Today many people like to keep a dog for companionship, and breeds such as the Toy Poodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Husky are common choices. The Shetland Sheepdog is a very beautiful and elegant breed. Its coat looks lovely and is relatively manageable, and it can also serve as a watchful household dog. It likes people but is not overly clingy, so on paper it sounds ideal for family life. So why do fewer people keep Shelties now?
Stubbornness
The Sheltie ranks about sixth in canine intelligence and is very smart. It can learn simple commands after only a few repetitions and usually has very good obedience. Walking one is often easier than walking many other breeds. For safety, of course, the leash should still always be used. Because the breed is so clever, it also understands situations very quickly, and when it does not want to train or does not feel like listening, it may pretend not to understand and become extremely stubborn.
Loves to bark
Many owners worry about dogs that bark a lot, because this can easily disturb neighbors. The Sheltie often looks graceful and queen like, and in ordinary outdoor activity it may seem very calm and refined. But when it becomes excited, it can quickly forget that elegant image and may bark enthusiastically.
Prone to fractures
The Sheltie is a medium sized breed and fits city family life well. Its coat is attractive, does not shed as heavily as some other long haired breeds, and is not too difficult to manage. Even though its exercise needs are not especially high, the breed has relatively long legs and lighter finer bones, which may make fractures more likely. Broken bones are not easy problems to manage in dogs, especially because dogs do not have strong safety awareness.
The Sheltie is generally quiet, steady, and somewhat timid. Loud sounds can frighten it easily, so owners often need to soothe it, pet it, and provide a stronger sense of security. In everyday life, keeping a Sheltie often requires a little more attention than keeping some other pet dogs.