Here's why:
* Appearance: Both breeds share a similar overall silhouette with a long, flowing coat, pointed ears, and a bushy tail. They both come in a variety of colors including sable, tri-color, and blue merle.
* Temperament: Both breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and herding instincts. They are eager to please and can be trained easily.
However, there are some key differences between the two breeds:
* Size: Collies are significantly larger than Shelties.
* Coat: While both breeds have long coats, the Rough Collie's coat is thicker and requires more maintenance.
* Temperament: Collies tend to be more laid-back and reserved, while Shelties are more energetic and outgoing.
Other breeds that share some similarities with Shelties include:
* Border Collie: Also a herding breed with a similar build and intelligence level.
* Australian Shepherd: Another herding breed with a similar energy level and trainability.
However, none of these breeds share the same combination of size, appearance, and temperament as the Sheltie.