you aren't going to be doing big walks and agilty, they can get fat, very quick.

Hope this helps
 
I just adopted a rescue sheltie 10 weeks ago. I lived with Aussies for 10 years. I can hit acouple points here. Others don't apply (no kids, no same-sex dogs, that kinda thing).


Good with other dogs or household pets if socialized properly? Mine is good with my other dog and 3 cats but so is my GSD x McNab who was raised with the cats and another dog.

In general, require a LOT of exercise? Mine is a total couch potato but she's about 5 or 6. A nice stroll would be good for her but I don't live where that is feasible (foothills).

My significant other likes Aussies but, I know us and the amount of exercise an Aussie requires would be too much. I find this sheltie at 5 or 6 is about equivalent to my Aussies at 5 or 6, but I had couch potato Aussies too. The key is the lineage. There are performance Aussies & shelties. Overall though, I do see the sheltie as a bit less of a drive. She is equivalent mentally to my smartest Aussie and way smarter than my average Aussie-brained dogs.

I would not be happy with a dog that I have to run 5 miles a day with, and constantly provide mental stimulation or it would go nuts. I'm all for play, wrestling, buying Kong's to fill time, or those little puzzle boxes, but I don't want a dog smarter than me, if that makes sense. If you spend time doing a bit of fun training, the mind is fine. Definitey NOT equivalent to a Jack Russell or Border Collie. However, learning new skills is good (sit, down, touch, spin, shake, etc.) A nice stroll is good for everyone, but not need to jog every day. They are not dogs you have to entertain constantly.

Like water? Sometimes we go out on the boat and it would be nice to have a dog that can enjoy the water with us. Mine is fine with water and I have seen her swim once. Not water-loving like a lab though. More dip the feet in the pool kinda girl, sniff around, take a drink, watch the ducks (not in a psycho way though).

I work at home. Sometimes my work requires that I make or receive calls. I know Shelties are notorious for barking. How often do they bark, are they problem barkers or are they just warning barkers (I.e. heard a noise etc). I work from home too. Mine doesn't really bark much. Everyone says they are barky and she is less barky than my GSD x McNab. She is probably more barky than my Aussies were though.

How much grooming do they REALLY require? Is this a breed that requires daily brushing or can I get away with brushing once a week and a professional groom maybe every 2-3 months or longer? There is grooming. Every other day is working for mine but she has a shorter coat. I groomed Aussies with the same regimen. Not really a need for professional grooming. Just some baths and comb-throughs. You DO NOT shave them (nor Aussies).

I live in an environment that is warm to hot most of the year. Is it selfish to a Sheltie to be subjected to heat with such a heavy/long coat? The dog would be an indoor dog but its a concern of my significant other that it is too hot here for a long coated dog for the times we do go outside. They do fine with the coats -- I live in a warm climate and never had problems with Aussies or the sheltie but they DO live inside. I found with my heavy heavy coated Aussie that if I trimmed the belly he was just fine in the heat of summer but his coat was ridiculous. A "maternity" trim allowed him to plop on the cool tile or cement or over an AC duct and be very happy.

I love Velcro dogs. I am very much looking for a family dog that is satisfied just being a pet. No showing, no trials or anything. I mean agility is attractive to me, however, I would not want to buy a dog for sport and then not do it. I want a dog that is happy to see us when we come home, eager to go on a walk, or a quick run, up for a game of tug or fetch, but has no problem curling up with us on the couch. We travel, and I like the more convenient size of a Sheltie versus other breeds we were looking at. I had a friend with one as a kid, and from what I remember she was just the sweetest little dog. She's the reason I am asking if they would fit our lifestyle. All my Aussies & the sheltie have been velcro and game for whatever we wanted from hiking to camping to chilling on the couch to a day at the lake fishing to a visit to the beach. You name it.


Whether you focus on a mini-Aussie or a sheltie -- comparable size -- you need to search for a low-drive breeder rather than a performance breeder. Breeders point out that they are performance or herding drive breeders. You can also find a rescue that is 1-3 years old and avoid all the puppy-ness if you don't want the crazy puppy stage. It's good you are doing research. Perhaps everyone's responses will guide you. I really can't tell the difference much between this sheltie and my 3 aussies (who were large onces). I have Aussies in Melli's doggy class and my Shay's previous doggy class and they were all very busy dogs while Melli is more kick back, but she is also older than the other dogs in dog school. I am truly enjoying the sheltie and I would pick one again over an Aussie. That says a lot.
 
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I'll just comment about the kid thing - we got our first sheltie ( and my first dog) when my kids were 3 and 4 years old and she was absolutely wonderful with them. She felt it was her job to keep them in the yard and off the sidewalk if we were outdoors, so she would 'herd' them. I think shelties can make great family pets.
 
Ok, let me try to go over your list!:winkgrin:

Yes, most shelties are very good with other dogs. However, sometimes two males do get into 'arguments'. But that's for all breeds, not just shelties. Sometimes it's not about gender, sometimes two dogs just don't get along. If you DO get two dogs in the future, I recommend you get make sure they get along well before committing to the other dog. Some people alow you to do a 1-2 week trial to see if the dog is a good match for you and your current dog. Most shelties that have a good temperment are grate with kids. We got our fist sheltie when I was three, he and I grew up together, he was the most wonderful dog I could ever ask for (I still miss him so much).

Yes and no. Shelties do need exercise but not a 5 mile run.:wink2: It sounds like the amount of attention your willing to give your future dog would be perfect for most shelties (some are just little crazies that hardly ever calm down! But only 1 out of my 7 have been like that and even HE knows when to stop).

Generally, no. All my dogs don't like water, BUT there are many that do. Even though mine don't like to swim, my dogs that I've taken out to the lake love to go out on the boat.

It depends. All shelties are different and react to different things. If you get a puppy make sure you get the puppy's personality from the breeder (how hyper is he/she, is he/she skittish/reactive, etc), make sure your puppy is well socialized. Same with an adult.

I personally groom my dogs every day, but most people only groom 1-3 times a week (I just like grooming!:biggrin2:)

I live in west Texas. Summers are hot, this year it was 95 to 105 (sometimes hotter), and they were all fine. Just make sure they get plenty of water, brush out their winter coat very well, and keep them out of direct sun light for long periods of time (like they'er just fine for 2-3 hours, depending on how thick the fur is). If they'er outside for a while make sure they have a cool place to lay down and again water.

I see sheltie as the ultimet velcro dog. They LOVE to be with us. You really never know if a dog is going to be cuddley or not. I've noticed though that all my dogs that cuddle today liked to be held as puppies. Some shelties don't what to be close to you when relaxing, but still what to be with you (if that makes since).

All in all, shelties are WONDERFUL dogs and will bring SO much joy into the lives of so many people. BUT they're not for everyone. What ever you choose, I wish you the best of luck!:hugs
 
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jumba said:
Do Shelties:
In general, require a LOT of exercise? My significant other likes Aussies but, I know us and the amount of exercise an Aussie requires would be too much. I'm looking for a breed with a good off switch inside but is good with maybe a 30 minute game in the backyard, plus unlimited time in the backyard if desired, and a couple short to medium walks a day (morning and evening). I would not be happy with a dog that I have to run 5 miles a day with, and constantly provide mental stimulation or it would go nuts. I'm all for play, wrestling, buying Kong's to fill time, or those little puzzle boxes, but I don't want a dog smarter than me, if that makes sense.
Sounds exactly like what we do here. They get a morning walk, some play time, have total backyard access, and then get an evening walk.

Like water? Sometimes we go out on the boat and it would be nice to have a dog that can enjoy the water with us.
I had one that would sit all day in the bottom of the rowboat while we fished. Had one that liked to wade in the pond.

Other:
I work at home. Sometimes my work requires that I make or receive calls. I know Shelties are notorious for barking. How often do they bark, are they problem barkers or are they just warning barkers (I.e. heard a noise etc).
I'm on sheltie #5 and have never had a problem barker. If they bark, I go look.

How much grooming do they REALLY require? Is this a breed that requires daily brushing or can I get away with brushing once a week and a professional groom maybe every 2-3 months or longer?
A few minutes of brushing every couple days maintains them just fine. Or once a week would be longer. People see their coats and go Holy Moly, but they shed less than any lab!

I live in an environment that is warm to hot most of the year. Is it selfish to a Sheltie to be subjected to heat with such a heavy/long coat? The dog would be an indoor dog but its a concern of my significant other that it is too hot here for a long coated dog for the times we do go outside.
I'm in Arizona and shelties have no tougher time with our heat than any other dog. When it's 110 we are all inside LOL
I love Velcro dogs. I am very much looking for a family dog that is satisfied just being a pet. No showing, no trials or anything. I mean agility is attractive to me, however, I would not want to buy a dog for sport and then not do it. I want a dog that is happy to see us when we come home, eager to go on a walk, or a quick run, up for a game of tug or fetch, but has no problem curling up with us on the couch. We travel, and I like the more convenient size of a Sheltie versus other breeds we were looking at. I had a friend with one as a kid, and from what I remember she was just the sweetest little dog. She's the reason I am asking if they would fit our lifestyle.
Sounds like you just peeked in on our lives. The puppy is laying at my feet. We took a nap on the couch together this afternoon. All mine traveled well, hoping the puppy gets over the carsick stage--he's doing better!
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And yes they are the sweetest little dogs :yes:
 
Thank you to everyone who has replied, I truly appreciate it. What everyone has said seems more in line with what I remember my friends dog being in general, but all the books and articles I had been reading really kind of made me wonder if she was the exception.

I knew about not shaving them (as well as Collies and Aussies) but thank you for the reminder on that! I will definitely keep Shelties on the list (and maybe put Aussie's back into consideration). I've book marked this thread so I have it for when we make our decision :)

Maybe someday I will be back with photos to share of our new addition if we do wind up witha Sheltie. Thank you again!
 
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