Free Sheltie Puppies In Indiana (2024)

FAQs

What two dogs make a Sheltie? ›

Shelties are probably the result of crossing the larger rough collie of the time with other island dogs including small herding breeds and spaniels.

A common health problem in Shelties is obesity. It can lead to joint problems, heart diseases, digestive disorders, and back pain in dogs. Owners should not give too many treats to their Shelties and should provide them with regular exercise. Shetland Sheepdogs are also prone to patent ductus arteriosus.

More than most other breeds, Shetland Sheepdogs need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours.

Shelties can learn new commands in just a few repetitions and keep at a task until they master it. Because of their intelligence, obedience, and agility, they rank sixth on Coren's list of the smartest dog breeds.

4 The seven dog years per human year is a generalisation from the 1950s when humans lived to be about 70 and dogs ten. 5 Shelties usually live until they are 12 or 13 but the oldest sheltie on record was 20. 6 Cancer now sadly accounts for the death of around half dogs aged ten or older.

The average Sheltie life span is 12–14 years.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Sheltie, however, is a bit more prone to certain kinds of cancer that can appear at a younger age. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy, but for all types, early detection is critical!

Given that Shelties are affectionate and love to be with their owners, it's likely your Sheltie will enjoy a little cuddle session; however, every dog is different, and it's impossible to say for sure, but the odds are in your favor.

Bright and eager Shelties are easy trainers and world-class competitors in obedience, agility, and herding trials. They are sensitive and affectionate family dogs, highly in tune with the mood of the household. They like to bark and tend to be reserved toward strangers'two qualifications of an excellent watchdog.

Over frequent washing can damage the coat so we would recommend no more than 4 washes a year. As their coats are long keeping your Sheltie well groomed may appear challenging, but a weekly brush and brushing out mud etc as required will keep their coat in great condition.

Can Shelties be off leash? ›

Use a leash, crate/kennel or baby gate, or place your Sheltie behind a closed door when family and guests are coming/going from the house to eliminate the chance the dog may slip out. Be especially vigilant with your Sheltie and opening doors if there are kids living in the home or visiting.

Like most dog breeds, Shelties will instinctively swim when necessary. However, that doesn't mean that they are fond of it, and they are not considered natural swimmers. Unlike certain dog breeds that genuinely enjoy swimming and getting wet, Shelties don't.

Border Collie

Their intelligence, enthusiasm and willingness to work has seen them awarded the top spot in canine psychologist Stanley Coren's intelligence rankings , so they deserve their place at the top of a list of smartest dog breeds.

However, breed historians point out that this breed was not developed by breeding successively smaller collies, but by crosses, intermingling with Border Collies, Scandinavian herding dogs, the Icelandic dog, the Greenland Yaki dog, and smaller breeds, such as the Papillon.

The original sheepdog of Shetland was a Spitz-type dog, probably similar to the modern Icelandic Sheepdog. Strong evidence suggests that this dog was bred with the Yakki an Icelandic dog that accompanied whalers from Greenland who landed in the ports of the island.

The Sheltie Shepherd is a beautiful hybrid mix of the German Shepherd and Shetland Sheepdog. These are both intelligent and friendly dogs who enjoy playing as much as they enjoy working. The breed makes a wonderful family pet and can also be helpful in herding if you have the need.

Shelties bear a strong family resemblance to their bigger cousin, the Collie. The Shetland Sheepdog is a small, active, and agile herding dog standing between 13 and 16 inches at the shoulder. The long coat is harsh and straight, with a dense undercoat, and comes in black, blue merle, and sable, with white markings.