My son is showing his sheltie at a county 4-H show in three weeks. His leader has incstructed him to look on the internet to find out how to stack his particular breed. So far, we have been unable to find any information or picture of how shelties should be stacked. Can anyone give us some hints?
Hi Amy,
I don't know much about Shelties, but isn't stacking pretty much the same in most breeds? There is a picture on the AKC website, that shows a stacked Sheltie, level topline, vertical hocks etc... See here: http://www.akc.org/breeds/shetland_sheepdog/index.cfm
I did a quich Google search and found this, ironically enough, it's even a 4H website on showing dogs, it looks to have very good showmanship tips, and general information about showing. http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/4H/4-H-716-W.pdf
I forgot to mention, the AKC standard link also discusses the proper gait of a Sheltie, so that may help to guide him to gait her at the correct speed.
Here is a Great Conformation Teacher who breeds and shows her Shelties. She has pictures of her Shelties on the dog training website in a stacked pose.
I know they should be free-baited so that you get a good arch to the neck (like collies) with the head facing slightly down so the ears don't stick up.
I believe initially they are stacked on the table and from then on a free stack is assumed. The stack on the table is at the front with the front feet right at the end of the table, so they don't move.
How about contacting someone from the National or American Shetland Sheepdog Club?? I'm sure they'd be happy to help a 4H kid with his Sheltie.....Also, in the future have the kids attend a Sheltie Specialty or an all breed show and observe from ring side.
