(And How to Make Them Stop! RELATED: How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? Whether its obedience training, running, herding or dog sports they need something to do. Border Terrier: All you need to know about the fox hunting worker dog, Jack Russell Terriers: The energetic, keen, and intelligent dog breed. An Aussie, no matter the color, is an ideal pup for an active person or family. This will help with his overall happiness and adaptability, as well as mental health as he gets older. There are also many factors that affect the price of this dog, such as gender, lineage, and breeder reputation. However, this is not the only health issue you should consider when thinking of making a blue merle Australian Shepherd your new pet. But what actually makes these dogs look the way they do? This is especially true if theyre a pure Aussie from a reputable breeder. In my opinion, theyre the most beautiful because they have deep rich contrasts in colors. Cherokee has a GPS Satellite Invisible fence and ten acres to roam. Again, the ASCA can point you to a good rescue organization. Some are much more common than the others. Blue merle mini Aussies are as lovable as the average ones, but they are more cutesy since they are relatively smaller. I have a Australian Shepherd blue blue merle named Sadie me and my brother rescued her in Arkansas she was in front of a gas station 105 weather tongue hitting the ground no one would give her water she was about 7 months all the time not the proper weight we gave her water put it in the car and drove away and now Ive had it for 2 years and its the best dog I ever owned my life the most coolest and beautiful dog shes is also very loyal and protective of me and does get separation anxiety if Im even 10 ft away from her and shes on a leash tied down! The three of us will grow old together. When it comes to bathing, you should give your dog a wash every six weeks or so, unless they get particularly dirty while out playing. The pros are that these dogs are smart, athletic, sweet, loyal, and obsessed with their owners. A blue merle Australian Shepherd is a term used to describe a specific coat color of the Australian Shepherd breed. We call this marble eyes and theyre amazing to look at. Heres what you should know. Aussies in general are polite with strangers, though not overly friendly. Thats why you often see them working alongside cowboys or as service dogs. If you ever wondered how they became like this, then youre not the only one. NOW, we raise Aussies for Service, Stock, n Companion dogs. In some cases, though, they have two different eye colors as a result of heterochromia. Very active and happy when we speak to her she listens calm indoors A total blast outdoors, she has a dog sled , frisbee player, loves the water & snow children runs by our bikes. If it doesnt have sheep to move around, it may try to herd you and your kids or other pets. Her colors pretty cool and beautiful no matter where i take her people are complimenting her! To better ensure your Aussie is healthy and happy, experts recommend making sure he is health screened. If you think that adopting is also for you, do not hesitate to check out animal shelters near your area. I guess that's our Responsibility. Theyre part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) herding group, along with dogs like Border Collies, Shelties, and German Shepherds. What are the Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners? Keep in mind that these four colors are the colors officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.For more information, check out the AKC website and click breed standard.. However, this breed can be prone to getting messy on his adventures. Food is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a4d901603c554f89bda1f36f7fbcaf97" );document.getElementById("c82db2eba3").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); 8 week old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd puppy| Tomboy Litter| COLOR COUNTRY AUSSIES. Typically, you can find one anywhere from $500-$1,000. Now that you know all about the Australian Shepherd breed, maybe you want one of your own? Yes, being a Companion is work--their bestest job ever! As we mentioned above, studies are still ongoing when it comes to the tie between coat color and temperament. They may have a piebald or solid coat with black patches. Studies are still ongoing as to whether the coat color of a dog correlates with his temperament. For example, Coloboma is an eye condition that affects the Aussies iris. Dont miss out: The Overall Australian Shepherd Price is Revealed. And its no surprise that several of other Aussie owners will agree. As you can imagine, these pups really stand out and may have one blue eye and one amber or brown eye. So how much food should a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd eat? He was socialized and trained. Loved him so much my kids got me a Merle Aussie for Christmas. Variations of Blue Merle Australian Shepherds. The shorter inner layer provides insulation so that these dogs can withstand the heat and cold better. They may not be as common as the solid red or black Australian Shepherds, but they have the same temperament and overall disposition. Blue merle Australian Shepherds may have stunning blue eyes, brown eyes, amber eyes, or even one eye that is blue and one eye that is brown. But does coat color have anything to do with congenital issues like health or temperament? The size of a male blue merle mini Aussie is between 14 to 18 inches, while the females are 13 to 17 inches. Dont worry, you can train them not to nip, and Aussies are one dog breed that is pretty easy to train. Theyre the descendants of dogs who were raised by sheepherders in the Basque region of Europe and later Australia before coming to the US in the 1800s. A working dog needs more food than one who is less active. I dont blame you. Required fields are marked *. That means that they have a medium-length outer layer that is fairly weatherproof and can withstand heavy wind, rain, and snow. Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), 16 Things You Need to Know About the Toy Australian Shepherd. the best dog, patient, active, smart quick learner ,sat & potty trained right from [emailprotected] weeks. Blue Merle Australian shepherds arent considered rare and are more common than Red Merle Aussies. We have a new Blue Merle Aussie mix pup she is 35 lbs at 10 mos . Where Did the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Originate? A broken nail on a dog can be extremely painful for the pup. The blue merle Australian Shepherd is one variation of a number of color combinations of the Australian Shepherd breed. If you rescue, you may opt to have your dog health tested on your own. How Big Does a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Get When Fully Grown? Though theres potential for many variations of eye color with the blue merle, most of them will have blue eyes with brown specks. Always make sure to ask the breeder about eye conditions of the parents and lineage if you want to keep a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. These dogs often have health problems, usually with their eyes. He was my first dog and I did great with him. However, theyre extremely rare and arent considered completely ethical to breed. Very friendly with people but a stranger danger dog who barks warnings never bites once we say okay. We have a blue merl tri and a red merl tri and we love our 6 and 1/2 old dogs. That can be funny, but it can also be dangerous if they nip to try to get you to move. Furthermore, does coat color coincide with this dogs temperament and health? Pitbull Colors: 23 Coat Color Variations Explained (With Pictures), American Bully XL: An Ultimate Guide to the Most Muscular Dog, White British Shorthair Facts, Genetics & Health (With Pictures), Chocolate Point Siamese Cat Facts, Traits, Pictures & FAQs, Tortie Point Siamese Cat Info, Facts, Traits, Pictures & FAQs. There is also a miniature Australian Shepherd, but its considered a separate breed. Its also important to introduce them to new people, new dogs, and new situations often while they are young so that they dont become nervous, shy, or skittish. The white coloration usually serves as the base coat, while the dark pigments or splotches are blue, black, and gray. Theyre not the most common, but they are in high demand. They also inherit one of two base colors: red or black. In fact, theyre some of the hardest working dog breeds in the world comparable to the Border Collie. All Aussies have what is known as a double coat. Your email address will not be published. They can have brown, blue, or amber eyes that can be either solid, marbled, or flecked with color. What Does a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Look Like? In love!! But in my opinion, the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is the most strikingly beautiful color in the breed. My Aussie is black and white and has the ice blue eyes I wish I could put a pic of her on here! He may not be the best companion choice for those who suffer from allergies. A Guide for Parents. Thank you for more tips about bathing, screening for deafness, and activity/anxiety! Each merle pup had at least one parent with the merle gene. Some people call them velcro dogs because they always want to be attached to their humans. A Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is much more than a uniquely colored coat. Having one of each is the sweet spot and will produce a merle Aussie. I speak not only for my experience but also for the thousands of people who are now happily living with their rehomed puppies. How does the Aussie compare to a Border Collie? They are called blue merles because among all the splotches seen on their skin, the blue is more dominant. Herding dogs that are actively working may need more frequent bathing. Aussies have a high energy level and youll need to keep them active so that they dont become destructive. However, Australian Shepherds, in general, can be predisposed to a number of genetic health issues. The Australian Shepherd can be prone to boredom if not properly trained and exercised every day. Their coats have a base color of gray, with black spots or patches. Then theres the striking blue merle tricolor Aussie. They may also have two completely different colors or color patterns in their eyes, a trait known as heterochromia. Are Hyenas Dogs or Cats or Something Else? Even non-merle Aussies can carry this gene, though not as frequently observed. They may weigh around 20 to 40 pounds. Make sure the dog food is specified for his age, weight and activity level. He needs plenty of exercise every day, as well as mental stimulation to keep him physically and mentally sound. These two colors can be black and red, but they can lead to different shades depending on genetic qualities and other factors. The Australian Shepherd is an active, athletic and intelligent breed. For the most part, the blue merle Australian Shepherd has a combination of blue, grey, black and white in his fur. The Australian Shepherd is undeniably one of the best dog breeds in the world. To have that blue merle pattern youve seen on the samples Ive shown you, there should only be one copy of the said gene. He is going on 10. You may also want to make an occasional visit to the dog groomer so that they can tidy up the leg hair and give your pup a good once-over. Average Lifespan & FAQs. The four basic coat base colors of the Australian Shepherd includes: Though were only going to be covering the blue merle in the article, the others are just as great. Most experts agree that there is no real correlation between the color of a dog and his personality outside of superstition, rumor and myth. This is an excellent dog for active families who have time on their hands to exercise, train and play with their Aussie. How about the disadvantages? They often have white markings, especially on the legs and face. Again, these Aussies have a base coat of blue merle, which is black patches on a gray/white coat. Prices and Expenses. The next type is the blue merle and white, which is similar to the solid, but they have white markings on the face, legs, and chest. I had a rescue tri Aussie who passed away last December at 12 1/2 yrs. Are they a tad calmer and more laid back? Panda German Shepherd: Are Panda Shepherds Purebred? Chihuahua Lifespan: How Long Do Chihuahuas Live? Contrary, two recessive copies will product a non-merle Australian Shepherd. And are there any benefits of choosing a Blue Merle over another colored Australian Shepherd? Your Australian Shepherd needs his ears checked regularly to keep them from becoming infected due to waxy buildup, debris and excess moisture. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Temperament: Are They Ideal Family Dogs? These are athletic dogs who are best suited for experienced dog owners due to their ability to outwit their human counterparts. Do they get along better with other animals? If you see one, youll have a hard time taking your eyes off them. Other Australian Shepherd colors include red, red merle, black, red tri, and tri-color. For the most part, Aussie dogs are incredibly intelligent and friendly. However, most of these dogs will have specks of colors on their colored eyes. Even their eyes can be special in terms of coloring. Eye problems are common and you may encounter things like coloboma, cataracts, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Picture this: you visited a reputable breeder in your area and you are presented with an Australian Shepherd litter including black, red, and a mottled pup. How to find a puppy and raise a happy, healthy dog, March 27, 2019 By Madison Guthrie 8 Comments. RECOMMENDED: 14 Beautiful Australian Shepherd Colors. The dogs iris doesnt fully develop, so it doesnt work as well as a normal Aussie eye. Knowing your blue merle Aussies temperament is essential in establishing the bond between the two of you because youll learn how to adjust to their needs and identify which of their habits need reinforcements. We have a canine rainbow assortment, n it's hard out of our 10 who we love BEST--they each bring something to the table n make us laugh. !she is our 6 th Aussy she is Aussky has blue eyes and smaller build. Meet the unbelievable Great Dane Chihuahua mix dog, Dalmatians: Get to Know Regal Firehouse Dog. For instance, Australian Shepherds are hyper active dogs thatneed to work. If so, you no doubt want to know how much they cost. Typically, a reputable and responsible breeder has health screened their litters before you even pick up your puppy. etc). Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Blue Merle Australian Shepherds? For the most part, theyre quite optimistic and friendly dogs. If two dominant duplicates were present, then a double merle will be produced. A blue merle Australian Shepherd is one of the four recognized varieties of the breed. Here are the top breeder directories you can check out if you have the resources to buy a blue merle Australian Shepherd: Adopting a dog is always the better option. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. There are on-going research studies, but still nothing as of yet. Generally, they do well with families so if you can do your part, you wont have any problem. Blue Merle Aussies are recognized by the AKC, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, and the United Kennel Club. The Aussie also needs plenty of consistent training throughout his life to keep him from becoming bored and subsequently destructive. That means taking out the brushes, ear cleaner, and toothbrush. Are Australian Shepherds Good With Other Dogs? Check with the AKC and with the ASCA to find breeders that are breeding healthy Aussies. too soon!!! Whats the Difference Between a Tibetan Mastiff and a Caucasian Shepherd? This means he may consider anything smaller than himself something to be droved. Here are some examples of all of their eye colors: Blue merle Aussies are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), United Kennel Club (UKC), and other major kennel organizations. 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. The Aussie dog has one of the longest lifespans, typically living to be 13-15 years old. Still, these dogs are seen from time to time. The Australian Shepherds coat is already built to protect him from both the heat and the cold. She is clean serene & respectful calm indoors because we have farm and acreage , anothe Aussie dog to play with . The blue merle and tan type has no white markings but does have tan instead. Its hard to understand the Australian Shepherd temperament without keeping that in mind. Its different from the black tri Aussie in that instead of being black, white, and tan, it is merle, white, and tan. Your email address will not be published. If you are a pet newbie, youll probably be drawn to the one with random patches on its coat. Get to Know the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Personality, How to Take Care of Your Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Health Issues to Watch For.