Difference Between Shetland Sheepdog and Collie
There really isn’t much of a difference between a collie and a Shetland sheepdog; both are renowned as trustworthy herding dogs. The only difference between the two, if any, is that while a collie is a collection of different breeds of herding dogs, the Shetland sheepdog is classified as one of these breeds.
The basic purpose of all collie dogs is to help farmers and herdsmen take care of their flock. These dogs are exceptionally intelligent and have an in-built instinct for keeping a close watch on sheep, which makes them very useful. Exceptionally useful for herdsmen, collies are equally great as family pets, and their instinctive protectiveness makes them ideal for a family with children.
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Collie
This is a collection of herding dogs, specially bred to help herdsmen take care of their livestock. Collies originated in Scotland and Northern England, but are now available almost everywhere. The breeds that are classified as collies are usually small to medium in size, but are excessively active and strong, with unbelievable stamina which keeps them going throughout the day. Collies can weigh anything between ten to twenty kilograms. Almost all the breeds have a pronounced pointed snout, and this characteristic separates them from other breeds. The fur of collies, however, varies from breed to breed - it can be short, long, rough, or smooth. The tail is another distinct characteristic of a pure collie; it is smooth, feathered, bushy, and docked. Collies can be found in a variety of colours, and some of the more common colourations include black, black-and-tan, red, red-and-tan, or sable with white bellies and shoulders. Some of the major breeds that are classified as collies include the Australian cattle dog, Bordaussie, Bearded collie, Rough collies, Smooth collies, Shetland sheepdogs, and Border collies.
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Shetland Sheepdog
A Shetland sheepdog, also known as a Sheltie, is a very prominent breed of collies, which is small to medium in size and was first produced in Scotland. Shelties are found in different colourations, which include sable and white, tri colour, blue merle, and few more. These dogs are highly intelligent and active, which makes it possible for them to work hard, and they have a very loud bark which is very effective when it comes to herding animals. The standard height for these dogs ranges from 33 to 41 centimetres, and they can weigh anything between five to fourteen kilograms. Their coat is double layered, which is the case with many collie breeds, and the outer coat is rougher as compared to the inner coat. The eye colour also varies within this breed; some have dark eyes while others have light-coloured eyes. Their tails are a great way to gauge their moods, as they lift their tails up when they are excited.
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