Azarel Shetland Sheepdogs

Azarel Shetland Sheepdogs
Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada

Updated November 20, 2009

Champion Protege-Kismet Azurette O'Cherden

Pictured at 21 months, August 2009

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Azarel's Mission

To promote, protect and preserve
the Shetland Sheepdog

We breed selectively on a limited basis
(one or less litters per year)
in conformation with the
Shetland Sheepdog Breed Standard.
We specifically focus on:
* genetic health * temperament * type * balance *

Genetic Health Clearances

Azarel Shelties are cleared for genetic health in:
Hips: OFA hip dysplasia clearance
Eyes: CERF clearance for eye defects
Thyroid: Auto-Immune Thyroiditis clearance
MDR1: WSU DNA test for Ivermectin / chemical sensitivity mutation
Von Willebrand's disease: Vet Gen DNA test for vWD clotting disorder

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What is a Sheltie?

According to the breed Standard,
The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is "agile, sound and sturdy."
Often called the "miniature collie", "little Lassie" or "fairy dog"
it has an intuitive, bright, loyal nature and high intelligence.
Shelties are moderate-sized and take residence in your heart.

Sheltie Breed Characteristics
Several qualities that Shelties have in common:
they will alert you to unusual sights and sounds (they bark);
they are a double coated breed and require frequent brushing (they shed);
they are intelligent, curious, inventive and eager to learn (they are very smart);
they need mental stimulation and training to be happy companions
(they can become bored and destructive if they are not kept busy).
The handsome, intelligent, active Sheltie excels as a companion,
service dog, pet visitor and obedience, agility or herding competitor.

Shelties are not for everyone.
If you have not previously owned a Sheltie,
before buying a puppy you will want to learn about the breed.
Meet Shelties at shows, training or in your neighborhood parks.
Ask Sheltie owners about their dogs' distinctive characteristics.

Companionship
Shelties do not need another dog to keep them company.
They need a person to be their best pal and training buddy.
If you are gone every day, consider doggie day care for your Sheltie.

How much exercise?
Shelties do not need an excessive amount of exercise.
A daily half hour leash walk, several pee breaks,
plus a brief training session and a game of fetch can be adequate.
Shelties are excellent pets for kind people from youngsters to seniors
and even apartment dwellers who are home a lot.

About Azarel Shetland Sheepdogs

My parents raised sheep and had working Border Collies.
I loved the herding intelligence but wanted a less intense breed.
After much searching, I got my first pet Sheltie in 1997 and was hooked.

From 2001 to 2006, I was Sheltie rescue coordinator
for the Shetland Sheepdog Club of British Columbia
when I fostered and placed almost 150 homeless Shelties.
From rescue I learned volumes about our breed and the people in it.

In 2002, I got my first show prospect puppy girl, Joy who became
Multi-BPIG Can/Intl. Champion Sharls Rowanglen O Be Joyful HIC CGN.
Joy was ranked in 2003 among Canada's top ten Sheltie show puppies by the CKC.
From that time forward, I have focused on conformation with my Shelties.

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Azarel kennel name is registered to Zara Heartwood
by the Canadian Kennel Club (Member)

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