Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Before introducing a new furry friend, ensure it suits your family and lifestyle. Reflect on the commitments of adopting a blue merle Australian Shepherd and be prepared for what lies ahead.
Contemplating a new dog? If you have room and experience, think about a blue merle Australian Shepherd from a reputable breeder to sidestep health issues—these dogs make wonderful companions.
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is a special breed of dog with a beautiful coat that can be black, blue merle, red, or red merle. They originally came from the Australian Outback but had strong connections to the American West. Cowboys and shepherds used them to help with cattle herding.
These dogs are smart and loyal, making them great friends and workers. They are used by police officers, in search and rescue missions, and even as therapy dogs. They are also seen in movies doing cool tricks because of their striking looks.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes them as a purebred breed, even though their name suggests they are from Australia. They are descendants of dogs from Europe called Basques. In places like Britain, Australia, and California, people love Australian Shepherds for their kindness and loyalty.
Their coat comes in different colours, and the blue merle is unique and sought after. These dogs have made a name for themselves worldwide thanks to their hard work, intelligence, and good nature.
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Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Colors
There are four basic colours available for Australian Shepherds, but any of these can be combined in various ways to create new looks.
1.     Australian Shepherd Bi-Colour
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The Australian Shepherd, often affectionately referred to as the Aussie, is a breed recognized for its versatility, intelligence, and striking coat colours. One notable variation is the Black and bi-colour Australian Shepherd.
These dogs can have two distinct colour patterns: Black on their head, back, legs, and tail, with tan points on the cheeks, chest, and paws. Their coat colours may vary, but the combination of black and tan creates a visually appealing contrast that captures attention everywhere they go.
The eyes of the Australian Shepherd, whether brown or blue, add depth and character to their face. This breed is also known for black spots, which can appear on their coat, particularly on their throat. “Black & Bi-Color” aptly describes this unique and eye-catching pattern that sets Australian Shepherds apart.
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Size: These dogs are medium-sized, with males typically standing between 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm) at the shoulder, and females slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the lifespan of bi-colored Australian Shepherds typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.
2.     Black Australian Shepherd
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The Black Australian Shepherd is a striking and unique breed known for its captivating coat colour. These dogs are often referred to as Aussies and are recognized for their stunning black colour, which can vary in shades and may include distinctive markings.
Their eyes, typically brown or blue, further accentuate their beauty, creating a picture-perfect appearance. This breed has a strong connection to ranches and is commonly seen on sidewalks, drawing attention with their black coat and occasional white spots.
The black colouration in Australian Shepherds is determined by specific genes, resulting in the remarkable appearance that makes them stand out among other breeds.
Size: Like other Australian Shepherds, black individuals are medium-sized dogs. Males usually stand between 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm) at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller, ranging from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).
Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the lifespan of black Australian Shepherds typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.
3.     Australian Shepherd Solid Red
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The Australian Shepherd, often referred to as the Aussie, is a breed known for its versatility and striking coat colours, and one such variation is the Solid Red Australian Shepherd. These Aussies stand out with their uncoloured red coats, ranging from shades like Cinnamon and Red.
The beauty of Red Australian Shepherds is a cause for celebration among enthusiasts, and this unique shade results from a specific gene responsible for their solid colouration.
This breed’s red gene overrides the typical grey, liver, and other shades, making them stand out among Australian Shepherds. These solid red beauties light up the world of dog enthusiasts with their captivating colours.
Size: Similar to other Australian Shepherds, those with a solid red coat are medium-sized dogs. Males generally stand between 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm) at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller, ranging from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).
Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the lifespan of solid red Australian Shepherds typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.
4.  Black Tri Australian Shepherd
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The black tri Australian shepherd is a captivating and unique breed known for its distinct coat colours. This Australian Shepherd variety features three prominent colours in its coat: black, brown, and white.
Their black coat highlights their legs, muzzle, and markings, creating a striking contrast with the brown on their cheeks, chest, and paws. Their eyes, whether brown or blue, add depth and character to their face, enhancing their overall appearance.
This breed is known for the captivating tri-colour combination that sets them apart from the standard Australian Shepherd. Tricolor Black Australian Shepherds are a visually appealing and distinctive breed appreciated for their unique and striking colouration.
Size: black tri Australian shepherd are medium-sized dogs, with males typically standing between 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm) at the shoulder, and females slightly smaller, ranging from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).
Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the lifespan of tricolor black Australian Shepherds typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.
5.     Australian Shepherd, Red and White Mix
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The Australian Shepherd, commonly known as the Aussie, exhibits a captivating variety known as the Red and White Mix. These Australian Shepherds sport a unique coat colour combination, where red and white come together in a visually appealing way.
In addition to their predominantly white coat, they often have tan markings on their faces, chests, legs, and necks. This bicolour pattern creates an eye-catching contrast that distinguishes them from other Australian Shepherd varieties.
The red and white mix is a charming feature that adds a touch of uniqueness to these beautiful dogs, making them stand out in their special way among Australian Shepherds.
Size: Like other Australian Shepherds, those with a red and white mix are medium-sized dogs. Males typically stand between 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58 cm) at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller, ranging from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).
Lifespan: With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, the lifespan of Australian Shepherds with a red and white mix typically ranges from 12 to 15 years.
6.     Australian Shepherd Blue Merle
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The Australian Shepherd Blue Merle, often called the Aussie, is a breed celebrated for its captivating and unique coat colouration. Blue Merle Aussies stand out with their striking shades of grey, charcoal, and silver, combining in a mesmerizing and distinctive pattern.
This distinct pattern is created by the Merle gene, resulting in the iconic patches and spots of grey, adding depth and character to their coat. The blue merle coat of Australian Shepherds is a remarkable sight, drawing attention from dog enthusiasts worldwide.
The way the shades and patches blend creates a picturesque look that truly sets Blue Merle Australian Shepherds apart in the dog world.
7.     Australian Shepherd Blue Merle Bicolor
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The Australian Shepherd Blue Merle Bicolor, often known as the Aussie, presents a striking appearance that’s truly distinctive. This variety of Australian shepherds features a base colour with shades of blue merle and a considerable amount of white and tan. Their appearance showcases a beautiful contrast between the blue merle colouring and the white patches.
These dogs have white on their chest, forelegs, and midsection, making them stand out among other Aussies. Additionally, the tan points on their eyebrows, beards, and ends of their tail add a special distinction to their look.
The Merle bi Australian Shepherd is known for its captivating and unique appearance, making it a favourite among dog enthusiasts and a source of admiration for people worldwide.
8.     Red Tricolor Australian Dog
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The Red Tricolor Australian Dog, often called the Aussie, is a stunning breed known for its striking coat colours. These Aussies come in a unique tricolour pattern, where three main colours beautifully complement each other.
Their coat features red as the dominant colour, often with white and tan markings. These tricolours exhibit their unique beauty in various ways, from their eye-catching facial markings and distinctive coats to their striking legs, paws, and points.
Their eyes, whether they have heterochromia or not, add to the charm, as their eye colour highlights their individuality. Red Tricolor Australian Dogs are a captivating variety among Aussies, showcasing the perfect blend of red, white, and tan that makes them stand out among their fellow Australians.
9.  Red Tri Australian Shepherd
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The red tri Australian shepherd, known for its distinctive coat colouring, is a breed that has captured the hearts of Australians and dog enthusiasts alike. These Merle dogs stand out with their striking tricolour pattern, which combines red, white, and the classic Merle gene information, creating a visually captivating appearance.
The coat colouring showcases the beautiful contrast of these three colours, making their eyes, ears, legs, and faces truly remarkable. Breeders of this variety pay special attention to the presence of the merle gene, which plays a crucial role in the pigments of the coat.
The breed’s foundation hinges on this unique genetic variation, and the puppies born from a tricolour litter are a testament to the possibility of the Merle gene’s influence. Though merle dogs are known for their beauty, there are important considerations, such as hearing and vision, that breeders and owners must consider.
Red tri Australian shepherd are a variety that requires attention and care, from trimming tips to the health of their skin and hearing. They are not just dogs; they are a symbol of passion and commitment among breeders and enthusiasts.
10. Red Merle Australian Shepherd
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The Red Merle Australian Shepherd, often lovingly called the Aussie, has a rich history. Their ancestors were originally bred for herding sheep in the Australian outback.
These dogs are known for their unique coat colours, particularly the red merle combination that gives them a distinctive appearance. Their coat can vary with marbling and patches in shades of red, brown, and white, creating a sandstone effect that adds character to their body.
Their eyes, whether brown or blue, often have flecks of colour and a marbling pattern within the irises, enhancing their gaze. The red merle pattern results from a specific gene, making them truly special in the world of dogs.
Red Merle Australian Shepherds are a testament to the beauty of nature’s colour combinations, showcasing the heritage of herding sheep in the Australian outback.
11. Tricolored Blue Merle Australian Shepherd
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The Tricolored Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, often called the Aussie, is a captivating breed known for its unique coat colours and patterns. This variety of Australian shepherds showcases a 50/50 mixture of blue merle and white, making their appearance unique.
The marbling pattern of blue merle adds a distinct and eye-catching quality to their coat. The tricolour pattern also includes touches of tan on their cheeks, ears, legs, and ruffs, creating a striking contrast. The eyes of these Aussies, whether brown or blue, stand out, adding depth and character to their faces.
This breed’s ability to cast a chance in various dog competitions and rodeos is remarkable, as they often take centre stage in kennel club shows and rodeo events. Tricoloured Blue Merle Australian Shepherds are a variety that captures the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide with their unique colours and patterns, setting them apart from other breeds.
12. Red-Merle and Black Australian Shepherd
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The Red-merle and Black Australian Shepherd, recognized by the AKC, is a breed that showcases a stunning combination of colours and markings. These Aussies are distinguished by their unique coat colouring, which features a mixture of red-merle and black hues.
The merle bicolour coat adds another dimension to their appearance, creating a striking contrast. Their faces often have freckles and markings, and their legs may display tan points.
This breed’s markings, in shades of red and black, make them stand out, and the possibility of white spots adds to their visual appeal. The blend of colours and patterns on the Red-merle and Black Australian Shepherd is remarkable, capturing people’s attention and highlighting their unique beauty.
Personality and Appearance
Australian Shepherds, varying from medium to large, exhibit a trim build with soft ears and a bushy tail. Blue merle Aussies flaunt varied coat colors and unique patterns, often with multi-colored eyes, patches around the eyes, a white chest, and face, making them easily recognizable.
In the open space, a lively Blue Merle Australian Shepherd with tail happily bounds, filling the scene with canine energy.
Qualities
Australian Shepherds, recognized for their intelligence and herding skills, excel when given tasks. Regular play and training are essential to uphold their good behavior.
Medical Issues
Blue merle Australian Shepherds might experience deafness because of their coat color genes, while Australian Shepherds can have health concerns like hip dysplasia and cataracts; however, responsible breeders typically screen for these issues before breeding
Caring for a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd: Essential Guidelines
Australian Shepherds, with their intelligence and beauty, aren’t ideal for first-time owners; thriving in dynamic households, here’s a quick guide to their care.
Personal Care
Australian Shepherds experience minimal shedding, so regular teeth cleaning is important. Additionally, using an undercoat brush during shedding helps maintain their skin health and prevents matting.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is crucial for Australian Shepherds, ensuring their happiness and well-being. If considering them as pets, make sure you can dedicate at least an hour daily to walks and playtime.
Nourishment
Select top-notch dog food designed for active breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, ensuring the correct blend of protein and carbohydrates. Seek advice from a veterinarian regarding the appropriate portion sizes to avoid weight-related concerns
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd vs Blue Merle Border Collie
Border Collies and Australian Shepherds share distinctive features such as speckled fur and high energy levels, yet they differ in size, ear structure, and grooming requirements.
Border Collies, being smaller in size, exhibit straight-up ears and demand regular brushing for their coats. Conversely, Australian Shepherds are larger in stature, characterized by floppy ears that make them more manageable in terms of care and grooming.
The rising demand for blue merle Australian Shepherds is causing a surge in their prices, with the blue merle Australian Shepherd price now often surpassing $1,000 in the market, in contrast to standard Australian Shepherd puppy.
Choosing a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd for sale from a reputable breeder guarantees a joyful and hassle-free addition to your home. Whether you’re interested in standard Australian Shepherd puppies or exploring available Blue Merle options, click below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Price of a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd?
How Much Is a Purebred Blue Merle Australian Shepherds?
What Is the Temperament of An Australian Shepherd Merle?
How Does An Australian Shepherd Differ From a Blue Merle?
What are Some Popular Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Names?
How Large Do Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Minis Generally Become?
Sources
American Kennel Club (AKC)
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