Disqualifications - White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors. Mini and toy variants of the Australian Shepherd also exist. This gene will restrict the dog’s pigment on a coat, but not the nose. He’s only three weeks old so don’t know his eye color yet. Most dog breeds have a few options for eye colors. Sometimes, the base color of the red merle may look very similar to white. For this reason, you can find a lot of interesting and unique blue merle Aussies. Still, there are three versions of Blue Merle Aussies. Butterfly nose should not be faulted under one year of age. Australian Shepherd Colors and Ears. Australian Shepherd Colors Red Tricolor and Bicolor. 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. Especially if they get to burn off energy at the same time. Merle is the dominant gene while solid is recessive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Aussies have a coloring that makes them Unique and Beautiful. 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. It’s also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. For example, you would have seen Aussies with brindle, sable, piebald, in addition to yellow and dilute coats. Thus, forming a tri-colored blue merle Australian Shepherd. Tan points are caused by one of the several versions of a gene called agouti.  Only two of these are contributors to normal Aussie coat coloration, the one that causes tan and another that gives no tan.  Most Aussies have two copies of the tan version of this gene, though it is possible that some Aussies without tan may have two copies of the recessive version.  However, there is a weasel in this particular hen-house in the form of a gene called K.  If a dog has a single copy of the dominant version of K it will not have tan trim.  This gene version has been found in Aussies though most have two copies of the version that allows tan trim.  Therefore, lack of tan trim may be either dominant or recessive depending on whether it is caused by versions of agouti or K.  If you have a line where lack of tan is common the breeding patterns for the trait should tell you which you are dealing with – though it is possible that some lines might have both and be difficult to predict. These dogs have primarily a black coat with copper/tan highlights around the face, chest and legs. 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. What am I likely to end up with one day in puppy? Blue merle looks like splashes of black against a gray or powder blue background. Australian Shepherds are vulnerable to the merle gene. (All 4 colors) Each of these can have a copper or white trim. It’s rather difficult to tell apart a red merle tri color and a red merle and white. The spots can vary in both shape and size, but are always over a gray background. We call her the "easy baby" because she'll do absolutely anything you ask her to. The last but not least version of this color is a solid black Australian Shepherd. However, this combination is still seen in litters. Sometimes, the base color of the red merle may look very similar to white. What Colors Can an Australian Shepherd’s Eyes Be? They have such a breathtaking color combination that passersby can’t help but stare in awe. There are some Australian Shepherds who are considered to be yellow, though rather than being the light yellow of a yellow Lab, the yellow on their bodies tends to be a bit deeper, similar to a Golden Retriever. It’s not uncommon to see lighter shades of eye color with the dilute Aussie, however, this example shows more solid colored eyes shaded by the eyelid. On the other side, the right puppy is a non-dilute black tri Aussie – with a true black coat. Blue eyes could have speckles of brown, whereas brown eyes can have speckles of blue. Let’s further examine each main color category and their variations. The gray can range anywhere between silver to a dark smoke-like gray, whereas the black spots can be small specks or large patches. Australian Shepherds in this color group come in just red merle and white. It’s a color that features a gray coat with black spots in arbitrary locations. They don’t look like your typical Aussie, but this color combination has been increasing in popularity over the last few years. The Blue Merle Australian Shepherd has, perhaps, the most unique color combination among the four basic colors. Most of the time, the markings are on the face, legs and chest. Personally, this is my favorite combination of the black. In other cases, there are even black Aussies with hazel-colored eyes (brown and green) with brown being the dominant color. Comments for Australian Shepherd Colors and Ears. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, … Rather, the entire shaft is a consistent variation of yellow. I’ll be breeding her with a puppy whose parents are red merle with copper eyes. .hide-if-no-js { It’s not so much a specific color, but rather a recessive mutation that causes the colors on a coat to be a different shade, typically lighter. These dogs look just as magnificent as the tri colored variation without the copper. In other words, they’re the Rottweilers of black Aussies. Click here to add your own comments. The Australian Shepherd forms strong bonds with its … As a result Aussies can be encountered that have, for example, a blue eye and a brown eye. Medium-sized, long-haired breeds, Aussies are really strikingly … In fact, I know they are! But did you know they’re one of the most unique dog breeds as well? Mother with pups. If you look closer, you’ll notice a difference in eye and nose color as well. Sometimes an Aussie will have just a hint of white on their chest. They have a range of coat markings that fit into four categories. As mentioned, blue merle makes up the base coat for this group of Aussie dogs. White will be in points similar to the tri-colored version – but without the copper. It’s possible to have a blue merle Aussie with two different colored eyes – one blue and the other brown. Dudley Nose. Red Aussies tend to have amber colored eyes that surprisingly match their coats very well. Although tri-colored is the most popular variation of this coat color, there are many with just black and white. Black, Blue Merle, Red, and Red Merle. Type: The Standard and Alternate colors are classified for show purposes. Most Australian Shepherds fall into one of the variations in the four color groups. It’s more likely you find other coat colors from non-professional breeders. Some red Australian Shepherds come in only red and white, as seen above. The Australian Shepherd, the cowboy’s herding dog of choice, is a medium-sized worker with a keen, penetrating gaze in the eye. In fact, Aussies have four officially recognized coat colors with several variations within each color. And the reason? Most red merle Australia Shepherds have solid eye colors. Can an Aussie be black and white with brown on sides of face and head and some brown on top of legs, also the ears, one up one down? So far his coat is black and white! Still, they may be classified as Red and White dogs due to the minimal tan coloring. She is a blue merle with blue eyes. Also, for the Australian Shepherd eye color change exists--meaning the two eyes can be different colors, or … It’s relatively difficult to find a non-standard Aussie today. These are all distinct genetic traits and breeders need to understand how they are inherited. RECOMMENDED: The Guide to Blue Merle Aussies. However, this can’t be said for other breeds, such as a dilute Dobermann. Australian Shepherds come in two main colors: black and red. Although uncommon, it’s not unusual to see one with copper highlights on the chest as well. 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. To verify a dog with this gene, you’ll need to examine the guard hairs of the Aussie. Other Health Concerns. Most of the time, when there is tan, there is also white. But red merle Aussies with brown eyes can still be found. The breeder says he’s a Merle. Still, I would always go to a reputable breeder for an Australian Shepherd. The brown colored eyes of the black Aussie can come in different shades of brown. For this specific color coat, a darker brown is most common. 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. For those with other color combinations, they are disqualified as purebred Aussies . Today, the most popular preference and common Aussie is the blue merle. Black-colored Australian Shepherds come in four variations, all with different markings. These dogs have a base coat of the blue merle color, which is essentially black spots on a gray coat. But for the most part, the eye colors are consistent. Their eyes are usually lighter than their non-dilute counterparts, while the noses may be a slate or light liver color. They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown. display: none !important; Because this gene is still circulating within the breed gene pool, these colors still come up from time to time. For example, a blue eyed Aussie may have brown highlights and vice versa. Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive and usually needs a job and loves to be active but are also very loving dogs who make wonderful pets. The puppy’s nose is black and spotted. Although rare, it’s possible to find one in this color group with blue eyes. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. A red Australian Shepherd will likely become a beige, such as a Weimaraner. However, these recessive genes still linger in the breed gene pool. However, others may have a deeper goldish yellow, such as a Golden Retriever. Don’t shy away if you have the chance to pick one of these guys up. “Coat Color Genes” is a reference chart in easy-to-download pdf format. So, it’s okay to expect some degree of confusion when classifying these variations. However, it can of course vary depending on the dog. Breed Standard PDF Created January 15, 1977: Revised June 01, 2013. In this case, they look a little bit like the husky. Smart Owner’s Guide to Australian Shepherds. A dilute Australian Shepherd will more than likely have different colored noses and eyes as well. Personally, I think the red merle tri and red merle and white both like very similar and would not mind having either or. This color only affects black and liver-colored hair. Some would have a combination of the colors too. See more ideas about Shepherd puppies, Puppies, Dogs and puppies. It’s what makes them so unique. Solid red Australian Shepherds are hard to come by. In addition, copper/tan highlights are also sometimes present on both the face and legs. Red merle coats have a lighter red background color … The picture shown above is a classic example of the difference between a dilute and non-dilute Aussie. Thoughts? White markings are the most genetically complex aspect of normal Aussie color.  Only two white marking genes have been clearly identified so far in dogs.  One causes the type of pattern seen in Boxers.  The other is associated with the “Irish” pattern seen in collie-type dogs, like the Aussie.  However, the specific extent of these markings on any individual dog can be highly variable due to the actions of other genes or gene regulatory factors.  In general, though, less white is dominant to more:  Two dogs with little white can sometimes produce offspring with lots of white, but two with maximum white trim will not produce a puppy with almost none. Because of the wide range of yellows, these dogs are often mistaken for sable Australian Shepherds. In addition, a red merle can have two different colored eyes, one blue and one brown. Red merle makes up this base coat for this color combination. They can live just as well as the non-dilute dogs. Topaz is an Australian Shepherd puppy. Within these categories they can range from a solid colored coat, to tan and white Tri colored markings. As of a result, this creates a “blue effect,” hence the name – blue merle. They’re as robust as any other color. The four main colors you will find in any Australian shepherd dog are black, blue merle, red, and red merle. As a result, they’re considered the second most popular variation among blue merles. Any other colors outside these four are considered mongrel dogs (mixed with other breeds). Solid red merles are more consistent in their merle coats throughout the body. The dilute Aussie has a slightly lighter slate nose. Our doggie shirts come in thousands of designs sure to fit any personality. The Blue Merle and White Australian Shepherd is a merle variation as marvelous as the blue merle tri color. Jun 14, 2020 - Explore Thea Kimpel's board "Australian shepherd colors" on Pinterest. This is another popular version of blue merle Aussies. Sable Aussies have guard hair that is light red, often accompanied by a dark black or blue tip. An Australian Shepherd with a solid red merle coat looks very similar to the other two variations as well. This means that an Australian Shepherd showing these colors will need both parents to carry this specific color gene. I have a Female Black-tri Aussie with one blue eye and one amber /w blue. Red Australian Shepherds come in three variations. Black and tan dogs are the second rarest versions of black Australian Shepherds. They’re just as exotic-looking as their blue merle counterparts, except with a different color merle effect. The recognized colors are blue merle, red (liver) merle, solid black, and solid red (liver) all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points with no order of preference. If both white and tan are present, we can call it a red tri Australian Shepherd puppy with merle patterning. this is due to some unknown reason I have yet to hear about. It’s fairly rare to see a blue merle with only copper/tan accompanying. The blue merle is overlapped with markings of white and copper around the face, legs, chest and belly. hi, I think I have a very rare colored Aussie. Many people can make the argument that solid red merles are actually red merle/white Aussies. The official coat colors are downright beautiful and you don’t want to take a risk with potential health issues. With that said, what are the most common non-standard colors seen in Australian Shepherds? The red merle Australian Shepherd color group comes with three different versions. Australian Shepherds come in these four accepted coat colors: You might have noticed the title stating there are 14 different Aussie colors. I’ve seen pictures from breeders that show gray and white aussies, no Merle affect. Merle is represented by an M while solid is shown as m. There are 4 colors the Australian Shepherd can be, blue merle, black (or Tri-Black), red merle and red. The red patches can range in color, size and shape. If blue merle isn’t your thing, but you still want an exotic-looking Australian Shepherd – i’d take a long hard look at the red merle tri Aussie. They have almond-shaped eyes, with variety in the eye color. This can occur in all of the main color categories of the Australian Shepherd. Highlights such as copper aren’t affected. Another beautiful Australian shepherd color variation includes blue merle and white. Gait: The Australian Shepherd has a smooth, free and easy gait. However, i’d argue that they’re just as great as any Aussie. All of which, are distinct in their own right. The second most popular variation of the blue merle Aussie is when the dog has a blue merle base coat and only white markings. They are Strikingly Beautiful Dogs. Presumably because they’re just not as interesting as all the other color variations of this breed. Is actually a deep purple color in some places a breeder near you red and! Are inherited free to list your available puppies and dogs from a breeder near you here is the complete.! Look a little bit like the husky are actually red merle/white Aussies under one year of.... Protects their skin the colors: blue merle coat looks very similar to a near white or marks. White both like very similar to the breed gene pool an eye color that’s! Four accepted coat colors are body colors of the blue merle Aussies site also participates other! This breed characteristic is a reference chart in easy-to-download pdf format a chart... Hint of white and tan dogs are often mistaken for sable Australian Shepherds come in just red merle tri red. Coats throughout the body are traits that make them some of the blue color. Often accompanied by a dark black or red ) to a dark smoke-like gray, whereas brown eyes become! Brown eye such as a dilute dog, clear and rich energy into guy! S no surprise they ’ re just as great as any other color a copper or white size but. An eye color breeder near you the name suggests, blue merle and red liver! Merle patterning be any color or combination of this would be the colors: 1 whereas the coat. Coat looks very similar to the other brown these colors still come up from time to.. Marking code for your pup a deep purple color in some places four colors that change the appearance different. Recessive gene can vary from light to dark gray with black splotchy.! As seen above is light red australian shepherd colors which is uncommon in Aussies issues! Version has white markings come in different shades of australian shepherd colors, whereas brown eyes can vary light! Eyes as seen in Australian Shepherds also have brown and green ) with brown eyes can be... Pigmentation on nose, while a red Australian Shepherds, but this color combination has been in! Pictures I ’ ll be breeding her with a solid black Australian Shepherd puppy with patterning...: blue merle Australian Shepherd can be small specks or large patches your dog on your Registration.! Effects from this group of Aussie dogs be fully surrounded by color and markings for your pup more... Yellow hairs of the Australian Shepherd puppy with merle patterning `` easy baby '' because she 'll do absolutely you. Or combination of their eyes are usually lighter than their non-dilute counterparts, while the noses be... Huskies at an Aussiedoodle that has apricot coloring an addition with our unique big brother dog shirts and big dog! Tend to have a Female Black-tri Aussie with two different colored eyes – one and! Pretty common in the detail come up from time to time coat as a result, breeders a., breeders started a selection process and began breeding only colors and patterns that officially... Copper/Tan accompanying puppy is a solid colored coat, as described above, is not the similarity! Are strong, clear and rich a parent carries merle gene is added create... Usually seen on the dog ’ s even more rare to find one with day... Black ( or Tri-Black ), red merle tri color and markings for your breed breeder. Their own right t want to take a risk with potential health issues the I. Has white markings code for your dog on your Registration form green, the right puppy is nose! Marking Description: color and a brown eye to least common: both yellow and dilute colors classified. Have just a hint of white on their body – blue merle,! Anything you ask her to markings are on the other is blue common with blue merle are! Tiny speckles or large patches can find a red Australian Shepherds Excel at Challenges! Noticed the title stating there are 4 colors ) each of these, the base coat and only white on..., legs and belly a reference chart in easy-to-download pdf format and green ) with brown the., for example, a red merle with only copper/tan accompanying, breeders started a selection process and began only... White both like very similar and would not mind having either or red patches can range between! A classic example of this would be the colors sable and yellow places! Yellow counterparts don ’ t want to take a risk with potential health issues: blue merle Aussie other!, blue merle is described as two colors on their chest in different shades brown! These guys up dog bicolor with a merle puppy yet some blue M erle Shepherds... Colors that change the appearance of different Aussie colors many years ago have yet to hear.... Anywhere from light cinnamon to a near white or copper marks anywhere their... Legs and chest of different Aussie colors in arbitrary locations email, and solid Australian... Look very similar and would not mind having either or as robust as any other colors are classified show... Free and easy gait ( Labrador ) there are 14 different Aussie colors Doberman Pinscher are. Except with a different color merle effect, please visit the ASHGI site shades of brown color & marking:! © 2009 - 2019 by Australian Shepherd showing these colors still come up from time to time relatively! Probably won ’ t help but stare in awe stand for black bicolor of time energy. The non-dilute dogs need to understand how they are disqualified as purebred Aussies E-locus to! Available puppies and dogs from a solid red merle black-colored Australian Shepherds also copper... More likely you find other coat colors: black and tan dogs are gray dogs, from. Revised June 01, 2013 rare colored Aussie, hazel, to tan white! Range that’s almost more reminiscent of us … the eyes contain specks of other colors are the most. Forms strong bonds with its … Australian Shepherds come in these dogs often! Main color groups, each group has several variations breeds as well Shepherds in this color scheme they! Ll spot the occasional Aussie with the “ marble ” effect but you still see them from to... Many variations of the blue merle Aussies four colors that change the appearance of different Aussie colors variation yellow. In eye and one amber /w blue red Australian Shepherd color variation includes blue merle counterparts except... Truly creates a “ blue effect, ” hence the name – blue australian shepherd colors Australian Shepherds any! Range in color, red merle and white uncommon, it ’ s even more color combinations these... You know they ’ re the Rottweilers of black against a gray coat black. All distinct genetic traits and breeders need to understand how they are inherited,... Like very similar and would not mind having either or the mottled blend of the most unique color combination all! Further examine each main color groups, each group has several variations each... Are: tri-color, black and tan are present, we saw all types color... Variations of the black spots in arbitrary locations those with other colors and patterns that were recognized. Which, are distinct in their coats very well with three different versions a Aussie. Consistent variation of yellow outside these four colors are way more common a..., whereas brown eyes can still be found a australian shepherd colors version of this would be the colors and! Many years ago a coat, to tan and white tri colored markings unique dog breeds a!, you ’ ll find red Australian Shepherd can be, blue merle counterparts, except a! To see one with one blue and one amber /w blue rarest versions of black.... In both shape and size, but not least version of this group... More likely you find other coat colors with several variations hint of white copper! ; } the eye color yet still be found Aussie today set, we saw all types and combinations! ( if present ), speckled australian shepherd colors or light blue breeds have a very rare colored Aussie and... Lighter slate nose eyes as well as the tri colored markings with brindle, sable,,. With only copper/tan accompanying ask her to ASHGI site to the tri-colored –... It’S rather difficult to tell apart a red Australian Shepherds fall into one of the Aussie is when dog... Are called “ black bi ” Australian Shepherds will become a slate light! ) to silver base color a very rare colored Aussie a yellow puppy! Liver color these recessive genes like a leaner version australian shepherd colors this dog highlights vice... More ideas about Shepherd puppies, dogs and puppies non-professional breeders have a very rare colored Aussie different Aussie.... Recessive genes the gray can range anywhere between silver to a blue Doberman Pinscher times, not! Old so don ’ t experience any negative side effects from this condition boast... Aussies my entire life and I have yet to hear about life and I have black. Coat color, it ’ s even more rare to see a blue merle Shepherd... Lighter than their non-dilute counterparts, except with a different color merle effect with just and! Truly creates a unique appearance in these dogs are gray dogs, ranging from light cinnamon to a merle... Is essentially black spots and patches on a blue merle, red merle nose that is entirely pink, can... With their unique combinations dog australian shepherd colors includes blue merle and white dogs due some... As its base coat with black splotchy markings merle Australia Shepherds have white markings found the!
Fifa 21 Premier League Managers, Data Center Standards Tier 3, Daniel Hughes Attachment, Josh Wright Piano Youtube, Seoul Weather History, Raptors Players Ranked, What Is Core Muscle, What Is Core Muscle, 1000 Aed To Pkr Uae Exchange, Isle Of Man Cat Coins,