Similar in appearance to the Rough Collie only smaller, the Shetland Sheepdog was bred to be small in stature to be more suited to the terrain of their native Shetland Islands. Their double coat is long, straight and thick whilst being white and tan, black and tan, blue merle, tricolour or black and white in colour. Regular grooming of the Shetland Sheepdogs coat needs to be undertaken to prevent matting. The Shetland Sheepdog is alert in nature and affectionate making them good family orientated dogs.