New Member interested in shelties

C

C.Jean

Forums Novice
Hello everyone, I am new to the site! My favorite dog has always been a border collie, but they seem to be too energetic for me! I have done a lot of research on border collies and realized I want a less energertic (but still intelligent) dog. That's when I learned more about the sheltie. I have been doing some more research on them and am really starting to like them. I know they are NOT like border collies, but I am still liking all I hear about them. I am visiting with a breeder tomorrow to learn more about them and actually getting to see shelties. sorry that was long! and this looks like a great site. :winkgrin:
 
Welcome to the forum!

Kudos to you for getting out there and doing your research. There is a lot to learn about our breed--though you'll find we're all a bit biased here :razz:

I do have to say that a good breeder is your best bet for finding a sheltie with just the right amount of energy for your lifestyle. I have two shelties, and one of them acts more like a border collie in a sheltie's body! She is busy and very active (of course I love that about her!) while the other is a perfect couch potato.
 
Howdy & welcome to SN! So happy to read you are researching the breed before you jump in... Amazing dogs...and I agree if you talk to the breeder about your expectations and lifestyle you will find the right sheltie.

Looking forward to hear all about when you bring a little bundle of fur home!!
 
Welcome!

You can never have to much research done.They are amazing,intelligent. But they do have traits that one must be prepared for. Like barking,herding,etc.

Cudos for meeting with a breeder,as that is a good foundation of knowledge.
 
corbinam said:
Welcome to the forum!

Kudos to you for getting out there and doing your research. There is a lot to learn about our breed--though you'll find we're all a bit biased here :razz:

I do have to say that a good breeder is your best bet for finding a sheltie with just the right amount of energy for your lifestyle. I have two shelties, and one of them acts more like a border collie in a sheltie's body! She is busy and very active (of course I love that about her!) while the other is a perfect couch potato.
Click to expand...

I agree with Ashley. Finding a good reputable breeder is very important, especially if you are looking for a particular personality or energy level. www.ASSA.org is a good place to start.

Yes, shelties are typically less energetic than border collies, but there are some that can be just as energetic. Like Corbinam's sheltie my girl has just as much energy and wits as an average border collie. She's a handful!
 
Welcome. You will never regret going with a Sheltie. Glad you are getting out meeting a breeder.

Like Corbinam, I have two that are very active and one less active. Emma the oldest at almost three is less active as a rule. The two tris, Liam and particularly Natalie, are very active. I keep telling them they are going to get a job, other than herding me around and barking at my Dad whenever he does anything in the house.:smile2:
 
IMO they are like BC's in some ways and not others. My guys are fairly high energy unless I wear them down (frisbee and ball). They don't seem as manic as the BC's on the flyball team but are not laid back (well some accuse Sca of it though he does like to play).

So I think it depends on how much less energy you desire. Also typically they are smaller though that can vary a lot.

Good luck.
 
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! I met with the breeder today, and I think I just found the dog of my dreams. :D I know shelties are energetic just like BCs, they just seem to also have a calm side. I am ok with some of the breed's "setbacks". (shedding, herding, barking) Speaking of barking....Do any of your shelties have a unique "bark"? The shelties I saw today all had a hoarse-ish (and quiet) sounding bark. Is this just a trait of shelties I didn't know about? Not sure :confused2: It didn't bother me, just seemed weird. Will post pics of puppy if (hopefully when :biggrin2: ) I get a sheltie. Wanting to get some more money first so I will have plenty. Also I forgot to tell everyone, I have two small dogs (rat terrier & min pin). They are great for our family but I really enjoy herding dogs better :p (especially BCs and shelties)
thanks again everyone!!!
 
Sounds like they have been bark softened or debarked which makes them sound like that. There is a lot of opinion on that procedure so I will leave it to you to search and stay out of it. However I have seen shelties that almost sounded like that but were not debarked. Sca has multiple barks one of which will loosen your brain :ick Spitfire is much sassier but lacks the volume to be noticable. He is a grumbler also and makes lots of different grumbles :lol:
 
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