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PETS | Creature feature
http://www.petsmagazine.com.au
Peruvians, Alpacas, Texels and Merinos — and
decided to add Shelties to their lot. “We only
have long-haired breeds, which we show
regularly. What drew us to the longhairs is their
glamorous looks when in full coat and their
sweet cuddly natures,” she says.
“Shelties, like other longhairs, have very
endearing personalities. They can be quite
cheeky and sassy and enjoy cuddles,” Carly
says. She adds they work well for families as
they are usually quite placid and calm, and can
be very tolerant of handling by children if they
get used to being handled by them as babies.WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When choosing a Sheltie, look for a breeder
who regularly competes at shows or is an active
member of a guinea pig club — it’s a good sign
they’re involved in furthering the health of the
breed. In terms of appearance, Shelties are born
with short hair, though this grows very quickly
into the signature long and silky mane. Their
coat is free from rosettes (tufts), with the hair on
their face naturally sweeping back towards theirShelties, which also go by the breed names
Silky or Shetland, are easy to identify —
they’ve got long, fl owing, soft, silky hair.
They’ve got equally soft natures and, although
they can be shy in the early days, they grow to
become aff ectionate with their loved ones.
Their soft natures and glamorous looks
are just two of the reasons Carly and Cherie
McCormack from Moonshine Cavy Stud choose
to breed Shelties. Cherie says they had already
bred several other long-haired breeds — Photos: Moonshine Cavy StudWhile Shelties can be shy at fi rst, they can
come out of their shell and bond with their
owners if treated with love, patience and care.Looking for a guinea pig
with Hollywood-ready
locks? The silky haired
Sheltie may just be the cavy
for you. By Mel Hearse.P
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