Gordon Sheltie

The Gordon Setter is the largest and most substantial of the setter breeds, presenting a striking figure of strength, stamina, and stylish good looks. Males typically stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds, while females are somewhat smaller at 23 to 26 inches and 45 to 70 pounds. The breed is built for endurance in the field, with a strong, well-muscled body that is slightly longer than it is tall. The chest is deep, reaching nearly to the elbow, providing excellent lung capacity for sustained work. The back is strong and level, leading to muscular hindquarters that provide powerful drive. The Gordon Setter's coat is one of its most distinctive features, consisting of a soft, shining outer coat that may be straight or slightly wavy but never curly. The coat lies flat against the body except for generous feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, backs of the legs, and tail. This silky feathering adds to the breed's elegant appearance while serving practical purposes in the field. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its lustrous quality and prevent matting in the feathered areas. The breed's coloring is unique among setters: a coal black base coat with rich chestnut or mahogany tan markings in specific locations. Tan markings appear as spots above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat, and on the chest as two clear spots. Additional tan appears on the inside of the hind legs, on the forelegs from the carpus to the toes, and around the vent. A small white spot on the chest is permissible. The head is deep and fairly broad, with a clearly defined stop and a long, squared muzzle. The dark brown eyes convey an intelligent, wise expression. The low-set ears are fairly large and thin, lying close to the head.

The Shetland Sheepdog, affectionately known as the Sheltie, is a small herding dog that resembles a miniature Rough Collie but is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics. The breed standard calls for dogs standing 13 to 16 inches at the shoulder, with heights varying more than one inch from this range considered undesirable. Weight typically ranges from 15 to 25 pounds, with males generally larger than females. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, creating a well-balanced, symmetrical outline that suggests agility and grace without coarseness or clumsiness. The Sheltie's double coat is one of its most striking features, consisting of a long, straight, harsh-textured outer coat supported by a dense, soft, short undercoat. The coat is particularly abundant around the neck and chest, forming an impressive mane and frill that frames the face beautifully. Feathering appears on the forelegs, with well-developed trousers covering the hindquarters. The tail is richly plumed. Males typically display more profuse coats than females. The breed appears in several recognized colors including sable, which ranges from golden to mahogany, tricolor featuring black with tan and white markings, and blue merle displaying a silvery blue base with black mottling and tan points. The head is refined and elegant, forming a long, blunt wedge shape when viewed from above or in profile. The skull and muzzle are of equal length, parallel, and joined by a slight but definite stop. The eyes are medium-sized and almond-shaped, appearing dark except in blue merle dogs where one or both eyes may be blue. The expression is one of sweet, gentle intelligence that is characteristic of the breed. The ears are small, set high on the head, and carried semi-erect with the tips folding forward when the dog is alert. The neck is muscular and arched, adding to the breed's elegant carriage.