why Shelties considered to be soft dogs?

[Diana]

I wouldn't call Buffy or my childhood Sheltie Abby "soft." However, they are both very sensitive and just a teeny bit shy. And they don't like people yelling at them or making harsh corrections or sudden movements. (To be honest, I'm like that too!)

Abby had this "soft" Sheltie nature much more so than Buffy. But Buffy in her puppy class full of Labs definitely was much more sensitive and smart than her peers. I think that all the socialization we did with Buffy did make a big difference in her personality.

Buffy is very smart but occasionally she will shut down or get an "attitude" if I don't train her right. For example, she quits if I don't treat her enough and also will quit if her treats aren't good enough. Both her and Abby are somewhat of "princesses."

See video link for an example of what I'm talking about. Buffy's attitude and "soft" nature is more obvious when her friend Markley is there being super excited about every command and treat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCCERxBh0SU

Having met your Shelties I can say that they are more rough-and-tumble than most. Che and Sammy in particular don't always act like a typical "Sheltie" when playing. They play more like Labs, or like the way Barb has described her Shelties playing. But that's not a bad thing!

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Soft seems a strange choice of words.

Bailey is incredibly sensitive and incredibly smart. He is very aware of when he is in trouble and when he was younger would self-crate when he realized he had done something that was a "problem." A firm command and hand signals work very well with him. He has only gotten frightened of loud noises as he's gotten older.

Katy is one tough dog. She has no shame. While Bailey demonstrates guilt when he does something wrong, Katy hopes to bluff her way out of it. She is terrified of loud noises and movements, though.