Description

What Is a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd?

A blue merle Australian Shepherd is a term used to describe a specific coat color of the Australian Shepherd breed.

For the most part, the blue merle Australian Shepherd has a combination of blue, grey, black, and white in his fur.

Sometimes blue merle Australian shepherds have been known to have patches of brown on their hind legs and back.

The blue merle Australian Shepherd is one variation of a number of color combinations of the Australian Shepherd breed. Australian shepherd blue eyes

Other coat colors include:

• Merle
• Red merle
• Red tricolor
• Black
• Black tricolor
• Red

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.

This dog stands between 18 and 23 inches tall and can weigh around 40 to 65 pounds.

He usually has the following features:

• Short, floppy ears
• Long-tail that is sometimes docked
• A double-layer coat that is usually medium in length with somewhat of a wavy or curly texture

Yes, the blue merle Aussie is as gorgeous as he is intelligent.

But is there anything about this dog’s genetic makeup that a prospective owner should know about?

Keep reading.

Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Temperament

As we mentioned above, studies are still ongoing when it comes to the tie between coat color and temperament.

Most experts agree that there is no real correlation between the color of a dog and his personality outside of superstition, rumor, and myth.

Most experts agree on the importance of:

• proper socialization
• obedience training
• healthy grooming practices
• plenty of exercises.

With these options, your dog can grow up happy, healthy, and well-adjusted.

So, what is a blue merle Australian Shepherd’s typical temperament?

However, if you have rescued your blue merle Australian Shepherd, there are health tests available for you to have done.

Some of the health tests recommended for the Australian Shepherd breed as specified by the American Kennel Club are:

• hip evaluation
• ophthalmologist evaluation
• elbow evaluation.

So, how else can you help ensure your blue merle Australian Shepherd’s health?

Merle Australian Shepherds Grooming

Australian Shepherd dogs, in general, have very dense, thick, double-layer coats that need a lot of work. Australian shepherd grooming is not that complicated

Unfortunately, some well-meaning Aussie owners opt to shave their dogs to keep them cool in the summer and to help alleviate shedding and matting.

The Australian Shepherd’s coat is already built to protect him from both the heat and the cold.

Shaving an Australian Shepherd’s coat can lead to heatstroke and sunburn in the summer months, as well as hypothermia and skin injuries in the colder months.

Your blue merle Australian Shepherd will likely need his fur-trimmed around his belly, paws, and buttock for cleanliness reasons.

But overall, he does fine with weekly brushing and an occasional visit to a dog groomer.

Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Genetics

Wondering how the blue merle Aussie came to be?

Well, wonder no more.

As veterinarian Lynn Buzhardt explains, the coat color of dogs, regardless of their breed, is due to two foundation colors.

These two base colors, believed to be black and red, lead to a number of different combinations of coat colors in dogs.

This depends in part on genetics and in part chance.

But does coat color have anything to do with congenital issues like health or temperament?

Studies are still ongoing as to whether the coat color of a dog correlates with his temperament.

Scientists have been able to conclude that coat color and certain health issues are related.

And one of the biggest findings, as specified by Dr. Stanley Coren, Ph.D., is that coat color in dogs is link to congenital deafness.

So, how does this relate to your blue merle Australian Shepherd?

Let’s talk more about coat color, temperament and health.

Are Australian Shepherds Born With a Tail?

Australian Shepherds do have tails. The AKC standard indicates that the Australian Shepherd’s tail is dockor naturally bob. Although they’re known as one of the dog breeds that are tailless, only one in five Aussies will have a naturally bob tail with lengths up to four inches.

Australian shepherd lifespan

With a life span of approximately 12 to 16 years, blue merle Australian Shepherd dogs are primarily healthy. However, Australian Shepherds, in general, can be predisposed to a number of genetic health issues.