Prepare for unexpected vet bills
A hybrid breed created by crossing the Gordon Setter and the Shetland Sheepdog, the Gordon Sheltie is one very clever and very energetic canine. As both parents were bred as working dogs, this is a breed that excels when given lots of important jobs to do and when set any task that offers a mental challenge.
With this in mind, Gordon Shelties don't do well if they're simply abandoned in a backyard for hours at a time. They need interaction, adventures and games to ensure that they stay happy and healthy, so you'll need to always be on the lookout for fun activities your pooch will enjoy.
Here are three great ideas to get you started.
When winter arrives and the weather turns miserable, sometimes it can be hard to find the motivation to get outside and help your pooch get active. But when you've got an energetic Gordon Sheltie on your hands, lying around on the couch all day simply isn't an option.
Happily, there are plenty of simple ways to exercise your dog indoors, and this paw-some activity is one of the best. It's essentially a game of fetch, but with the added workout of climbing stairs to retrieve the ball and then descending them again to return the ball to you.
Play this for a little while and you'll end up with one very tuckered-out pooch.
Looking for a good excuse to get out and about with your canine pal? Find a paw-some outdoor festival and take your dog along for a full day of fun.
If you live in a city or even a major town, you'll likely be spoiled for choice when it comes to festivals and events. From small community festivals to major celebrations, there's a huge range of events all year round -- and many of them are dog-friendly.
Your furry friend will love the chance to explore new sights and sounds with you, not to mention make some new friends and enjoy some different experiences along the way.
Tag is a fun game you can play with your furry friend to give them a little bit of exercise, plenty of mental stimulation, and the chance to spend lots of quality time with you.
While it might take a little while for your dog to get the hang of this game, the effort is well worth it. After all, a tired dog is a good dog, and anything that puts a wag in your Gordon Sheltie's tail and a smile on their face can only be a good thing.