Sheltie Puppies

Shetland Sheepdogs or Shelties as they are commonly known, are one of the most popular of all pure breed dogs. These dogs were predominantly found on the Shetland Islands, located about 130 miles north of Scotland. Their sheep herding abilities caused them to be used by tenant farmers for directing sheep from one pasture to another. These Shelties were also used to guide ponies as well. Officially these dogs were recognized in 1909 by the Kennel Club in the UK. Sheltie puppies are extremely gentle, loving, intelligent, agile, calm, sturdy, fun loving and sensitive. Besides being endearing in personality, these dogs are highly loyal and make great family dogs as they get along superbly with children.

Appearance
Shelties are small dog breeds with rough coated, longhaired bodies which are long than tall. Shelties bear semblance to rough coated collies and are great working dogs. While purchasing a puppy, beware of sellers who will slyly tell you he's selling you a miniature Sheltie puppy for a higher price. Stay away from these conmen! There is no such thing as miniature Sheltie puppies! Shelties are small dog breeds in general. They weigh under 25 pounds and attain only about 13 inches in length when fully grown.

Exercise
Shelties can adjust to apartment lifestyles as long as they get sufficient exercise in a day. The puppies need to be taken for long walks, so they get their exercise. Remember these dogs were used as working dogs, thus, they need significant amount of exercise. They do have a tendency of lazing around all day and becoming obese. Thus, one needs to make sure these puppies maintain a regular exercise routine. They also love playing with a ball and other dog fun activities.

Temperament
One will never have a bored moment with Sheltie puppies. These good natured, obedient dogs are fun loving and entertaining. The most endearing attribute of them is their empathetic nature. These feel with you and share your joy and pain to a great extent. They understand when you are low and when you're apprehensive and share your feelings. They make great companions and captivate your heart with their affection and concern. Of the different Sheltie puppy names, choose one and address your pup by his or her name. They will soon become a member of the family.

Health
Your Sheltie puppy has a life span of about 12-14 years. There are several hereditary disorders that can affect a Sheltie. The common health problems affecting this breed are luxating patella (orthopedic disorder), Collie eye (eye disorder), patent ductus arteriosus (heart defect), dermatomyositis (skin disorder), deafness and hypothyroidism. Thus, before purchasing these puppies, it is important for you to check breeding parents and eye tests. If possible one should also get a look at the parents to determine whether the parents are the shy type, as this kind should be avoided.

Grooming
Shelties are long coat breeds. This means your house will experience coat sheds annually or semi-annually. During these coat shedding periods one needs to brush the coat three to four times a week, however, otherwise once a week is sufficient. Irregular brushing will cause the coat to become all matted.

Safety
Shelties are intensely loyal and can be trained with less effort. However, one important point to be taken care of is to always keep the front door closed. Several puppies have lost their lives in accidents, all because children in the house were careless enough to keep the front door open. Moreover, do not leave sharp things like paper clips, staple pins and other tiny objects on the floor. Like any other puppy, these puppies also tend to put anything that they can get their paws on into their mouths.

Sheltie puppies always bring great joy. It's truly a privilege to have these loyal and affectionate companions in the house. Ask any Sheltie owner and he or she will tell you how glad they are for bringing the pup home.