Breeding a Sheltie at home is a very rewarding experience thanks to their intelligence, loyalty, and affection. With proper care, training, and socialization, you'll enjoy a loyal and loving friend for many years.
Breeding Sheltie dog at home
The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent, active, and affectionate breed, similar to a large collie but in a smaller size. If you're considering raising a Shetland Sheepdog at home, here's comprehensive information to help you:
General Traits and Temperament:
Intelligence and Training: Shelties are highly intelligent and quick learners, making training fun and rewarding. They excel in dog sports such as obedience and agility.
Liveliness and Activity: Despite their small size, they are energetic dogs that need regular physical and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities that tap into their herding instincts such as fetch and obedience training.
Affection and Loyalty: Shelties form strong bonds with their owners and families. They are sensitive and affectionate, and get along well with children and other pets if properly trained and socialized.
Barking: Shelties tend to be vocal and will bark to alert their owners to anything they perceive as a threat, or even when excited. Wary of Strangers: They may be wary of strangers at first, making them good guard dogs.
Exercise:
Shelties need approximately one to two hours of daily exercise. This can include daily walks, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation.
They enjoy activities that tap into their herding instincts, such as fetch or obedience training.
They excel at various dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather, as Shelties can be sensitive to heat.
Exercise requirements for puppies are different from adults; puppy exercise should be gentle and age-appropriate to avoid stressing their developing bones and joints.
Training and Socialization:
Socialization: Begin socializing your Sheltie puppy at an early age (8 to 16 weeks) to build confidence and sociability and reduce future anxiety and stress.
Positive Training: Always use positive reinforcement (rewards and praise). Shelties are very sensitive, so punishment should never be used. Ignore unwanted behaviors and guide your dog to do something right and reward it.
Housetraining: It requires patience and routine. Take your puppy outside immediately after waking, immediately after eating, and before bedtime. This can take 4 to 6 months, and accidents decrease significantly after one year.
Short, Fun Training Sessions: Shelties get bored quickly, especially puppies. Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) and repeat them several times a day.
Houseguard Training: Shelties are excellent guard dogs and will alert you to any intruders or strange noises.
Nutrition:
Shelties need a balanced, protein-rich diet to support their active lifestyle and maintain their shiny coat and overall health.
Look for dry dog food that contains a specific type of meat (such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb) as its primary ingredient.
Monitor your dog's weight; if they start to gain weight, reduce the amount of food; if they are too thin, increase it.
The recommended daily amount (usually between 3/4 to 2 cups per day, depending on activity) can be divided into two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Some safe human foods in moderation include lean meats and some vegetables and fruits. Avoid toxic foods for dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and anything containing xylitol.
Grooming:
Shelties have long, dense, double coats that require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles.
Brushing: Brush your dog weekly with a pin brush and a detangling comb (or a shedding comb). During heavy shedding seasons (spring and summer), daily brushing may be necessary. Focus on areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears, under the collar, in the armpits, and along the belly and thighs.
Bathing: Bathe your Sheltie as needed, usually every few weeks or when they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo.
Nail Trimming: Trim their nails regularly to avoid problems.
Ear and Teeth Cleaning: Clean their ears regularly and check their teeth to keep them clean.
Common Health Problems:
Although the Sheltie is a hardy breed and typically lives 12 to 14 years, it is prone to some genetic health problems, including:
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition affecting the hip joint.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): A genetic condition affecting eye development and potentially leading to blindness.
Thyroid Problems: Especially hypothyroidism.
von Willebrand Disease: A hereditary bleeding disorder.
Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory condition of the skin and muscles.
Epilepsy: Seizures.
Allergies: Typically manifest as itchy skin.
