Hi, Sheltie Newbie

labgirl

labgirl

Forums Sage
Hi, I don't have a sheltie at the moment but I am looking into getting one as a second dog.

I currently have a chocolate lab and we have just started doing agility together. Once he is around 2yrs I would like to get a second dog, ideally something a little smaller, but equally keen to do agility.

After doing some research, I've narrowed down the choice to a sheltie, but I'm still trying to learn as much as possible about the breed to see if it will suit my lifestyle - so expect lots of stupid questions from me in the future!:o

I'm in the UK, on the east coast - lots of beaches and sheep!

My brother is a trainee sheep farmer and has pet sheep, so chances are any sheltie will get a chance to do some herding work alongside border collies.

Anyway, just saying hi and letting you know who I am.
 
:smile2:Hi and welcome to the group!! I'm sure you will find answers to many of your questions here. Don't be afraid to ask thing here cause there are no stupid questions. Lots of people here are in or getting into Agility. I'm still learning myself and this group has helped me in so many ways. Again Welcome!:smile2:
 
Hi and welcome to the forum! Sounds like you have a nice environment for a sheltie. I wish I had access to a few sheep so that my two speedsters could run off some steam. One of my shelties is elderly and happy to sit and watch the others. Another of my shelties is a little couch princess and isn't that fond of the outdoors. My other two shelties are very athletic jumping, running speedsters. Of course, it is the two athletic ones that have produced a large litter of nine puppies which are right at this very moment jumping at the gate of the Xpen and trying to jump or climb their way out!

Since you have planning time before you add your sheltie, now is a good time to get to know the sheltie breeders in your area to see who you feel comfortable with planning your future sheltie. Some breeders aim for the big heavy show coats and the "look", some go for a well-rounded balance between fitness and form, and lets face it there are some breeders out there that just let anything go. So, you'll want to find that breeder that is interested in the fitness profile of their dogs as well as their conformation.
 
Thanks for the replies. I did not realise that there were types of sheltie, like you mention Granite. I suppose its like the labs - you can have a chunky show or a lean working, or a bit of both like mine is:wink2:

I've got so many questions, and I'll get round to posting them over the weeks (I shan't overload you all by posting loads at once). And yes, getting to know a good breeder will be a priority!

The ideal for me is a dog suited to moving quickly with agility, a thick coat is secondary, though of course I like the sheltie coat. And of course health and temperament is high on the agenda too.

The shelties I know are dear things. One is old and grumpy but her younger companion is full of beans, merry and loves playing with my choc boy.

Many things to learn, I'm so glad I found this place.
 
Welcome to the forum!

Ask away! There are no stupid questions (though sometimes you might get some silly answers out of some of us when we're feeling goofy!).

You won't regret your decision to get a Sheltie. When I got my forever pup, Timber, I researched like crazy (though I was pretty sure what I wanted) just to be sure that I was up for the demands.

Then when Timber died in the spring, I did it all over again, but it really was no contest. Once a Sheltieholic, always a Sheltiholic! :biggrin2:
 
Welcome Labgirl !

Looking forward to seeing photos of you lab and when you finally do get your other furkid. You have a great area for a Sheltie and agility . Thanks for joining our forum and ask away, never think any question as being stupid. We are all here to help each other out educationally on the breed, emotionally and just as a ear to vent frustrations or problems you may need help with. Looking forward to hearing from you on the forums.:biggrin2:
 
Hi! I joined here to help me make sure shelties was the best dog for us and learn more about them. This forum has helped us out sooooo much! Without it I would be lost (and without sheltie TV! LOL). :wink2:

Welcome!
 
Thanks for all the nice replies, I'll post some pictures of Cadbury when I get a chance. He's only just a year, and I want him to be that bit older (and better trained) before a second pup comes into our lives.

He's going to be having his 'snip, snip' operation soon.
 
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