My Journal
As my passion and joy has grown from my very first Sheltie, acquired seven years ago, I am now a breeder. It is such a pleasure to be able to share with others the joy that this affectionate breed brings to your home.
Shetland Sheepdogs
Originated with small all-purpose farm dogs of Scandinavan herding and Scottish working collie background used by the cofters on Shetland Islands. Later, there were crosses with show Collies when the breed was being developed for show purposes. On the islands, sheep generally were left to run virtually wild in the open country for most of the year and the area around croft was fenced to keep the farm animals out. As time went on, in some areas of Scottish breeds of sheep and herding practices were introduced. The work of early Shelties included keeping livestock away from cultivated areas, rounding up animals -sheep, cattle, ponies, and poultry as needed and serving as watch dog and family companions.
The Modern Sheltie
Modern Sheltie has been breed primarily as a show dog and companion, but some Shelties have continued to be used as working stock dogs (although more so in the mainland of Britain and in the United States than on the Shetland Islands). While recent times few Shetland Sheepdogs have bred specifically for herding ability, strong and useful herding instinct and trainability are still found throughout the breed. It is important that breeders include among the goals of their breeding programs the intelligence, willingness and inner drive that enables Shelties to fullfill its abilities as a useful working dog. This working ability and the temperament characteristics which accompany it, gives the Sheltie its typical demeanor and attitude. More than any other single trait it keeps the breed what it is meant to be.
Dog Food
Although you may think all pet food manufactures have your pet's best interest in mind, however this is NOT always the case. Current pet food regulations allow manufacturers to use ingredients that you would never knowingly give to your pet. In fact, you may be shocked to learn some brands of pet food really contain. For example: the use of by-products (feet, bones and intenstines) chemical preservatives (BHA and BHT) and grains that are often difficult to digest (corn, wheat, gluten and soy) which are often used as a protein source of meat. Please click on the folliwng link for more information and compare your current dog food ingredients Trilogy |
