Australian Shepherd Red Merle Blue Eyes: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 6, 2024

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Red Australian Shepherd
Credit: wikimedia.org, Red Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd Red Merle Blue Eyes is a unique and striking combination. This coat pattern is a result of the interaction between the merle gene and the red gene, which creates a distinctive red color with a mottled, patchy appearance.

The Red Merle pattern is a rare occurrence in Australian Shepherds, making this coat pattern all the more special. This pattern is not recognized by all kennel clubs, which can make it challenging to register the dog.

Australian Shepherds with the Red Merle pattern can have a range of eye colors, including blue eyes. The blue eyes are a result of the merle gene, which can also affect the color of the dog's coat.

On a similar theme: Liver Color Brittany Spaniel

Red Merle Australian Shepherds

Red Merle Australian Shepherds have a coat that combines shades of red, cream, and white, creating a mesmerizing and vibrant look.

Their eye color can vary widely from blue to amber or even green, often with marbling or flecks. Red merles are particularly stunning in the sunlight, as their coats can appear almost luminous.

Credit: youtube.com, Red Merle Australian Shepherd and What is a Red Merle Australian Shepherd

Red Merle Australian Shepherds can display a range of patterns and may have lighter or darker patches. This beautiful and complex pattern is due to the Merle gene, which randomly dilutes patches of color, creating a mottled or dappled effect.

Red merles often have stunning blue or hazel eyes and may carry this color in varying shades from light cinnamon to dark liver. Red Merle Aussies can look quite different from one another.

Red Merle Australian Shepherds can be more prone to certain health issues due to the genetic complexity associated with the merle coloration. The primary concern is auditory and visual impairments, including increased risk for deafness and blindness.

Red Merle Aussies are popular for their eye-catching appearance but must be bred carefully to prevent genetic health issues.

Colors and Genetics

Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, with three base colors: black, red, and blue merle. Blue merles are unique in that they're never solid blue, but rather a mix of colors due to the Merle gene.

Credit: youtube.com, 11 Different types of Australian Shepherd Colors, Markings & Patterns

The Merle gene creates a mottled or dappled effect, with red merles having a reddish base color mixed with cream or white patches. Red merles often have stunning blue or hazel eyes, and their color can range from light cinnamon to dark liver.

Here's a breakdown of the possible markings for Australian Shepherds:

  • Black & White (Black Bi)
  • Black, White, & Tan (Black Tri)
  • Red & White (Red Bi)
  • Red, White, & Tan (Red Tri)
  • Red Merle w/ White Trim
  • Red Merle w/ White & Tan Trim
  • Blue Merle w/ White Trim
  • Blue Merle w/ White & Tan Trim

Red Merle Images

Red Merle Images showcase the unique coat pattern of the Australian Shepherd breed.

There are over 540+ stock photos and images available of red merle Australian Shepherds online, offering a wide range of visual inspiration for breed enthusiasts.

A red merle Australian Shepherd puppy can be identified by its distinctive coat pattern, which features a mix of red and black patches.

The breed's merle pattern can also be seen in adult dogs, such as in the image of a red merle Australian Shepherd sitting on a wooden bench.

Red merle Australian Shepherds can have a variety of eye colors, including one blue eye and one brown eye, as seen in the headshot of a red merle Australian Shepherd.

In some cases, red merle Australian Shepherds can have a tricolor coat pattern, with patches of red, black, and white.

Two brothers of Australian Shepherd puppies, one red merle and one tricolor, can be seen having fun in a winter park in the article's image section.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Eye Problems in German Shepherd Dogs

Colors: Frequently Asked Questions

Credit: youtube.com, Predicting puppy colors from parent DNA

Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, but they're never just one color. This is because they always have markings of some kind, which can be black, white, and/or tan.

You might hear people refer to red Aussies as "brown", but in the dog world, red is also sometimes called "liver." Red Aussies come in three types: Red Bi, Red Tri, and Red Merle.

Red Bi Aussies have solid red coats with white markings, while Red Tri Aussies have a solid red base coat with white and tan markings. Red Merle Aussies, on the other hand, can be tri-colored or bi-colored, but usually have a white base with patches of red merle patterns and tan points.

The Merle gene in Australian Shepherds randomly dilutes patches of color, creating a mottled or dappled effect. This beautiful and complex pattern is why Red Merle Aussies often have stunning blue or hazel eyes.

Credit: youtube.com, Eye Color Genetics | How Are Eye Colors Determined

Here's a quick rundown of the three base colors of Australian Shepherds, along with their corresponding markings:

Merle Australian Shepherds, which include blue merle and red merle, can be more prone to certain health issues due to the genetic complexity associated with the merle coloration.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for an Australian Shepherd is a significant investment, but it's worth every penny. The first year can be a bit more costly, with expenses ranging from $100 to $200 per month.

Adoption costs can vary, ranging from $200 to $1400. Regular grooming is also a must to keep your Aussie feeling its best. This includes nail trimming, coat brushing, and minor trimming on a recurring schedule.

You can trim your Australian Shepherd's coat to follow the natural line of their coat, but it's best to leave it to a professional groomer if you're unsure.

Here's an interesting read: Best Time to Breed Dog in Heat

Do They Need Grooming?

Your Australian Shepherd dog will appreciate regular grooming sessions to stay feeling its best. Regular grooming is a must for Australian Shepherds, so don't skip it.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Cut a Dog's Hair? 🐶 BASIC GROOMING Tutorial

Nail trimming, coat brushing, and minor trimming are essential tasks to perform on a recurring schedule. For nail trimming, consider trimming your dog's nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.

Your Australian Shepherd's coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling, especially if they have a thick double coat. Brushing your dog's coat can also help reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting everywhere.

When taking your Australian Shepherd to a professional groomer, make sure any trimming follows the natural line of their coat. This will help maintain their natural look and prevent any uneven cuts.

Aussie Dog Food Quantity

Aussies are mid-size pups with a lot of energy, so they need a decent amount of food to keep them going.

It takes at least 1.5 to 2.5 cups of food per day to fuel your Australian shepherd.

This can add up to $40 to $80 per month, depending on what food you're purchasing.

Size and Lifespan

Credit: youtube.com, Beautiful and sweet Australian Shepherd | Red Merle

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, typically longer than taller, with a short tail. They come in various coat colors, but size isn't affected by it.

On average, an adult Aussie will weigh around the same regardless of coat color. They're a medium-sized breed, so don't expect them to be too big or too small.

As for their lifespan, Australian Shepherds generally live to be 12–15 years old, making them a long-lasting companion.

Size

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, with adults typically being longer than taller.

Their short tails also contribute to their unique appearance.

Unless you own a mini Australian Shepherd, you can expect your adult dog to be a standard size.

Size is not affected by coat color, so whether your Aussie has a red merle or blue merle coat, their size will remain the same.

They tend to be a bit on the leaner side, but that's just part of their charm.

How Long Do They Live?

Credit: youtube.com, Comparison: Animal Lifespans

Australian Shepherds, or Aussies, are a mid-sized breed that typically lives a long life. They can celebrate double-digit birthdays, making it to 12-15 years of age on average.

Temperament and Training

Australian Shepherds are happiest with a task or job to do and rarely thrive in low-activity environments. They need lots of stimulation well into their senior years and are not a breed that slows down significantly with time.

Australian Shepherds are high energy and smart, and a bored and under-stimulated Aussie can quickly become frustrated, turning its energy towards unproductive and unwanted behaviors. Aussies require daily mental stimulation and attention to avoid growing destructive, anxious, and unhappy.

With proper training and care, your Australian Shepherd will live a happy life full of fun and companionship. They're eager to learn and please their owners, but they do need to start early and be given the opportunity to develop good doggy skills at an early age.

For more insights, see: Do Border Collies Need to Be Groomed

What Is Temperament & Personality?

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament & Personality

Australian Shepherds are smart dogs that need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They're bred to help with herding, so they're naturally intelligent and can out-think many other animals.

Their sweet disposition makes them a joy to be around, but they're not interested in tricking or manipulating their owners. Instead, they love to impress their favorite humans with feats of loyalty and affection.

Aussies are playful and adaptable, which makes them great for various homes and environments. With proper care and training, they'll live a happy life full of fun and companionship alongside you.

They're not a high-maintenance breed, but they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Pet and Child Friendly?

Australian Shepherds are a breed that thrives on interaction with their human family, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They're naturally playful and loving, and their strong sense of loyalty and compassion makes them a natural family protector.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Temperament Test Puppies! •Service Dog Prospect Tips Included•

Aussies are kid-friendly, bursting with energy and a love for play, making them the perfect match for families with little ones. With proper care and training, your Australian Shepherd will live a happy life full of fun and companionship alongside your family.

Their herding instincts may cause them to try and round up your little ones by nipping at their heels, but this behavior is usually harmless and adorable to watch. This is a result of their natural instinct to herd and protect.

Australian Shepherds also get along well with other pets, as they're instinctively good-natured toward various animals. They're even tasked with keeping them out of harm's way on farms, so they're a great choice for families with multiple pets.

On average, you should give your Australian Shepherd around two hours of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy. This can range from an intensive game of fetch to a full-on trek up a mountain, and they'll likely be game for it.

Trainability Challenges

Credit: youtube.com, Mini Course: Behavior, Temperament, Trainability

Australian Shepherds are highly trainable, but they do require consistent effort from an early age. They're eager to learn and please, but if they don't develop good doggy skills early on, they can become wily and hard to manage as they grow older.

Starting training early is crucial, especially since Aussies need daily mental stimulation and attention to prevent destructive, anxious, and unhappy behavior. With plenty of engagement and encouragement, you can expect your Australian Shepherd to pick up puppy manners in no time.

A bored and under-stimulated Aussie can quickly become frustrated, turning its energy towards unproductive and unwanted behaviors. This means you'll need to provide a task or job for them to do, whether it's through obedience training, agility, or simply playing fetch.

Australian Shepherds are naturally good with children due to their playful and alert nature, but they can be wary of other dogs and small animals, especially if they're not socialized properly.

If this caught your attention, see: How Much Exercise Do Border Collies Need

Show and Pet Considerations

Credit: youtube.com, I wish I knew these BEFORE getting an Australian Shepherd

If you're considering an Australian Shepherd, you'll want to think about their high energy levels and herding instincts, which can cause them to try and round up kids by nipping at their heels.

This behavior is usually harmless and adorable, but it's essential to be aware of it, especially if you have young children.

Australian Shepherds are generally good-natured and can share a home with other pets, including cats and dogs, thanks to their instinctively good-natured nature as farm dogs.

They're often tasked with keeping other animals out of harm's way, so they're likely to get along with other pets in the household.

With their strong sense of loyalty and compassion, your Australian Shepherd will make a great family protector and loving companion.

Additional reading: Pit Bulls as Pets

What Is the History of?

The Australian Shepherd has a rich history that spans across continents. It all started in the Pyrenees Mountains, located between Spain and France.

The breed emerged from rural Europe, where indigenous people of the Basque region developed one of its ancestors, the Pyrenean shepherd. This dog breed was perfect for herding.

Credit: youtube.com, Australian Shepherd - Top 10 Facts

Following the colonization of Australia, many shepherds from the Basque region emigrated to the country to herd sheep. They brought their loyal canine companions with them.

The formerly Spanish shepherd roamed and worked across the plains of 19th century Australia, and the Aussie continued to develop. It was crossed with British-imported collies and border collies.

The Basque shepherds eventually made their way to the western territories of the United States, introducing their dogs to American ranchers. These dogs were known as Australian shepherds, despite originally descending from Europe.

The ranchers admired these dogs for their hard-working nature, and they soon became a mainstay on cattle ranches throughout the state. The Australian shepherd quickly became an icon of the American prairie.

The breed earned recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1993, and today you could find it in any home across the country.

Broaden your view: Australian German Shepherds

Return and Supplies

If you've brought home a new Australian Shepherd, you're probably excited to start shopping for all the essentials. Toy shopping can be a blast, but it's also important to consider your pup's mental stimulation needs – think food puzzles and activities that'll keep them entertained for $40 to $100.

Credit: youtube.com, Tips On How To Raise An Australian Shepherd

You'll also want to invest in some high-quality canine essentials, such as a sturdy dog crate ($150), a harness and collar ($50), and a comfortable dog bed (~$60–100).

If you're looking for a convenient way to keep your Aussie supplied with toys and treats, consider signing up for BarkBox, which offers a subscription service starting at $23 a month.

Care Costs

The first year with your Australian shepherd can be a bit pricey, with costs ranging between $100 and $200 per month.

Adoption costs can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1400.

Fortunately, the costs don't stop there, but they do decrease over time, making it a worthwhile investment in your new furry friend.

Consider reading: 200 Lb English Mastiff

Return

As you're preparing to bring home your new Australian Shepherd, it's essential to consider the cost of return trips to the groomer.

Australian Shepherds require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

Australian Shepherd Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Australian Shepherd Dog

You can save money by grooming your Aussie at home, which can be a cost-effective option, especially for the basics.

However, if you do decide to take your Aussie to a full-service groomer, be prepared to spend upwards of $200 for a full day of grooming.

This cost can be seasonal, rather than a monthly expense, which is a good thing to keep in mind when budgeting for your new furry friend.

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with a full-service grooming appointment:

  • Bathing: This is a standard part of a full-service grooming appointment.
  • Comb out: This is a crucial step to prevent matting and tangling of your Aussie's coat.
  • Hair thinning: This is a common service offered by groomers to keep your Aussie's coat looking its best.
  • Power-drying: This is a convenient service that can save you time and effort.
  • Nail trimming: This is an essential service to keep your Aussie's nails healthy and looking their best.
  • Ear cleaning: This is a vital service to prevent infections and keep your Aussie's ears clean and healthy.

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on the groomer and the services you choose, but this gives you a general idea of what to expect.

Pet Supplies

Australian Shepherds love to play, so you'll want to stock up on dog toys. Expect to spend $40 to $100 on active doggy toys like frisbees, ropes, and fetch toys.

Food puzzles and other activities are a great way to keep your Aussie entertained and mentally stimulated. They're worth the investment, trust me.

Credit: youtube.com, Pet Organization Ideas| How to Organize Your pet supplies

For Aussie owners, consider splurging on high-quality canine essentials like a sturdy dog crate ($150) and a harness and collar ($50). A comfortable dog bed (~$60–100) is also a must-have.

If you're looking for a convenient way to keep your pup supplied, consider a subscription service like BarkBox. For $23 a month, you'll get 2 bags of treats, 2 toys, and a super chew. The Super Chewer Box is a great option for Aussies who love to chomp down hard, and it's only $29 a month.

For another approach, see: 4 Month Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a red merle Australian Shepherd cost?

The cost of a red merle Australian Shepherd can range from $600 to $2000, depending on whether you adopt or purchase from a breeder. Adoption is a more affordable option, typically costing $200-$500.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.

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