They can even have “split” eyes, in which half the eye is one color and the other half is a different color! However, you should avoid purchasing a completely
white australian shepherd puppy
or adult rescue dog. The
white coloration
is genetically linked to blindness and deafness in the breed.
Are all white Australian Shepherds deaf?
White on and around the ear is associated with deafness in many breeds of dog. Most double merles with white on or around the ears are deaf, usually in both ears Occasionally, Aussies that are not double merles who have these markings will be deaf in one or both ears.
Can Australian Shepherds be white?
White Aussies are rare today because we have been slowly eliminating the “more white” forms of the white marking genes from our gene pool by not breeding Aussies with more than allowable white (though the preference for white trim on the show dogs does have some pushing the envelope.).
How much are white Australian Shepherds?
The average price of the Australian Shepherd ranges from $650 to $850 However, an Aussie can cost anywhere between $300 to $1,800+ USD depending on breeder reputation, coat colors, pedigree and location. Australian Shepherds are not the cheapest dog breed available, but they’re not terribly expensive either.
What is the rarest Australian Shepherd color?
red merles
are far less common than
blue merles
because the red-colored gene is recessive in dogs, meaning both parents have to have it for their offspring to inherit the coat. Red is the rarest color in Aussies generally, although the red merle coat is one of the more common red-colored coats in the breed.
Do all Australian Shepherds have blue eyes?
They often have two different colored eyes. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes Some Aussies even display more than one color within the same eye.
Do Australian Shepherds like to cuddle?
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they don’t know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
What is a lethal white dog?
When referring to a dog that is predominantly white, they are appropriately termed as
pattern white
or Double Merle. Lethal White is a term used for foals that are born white, usually die shortly after birth, have vision and hearing problems, and are not capable of growing and developing normally.
Why do Australian Shepherd have no tail?
The natural bobbed tail is a recessive gene within the Australian Shepherd dog breed genetic code This genetic mutation curbs the tail, naturally creating a shortened tail that is only about one or two vertebrae in length.
What is the most popular Aussie color?
The black tri Australian Shepherd is one of the most popular coat colors of the whole Australian Shepherd breed. Since black is the dominant color, their eyes are still light to dark brown.
What is a white Aussie?
Aussies with mostly white coats can be produced when two merles are bred together Merle is the patch-work coloring (black and grey or liver and buff) most associated with the breed. When a puppy inherits two copies of the gene for merle, it will usually have a lot of white in its coat.
What is a Harlequin Australian Shepherd?
In other words, a “Harlequin Merle” is simply a beautiful and unusual variation of the more common Merle color pattern When a Merle Aussie possesses the Harlequin gene, the already uniquely beautiful Merle coat pattern becomes even more “exciting”.
Are Australian Shepherds hard to train?
With an Aussie’s boundless energy, channeling it into something constructive can do wonders for your dog. These dogs bond strongly with their families. Their loyalty with their intelligence and high energy makes them very easy to train.
How long do Australian Shepherds live?
Aussies are best suited for families with an active lifestyle and a large fenced yard. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They can weigh between 35 and 70 pounds and have an average life span of 12-13 years.
Does Australian Shepherds shed a lot?
As we’ve mentioned, Australian Shepherds do shed considerably They are a double-coated breed, so you can expect a healthy amount of year-round dog fur left in your home, and on your clothes. Because they are double-coated, they also have two periods of time each year where their fur sheds more considerably.
What does a mismarked Aussie look like?
Dogs with excess white markings , sometimes referred to as mismarks, or over-marked. Australian Shepherds with too much white are usually healthy(exceptions noted below). There are entire breeds that allow far more white than typical of Aussies.
How often do you bathe an Australian Shepherd?
Dogs that have double or water-repellant coats, like Australian Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands, may only need baths every few months Bathing them more often than necessary can cause dry skin.
What makes an Aussie a merle?
The breed standards state that Australian Shepherds can come in some combination of two basic body colors (black and liver), one pattern (merle), and two trim colors (white and tan.) Of these, the pattern merle is described as two “colors”: Blue merle and red (liver) merle.
What does double merle mean?
A double merle is created when two merle dogs are bred together It doesn’t matter what color merle or what breed they are. If two merle dogs are bred together, each puppy in the litter has a 25% chance of being born a double merle. A double merle inherits the merle gene twice.
Are all white dogs with blue eyes deaf?
Blue eyes, resulting from an absence of pigment in the iris, is common with pigment-associated deafness but is not, in and of itself, an indication of deafness or the presence of a deafness gene; however, in several breeds (Dalmatian, English Setter, English Cocker Spaniel, Bull Terrier), dogs (and cats) with blue eyes.
Why are white dogs with blue eyes deaf?
Cochleosaccular is the most common cause of deafness and is associated with coat color patterns. It is usually seen in dogs with the piebald color genes or merle color gene. It can cause deafness in either one or both ears and is seen more in association with blue eyes and a white coat.
How much does it cost for an Australian Shepherd?
Depending on the breeder and availability in your area, an Australian Shepherd puppy can cost between $800-$1,800 and even be higher in some cases. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000.
Will my Aussies nose stay pink?
Aussie puppies may have pink on their noses, ranging from small spots to a butterfly shape to the entire nose. These spots usually darken over time and should disappear entirely by adulthood Once your puppy has reached one year of age, his nose should be fully darkened to black or liver.
Are Aussies blind?
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease in which the eyes are genetically programmed to go blind. Unfortunately, Australian Shepherds are a bit more likely than other dogs to have this condition.
Are Australian Shepherds hyper?
But everyone I spoke to cautioned against buying a mini Aussie just because they’re adorable and seemingly easy to care for due to their small stature: Since Aussies are hyper-intelligent herding dogs , they typically need a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise, and those unable to give them that should find.
Do Australian Shepherds make good pets?
Aussies are active yet easy-going dogs that love to romp with children. They tend to get along well with other pets The breed is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. Aussies are known for being especially eager to please their owners.
Are Aussies vocal?
The Aussie, though a silent worker, is very vocal when playing with other dogs When greeting their owners or upon being praised they will often make a singing noise, speaking to you in various tones ranging from a deep howl to a shrill whine.
Are male or female Australian Shepherds better?
As you can tell, there are no major personality differences between female Australian Shepherds and their male counterparts Both genders have wonderful personalities that make them fit companions and family members. Choosing a male vs female Australian Shepherd is a matter of personal preference.
Can Aussies be black and white?
Australian Shepherd dogs are known for their gorgeous coats, and the Black and White Aussie is no exception Typically, the Black and White Aussie will have black markings on his face, back, and down his tail, with white over his muzzle, belly, chest, and paws.
What is a dilute Aussie?
THE DILUTION GENE. Commonly called the Maltese dilution, or MLPH, this recessive gene is one of the most common mismarks in Aussies It acts on black and liver hair; tan points are unaffected. A black dog becomes a slate blue like a blue Dobe. A red dog becomes a beige like a Weimaraner.
What two dogs make a Australian Shepherd?
There are many theories on which breeds were used to create the Australian Shepherd. It’s likely that the Aussie’s ancestors include collie and shepherd-type dogs that were imported with shipments of sheep from Australia during the 1840s, hence the name.
Why are Australian Shepherds so weird?
Australian Shepherds are truly amazing and unique dogs. Although they come in both mini and standard sizes, all Aussies were bred to be herding dogs. As a result, most of their quirks are centered around their genetic herding instincts and need for plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Australian Shepherds with blue eyes go blind?
Blue eyes in Aussies: Having blue-eyes does not mean a dog is blind.
Do Aussies pick one person?
The Australian Shepherd is not one of them. They, like some other animals, have their one chosen person , which is probably you if your dog sits on you all the time. When the Australian Shepherd chooses their person, they begin to exhibit loyalty towards you, even to an extreme degree.
Do Aussie puppies bite a lot?
Before you begin laying out a strategy to curtail your Australian Shepherd puppy’s inclination to bite, you should take the time to identify the root of the problem. While all breeds, especially when they’re puppies, will display some propensity to bite or nip at those around them, the behavior is usually transient.
Why do Aussies greet you buy first?
It’s a sign of appeasement ! A dog will grin if it senses you his owner needs to be calmed down or when they are excited by greeting people or guests. Some Australian Shepherds grin so hard they sneeze, and they often wiggle their whole bodies with happiness.
How can you tell if a dog is double merle?
Dogs with the double merle gene may be/have: All white in color, or have patches of merle/mottled coloring on the top half of their body – their head, back, and base of the tail. Light-colored paw pads. Have light blue, green or brown eyes, perhaps even eyes that are different colors.
Can you breed a white dog to a merle?
If you plan to breed a dog with the merle gene, you should not breed it with another of similar genetic makeup If lucky, the dog will be colorful and healthy, but there is a substantial chance that the double merle gene offspring could be blind, deaf or both. In other words, don’t do it.
What is a yellow Aussie?
Aussies people sometimes think are sable are actually yellow (The shade can vary from deep chestnut to pale lemon.) The gene for this color is separate from the one that produces sable. It is recessive, so any time yellow pups are produced, both parents carry the gene.
Do Aussies need winter coats?
Breeds with double coats include Chow Chows, Huskies, Akitas, Malamutes, American Eskimos, Finnish Spitz, Pomeranians, Shiba Inu, Australian Shepherds, Collies, German Shepherd, St. Bernard, etc. Breeds of this coat type are designed to handle harsh weather and should not need a winter coat.
Do Australian Shepherds smell?
While Aussies have a natural odor , with proper care it should not become an overpowering bad smell. Most often the cause of a strong odor from your shepherd is due to their coat’s condition. For many owners, bathing their Australian shepherd poses some challenges.
What should I look for when buying an Australian Shepherd puppy?
In a non-confrontational manner, tell breeders you are interested in the breed but want to learn more before you buy. Ask about things like temperament, grooming, activities, necessary training, as well as health When you get to health, ask what they know about common breed health issues.
Are Australian Shepherds good apartment dogs?
As medium-sized dogs with big personalities, Australian Shepherds are best suited to living in medium-large sized homes with some kind of outdoor space That said, smaller homes and apartments aren’t necessarily a no-no, just as long as you can get them outside for toilet time and provide sufficient exercise and play.
Are Australian Shepherds good with kids?
So, are Australian Shepherds good with kids? There are mixed reviews, but Australian Shepherds are generally great playmates for older children However, they’re known to try to herd small children by nipping at their heels. Still, with the right training and socialization, it can be avoided.
References
How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Cost? – 4 Factors of Australian Shepherd Prices