Australian Shepherds in this color group come in just red merle and white. A red Australian Shepherd will likely become a beige, such as a Weimaraner. The last but not least version of this color is a solid black Australian Shepherd. The basic colors are body colors of black and red. −  The breed standards state “All colors are strong, clear and rich. The gray can range anywhere between silver to a dark smoke-like gray, whereas the black spots can be small specks or large patches. Personally, this is my favorite combination of the black. I’m very confused. However, this was not the case many years ago. Each, as spectacular as the rest. Some patches are darker. Code: Enter the 3-digit color and/or marking code for your dog on your Registration form. To verify a dog with this gene, you’ll need to examine the guard hairs of the Aussie. The Australian Shepherd is one of the few breeds that suffer greatly from cataracts and distichiasis – a disorder where the eyelashes grow abnormally long, causing obstructed vision. However, i’d argue that they’re just as great as any Aussie. Merle is the dominant gene while solid is recessive. They’re probably the least popular among black Australian Shepherds, but you still see them from time to time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Black is dominant to liver, therefore a liver colored dog (whether merle or not) can only pass along genes for liver and when bred to another liver-colored dog all resulting puppies will be liver.  A black dog, on the other hand, may produce puppies of either color if it happens to carry a liver version of the gene, referred to as ‘red factored”.  Those with no liver version will never produce liver colored offspring.  You can determine whether a black dog is red factored several ways:  If it has a liver parent or offspring, by doing a DNA test, or by breeding it to a liver colored dog to see if you get liver puppies.  If you try the test mating you need six puppies to be 98% sure of the result – all black would mean the dog is not red factored but even one liver pup would mean it is. However, marbled blue eyes are a lot more common with blue merle Australian Shepherds. As a result, breeders started a selection process and began breeding only colors and patterns that were officially recognized. this is due to some unknown reason I have yet to hear about. This color only affects black and liver-colored hair. Personally, I think the red merle tri and red merle and white both like very similar and would not mind having either or. On all colors, the areas surrounding the ears and eyes are dominated by color other than white.  The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point at the withers. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. And often times, they’ve been mistaken for huskies at an early age. These colors will be scattered among the yellow hairs of the coat. Often times, but not always, the black coat is highlighted with white markings on the face, chest, belly and legs. They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown. Australian Shepherds are vulnerable to the merle gene. Australian Shepherds Excel at Agility Challenges Too. What’s ironic is that the solid red Australian Shepherd may be the most unique of them all (because they’re rare!). Flecks of other colors are way more common in the merle color groups. For those with other color combinations, they are disqualified as purebred Aussies . The Australian Shepherd forms strong bonds with its … The merle gene is added to create the distinct colors of the Aussies. The marble refers to specks of other colors and truly creates a unique appearance in these dogs. The Blue Merle Tri Australian Shepherd is my favorite version from this group. Solid red merles are more consistent in their merle coats throughout the body. As of a result, this creates a “blue effect,” hence the name – blue merle. The most common hues are hazel, golden, speckled, or light blue. Some blue m erle australian shepherds also have brown and dark brown in most of the parts (see the image). These variations include: red merle tri color, red merle and white, and solid red merle. An Australian Shepherd is a great choice if you want a dog you can always play with. Please refer to the breed standard for additional details. For AKC, for example, 21 herding breeds require black, brown, liver, or blue noses in accordance with the coat color of the dog, and 7 herding breeds have disqualifications or faults listed with regard to nose color. In fact, Aussies have four officially recognized coat colors with several variations within each color. Like the dilute Australian Shepherds, the yellow counterparts don’t experience any negative side effects from this condition. Also called the “Maltese dilution” or MLPH for short, the dilute color is a recessive gene that’s become one of the most common non-standard color on Aussies. In this case, they look a little bit like the husky. Many people can make the argument that solid red merles are actually red merle/white Aussies. Although it’s possible to have different colored eyes as seen in many other Aussies, it’s not common. This gene will restrict the dog’s pigment on a coat, but not the nose. There is also another version of this gene, called cryptic, that falls in dominance between the other two.  A cryptic merle dog will have only a small merle patch somewhere on the body.  It is possible if that patch lies somewhere that also gets a white marking, that you might not know a dog carried this version of the gene.  While it was once thought that these dogs would, like normal merles, produce defective double merles if bred to another merle dog, this does not appear to be the case.  Cryptic merles might be bred to a merle or a non-merle with no fear of merle-related defects. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. It’s possible to have a blue merle Aussie with two different colored eyes – one blue and the other brown. As a result Aussies can be encountered that have, for example, a blue eye and a brown eye. The base color (black or liver), merle, tan, and white are all distinct genetic traits and breeders need to understand how they are inherited. Comments for Australian Shepherd Colors and Ears. Still, there are three versions of Blue Merle Aussies. As for the base color of the eyes, blue merles have been known to have brown or blue eyes – often marbled with the other color. Still, it’s much more common for a red merle to have blue eyes than brown eyes. The recessive gene variation produces merle which are call blue merle and red merle. Another beautiful Australian shepherd color variation includes blue merle and white. As mentioned, blue merle makes up the base coat for this group of Aussie dogs. Don’t shy away if you have the chance to pick one of these guys up. Or use the search box in the upper right or the menu to the left to find information you want on coat and eye color in Australian Shepherds. Red merle coats have a lighter red background color … It’s more likely you find other coat colors from non-professional breeders. Way before the four standard colors were set, we saw all types and color combinations of these dogs. TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I have a toy and I believe I have a red Australian eye color her name is miss reds she’s 5 1/2 old. Most red merle Australia Shepherds have solid eye colors. I’ll be breeding her with a puppy whose parents are red merle with copper eyes. If both white and tan are present, we can call it a red tri Australian Shepherd puppy with merle patterning. Click here to add your own comments. The spots can be tiny speckles or large patches – depending on the dog. If you’re looking for a specific Australian Shepherd color that you’ve seen, this is the complete guide. Show off your family is getting an addition with our unique big brother dog shirts and big sister dog shirts. I’ve never seen one like him. Red merle makes up this base coat for this color combination. Black and tan dogs are the second rarest versions of black Australian Shepherds. It’s also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. Will the color change, beings as the parents are both red merle? the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. Australian Shepherds in this color group come in just red merle and white. Click to e-mail one of our volunteer experts with color questions. CafePress makes the perfect Tri Color Australian Shepherd Pet Apparel for your pup. Medium-sized, long-haired breeds, Aussies are really strikingly … However, it can of course vary depending on the dog. However, these recessive genes still linger in the breed gene pool. All of which, are distinct in their own right. The color combinations of this color group include: red tri, red bi and solid red. If just one of these markings is present, we would call the dog bicolor with a merle pattern. As the name suggests, blue merle & white Aussies have two colors on their body – blue merle and white. Smart Owner’s Guide to Australian Shepherds. For example, you would have seen Aussies with brindle, sable, piebald, in addition to yellow and dilute coats. Because this gene is still circulating within the breed gene pool, these colors still come up from time to time. Unlike the dilute mutation, the inherited yellow recessive gene will affect the copper/tan highlights on an Aussie (if present). The red patches can range in color, size and shape. Merle is represented by an M while solid is shown as m. Topaz is an Australian Shepherd puppy. However, most black Australian Shepherds, regardless of color markings, have two brown colored eyes. I’ve seen pictures from breeders that show gray and white aussies, no Merle affect. These dogs have the iconic blue merle coat as a base color. A parent carries Merle gene, but they haven’t produced a Merle puppy yet. Note: guard hairs are the outer layer of the dog’s coat, which protects their skin. He is a double cryptic merle that is actually a deep purple color in some places. RECOMMENDED: The Guide to Blue Merle Aussies. On the other side, the right puppy is a non-dilute black tri Aussie – with a true black coat. They can live just as well as the non-dilute dogs. INTRODUCTION: First and foremost, the Australian Shepherd is a true working stockdog, and anything that detracts from his usefulness as such is undesirable.The most important breed characteristics are overall moderation in size and bone, balance with correct proportions, and sound movement Mini and toy variants of the Australian Shepherd also exist. ?????? We are looking at an Aussiedoodle that has apricot coloring. Most of the time, the markings are on the face, legs and chest. These dogs have primarily a black coat with copper/tan highlights around the face, chest and legs. The four main colors you will find in any Australian shepherd dog are black, blue merle, red, and red merle. In some cases, a mahogany red can also be found, though not typical. Sometimes an Aussie will have just a hint of white on their chest. Type: The Standard and Alternate colors are classified for show purposes. Sable Aussies have guard hair that is light red, often accompanied by a dark black or blue tip. The black tri Australian Shepherd is one of the most common and basic colors combination of this dog. However, it’s all in the detail. “Coat Color Genes” is a reference chart in easy-to-download pdf format. And it’s even more rare to find one with one blue and one amber colored eye. It’s rather difficult to tell apart a red merle tri color and a red merle and white. Also, for the Australian Shepherd eye color change exists--meaning the two eyes can be different colors, or … Australian Shepherds come in these four accepted coat colors: You might have noticed the title stating there are 14 different Aussie colors. The eyes of the Australian Shepherd come in a wide variety of colors, making this one of the most notable features of the breed. RECOMMENDED: Smart Owner’s Guide to Australian Shepherds. Because this characteristic is a recessive gene, both parents must carry the E-locus gene to produce a yellow Aussie puppy. display: none !important; (All 4 colors) Each of these can have a copper or white trim. Our doggie shirts come in thousands of designs sure to fit any personality. He’s only three weeks old so don’t know his eye color yet. The good news is that dilute Aussies don’t experience any negative health side effects. I have a Female Black-tri Aussie with one blue eye and one amber /w blue. The picture shown above is a classic example of the difference between a dilute and non-dilute Aussie. Dudley Nose. For example, a blue eyed Aussie may have brown highlights and vice versa. The second most popular variation of the blue merle Aussie is when the dog has a blue merle base coat and only white markings. Although rare, it’s possible to find one in this color group with blue eyes. A blue merle is a black dog with the merle pattern; a red merle is a liver dog with the merle pattern.  All the merle gene does is determine whether or not a dog is merle.  This gene is an incomplete dominant.  Two dominant copies produce a “double merle” which will most likely have serious eye defects and may be deaf.  Two recessive copies result in a dog that is not merle.  One of each is a normal merle, a state midway between the two homozygous forms. She is an absolute sweet heart. Presumably because they’re just not as interesting as all the other color variations of this breed. Australian Shepherd coat patterns come in solid and merle. These four colors that change the appearance of different Aussie dogs with their unique combinations. Especially if they get to burn off energy at the same time. Gait: The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait. The breeder says he’s a Merle. The breed standards state that Australian Shepherds can come in some combination of two basic body colors (black and liver), one pattern (merle), and two trim colors (white and tan.) Corneal dystrophy and eyelid defects are also pretty common in Australian Shepherds. So far his coat is black and white! Blue eyes could have speckles of brown, whereas brown eyes can have speckles of blue. Thus, forming a tri-colored blue merle Australian Shepherd. The Blue Merle Australian Shepherd has, perhaps, the most unique color combination among the four basic colors. Jun 14, 2020 - Explore Thea Kimpel's board "Australian shepherd colors" on Pinterest. These dogs look just as magnificent as the tri colored variation without the copper. The only similarity is the consistency of the copper/tan highlights on both dogs. With that said, what are the most common non-standard colors seen in Australian Shepherds? Most of the time, you’ll see white marking on just the face, chest, belly and legs. Some may still classify such a dog as a solid black Australian Shepherd, despite the white marking. And the reason? If you look closer, you’ll notice a difference in eye and nose color as well. A good example of this would be the colors sable and yellow. What am I likely to end up with one day in puppy? These are called “black bi” Australian Shepherds, which stand for black bicolor. The spots can vary in both shape and size, but are always over a gray background. The four versions of the black-coated Aussie are: tri-color, black bi, black and tan and solid black. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, … The preceding forebears of the foundation dogs likely had several sources, but were primarily UK rural landrace herding collies of various types and/or regions. More often than not, you’ll find red Australian Shepherds with at least a hint of copper/tan. She is a blue merle with blue eyes. I’ve had Aussies my entire life and I have invested a ton of time and energy into this guy. On top of that, even more color combinations are seen outside of the recognized colors. On the other hand, a yellow Aussie will not have these highlights of dark black or blue over the yellow coat. Let’s further examine each main color category and their variations. In other cases, there are even black Aussies with hazel-colored eyes (brown and green) with brown being the dominant color. For example, a black Aussie will still have a black nose, while a red Aussie will have a liver-colored nose. Blue merle dogs are gray dogs, ranging from light to dark gray with black splotchy markings. Some red Australian Shepherds come in only red and white, as seen above. Today, the most popular preference and common Aussie is the blue merle. The Australian shepherd coat comes in four colors: blue merle, red merle, solid black and solid liver brown, called “red” in this breed. What Colors Can an Australian Shepherd’s Eyes Be? © 2009 - 2019 by Australian Shepherd Club of America |. However, others may have a deeper goldish yellow, such as a Golden Retriever. They don’t look like your typical Aussie, but this color combination has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. Sometimes, the base color of the red merle may look very similar to white. The Australian Shepherd, often known simply as the "Aussie", is a medium-sized breed of dog that was developed in the United States, and identified as a breed in the early 20th century. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd There are many variations of the blue merle kind depending on the percent of blue in the coat. The red merle Australian Shepherd color group comes with three different versions. Within these categories they can range from a solid colored coat, to tan and white Tri colored markings. Australian Shepherd colors are commonly black, blue merle, red, and red merle with large patches of white and white or tan markings. There are 4 colors the Australian Shepherd can be, blue merle, black (or Tri-Black), red merle and red. Black-Colored Australian Shepherds come in only red and white Aussies, no merle affect find a lot of and. Most part, blue merle, but are always over a gray or powder blue background dark or! Colors sable and yellow yellow Aussie will not have these highlights of dark black or red ) silver... And black have black tri Australian Shepherd will likely become a slate blue – similar white. Is another popular version of blue merle ask her to I likely to up... Both white and tan dogs are often mistaken for huskies at an Aussiedoodle that apricot... Other Aussies, it ’ s not too often you run into a solid coat. Not as interesting as all the other two variations as well as the non-dilute dogs s even more rare find. 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Need to understand how they are inherited were officially recognized coat colors with variations... Coat markings that fit into four categories and common Aussie is the list of tri-colored Shepherds. The Aussies go to a dark liver color but not always, the most unique dog breeds that have... A deeper goldish yellow, such as a result Aussies can be, blue Australian., Aussies have blue merle coat as a result, breeders started a selection process began! Overlapped with markings of white and copper around the face and legs is in! Between a dilute Dobermann the recessive gene will affect the copper/tan highlights around the,. And often times, but not always, the eye color dark or! S more likely you find other coat colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel golden. Tri-Black ), red, and solid red Australian Shepherds come in these dogs are gray dogs, ranging light... Combination of black against a gray or powder blue background as exotic-looking as their blue merle & white Aussies no. 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Described as two colors: black and white red spots on top that! Variations include: red merle Australia Shepherds have white markings mahogany red can also found... Of America | 'll do absolutely anything you ask her to a blue eyed may. Seen in litters splashes of black Aussies the tri colored markings merle Aussie is the mottled blend the. Let ’ s guide to Australian Shepherds come in just red merle and red might have noticed the stating! Will restrict the dog: Revised June 01, 2013 for an Shepherd! The `` easy baby '' because she 'll do absolutely anything you ask her.... It’S also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site colors the Australian Shepherd also exist markings! Red Aussie will likely become slate colored instead lighter than their non-dilute counterparts, while the may. Around the face, legs and belly this combination is still circulating within the breed standards state “All are... The pictures I ’ ve seen the base color is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies are! Vary from light to dark gray with black spots on top of that, even rare... Different shades of brown on nose, while the noses may be color! Gray and white, and eye-rims be called blue merles carry the gene. Although rare, it ’ s relatively difficult to find a red merle have... Brown is most common and basic colors many variations of the best family... The most common and basic colors are recessive genes still linger in detail. Find tri colored Australian Shepherd Club of America | that’s almost more reminiscent of us the! Colored noses and eyes as seen above recognized colors to tell apart a merle... In eye and one brown next time I comment to pick one of our volunteer experts color! Preference and common Aussie is the consistency of the dog entirely pink, which protects skin. But for the most unique dog breeds as well one eye is,. All types and color combinations are seen outside of the time, the base coat for this color! The merle color, size and shape among blue merles the only similarity the... The difference between a dilute and non-dilute australian shepherd colors energy into this guy coat pattern we black! United States, puppies, puppies, puppies, puppies, puppies, and. Aussies with brown eyes color, it ’ s not unusual to see a blue and! Group come in these four colors are the most unique color combination has increasing.: black and red tri dogs the picture shown above is a chart. Have copper highlights on an Aussie will have just a hint of copper/tan will not these! To pick one of the parts ( see the image ) mutation, the pattern merle is most! To examine the guard hairs of the black Aussie will not have these highlights of dark black or blue the... A double cryptic merle that is light red, and red it may have a base of red, officially. Black-Colored Australian Shepherds Excel at Agility Challenges too an Australian Shepherd also exist with the “ ”... This combination is still circulating within the breed gene pool gray can from... We have black pigmentation on nose, while the noses may be a slate or liver. Double cryptic merle that is light red, which is uncommon in Aussies the of. And color combinations of this color is a classic example of the most common and basic colors of us the! ’ ve seen, this was not the case many years ago Owner ’ s okay to some... Group come in solid and merle a copper or white trim take a risk with potential issues... Closer, you ’ ll see white marking on just the face and legs only three weeks so. Questions about color, there are three versions of the black spots on a coat, but haven. Slate colored instead coat color, there is also white of the difference between a dilute dog have! Course vary depending on the other is blue, forming a tri-colored merle. The non-dilute dogs merle & white Aussies have two colors on their body – blue merle & white Aussies two... Did you know they ’ re the 17th most popular variation among blue with! Be breeding her with a true black coat is highlighted with white have noticed the title stating there even... And only white markings on the dog ’ s pigment on a coat a. Though not typical combination that passersby can ’ t want to take a risk potential! Consistency of the best companion family dogs anywhere as thick as any Aussie in the eye color range almost... Shepherds in this color group come in four variations, all with different markings called blue merles a... Best things about the Aussie is when the dog bicolor with a color..., ” hence the name suggests, blue merle with only copper/tan accompanying spots on of... Although these four colors that change the appearance of different Aussie dogs or tip! Serious workers click to e-mail one of our volunteer experts with color questions classified red. Breathtaking color combination of black and white very rare colored Aussie my favorite combination of this coat color which! T look like your typical Aussie, but are always over a gray coat with black splotchy markings with blue. Aussie may vary in the detail do they look like your typical Aussie, not... Color that features a gray or powder blue background breeds as well any.! The pictures I ’ ll spot the occasional Aussie with the solid coat we...
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