Hello from hopeful future Sheltie Companion

W

Wagonracer

Forums Regular
Great forum, lots of great info I've been looking for... I am new to the forum and am currently on the search for a Sheltie puppy for my family and am wondering how the rest of you went about adopting a Sheltie puppy and the experience you went through... Should kids be tested for dog allergies? How big of mess do they do inside the home? Dealing with shedding, etc... Thanks...
 
Welcome Wagonracer!

Boy have you come to the right place. Have you checked out the thread of Janet, aka Granite, Oh My Gosh Nine Puppies ! That's the thread. We have watched them grow they are extremely well socialized and beautiful.:wink2: And she has one of every color. Riley, a Sable and White, Angus, a tri color, and Maggie Mae, a Bi-Black. There are other breeders here as well but these are ready to go!!:biggrin2:
 
Wagonracer: Nice to meet you! You will love it here--the people are so nice!! You might want to look at this article about children and dogs--it answers many of your questions:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1495&aid=628

I have seen some articles about shelties needing to be brushed everyday. It really irritates me because the most my shelties have ever needed brushing is about every two weeks, except for a month or two when they're changing coat--then it is very important to brush often. However, you will probably get some different answers. Sheltie fur can be a lot different from dog to dog. Males usually have a heavier coat, so I would expect more shedding, but they don't change coats as often as females unless the females are fixed. Shelties are one of the most trainable dogs you can get. They love to please their family and are happy when they make you happy. As far as a mess in the house, once they are housebroken and trained, you shouldn't have much of any kind of mess from them, except shedding. The more often you brush them, the less they shed in your house. Be sure to check they're temperament when you get them and do not buy one that is afraid of you or your children. They need to be socialized as often as you can to keep them used to new people. This is a dog that you can easily become addicted to. It's hard to have just one, because they are so much fun. And yes, Granite is a great breeder for puppies and you can see pictures of your pup on YouTube, from the day they are born. I believe the post is called "OMG, NINE puppies". Best of luck to you.
 
Welcome!

I tend to agree with Crystal about brushing. Daily is NOT necessary! Unless of course you WANT to! (The pups love it and its a great way to bond)!

I usually haul at the grooming basket once a week. Sometimes its just a quick brush over. Sometimes, its the full deal (nails, dry shampoo and conditioner, trimming ears and feet). I find it relaxing.

I have two 11 month old Shelties and neither one of them are shedders. I am actually allergic to many dog breeds, but not Shelties (something about the undercoat that keeps the dander under control). My parents have a lab whom I can't even pet - he is constantly shedding hair everywhere, even when you pet him and I break out in itches!

The trick in a Sheltie (or any dog for that matter) is to get one that you can determine has been well socialized before you bring him home. Granite's videos are excellent examples of pups who have been home-raised and socialized. These pups are used to loud noises (especially popping sounds! :biggrin2:) and lots of handling. You'll want to spend time with the breeder to see the environment that the pups are raised in.

My breeders have been excellent and they follow up on their babies periodically. I did research on them beforehand. And of course, the ultimate test, was when they interviewed ME too! These pups were not going to go to just anyone!

Good luck on your search!
 
I sought out a really good breeder -- best choice I ever made! As for the shedding, I do two things:
1. Brush weekly.
2. Save the fur -- I'm going to knit a sweater.
 
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