Trying to choose a breed, help please

Outstanding overview Jess041!

You certainly hit everything perfectly... Pros and cons!

Not that there are any real cons for a sheltie... Being biased! :wink2:

Thanks for bring up rescues and retired show dogs! You are spot in with those insights!

Thanks!
 
I've had shelties since mid high school, so about 25 years now. I love the breed-- highly trainable, loving, loyal, pretty. They are usually a very portable breed, and are of a size not to be overwhelming to travel with/buy crates for/make room in the car.

Having said all of that, my husband recently wanted a dog of his own, and not a sheltie. We've got a whippet as a second dog, and I'm delighted. I've got another cuddle bug (even more than my current sheltie). She's less motivated to do what I ask training wise, but she hardly ever alarm barks. She doesn't have long hair shedding.

So, my point is shelties are wonderful (if barky) dogs. BUt there are many breeds that are wonderful. Pick some traits you really want, some you wouldn't want to live with, and see where that gets you.
Good luck!
 
Thank you everyone! You all have provided wonderful information insight and experience! I have put in an application with a rescue that is nearby, I believe they will find the best fit for us. I don't mind the wait as we are still working on things like finishing the fence and I wouldn't mind if the baby is a little older but I am excited to add a member to our family and hope the right fit is a sheltie! I don't mind the grooming requirements I would probably do that in the evenings when I'm most free. I have some other questions like what to do when you first bring home a dog etc, where would I find info on that or where could I post about it? I know it may be a while before any of that happens but I'd like to be prepared and have everything go as well as possible. Also is there a search engine on this forum? I can't seem to find it, thanks again so much!
 
So glad you decided on a rescue sheltie!

Every rescue I have owned (4) has become the most loving and obedient of family members!

Took them ALL to obedience classes to help bond to me. I would suggest that strongly.

Good luck and let us know how everything is progressing. :smile2:

Welcome in advance to the sheltie clan! :lol:
 
Amanda317 said:
Thanks for the link it was helpful! Though I am curious, I have children and their toys are often all over (we don't have a separate play room so everything is in the living room which is where we generally are) will this be an issue with the dog?
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Initially when you bring a puppy home you don't want to give him/her free range of the house anyway. I would recommend buying one of the folding puppy pens that you can easily carry from room to room so your pup can be where you all are, but contained. Some pups are big chewers and pieces of plastic or wood can be ingested and cause some serious issues...so keeping your pup separated from your kid's toys is a good idea. Limiting your pup's roaming space will also be a big help as you work to house break him/her.

Trini
 
trini said:
Initially when you bring a puppy home you don't want to give him/her free range of the house anyway. I would recommend buying one of the folding puppy pens that you can easily carry from room to room so your pup can be where you all are, but contained. Some pups are big chewers and pieces of plastic or wood can be ingested and cause some serious issues...so keeping your pup separated from your kid's toys is a good idea. Limiting your pup's roaming space will also be a big help as you work to house break him/her.

Trini
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Does this go for adults to? If so is there pens for adult dogs versus puppies or are they all the same? The rescue we applied to said they have a dog they think would be a good match she's a sheltie mix and is 9 years old and 60 lbs. Currently we are waiting to hear back if our time frame for getting the fence finished is okay or will take to long (my husband said it should be finished by August 4th).

If all is good then when the fence is finished they will go over provisions of the application with us then do a home inspection and if everything goes well we will meet Shilah at her foster home and hopefully get to finalize the adoption. We are very excited and I just want to make sure everything is perfect and safe and make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
 
I have another question would you guys recommend a wire or plastic crate? It would be for some travel like bringing the dog home, going to vet etc. and mainly for at home as a place for the dog to rest without being disturbed. And if a crate says it suits a 60 lb dog will it be okay or do I need to compare specific measurements of the dog to the crate?

Sorry for all the questions but thank you so much for all the help!:smile2:
 
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