Lassie … on a Smaller Scale

According to the AKC website, Shetland Sheepdogs (“Shelties”) are working Collies in miniature.  They have a long rough coat and they excel in obedience, agility, conformation and, of course, herding.   I am always intrigued at all of the different shapes and sizes of dog breeds.  Think about it – dogs can have short tails, long ears, short noses, long fur, no fur, curly fur, long legs, short legs, …you name it!  Their shape and size is a good characteristic of what the dog has been bred to do.  For example, dogs that “go to ground” in search of vermin often have short legs and long snouts so they can seek out the critters close to the ground or burrowing in holes.  On the other hand, cats all pretty much look the same.  Most have ears that stand up, long tails, and a similar shape to their body and head.  It’s not as difficult to learn all of the cat breeds as it is dog breeds!  I’m still processing images from the last 2 dog shows that I attended.  This Sheltie image is from the Chester Valley Kennel Club Show.  I’ll have a few new website pages of dog show images soon.  Stay tuned!

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