Sheltie questions

M

Maruna

Forums Novice
Hello, I'm thinking about getting a sheltie in the next few years (I am going through a move and it'll be at least a year before I am settled enough to be a stable home, though I would estimate 2-3)

I just want to start getting to know more about the breed, though I have read through quite a few articles and watched some shows... I just feel like I don't know enough! I am in no rush and would love to take the next couple of years to learn about the breed.

I am planning on getting goats and training the dog to herd, I would also like to get into showing!

I've been looking at the breed standard a lot and have gotten better at determing the correct facial features but the body structure is such a mystery to me!!

I plan to buy with full breeding rights-but I don't have ANY plans to breed, it's a huge responsibility and i don't feel like I could add to the breed, even in two years i don't think my feeling will change...

(I just want to make it clear I'm not going to irresponsibly breed anything and I'm very against it.)

Now that all of that is out of the way
(hopefully it isn't to long)
Here are my questions:
Why are some coats so much Fuller and fluffier looking, are they just not cut down or is it because of quality or grooming?

I have no access to any sheltie clubs for now and no shows are currently going on near me, but when I move I will, would it be strange to go there even though I don't have a sheltie?

I've heard a lot about socializing but I have no idea how... Do you just take them with you get them used to people, or is it also about textures and getting them used to just being around different things in general?

When looking for a breeder besides their dogs being tested and their policies and quality what should I look for/ avoid? I know to avoid 'teacup' breeders, are there any other red flags?

I ordered a book on sheltie grooming by Barb Ross since it looked very informative and am interested in this book called “Sheltie talk” are these good books? And do you have any recommendations?

Thank you to everybody, i appreciate your time!
 
Hi Maruna, welcome to Sheltie Nation, glad your seriously considering a Sheltie (they're the best breed ever). I would suggest that you talk to some breeders ( especially since you've got the time) and find one you like and see if she/he will mentor you. I don't know a lot about the breed (my first) but I have become friends with the breeder and I know that most won't sell breeding rights to just anyone nor would they sell a show quality dog to someone they don't know. So take the time you have to meet breeders and talk to them.
As to socializing taking your puppy to puppy class and letting them be with other puppies helps but it's also having them experience different things such as noisy kids in a playground, people in parking lots, letting men pat them (some pups are afraid of men) etc. The more things your pup experiences while very young the more well adjusted he'll be and then of course continue the obedience as it helps cement the bond you'll have with your dog. As to the coats every dog is different but if the ones you've seen are show dogs they usually fluff up the fur more, and most Shelties don't have their adult coats until they're 3 or so.
Hope this answers some of your questions and good luck!
 
Piper's mom said:
I would suggest that you talk to some breeders
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First off, thank you for your reply!
how would you go about talking to breeders? Ones that are going to be in the same state (I'm moving to Washington state)
or who I'm interested in buying from?
Or maybe somebody on the forum? I don't want to be impolite and message somebody who wouldn't want to answer questions..
Also thank you for answering my question about socializing!
And yeah I thought the coat was just fluffed up for shows but I just wanted to make sure since with some breeds the heathier they are the more hair they get and some lines have shorter coats than other lines.


And finally on breeders not selling show qaulity to people they don't know-I completely get it!
I wouldn't want my dog to go to a home I didn't approve first-especially with breeding rights,
every line from good breeders I've seen looks at least little different..
I can see what they are breeding for and how it really comes out in their dogs, they spend a lot of time thinking of pairings to bring it out particular traits. They love their dogs and want them to be loved and not just a puppy mill breeder or something to brag about.

ghggp said:
Here are two great links that will help you with more information...

http://sheltieforums.com/threads/looking-for-a-puppy-consider-these-breeder-guidelines.6530/

http://sheltieforums.com/threads/are-shelties-for-everyone.22964/#post-364598

Welcome and good luck with your search!
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Thank you for the links and warm welcome! ^^
I briefly read through and they look informative, I will read them fully later tonight!
 
ghggp said:
Also, you might consider attending the Sheltie National Specialty show!

http://americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/
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It's a little to late for me to go this year, but I hopefully i will get to attend next year!

Cleo2014 said:
Here is also something to look at if you are looking for breeders.
Send one an email or give one a call if they have a phone number. As far as I know, they should be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
http://americanshetlandsheepdogassociation.org/breeder-locator/
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Thank you, I will email somebody off of the list ^^~
 
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