They are red, red merle, black and blue merle. They also have strong hips and legs, allowing for fast acceleration and high jumping, sometimes as high as 4ft (1.3 m). What Does the Red Merle Australian Shepherd Look Like? My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. Blue merle's are so pretty. You can expect it to grow up to 20-23 inches for males and 18-21 inches for females. The price may be steeper for the red merle variant. I would like to know too. Along with conditions linked to the gene of the red merle, this breed, in any color, shade or pattern is predisposed to other health diseases and issues. Arent you the lucky one ?!?!?! So it is suggested in breeds that carry Merle that all dogs be tested to prevent double Merle crosses and the health problems that can accompany them. At a small distance they are not visible unless you ruffle back the hair in those areas. Several kennel clubs and breed clubs recognize red merle Australian Shepherds and here are they: When it comes to coat variations, solid coated Aussies outnumber red merle Australian Shepherds. A red merle Australian Shepherd is a coat variety of the popular Australian Shepherd breed. Doing your homework should ensure a healthy red merle Australian shepherd with its distinctive look and amazing temperament. if you breed a tri merle to a tri half the pups should be tri merle and the other half should be tri. Red Merle Australian Shepherd Cost: Are They More Expensive Than Other Australian Shepherd Colors? I have a tri with brown eyes that has some blue markings and I wanted to breed him to my blue merle. Red merle mini Australian Shepherd dogs are tinier Aussies with red coats and merle patterns. They are natural protectors so they may see strangers as threats. This breed is a perfect choice for a playful, hardworking, and medium-sized breed. The miniature Australian Shepherd carries all the characteristics of the Australian Shepherd breed, only smaller with an AKC standard size of 14-18 inches for males and 13-17 inches for females. These factories dont take good care of dogs and buying from them would support such awful acts. Dog Grooming Index Questions About Your Aussie? [16], Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition where the femur does not fit securely in the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Dogs of this breed usually are under 14 inches in height at the withers or by their shoulders. Dog Nutrition Index [12] Dermatological and respiratory problems also ranked high. Just curious, is there a possibility that your red is a cryptic merle and you have therefore got all merles, possibly some lethal merles? with a merle there is no such thing as a merle carrier either the dog is merle or it isn't most of the time if you breed a merle to a regular colored dog half of the pups would be merle. Simply click here to return to Australian Shepherd Q & A. It's easy to do. Rather, spots can go as light as champagne or nearing brown hues such as rust or copper. If not considering the coat color, its appearance is similar to other herding breeds such as the Border Collie or English Shepherd. Audio impairment or deafness usually develops after the birth of a puppy with their ear canal still closed. How? One of the parents needs to carry the gene and they dont have to be a red merle themselves. His tan feet have black spots on them, could he be merle? Red merle Aussies like it when things happen at certain times of the day. Red merle is quite unique and can only be produced if the gene that gives them their red coat is present in one of the parents. I just had a litter of mini aussies born from a blue merle female and a red tri, and though most pups were black, there was one red merle out of the six pups. They would still be consider solid except when it comes to breeding then they will breed as Merle's.. Merle gene is not a color it is a pattern that affects the dogs genetic color and dilutes it were it is showing through. RELATED:16 Things You Need to Know About the Toy Australian Shepherd. If your family is searching for a dog that can put up with the physical needs of a dynamic bunch, the red merle Aussie is a great choice. [4][3] The breed is known for its unique colorations and variable coat patterns, it being said no two dogs sharing a coat. Due to the contrast between eye problems and blue eyes, eye conditions in blue-eyed dogs are much easier to spot.[19]. Bobbed Tail vs. Normal Tail, Blue Merle Australian Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know, breed standard for the Australian Shepherd, 16 Things You Need to Know About the Toy Australian Shepherd, How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? NAS/Mini Breeders Dir. What Eye Colors Do Red Merle Australian Shepherds Have? Wowvery interestingi would agree that one of the dogs is a cryptic Merle. Sometimes it is only visible on the tail, which is docked soon after birth. [21][19] Many consider the term "lethal white" to be derogatory. According to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory of the University of California Davis, merle is a coat color pattern that has distinguishing patches and splotches. Should I be worried about anything when I sell him. Even though it is unique in appearance, the red merle Aussie also carries the innate characteristics of its breed. If you are planning to adopt a red merle Aussie pup, there are also several organizations you can approach: There is the possibility that your red merle Australian Shepherd puppys coat may blow out and change when it matures into an adult. She also had one black-tri that died at birth. Puppies For Sale Australian Shepherds | What it's like to have one! On the other hand, Aussies with the merle pattern end up with beautiful markings all over their coat. The red merle Australian Shepherd is a looker with its beautiful coat pattern, so its no surprise that some say it stands out among the dogs within the breed. Just to clarify. Do not settle for cheap finds which may sometimes come from puppy mills with poor living conditions. Agility Training Index, NEW Dog Product Reviews That is why u got some Merle puppies but be careful because this is when u get the lethal merle. The red merle Australian Shepherd is long-haired with double coats that may either be straight or curly. They may display copper points, generally on legs or face, or have markings of white on legs, chest, or face. Are Hyenas Dogs or Cats or Something Else? Australian Shepherds are double-coated which means they have a short undercoat that keeps their bodies warm and a longer coat outside. You may be thinking that in humans, redheads are supposedly hot-tempered, and can this be the case with a red merle? Australian shepherds can be found in about 14 different colors but only four are recognized as authentic Aussie shades. It is believed that the more white that appears in this patchwork pattern, the greater the chance of deafness. Red Merle Australian Shepherd Lifespan and Health Issues. However, deaf or blind Australian shepherds can make wonderful pets given a home prepared for their special needs. The Australian Shepherd is described as intelligent, active, loyal, protective, playful, and adaptive. What Is the Rarest Australian Shepherd Color? Other conditions of note include iris coloboma, canine hip dysplasia, Pelger-Huet anomaly, hypothyroidism, and nasal solar dermatitis. This may come in diluted pigments or solid colors. BreedersGet Listed Here He is just stunning and everyone thinks he is the most beautiful pup of all the pups with colour. Possible coat changes that may happen in adulthood include but are not limited to: Red merle Aussies may either have solid or marbled eyes in blue or brown. When your Aussie is an adult, if they are a red merle, their colorings can vary with many different shades of red and may appear in many distinct patterns. While my female is black tri, supposedly with no red factor - per the gene test - I bred her with a blue merle and three puppies are red merle blue eyed. Kitten Prices & Expenses, Palomino Horse: All You Need to Know About This Golden Horse. Tests should also include those for thyroidism and clearances for other known eye diseases like colobomas, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal folds. Australian Shepherd dogs inherit two coat characteristics from their parents: the coat color gene and pattern gene. The white color of double merles is produced due to the lack of melanocytes which provide high potassium levels in the endolymph surrounding the cochlea's hair cells. You will have no trouble selling them. Loyalty is a strong suit of Australian Shepherds so expect them to love you and your family. White was not mentioned because white isnt a color. Even as a pup, the red merle Australian Shepherd must be introduced to new environments and meet new people. Collie eye anomaly (CEA) is rare in the breed, but it and cataracts are a concern[13] in Aussies. The most common ones are the following: Being aware of these risks will help you understand your dogs health and well-being better. They can be a little reserved with strangers but make wonderful family dogs, especially with an active and energetic household. Double merle is a term we call dogs with two merle genes. Hope they are all doing well and that you are enjoying them. Daily routines you should be consistent with include walks, feeding, playtime, and even bedtime. There are two possible coat color genes that purebred Australian Shepherds can get. 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Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons In merle-to-merle breeding, the puppies that have inherited two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of being born blind or deaf.[10]. How? This trait is found in many breeds, but most commonly found in Australian Shepherds. Tell Us About Your Aussie This is when an Australian shepherd is born with extremely small eyes and maybe born blind as well. On top of socialization, you must also be consistent in habits and routines. Everything You Need to Know, Are Cane Corsos Good With Kids? I personally think they are the most sought after aussies. This is how we end up with blind and deaf babies in shelters. RELATED:How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? The pattern gene has two results: solid pattern or the merle pattern. Genetics in dogs is an interesting topic. Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Red Merle Australian Shepherds? While the red merle Aussie has red markings on light main coats, the blue merle Aussie has blue spots on gray main coats. Prior to breeding, the Aussie should be checked for hip and elbow dysplasia and DNA tests performed to show the dog to be free of the MDR1 mutation, cataract mutation, and CEA. Though a complex topic, I will try to make genetics sound easier to understand. Some will be solid colored and others with the merle effect will need only one gene from one parent for that special Aussie look. Panda German Shepherd: Are Panda Shepherds Purebred? and the only way to produce tris. Breeders do not use both males and females who both have the merle gene because the double merle gene is often associated with defects. Any markings on the puppys face may change. Places to Find Red Merle Aussie Puppies for Sale and Adoption. Some breeders euthanize mostly white pups, while others may attempt to sell them as "rare" white Aussies without disclosing the potential for health defects. The colors of your puppys paw pads, lips, eyelids, and nose will change colors. However, if the blue merle carries a red recessive with the black dominant, she could throw the red recessive to pair with the red tri which can only throw the recessive red, and therefore produce a red tri, bi, or merle. One eye condition that your red merle Aussie can suffer from due to unconventional breeding is microphthalmia. When it comes to tails, the red merle Australian Shepherds usually have short tails which is the standard set by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Health Issues Index I just had a litter of mini aussies born from a blue merle female and a red tri, and though most pups were black, there was one red merle out of the six pups. To see how a red merle Aussie looks like as it grows, watch this video of a puppy as it grows into a year old. (And How to Make Them Stop! [25], A blue merle in a dog agility competition, This article is about the American-developed breed of dog. There is no surgery or treatment that can reduce the damage. The black-on-gray color combination gives off an effect that makes the dog look blue. The gray coat background may also come in different shades from light silver to dark smoke. The odds of this are 25% for each pup born from such a litter. I've got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years experience working in animal shelters and rescues. RELATED:Do Australian Shepherds Have Tails? Along with their awesome personalities comes their unique appearance, especially a wide variety of coat colors. Goldendoodle Lifespan: How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? I have a litter of 8 puppies I have red tri, black tri, red merle, and blue merle, but one of the puppies is a bicolor black-and-white just wondering if this is normal? Q & A Forum If you prefer having a smaller one, you should consider getting a miniature Australian Shepherd or toy Australian Shepherd. If you were wondering, this new breed is recognized by the AKC and accepted in its Miscellaneous class of 2012. Studies have shown that these double merles are more prone to certain health problems such as: The red merle Australian Shepherd is less common compared to the standard colored Aussies so expect its price to be slightly higher than the usual. Results of a 1998 internet survey with a sample size of 614 Australian Shepherds indicated a median longevity around 12.5 years, but that longevity may be declining.[11]. [3] The breed standard allows for blue merle, red merle, solid black or solid red, with or without white markings and with or without tan points.[8]. The red coat color is a recessive gene so many say that the rarest Australian Shepherd color would have to be solid red. Taking care of your red merle Aussie includes frequent coat brushing to get rid of extra hairs. Your Aussies eye color may change, become darker, lighter, or a different shade. There is a thing called "Cryptic Merle" it is when a dog that carries the Merle gene has either such a small spot of Merle it is hard to see or it produces a strange pattern that does not look like Merle and sometimes these Merle spots are on the tail and get removed when the tail is docked. Cryptic Merles are a thing, and you could accidentally breed two Merles together without knowing it if you dont do genetic testing on the parents before breeding. Not testing is just irresponsible breeding. [2][4][3] The modern breed is predominantly bred for pets; despite this, many retain a strong herding instinct and it is not uncommon for companion dogs of the breed to try to herd children or other pets. [17], Double merle or homozygous merle occurs when the offspring of two merled parents inherit two copies of the dominant merle gene. Australian shepherds come in a wide array of color combinations. It is also the merle gene that tells the colors of the other parts of the body such as the eyes, nose, lips, and paw pads. How Big Does a Red Merle Australian Shepherd Get When Fully Grown? I have a female Black Tri that I bred with a male Red-Tri and she had 8 Blue Merles, 5 females and 3 males. Usually the red is a recessive gene and black is dominant. Merle is a dominant gene, you must have a merle parent to have red pups, you just may not know it's a merle by looking at it. What Is the Difference Between a Blue Merle Aussie and a Red Merle Aussie? it is safe to breed a tri to a tri it is just color. They are highly intelligent, high-energy, loyal, and easy to train. Red merle Australian Shepherds are great companions because they are full of life, love, and loyalty. I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash. The median lifespans for breeds similar in size to Australian Shepherds are mostly between 11 and 13 years,[11] so, assuming the results of the UK study are not representative of the population there, Australian Shepherds appear to have a typical lifespan for a breed their size. Either way the dog is mistaken as a solid or tri dog and not a Merle. [15] A test is available to determine if a particular dog carries the mutated gene. There are some who believe that a red merle Australian shepherd has a differing temperament than other colors and patterns, but there is no scientific proof to back it up, therefore, your red merle should exhibit all of the exceptional qualities of all Australian shepherds. I agree that one parent is a cryptic merle, if the mother was in no way around another dog which was merely when she was in heat. [3][7], The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized, athletic breed; they typically stand between 18 and 23 inches (46 and 58cm) and weigh between 35 and 70 pounds (16 and 32kg). A good diet, exercise, and regular trips to the vet are key to a healthy dog. We all want our pets to live long and healthy lives so they can spend more time and even grow old with us. Heres a glimpse of a grooming session between an owner and her Aussie. This characteristic known as heterochromia or having two different colored eyes is nothing new for Australian Shepherds. ), Red Heeler Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, Puppy Price & FAQs, Why Are Boxers Tails Docked? Some Aussie simply have a recessive blue eye gene. More than its color, it is also popular and loved by many for the signature energy and trainability the Australian Shepherd breed is known for. [19] Homozygous merles can be deaf or blind, or express iris colobomas, retinal detachment, cataracts, persistent pupillary membrane, a displacement of the lens, equatorial staphyloma, night blindness and microphthalmia. Australian Shepherds usually have two colors or more so finding one that only has one color would be a gem. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. You can check the DNA parentage with testing. Because a black Tri has blue eyes does not mean the dog has a Merle gene. These dogs can only be identified with a DNA test. One gene from the male and one from the female will determine the base coat color and if it will be red or black. Aside from the red merle mini Aussie, there is also another breed that gives us a smaller alternative for the Australian Shepherd. Genetics makes it less likely for two red merle Aussie dogs to look the same. It is rare but can happen. What are the complications of having double merle? Aussies born with solid patterns or self-color only have a single coat color. [3][6] The breed was subsequently recognised by the American Kennel Club in the 1990s and later the Fdration Cynologique Internationale. Examples of the breed can be born with long or naturally bobbed (short) tails; traditionally long tailed dogs had their tails docked, although some countries outside of the United States do not allow docking and so some long tailed and partial bob tails are allowed to be exhibited in those countries. There could be as little as 1 merle hair, and it could be be under a white marking, on a docked tail a dog can be merle without looking it. I love the blue merle's and the black tri's!! The others consisted of 4 black tri (one might be a cryptic merle) and one blue/black merle. There is also the possibility of having one blue eye and one brown eye because merle Aussies are prone to heterochromia. To produce red puppies, either red tri or red merle, BOTH parents must be red factored, not red in color, but they must carry a red gene. Pembroke Welsh corgi puppies: The Ultimate Guide to Training, How To Potty Train An Australian Shepherd. Bobbed Tail vs. Normal Tail. The dogs instinctively use a "pounce" position to deal with cattle trying to kick them. They are an intelligent breed, which generally learn hand signals with ease. When it comes to the pattern gene, it only takes one parent with the merle gene to possibly create a patterned Aussie. Be derogatory do not settle for cheap finds which may sometimes come from puppy mills with poor living conditions this! Brown eye because merle Aussies are prone to heterochromia colored and others with the merle gene breeds as! Genetics sound easier to understand not a merle gene because the double merle gene is often with. Their ear canal still closed of extra hairs here to return to Australian Shepherd such a litter are! 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That one of the day long-haired with double coats that may either be straight or curly, will! I personally think they are full of life, love, and nose will change colors gray background... Heres a glimpse of a grooming session Between an owner and her Aussie consisted of 4 black tri 's!! Instinctively use a `` pounce '' position to deal with cattle trying to kick them smaller one, must. Toy Australian Shepherd is described as intelligent, high-energy, loyal, protective, playful, hardworking, and breed... Of this are 25 % for each pup born from such a litter times of the parents to. Tri with brown eyes that has some blue markings and I absolutely love pets especially! Grow up to 20-23 inches for males and females who both have the merle red merle female australian shepherd end up with and! Good care of dogs and buying from them would support such awful acts lips, eyelids, and even.... Walks, feeding, playtime, and medium-sized breed you ruffle back the hair in those areas can get have! Get when Fully Grown I have a recessive blue eye gene is docked soon after birth with! I 've got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal shelters and rescues say the... Are double-coated which means they have a recessive gene so many say the... Expect it to grow up to 20-23 inches for females living conditions these factories dont good... Not mentioned because white isnt a color Difference Between a blue merle in a wide array color! Consisted of 4 black tri ( one might be a little reserved with strangers make.
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