About Us
Clubs History
Established in the great city of Charlotte, NC in November 1984, we are a member club in good standing with AKC and the ASSA. Our club's commitment to the Shetland Sheepdog is evident in our participation in community events such as the Sheepdog Trials at Rural Hill, agility demonstrations at Pet Palooza and Bark in the Park, Parade of Scottish Breeds at the Rural Hill Scottish Festival, and people look forward to weeing our members and all their shelties march in the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Charlotte each year. We have a fun and active membership who enjoys competing in agility, herding, obedience, and the show ring. Many members also do therapy work with children and seniors, and others work with sheltie rescue, and others who are just happy sheltie families. The sheltie is such a versatile little breed and we love showing them off! We are always looking for new members who have a love of the Shetland Sheepdog! Please check our Membership information page for links to our Membership Application and Constitution/By-Laws. We have individual, family, and associate membership levels. Guests are always welcome to come to our meetings
Conformation
The Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club hosts their own annual Specialty Stand Alone Conformation Event the 10th weekend every year, and has done so for many, many years. Our breeder-members are committed to the health and sound temperaments of the puppies they produce, and are some of the most respected sheltie breeders in the United States. Visit the Breeder Referral page for a list of some of our breeder-members who are happy to "talk sheltie" with you and help in your quest for a new puppy.
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Agility
The Greater Charlotte Shetland Sheepdog Club is committed to again offer Obedience, as well as Rally, at future specialties, as well as go forward in the process of being able to host our own Agility trials.
Agility is a great sport you can share with your dog, and one at which the Shetland Sheepdog excels. It consists of a series of jumps, tunnels, elevated walks, and weaves that the dog maneuvers through with the handler's guidance. It's great fun for the dog, increases confidence in both the dog and the owner, and teaches the dog new skills. The dog learns to follow the handler's body movements and spoken commands as the team moves through a set course while being timed. The courses change and this increases the dog's reliance on the handler to give precise commands. The best part is that the dogs absolutely love it! You don't have to compete but either way it's a great way to bond with your dog.
Obedience ♦ Rally
Obedience - We all need training to function as a useful member of society. Your dog is no different. In order for your dog to be a useful part of your family certain habits are necessary. Your dog looks to you for guidance, to be the pack leader or parent figure. In order to reach the goal of "happy family" training is required. Obedience training strengthens the bond between you and your dog as well as ensuring his/her safety and happiness. Many area trainers offer puppy classes, basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen© classes, and more. Careful research is important to choose just the right training for you and your dog. Group classes are beneficial to Shelties as they receive the socialization necessary to overcome shyness. Shelties are sensitive little creatures and respond best to positive reinforcement instead of harsh measures such as shock collars, and strong verbal or physical reprimands. If you decide you enjoy the training time spent with your dog, you may want to continue with advanced classes and competition. Obedience trials are held throughout our region and offer the opportunity to showcase your hard work. Shelties are happier when they have a job to do. Because of this they excel in obedience. You will find that the little furry creature who is a rambunctious ball of energy responds well to training. They enjoy any job that is spent with their family. Obedience not only gives them an outlet to be with you the leader, but also makes them a considerate member of the pack.
Rally is a sport using Obedience moves to maneuver through a course where different obedience is used. Signs are posted and the dog and handler team follow the sign, each which require obedience moves. It was designed with pet owners in mind. The signs may ask for a sit, down, figure eight, serpentine, and several other moves. It is great fun and helps new participants in their move into the show arena.
Community Outreach
This is something that our club members are passionate about. The best way to promote the Shetland Sheepdog and educate the public about them is with community outreach. Our shelties are everywhere! The Scottish Festival, Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, Bark in the Park, Meet the Breeds events, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade are just a few of the events we participate in each year. Our members are active in therapy work, the children's reading program, sheltie rescue, and just walking down the street with a pack of shelties.
Who We Are - Sheltie Club "Performance"
AKC Fast CAT
AKC Fast CAT
AKC Fast CAT
which stands for Coursing Ability Test--- is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure.
AKC C.A.T.
AKC Fast CAT
AKC Fast CAT
is an introductory event similar to the sport of lure coursing. AKC describes it as a healthy and fun activity for all dogs (at least 12 months old and regiserted as an AKC, FSS, or Canine Partners dog).
AKC Fit Dog
AKC Fast CAT
AKC Fit Dog
titles were designed to provide a structured, individualized fitness plan that you and your dog can do together. There are 3 levels of AKC fitness dog titles--Bronze, Silver, and Gold. There are 6 categories that are in each level.