Editing Shetland Sheepdog (section)

===Coat and colours===
[[File:ShetlandShpdogBlue2 wb.jpg|thumb|The blue merle]]
[[File:Shetland Sheepdog7.jpg|thumb|The bi-blue, with blue eyes caused by the merle factor]]
Shetlands have a double coat, which means that they have two layers of fur that make up their coat. The outer coat is made up of long hair and is "harsh-textured and straight". The undercoat is soft, short, and close to the skin. The long coat should produce the appearance of a mane. The face is smooth haired.<ref name="Standard">{{cite web |title=Shetland Sheepdog Standard |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/pastoral/shetland-sheepdog/ |website=The Kennel Club |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>

Shetlands may come in the following colours.
*'''Sable'''&nbsp;– either clear or shaded sable ranging in colour from pale gold to mahogany. Wolf-sable and grey are undesirable colours.
*'''Tricolor'''&nbsp;– with intense black on the body and rich tan markings preferred.
* '''Blue merle''' – silvery blue with splashed and marbled black preferred. General effect of the coat must be blue. Rich tan markings are also preferred but there is no penalty for the absence of this. Strong black markings, slate or rusty tinges in the coat are highly undesirable.
* '''Black and white & black and tan'''<ref name="Standard"/>

White markings may appear on any coat besides black and tan but patches on the body are undesirable.<ref name="Standard"/>