Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Shelties & Children get along??
A: Yes, if they are both socialized to each
other early on. Any time a dog is around a child, they should be
supervised, of course. Shelties can sometimes attempt to "herd"
children, for instance. But, overall, they make wonderful family
pets.
Q: Do Shelties like water??
A: Some Shelties do enjoy trips into a lake or
pond. Not all Shelties, however, enjoy water. Some do not like
"bodies of water" but playing in the sprinkler is fun in the summer
time. Our Tigger, though, loves to dive right in to rivers and
lakes - he really enjoys cooling off like this.
Q: Do Shelties do well camping or on
vacations??
A: Yes! We camp with the Sympa Shelties
several times a year. The dogs are good in a trailer or a tent. In
fact, ours have their very own "doggy tent" (it is really a large screen
tent) when we go camping with them. Camping is a great way to
socialize Shelties to different environments, people, and sounds :)
Q: Do Shelties do well with other dogs,
are they pack animals??
A: Yes! There are several statements about
Shelties being "Better In
Bunches" or "Like Potato Chips - You Can't Have Just One". Each
Sheltie,
of course, has their own attitudes and personalities, but the
majority of them do well with other Shelties, or other breeds. Many
say, though, it is best to have both genders and not just males (or
just females). We, however, have been very lucky with very very few
"tiffs" and never any serious aggression, despite owning both
genders in the same household.
Q: Do Shelties bark a lot??
A: It depends. They are typically known
to be a barky breed. They can, however, be easily trained to
bark on command or learn a "quiet" command. Sympa Shelties is
very proud of our dogs temperaments of being mostly calm and quiet.
Q: Do Shelties make good apartment dogs??
A: Speaking from personal experience, it is
do-able. They do need a fair amount of exercise, so a LONG
walk or a good run session in a park is recommended daily.
Without the output for their energy, destructive behaviors (barking,
chewing, etc) may occur. If the owner is willing to put the
time into walks and runs, a Sheltie can make a nice apartment pet.