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6 Things You Should Know About the Red Merle Australian Shepherd

1. Red Merle Australian Shepherd is Strikingly Beautiful Dogs

Red Australian Shepherd, Medium-sized, long-haired breeds, Aussies are really strikingly beautiful dogs. They are quite similar to other herding breeds, like the English Shepherd and Border Collie. Their double coats can be straight or curly and come in a variety of colors.

Red Merle Aussies have varied markings on their chest, face, and tail. Most Australian Shepherds will also have more colors flecked through their coats, which makes them bicolor or tricolor. Luckily, their breed standard allows for both.

They have striking eyes that are either blue or of different colors. Accepted under their breed standards, some Aussies are born with naturally short tails. As per the breed standard of the AKC, however, many of these dogs in the US have docked tails. However, such docking is illegal in Europe.

2. They Can Inherit Two Possible Coat Patterns

Australian shepherds can either inherit the merle or solid (self) coat patterns. The merle color pattern can show up varying from puppy to puppy, even with a single litter. A solid or self-color pattern, on the other hand, will show up as one single coat color throughout the pup’s life.

Eye color, on the other hand, is where dog genetics gets interesting because there are three solid eye colors as well as two possible patterns. The eyes of red merle Australian shepherds will often take on either a marbled or flecked color pattern.

3. They Are Loyal Canine Companions

By nature, red merle Australian shepherd dogs are loyal to their owners and family. They enjoy the company of their family and prefer to stick close to their owners and the human pack. However, they can be very standoffish with strangers.

These dogs love to be part of everything going on around them and are very big on consistency. Red merle owners should make sure that everything happens for them at specific times every day, including walks, bedtime, and walks.

4. They Thrive in Dog Sports

Red merle Australian shepherds are likely to thrive in dog sports such as flying disc games, flyball herding trials, agility, tracking, or obedience sports.

In fact, one Aussie was once a Frisbee Champion. He was known as Hyper Hank, very popular for his Frisbee skills back in the 1970s. Hank with Eldon Mclntire, his owner, dominated the canine Frisbee competitions. They even had the privilege to play with the Carter family in the White House and perform at the Super Bowl.

5. They Need Early Socialization

These dogs need early socialization. They should be exposed to new surroundings and people from a tender age. This will ensure that your red merle puppy grows into a well-rounded, friendly dog.

We recommend red merle Aussie owners to consider enrolling their dogs to puppy kindergarten classes or devote their time to their dogs by taking them for regular strolls around the neighborhood and introducing them to people in the neighborhood.

These dogs can retain their easy-going, friendly demeanor even into adulthood if socialized early. Hence, they need to be exposed to many different sights, people, experiences, and sounds from when they are very young.

6. They Need 30-60 Minutes of Exercise Daily

Red merle Australian shepherds are dogs bursting with excitement and energy. These dogs are best for active dog lovers because they are active and hyperactive, and always ready for agame of fetch or a walk.

Because they are herders by nature, they have the ability to keep up with the most energetic humans looking for a fun but challenging pet. Known to be tireless dogs, red merle Australian shepherds can be very exhausting for unsuspecting new dog owners or lovers.

9. For Red Merle Australian Shepherds, Training is Life!

These dogs were bred over many generations as working dogs. Hence, their instinct remains strong, even in red merles that live as house pets. Training will help keep their minds busy and occupied.

This working breed dog can be comfortable over different terrains, as well as in harsh conditions and temperatures. Thanks to their innate ability to adapt and think for themselves, they were used to herd a wide variety of animals such as cattle, sheep, poultry, and rabbit. Due to their stamina, they make popular trail dogs.

12. They Need Regular Brushing

Red merle Australian shepherds are one of the “double-coated” breeds, with short undercoats that insulate their bodies and longer outer coats. Aussies are more likely to shed their undercoat. Hence it is crucial to brush them regularly.

Brushing their coats regularly will help you get rid of their extra hairs and keep both their layers from matting up. They have an inner insulating layer and a water-resistant outer layer, which protects them against environmental elements.

13. They Are Incredible With Children

Red merle Australian shepherds are incredible with kids and will become affectionate with children they are exposed to from an early age. However, you should teach your children or kid in your vicinity how to handle an Aussie because some still retain their herding heritage.

Teach your red merle Aussie how not to bother or chase kids, and once they learn this, they will make incredible companions for tiny tots in your family. You should also teach your children how to approach these dogs gently and always supervise any interaction between children and dogs.