The Shetland Sheepdog - Watch before Getting One -10 Fascinating Facts!

[@annhines9640]

My Shellie passed away. I am too old to care for one now but I love to watch videos of them. I am 95.

[@gtpcruiser02]

I lost my sweet sensitive smart and beautiful Sheltie at age 11 from painful Bone Cancer 2 years ago a couple days after Christmas. Grieving her death was unbearable and I still miss and think about her often. Planning on getting another Sheltie in the spring. RIP Wendy girl.

[@animaldigest]

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Wendy. Losing our pets is beyond heartbreaking, and they take a piece of our hearts when they leave for doggie heaven. Thanks for sharing!

[@SkyezeoGaming]

They're my heart breed.

[@animaldigest]

So sweet. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@Urbicide]

Shelties are simply an incredible breed. They do require an amount of extra care, but what they give back repays that many times over. Their affection & loyalty to their owners is exceptional. They are an extremely emphatic breed, who can read your emotions & feelings at a glance, and act accordingly. They are actually smaller than they first appear, with their plush double coat giving the impression of a larger dog. I have found that it takes roughly two years for a Sheltie to fully develope their magnificent coat, from a young puppy to a mature adult. They have won my heart & admiration for sure.

[@animaldigest]

"Their affection & loyalty to their owners is exceptional." I agree 100%. And thanks for sharing. Prospective owners will find the information useful.

[@kimdavid4406]

One of mine, Buck, saved my life. My husband was up on a ladder cutting branches off of a tree. I was holding the ladder. Buck kept coming to me and acting "off" and wouldn't stay out from under the tree. I finally moved away to keep him from being hurt and seconds later the branch snapped, swung around and snapped the ladder in two, and my husband, the branch, and the chain saw came falling 20 feet down where I had been. It all would've been on top of me. ( Somehow my husband wasn't seriously hurt. 👼) I will never forget that. Those dogs, Chelsea, Ryan, Mikey, and Buck, will always live in my heart. ♥️

[@charlayned]

@@kimdavid4406 It's amazing how prescient they are. Mine have learned a lot on their own and will warn my husband when I move around because I'm a fall risk (MS). They seem to know when something's going to happen and will intervene to help save their human. Glad yours was watching and got you out of the way.

[@user-dv7fg8rg9d]

My last sheltie saved my life. I fell & broke neck & fractured skull.woody barked And i some got up & the house . While in the hospital my adult siblings”lost” him Still crying….however in the fall will have another 😊❤❤

[@juliepoulos83]

I got my first Sheltie 45 years ago and have been without one rarely. We just love them!

[@animaldigest]

Ahh, Shelties are too adorable! Thanks for sharing!

[@topcat82]

Yes, we had a Shelty, after 14 years he passed, I had other dogs during my life, but my Shelty was truly the best. Looking forward to getting another one.

[@animaldigest]

They are so adorable and I'm sorry about the passing of your sheltie. Your next sheltie is waiting for his forever home☺. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@Urbicide]

I am sorry for your loss. I know how hard it can be. A new puppy will help mend that hole in your heart & the emptiness in your home.

[@staiboy1]

i lost mine luke 14 years old too soo hard

[@christian3514]

Same 14 15 years had to put him down yesterday 😔 im sorry

[@josephsiri]

My tears can’t stop rolling as I have just lost my beloved Prince , a Sheltie from heart failure 7/3/23 due to old age. Is my treasured friend and definitely my buddy. Daddy loves you always and hope we will meet soon again. 😢

[@animaldigest]

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Prince. Losing our pets is beyond heartbreaking, and pet owners totally understand the grief. Unfortunately, only time will help the grieving process. I hope the tears will ease soon. Thanks for sharing!

[@charlayned]

So sorry, I know how that feels, having lost both my first shelties, one in 2019 and the other in March of this year. I have found that, while you never forget them, getting a new Sheltie to love is a good way to heal. We just got our newest pup last weekend and I'm really loving working with him.

[@josephsiri]

@@charlayned Appreciate and may I also join you in blessing with your new family member. 🙏🇸🇬

[@jasperthehairycaterpillar1168]

I lost my best friend April 21st of this year(2023). I have a number of wonderful dogs since I was a child, I am 62 now. Peppy went everywhere with me that I could take him and places I wasn’t supposed to. He was 14 and would have been 15 on July 6th. My grief is so overwhelming with his loss. The tears don’t stop, day after day. I know that people here understand what I’m feeling. These dogs are the angels and he was truly my best friend. All this to say I’m another one that understands the pain of losing one of these wonderful dogs.

[@patwilson2546]

I have been the owner of two Shelties spanning over 20 years. Absolutely love them. But yes, they do bark and I disagree that it is easy to train them not to. I have found that the best thing to do is to try to train them to stop (treats and a thank you) as opposed to trying to get them not to start. They do need attention. This is not a dog that will just lie at your feet all day. They are athletes and need physical activity. In suburbia, incorporate the Sheltie into daily activities. Mine chases toys in the house and balls outside. He also helps me with tasks like taking out the trash, getting a beer from the outside fridge, etc. He helps us take in deliveries and get the mail. He herds the garbage cans into position when it is time to take them in and out as well as herding anything that is moved in the house. When the task is done be sure to tell him to sit, indicating the task is completed, and then compliment him. I have found Shelties to be sprinters more than long distance runners (would be interested in dissenting opinions). Jogging with my Sheltie has never worked out well. I take them for walks with a tennis ball in my pocket. We go to an open field where I take them off the leash and let them chase the ball. Then we walk back. They really do not need this level of activity too much. Once a day seems to be fine. The key seems to be some intense physical activity combined with being included in the less demanding activities throughout the day. More than anything else they want to be with you and engaged frequently. For all of the attention needed, they are not on the go 24/7. They will settle down and relax if they get their active time as well.

[@animaldigest]

Ahh, thanks for sharing. Other viewers will find the information helpful.

[@erniesulovic4734]

Hi Pat, i am moving to Europe from Australia and am planning on getting a Sheltie. The challenge i am wondering about is........what and how to do this when it is freezing outside in the middle of winter and it is snowing? TIA for your reply

[@patwilson2546]

@@erniesulovic4734 Just take him outside. You're likely to be more cold than the Sheltie. The Shetland Islands are off the coast of northern Scotland, across from Norway. They are pretty damp and cool. Shelties are built with dual coats much like a Siberian Huskie. The inner coat is soft fur and the outer coat is more coarse for water proofing. If you can handle it so can the Sheltie.

[@patwilson2546]

@@erniesulovic4734 If you are moving to an apartment, really, really train your Sheltie to stop barking on command (mankind has yet to find a way to get a Sheltie not to bark in the first place). Have a bag of treats on hand and get him to sit and be quiet for his treat. With a bit of luck he will eventually bark once followed by sitting and looking at you for his reward 😀

[@erniesulovic4734]

@@patwilson2546 Cool, no pun intended. Thanks very much for that 🙂

[@donnawoods8039]

I only had shelties in my life. So smart, sweet, active. I love training them.

[@animaldigest]

Yes they are!

[@lindadecker5778]

Yes I have a sheltie she is adorable and loveable and of course she does love to bark but very alert and I am so thankful for that ! I have had many shelties would not want to have any other breed they are the best love❤❤❤❤

[@animaldigest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@debbiewebb9152]

I've had two Shelties. Both beautiful, smart, wonderful pets.

[@sharonlounsbury1098]

I love Sheltie's! I have had 2 though that rarely barked. My baby right now is definitely a barker. Sometimes she will just look at me and bark silly girl. She is spayed and still SUPER active. I soo love it! She's my fuzzy daughter.

[@animaldigest]

Ahh, thanks for sharing!

[@mattharker9212]

The only complaint about this video - not enough Sheltie pictures!!

[@animaldigest]

Thanks for watching!

[@donaldjones6939]

Our family has two Shetland Sheepdogs and we love them.

[@tormor9019]

I have 2 Shelties! They are the only breed I would ever own!

[@animaldigest]

Ahh, Shelties are too adorable. Thanks for watching!

[@josephhaack5711]

Border collies are wonderful also

[@stevewayman7179]

We have 10 year old male sheltie, and he is a joy for all the reasons you listed. His name is Champ ❤. He has developed a hip problem, and it's getting harder for him to climb stairs and get into the car but he still gets around and we love him. 😊

[@alwayslearning4127]

Love these dogs. I will be bringing a puppy home in March. Can't wait!!!

[@animaldigest]

Ahh, thanks for sharing!

[@yvonnesoethof3109]

I have currently 3 shelties. I want to let you know, they come in 5 colors! Sable, Tri color, Blue Merle, Bi black and Bi blue. They are the best breed ever!!! Love them from the moon and back again

[@azshoppingprincess4298]

Everything in this video is true😊 we love our past and future shelties❤

[@animaldigest]

Thanks for watching!

[@jucadvgv3449]

one of my 1st dogs was a sheltie. i absolutely adored her. i had her until she was 18 and i was 28.

[@kimdavid4406]

I've had four, three were oversize. Wonderful dogs!!! ♥️

[@animaldigest]

Thanks for sharing!

[@elainebouley4002]

I have one and love him so much❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ishouldbesleeping1354]

Thank you for being so honest about them being hyperactive. I have a young Rough collie and a Dalmatian puppy and was considering a Shetland to round out my family. I think hyperactivity and excessive barking is more work than I’m wanting. Thanks again.

[@joybaker4559]

I own 3 of these precious Sweethearts.

[@stevenjohnsson9020]

I have a Blue Merle male Shelti. He is 3 months old. I had a female sabel Shelti who died of liver cancer in July.

[@animaldigest]

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Shelti. Losing our pets is never easy, and pet owners totally understand the grief. Thanks for sharing.

[@cata800421]

Shelties are the best dogs! I have one I can´t love him more.

[@animaldigest]

They are beyond adorable and cute!

[@suelong8590]

I am on my 3rd Sheltie. I just love them....,..I can't afford another dog, after this one, due to what the Vets charges always are.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

I agree with everything...bought my first in 1971 ....only time I have been without is the few years I was way to busy to have another dog...

[@animaldigest]

Thanks for watching!

[@egertergetsen4076]

i always had dog and we did not bother if they were social or not and thet did not get any mental stimulation or training that is they way it was before and we loved our dogs

[@HoneyBea.]

Potential owner trying to learn all I can about the breed.

[@clearingbaffles]

Q-tip is a double Merle and my 7th Shelty. I started with Princess Pretty (what did I know about naming dogs when I was 9yo) Thislewood Duke, Prince & Blue Girl purebred but not AKC then the Blue Prince (he was very happy when we left Phoenix) then Sheeba a rescue PittPei then Grape Nehi and now my 9yo Q-tip. I’d like to add a German Shepherd and a Rottweiler

[@animaldigest]

Wow, Q-tip is your 7th Shelty! That's Awesome. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@charlayned]

How is your Q-tip's health? I've heard that the double Merle tend to be either blind or deaf (or both). We have a bi-blue boy who is almost totally white, but with the gray/blue markings and freckles.

[@karenwolfenden5132]

we have had them all my married life we have 2 at the moment lost my lovely Brillo last year at 15 we have a pup at 11 months and Bailey who is 11 we had fleurdy tiamara and sadie a brillo

[@xtimmyxcorex]

How do I train my sheltie when not to bark?

[@animaldigest]

I suggest that you speak to a trainer. In the meantime, praise and reward your Sheltie when he is quiet. They are so adorable, so please be patient.

[@davidwatson8142]

Take a can with pennies inside. Shake the can when they bark at inappropriate times. It took about 10 days for my dog.

[@teresaadams825]

Why isn't Icelandic Sheepdog added to their lineage?

[@animaldigest]

They are similar but separate breeds as per the AKC-I would suggest contacting your kennel club to ask why this is the case. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbarton1969]

Twelve to twenty pounds? Twelve is undersized and twenty barely makes the small zize. I just turned this off.

[@paulflak2823]

Missed hip Dysplasia and the need to bark and howl... how much I miss my boys and girl.

[@animaldigest]

Our pets are our family for life. Thanks for sharing!