Minature Sheltie/Shetland

Chorcai

Long story short, a woman I know has a Sheltie (hate using this but, Mini-Lassie dog) anyways, she says the dog is a bit mad etc And she is going to put him down. She said I can take the dog off her, but she wouldn't give it to someone else for fear they might talk about her:rolleyes:, like "oh X gave us that dog it's mad" etc etc.

Now don't get me started, I'm already spitting bile about her even thinking of putting the dog puppy down, he is about 7-9months, a bit hyper but over all very good natured dog.

Has anyone advise on the up-keep of these dogs ?

Grooming is going to be one the big things I take it, but what about food ? Illness ?

The dog has papers, I never had a prue bred dog before, so this whole aspect of papers etc is all new to me. The dog cost about 800€ IIRC, he is golden in colour.

I have a dog already she is as camp as a row of tents and well, my street cred, is shot to bits anyway, so I may as well go the full YMCA when/if I get what I can only say is the campest dog I've ever come across !

Here was me thinking of getting a bulldog to butch up my look !

mymo

I have a friend with a black and white sheltie, she (the dog) was 17 on monday and while her eyesight is almost gone, she is very fit and healthy.
The grooming is fairly heavy at the puppy-adult stage, but once the adult coat comes through it's not as bad.
They are very active and are great at agility, and eager to please.
All dogs take some training, a bit of time and care it the dog should be fine.
Re grooming-if you can get the dog to lie on its side(when tired after a long walk helps), start with a pin brush and comb, brush the hair in layers and fold back each layer as you go, then when you reach the belly start working back up to back.
Under the armpits and around the tail can be worst places for matting, get a sharp scissors and pick at knots to get them out, cut if necessary.
Always brush out before a bath, then again when dry.
You'll learn as you go along, try bringing the dog to a groomer first ad ask for a few tips to keep ontop of it.

Tuirse

As a kid we had Shelties for years and we loved them. Grew up in the country side on farm so there was plenty of space. As a rule i don't believe they're mad possibly very excited - does this woman stay at home with the puppy - if she's away during the day well then naturally the puppy - dog will be excited when she arrives home.
They don't have any special dietary requirements and from what I'm aware are not prone to and hereditary genetic diseases found in so many purebreds. Quite hardy and loveable - intelligent also. Grooming is a bit tedious but you can't have it everyway. I would advise you to see how the other dog takes to the newcomer before you make any long term committment. Would love to get one myself 2 kids 4 & 2 who would love it but as my wife and I are I both FT workers don't think that it would be fair on the dog to be away for extened periods with no company.
Best of luck either which way

Sigma Force

They're a great dog, very clever of course. Grooming wise they aren't that bad and being a smallie shouldn't be too much work. As long as you regularly brush the dog ever other day perhaps when you're chilling out on the couch just have one handy.
Probably will need a trip to the groomers a couple of times a year they always do a great job. If you can bath the pup yourself then you could just bring the dog to the groomers for a good brush out it costs less than a full wash. Once the dog is brushed out then you can wash the dog yourself.

Health wise not too sure but I guess like some collie types hips and back would need to be kept an eye on they are agile so once the pup is a year old you could start agility for fun.

Pet insurance would give you peace of mind.

They're a lovely dog it sounds like she might not have trained the pup of even socialised him though so perhaps take the pup to some classes and plenty of excercise. They're a gorgeous dog you won't regret it good on you.

Don't part with any money though or if you have to just enough to cover vaccinations. €800 is over priced for a pure bred sheltie tbh so they over paid whoever they got the dog from.

We've got a reasonably butch female collie and a sheltie crossed with a half dozen other dogs she's got the lovely sheltie eyes and a Papillon. Hubbys favourite (although he shouldn't have a fave) is the Papillon who trust me is the campest dog on the planet and he loves him to bits. Seeing the two of them trot along together is so funny. So don't worry lots of men are in the same boat.

TooManyDogs

Guineapigrescue wrote: »

So don't worry lots of men are in the same boat.

My hubby favours our tiny JRT, carrying her around like a clutch bag despite me roaring all the time "Put her down, she has 4 legs to walk"!!! So you're not alone in your YMCA look

Shelties are great little dogs, I don't have much experience with them but those I've met doing agility are brilliant!

artieanna

I have a 12 year old shetland and shes brilliant, so wise I think she knows everything I say:eek: No real health problems or diet I can report

Coat does take alot of work, especially if you dont brush regularly, theres nearly more hair than dog
They can have sensitive skin, red itchy patches, not a big problem though can be treated fairly easily.
Some can be fussy, ours grabs, eats, swallows, never tastes or enjoys always looking for grub:)

Young dogs can be very excitable but they do settle down.

Years and years of good times ahead for you I hope

anniehoo

My experience of Shelties has been really positive also. They can be a little "yappy" but thats about it.

That woman clearly shouldnt be owning a dog of any sort if shes giving up on a hyper 7mth old!! Helloooooo....hes young and energetic. This is the perfect age to start obedience training :rolleyes: