Smooth-coated sheltie

Question
Hello Dave, I'm a veterinarian from Virginia and am interested in acquiring a smooth (or medium)-coated sheltie.  Reason being, I am absolutely in love with the sheltie temperment but I also hike with my dogs a lot.  Though the long hair is beautiful, is just not practical for my lifestyle.  I actually have never seen a smooth-coat sheltie.  To be honest, the only one I ever saw was in a breeds book.  I plan to go to the local shelter and look for a crossbreed if I can't find a breeder.  Got married a year ago and the border collie intensity just isn't going over well with my husband (haha).  Have always really loved the temperment of shelties and I think it would be the best fit for us as we will soon start a family too(I've only ever had standard collies and border collies).  So, my question is, are there any good breeders who put out the smooth-coated variation?  I appreciate it!  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Leanna,

That is an interesting question.  I think my best answer is that a smooth coat would be so far outside the norm (a very bad fault) to be an accident.  My new neighbors have a very small almost-not sheltie looking dog with great head, great markings but is half acceptable size and bulk and has a smooth coat. I think he was either a runt or someone is trying for the "miniature" sized Sheltie which usually have a lot of problems.

What I would do if I were you is go to the Sheltie groups online (yahoo, msn and google groups) and express a desire to acquire a smooth coat fault Sheltie.  A breeder will be happy to find a home for one assuming there is a spay neuter agreement.  

'sneezes
Dave