Difference in Temperment of Sheltie/Collie

S

sclevenger

Forums Regular
So I'm sure yoi have seen this question before, but i hope you will still give me your thoughts again.

So I'm very stuck between the collie and sheltie. My old sheltie breeder is trying to talk me into a sheltie (obviously) lol. Even offered me first pick (after her of course) to ensure I get the best temperment that I'm looking for, however even the best temperment I'm not sure will be the right fit.

The collie, we first I LOVE large dogs and well I don't know what else really, so if the only reason is it's large that's silly Reason to go with a collie.

So, temperment, learning style and everything you can tell me please. :)

Thanks!!
 
good insights

My high country neighbors have Collies, and since we spend time together with our dogs, here a few of my observations.

Their Collie's tend to be more patient. My sheltie's will not be ignored.:lol:, mine haven't been as tolerant in their behavior. They will try every angle to get their way. Not sure if that is independence or stubbornness showing

Their Collie's eventually tire out...shelties are similar to the energizer bunny and have hidden reserves that will surface given the opportunity, they keep going and going:ick

Totally biased here, but I think sheltie's are smarter, or maybe they are just more clever in their expression.

If sheltie's hadn't been bred, I would be a Collie owner, because I think they are 2nd best to this breed, ha.

*there are bigger sheltie's...my first was WAY over standard and she was the best dog EVER!!!!! I can't tell you how tall she was, but I can tell you she was 40+ lbs, and solid not fat.
 
I have a friend who breeds awesome Collies and another friend in my training class who has awesome Collies, her oldest boy has been best all around Collie at their nationals 3x. The working ability and work ethic on these collies is so similar to shelties I can't tell the difference between my shelties. The only difference I see is they don't seem wound as tight and more mellow when not working. Frankly I have been tempted every time my friends posts puppies pictures. The only thing that stops me is I want a smaller dog.
 
I love the Smooth version of collies, quite rare over here. I have seen three now and they are just so sweet and laid back. Though I am definitely a small dog person, I can't imagine not having a big dog in my life. For the time being Cadbury fills that gap, but if he wasn't around I would be looking at getting a Smooth Collie.
 
Nice article Ann. DH & I go back and forth on getting a collie next or another Sheltie. I have a feeling it will come down to availability when the time comes, we're open to both breeds.
 
tesslynn said:
*there are bigger sheltie's...my first was WAY over standard and she was the best dog EVER!!!!! I can't tell you how tall she was, but I can tell you she was 40+ lbs, and solid not fat.
Click to expand...

That's Dickens; he's 43 pounds and stands almost 21 inches. His temperament is much mellower than the smaller Shelties I read about, and although he has plenty of energy it doesn't take him long at all to quiet down. He's also very compliant when it comes to the things that are expected of him, but he does have a bit of a stubborn streak when it comes to anything that's optional. Ask him if he wants to go outside, and if he does, he'll rush to the door. If he doesn't, he'll look right into your eyes, take one or two steps backward, and sit.
 
Love them both! Our Collie (now at the bridge) was the most mellow, sweet dog ever. He helped our daughter get over her deathly fear of dogs. When we were looking for another dog, we decided that the Collie was just to big for us now - both of us are getting older. So I started researching the Sheltie. they seemed to fit the bill, the look we love (gotta love all the coat!) the temperament we wanted and most of all the size was perfect. I honestly have never seen my husband so smitten with a dog.
 
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