Shelties require lots of mental stimulation be it agility classes, games or herding. They need to be challenged often.
Shelties have quick reflexes. This can be good and bad. Bad in the sense that they are quite sensitive to loud noises, quick movements and environments that are stressful.
Being left for long periods of time without any type of companionship will result in a very unhappy sheltie, which could lead to a number of issues such as neurotic behaviors, destructive chewing or even chronic barking. One major issue is excessive barking since shelties are a chatty breed.
Often people mistake shelties for collie puppies when in fact they are full grown.
A sheltie’s personality is typically sweet, gentle and sensitive however, often they have big personalities in that they can be quite humorous or silly.
Typically when socialized from an early age shelties are very good with other animals and while being somewhat timid at first with strangers they will quickly warm up to new people.
Shelties require frequent grooming however; frequent baths are not ideal since they often have dry or sensitive skin. My sheltie gets very happy when she sees her brush and immediately comes to sit in front of me.
Since shelties are very sensitive, they require homes that are very peaceful and owners whom have a calm voice.
