when do shelties get long hair

depends on the dog (genetics).
mine never has (and I like it that way!).
Some shelties grow long hair that almost reach the ground.
some shelties have silkier hair, some more coarse.

the parents can give you a guide on what to expect.
 
Layla got her beautiful coat at five months. Bits looked like a coyote until she was almost a year -- but boy, has she made up for lost time. beckon will need at least another year for his coat -- classic harsh Sheltie outer coat -- to blossom. Annie Laurie -- who knows? We got her at five, and she's always had the softest, silkiest fur!!!
 
It depends on the dog. Nike didn't get long flowing hair until about 1.5 years, although he didn't get FULL SHELTIE HAIR until 3.
 
Neechee had a coat like a smooth collie until he was two years old - at which time our obedience instructor said, "Neechee FINALLY looks like a Sheltie now!"

Bela, who is 5, was shaved or clipped down drastically sometime before she went into Sheltie rescue. Her coat has come back some, but still has a long way to go. I'd estimate it has probably taken her about a year to get where she is, but she's easy to keep brushed right now.
 
Usually about two to three years from my experience.

My black & white, London, got his coat early (around a year--year and a half) and he looks like a chia pet whereas my girl, Morgan, a sable & white, has short hair (about an inch and a half on top) but her chest hair is growing to about 3 to 4 inches at around 2 years old. She's got very thin, fine hair while London has very thick hair--almost like a chow.

My previous Sheltie, Stuarte, grew his out I'd say between 2 - 3 years--another sable & white.
 
Maggie's fur started to get really long around 8 months. Her fur is even longer than my other two and they are 6.

Fiona didn't fully get her adult coat until around age 5. They are all a little different but it can take a long time in some.
 
I'm still waiting.....both my boys are over 3 years old.

Bacca has the most lovely leg feathers but virtually no undercoat.

Indy grows undercoat like mushrooms.

Both boys have yet to grow the long feathery coats that we see all the time in show forums.

The reality is that show dog's are groomed specifically to look that way. Everything looks bigger and longer and fluffier.

When I look at the casual photos that Kim at Laureate takes of her dogs, they look just like mine. Scraggly, rumpled and wet. So I've stopped obsessing about it.
 
Lots of factors come into play,and as Barb said many of the pictures you see of show dogs,have alot of stuff in thier coats to make them look like they do.

Both of ours could not be more differant,even though half brothers.After seeing sisters,half sisters of my Trapp this past Saturday,Trapp & True are very differant in coat length,and texture. True has the most unbelievable almost triple coat. Its very long,flowy. She has been spayed.

Trapp is still intact (thursday he goes in for snip) so one can only wait to see what comes from that.He has hardly no feathering on his legs,but has a nice coat,not overly long.

Jasper is a fluffy one.His coat is harsh,and has some length.And the most awesome leg feathers.

Genetics plays a big part on how a line developes.Maybe have a chat with your breeder,and they can give you an idea on how your puppies line has grown.
 
thanks everyone that was very helpful! im just so eager for her to get her long hair but she is only 4 months old so shes got some way to go!

it sounds like spaying helps with the developtment and growth of the fur. her surgery is scheduled for monday this week!

she already has some good "fluff" behind her ears and i found some long hair on the bottom of her tail which is what got me really excited!

i'll have to talk to the breeder this week and ask her about it! i cant wait!! :biggrin2:
 
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