Blue Merle Australian Shepherd: Interesting Facts, Info & Pictures
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
| Height: | 18 – 23 inches |
| Weight: | 40 – 65 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Colors: | Blue, gray, black, and white |
| Suitable for: | Families with plenty of energy, large yard |
| Temperament: | Active, intelligent, good-natured, protective |
The Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is a special type of Australian Shepherd that has received a semi-dominant gene resulting in bluish-grey fur mixed with splotches of black or reddish-brown and white.
If you are thinking about getting one of these dogs for your home, keep reading while we look at the cost, as well as several interesting facts to help you make an informed decision.
Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Puppies – Before You Welcome One Into Your Family …
We recommend setting aside between $800 and $2,000 for your Blue Merle Australian Shepherd depending on where you live, what breeder you choose, and if you want to obtain breeding rights or a show-quality dog. If you need to travel to pick up your pet, you may also have food and lodging bills. If you do not purchase breeding rights, most breeders will stipulate that you get the dog spayed or neutered as part of the contract, and your dog will also need a series of vaccinations that will take place over several vet visits.
However, once these charges are taken care of, your Blue Merle Australian Shepherd will cost very little every month, and you should only need to purchase food, treats, and toys to keep your pet healthy and happy.
10 Interesting Facts About Blue Merle Australian Shepherd
- Besides the Blue Merle, you can also purchase a Red Merle Australian Shepherd.
- The subdominant Blue Merle gene often causes the dog to have one or two blue or blue-flecked eyes.
- Other possible side effects of the Blue Merle gene may include defects in hearing and sight.
- There are several Blue Merle varieties. Each describes the color of the coat, including the Solid Blue Merle, Blue Merle Tricolor, Blue Merle and White, and the Blue Merle and Tan.
- The Australian Shepherd was a popular breed among the cowboys of the Wild West.
- Breeders originally docked the tail of the Australian Shepherd because it would often get in the way when they were working with livestock.
- The Australian Shepherd makes a fantastic aid dog for the impaired.
- Police often use the Australian Shepherd as a rescue dog, and it can also detect drugs and find missing people.
- The Australian Shepherd is not registered in Australia as a native dog.
- The Australian Shepherd has a strong work drive and will attempt to herd everything from birds to children.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Merle Australian Shepherd is one of the most sought-after varieties of the Australian Shepherd because it mixes function with an attractive appearance that many people like. Many of these dogs have one or two blue eyes, which will quickly grab the attention and win the heart of anyone that sees them. It’s incredibly intelligent and easy to train, like any Australian Shepherd and the only downside is their strong desire to herd everything, which can bother children and other pets.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and it has helped answer your questions concerning this breed. If we have convinced you to give one of these amazing dogs a try in your home, please share this guide to the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd on Facebook and Twitter.
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Featured Image Credit: Vera Reva, Shutterstock
