Spotlight on...The Sheltie
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
The Sheltie
Size: Small
Grooming needs: Medium to High (bi-yearly shedding)
Exercise: High
Environment: Needs Space (Indoor/Outdoor)
Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Animated
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Interesting fact: Internationally, the Sheltie is one of the most popular breeds. It originated in the Shetland Islands “where the scarcity of food favors small animals.”*
Appearance: The look of the Sheltie is that of a miniature rough (long-haired) Collie. They are about 16” tall and about 14-16 lbs. They have a long muzzle, almond-shaped eyes, and high-set button ears. They have an elegant appearance, with a straight rough overcoat and a dense soft undercoat. They are tri-color, black, blue merle, or sable. They also have either white and/or tan markings on the feet, chest, and sometimes the face.
Personality: While these dogs are small, they make fantastic sheepdogs. They have adjusted well to the domestic life of a pet. Shelties are responsive to training, intelligent, and adaptable. They are friendly and hardy. Shelties can be shy with strangers and require extra socialization to build confidence — especially as puppies.
Best Match: The Sheltie is an active, smart dog that needs a person who will help meet their needs physically and mentally. Guardians may consider agility classes, advanced obedience, and puzzle-type games, in addition to at least one long daily walk. Shelties, as is true for most working breeds, can be destructive if left alone too much. They also can be excessive barkers. People adopting Shelties should have a lot of time and energy to devote to this gorgeous little dog.
Featured Adoptable: “Nigel is a beautiful year-old neutered sable male youngster with a golden coat, a white mane, and a big, full tail. He loves to run, and prances around the house like a little prince. He is social with everyone, but not too clingy. He is happy to entertain himself with a toy, or better yet an empty bowl, which for some reason he loves to toss around. He was surrendered by his owner at just a few months old due to his vision impairment. Originally it was thought he was blind, but an ophthalmologist determined that he does have partial sight and is able to navigate his surroundings without much difficulty. He does have trouble with depth perception so stairs are sometimes a challenge. He is in a great foster home, surrounded by other dogs, and has the sweetest temperament anyone could ask for in a companion. We are looking for an experienced Sheltie owner who can give him the love and attention he needs. If you are interested in adopting this joyful, special needs boy, visit www.norcalsheltierescue.org.”
*Kojima, Toyoharu, Legacy of the Dog, 2nd Edition. Tess Press, New York 2005.
Megan Mahan lives in Eugene with her boyfriend, Jacob, their adopted yellow Lab Maddie, many saltwater fish, and two miniature Silver Appleyard ducks, Louie and Olive.