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Colors and Markings
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Black Tri, Red Tri, Blue Merle, and Red Merle are the primary colors with Merle being the most popular.
Black Tri:
These have black mostly covering their bodies with brown points which can either be dark or light tan and white around neck, legs and/ or chest.
Red Tri:
This color can be a dark or light brown with tan points and white around neck, legs and/or chest.
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Blue Merle:
This color has been known as the prime and most popluar color in the aussie. The Merle color carries a lethal gene if bred back to a merle so these types can only be expressed with only one merle as the present gene carrier or either the dam or sire can be this color. The color is expressed as a patched pattern of black splashes which has a blue tint with tan points and white neck, legs and/or feet. Blue merles can have one, both or partial blue eyes.
Red Merle:
Similar to the blue merle this color is expressed as a patched pattern of Red splashes of spots which has a Red tint. These dogs can have tan points and white neck, legs and / or feet. Red merles are just as pretty as blue merles so deciding on which color you might like the best just depends on your color preference.
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A variety of white and tan markings may appear on the face, chest, front and rear legs of all 4 colors. The outer coat is sensable length, with a texture that is straight to wavy and weather resistant! The undercoat is soft and dense, and the amount varies with climate. Tails are docked to deminstrate the breed standard but you do still see Aussie's with tails depending on owner preference. Ears are moderately sized, and should break forward and over. Males weigh approximately 50 to 65 pounds, measuring from 20 to 23 inches, and females weigh about 40 to 55 pounds, measuring from 18 to 21 inches.
The eyes of the Australian Shepherd come in a wide variety of colors, making this one of the most notable features of the breed. They may be any color or combination of colors from glassy blue, amber, hazel, to all shades of brown. As said above, with merles its common to see both eyes “marbled” with two different colors or one blue and one brown.
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