Is there something funny looking about this dog?

[HopeShelties]

I don't think the point was to bash the dog. It was posted to learn more about correct conformation. There really is nothing wrong with asking about and understanding a dogs faults, as they all have them, and often the best way to learn is a good visual example. Just the other day, I was posting my own top agility dogs faults to this site. I love her no less, but I can see and understand her faults. Without posts like this, a lot of people on this forum wouldn't have the opportunity to further their knowledge of good structure, and breed type. Not everyone has a mentor, or the opportunity to go to shows and talk to breeders, and learn firsthand.
Without the 'beauty pageant' folks, the breed itself would be nowhere. It takes people who care enough about the breed to recognise the qualities and faults each dog possesses and to use them objectively to continue producing dogs with the correct temperament, structure, and breed type. Without these people, it wouldn't be long before the breed strayed far from what it is meant to be. The point of the breed ring is to evaluate and reward breeding stock.. hence why it is for intact dogs.
I think you are seeing posts like this in the wrong light. Nobody has called into question that the dog is probably a wonderful, sweet, pet, and nobody has in any way been mean about what the dog is or isn't, and Clantyre even pointed out she has a better than average front. We are all just trying to be objective, to learn, and to help others to learn.

 

[Will]

Lightening the load.

I thought everyone would have understood that I was just trying to get some folks to lighten up a bit about this threads very serious subject. I am just one person who loves Shelties, out of many thousands who love them, for just about any and every reason you can think of. No, I wouldn't be any good at the doggy beauty pageants because I love them all and don't care about any perceived imperfections. That doesn't mean I am not concerned about poor breeding - I am. It just doesn't affect the way I look at an individual animal. But again I am just one "nutty sheltie lover" and at my age I am willing to bet that no one will convince me to be otherwise. So go ahead and figure out what you must about identifying and weeding out imperfections. I am a very imperfect person, so I am the perfect person to love even the most imperfect sheltie. I will let you be what you are (and I know you really do love your shelties), and I will be what I am, and we will all express our love for the breed in our own ways.

A big smile of relief to all sheltie lovers, both the perfectionists and the imperfectionists - I am clearly among the later. Blessings to all, Will

 

[Lightplum]

I dont think anyone was taking this thread overly serious. Like Stacey said its a great learning/teaching tool. Not everyone has the luxury to live in an area where there are some of the greatest shelties, and also some pretty bad ones structurally and be able to see them and note the difference..this serves as a resource for people to better their program and try to improve on things.