Although they will have little effect upon your Sheltie being a good pet, prick ears and hound ears can be avoided with proper care and ear bracing during puppyhood. Most breeders can give you advice and show you the proper way to train your puppy's ears. All colors should be clear and not diluted or washed out. Grooming Shelties have a double coat. The outer layer consists of long, straight, coarse hair, while the undercoat is short, furry, and very dense.
Mature males have a more impressive coat than females.
How much grooming your Sheltie needs will depend upon the type and quality of the coat. Be sure to check for mats behind the ears, under the elbow on each front leg, and in the 'pants' in the rear. Toenails and hair between the pads need to be trimmed every several weeks. Start your Sheltie's grooming routine at an early age. Periodically open the mouth and check the teeth and gums for cleanliness and overall condition.