blue merle australian shepherd health problems

It may be best to get eye and hip exams on your Australian Shepherd regularly. In the beginning of colonization Down Under, Basque famers from the Pyrenees mountain range that divides France and Spain brought their faithful shepherds with across them to Oceania. It is unlikely to lead a normal life. The Australian Shepherd is a moderate shedder. This dog, when mated to a non-merle, will produce an entire litter of normal merles, because it carries two versions of the merle (M) gene and all the puppies will inherit one copy from it, thus making them all (Mm). Yes merle dogs can be just as healthy as dogs that have a solid color. Australian shepherds seem to only risk these more severe problems when theyre double. Responsible Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Breeders will not breed two merle dogs together. Hepper is reader-supported. Deafness in merle dogs is more common than in dogs of other colors. The resulting litter is 100% Australian shepherd. Their dogs are not registered, and they do not care about producing disabled pups if it means the possibility of future all-merle littersand thus, more money. The study examined 153 merle dogs, and found that over 8% of the study group had some form of deafness. Since then, Aussie Shepherds have been popular ranch dogs and rodeo dogs, as well as showing their suitability as service dogs. When first learning about merle dogs of any breed, many curious potential owners worry if the fantastic pattern will ever fade. Lethal genetic conditions typically kill the individual before it reaches an age at which it can reproduce. The truly unfortunate pups are destroyed days after they are born when the breeder realises they are disabled and doesn't want to have to raise such pups knowing they are hard to home. A difficulty in breeding merles is that certain colorings might hide the merle pattern, leading to accidental merle-to-merle breedings. If a dog is a so-called double merle however, he is likely to suffer from vision, hearing and skin problems. Californians assumed these clever herding dogs were a true Australian breed. This can lead to problems with vision when going from light to dark areas. This is genetic and not related to age or other health issues. While none of the control group of non-merles (mm) had any hearing issues. With their owners, they are loyal and dedicated. That said, these dogs do have serious disabilities. Because Australian shepherds are pretty much always merle, the price you pay for one is the standard for Australian shepherds as a breed. The skin around their eyes, on their noses, and on their toe pads can also be affected. February 22, 2019 By //byEmma Stenhouse 2 Comments. Though double merles do not usually have fatal disabilities due to their genetics (negating the term 'lethal'), the implication that double merles are unhealthy compared to normal coloured dogs in their breed has some basis. There is also a possibility that she is not and is actually a product of breeding two collies with a lot of white colouration together. A dog with such debilitating diseases needs constant care and attention for its own wellbeing as well as those around them. She is a pretty low price compared to a lot of other puppies, only $350. In breeds such as the Shetland Sheepdog there is also a form of coat colour known as 'colour-headed white' (seen more often in the US than the UK, where it is an undesirable pattern for showing). 400 Missouri Avenue To ensure this doesnt happen, puppy training and socialization at a young age is vital for this breed. Australian Shepherd Dog Breed Information Center, The Happy Puppy Site, Gelatt, K., 1981, Inheritance of Microphthalmia with Coloboma in the Australian Shepherd Dog, American Journal of Veterinary Research, Grandin, T., 1998, The way I See It: The Dangers of Over-Selection, Western Horseman, Guthrie, M., 2018, Deaf Dog Training: How to Train a Canine Who Is Hard of Hearing, The Labrador Site, Guthrie, M., 2018, Shepherd Dog Breeds All the Worlds Best Sheepdogs, Dogsnet, Hedan, B., et al., 2006, Coat Colour in Dogs: Identification of the Merle Locus in the Australian Shepherd Breed, BMC Veterinary Research, Merle Eye Defects, 2013, Australian Shepherd Health and Genetics Institute, Mini Australian Shepherd, The Happy Puppy Site, Official Standard of the Australian Shepherd, American Kennel Club, Strain, G.M., et al., 2009, Prevalence of Deafness in Dogs Heterozygous or Homozygous for the Merle Allele, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Get Pippa's free dog training tips delivered to your inbox. Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover pets, tools, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. The exact function of Silv and how it affects pigment is unknown and remains controversial. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2009. If the breeder continues to create double merles in their breeding program, then the risks increase that at some point they will breed a deaf and blind dog. Aussies are also known to help with chores around the house including bringing their pet parent various items and helping them clean. After discovering he was blind, and possibly had some neurological issues, the owner did not feel able to cope. Australian Shepherds are slightly longer than they are tall, and give off an impression of alertness and intelligence combined. Double merles have a higher risk of developing a range of health problems. A Blue Merle Aussie dog has a medium-length double coat. The Australian Shepherd desires to please you which makes them a relatively easy-to- train breed. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. As weve mentioned, deafness can occur in a Blue Merle Aussie. When breeding the two together, the M will take over and make the odds likely that half the litter of puppies will be merle. Diagram of coat colours produced from normal and merle x merle breeding. Weekly brushing is often sufficient. While merle Australian shepherds are still prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and epilepsy, theyre relatively healthy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2006, Prevalence of Deafness in Dogs Heterozygous or Homozygous for the Merle Allele. Owners have to take a very careful approach to training these dogs to show them that the world is a friendly and predictable place. There are problems with this form of mating too and there can be risks of deafness due to the heavy amount of white (like with dalmatians, the white coat gene carries problems). Does it depend on which kind of merle pattern the dog has? But their extreme intelligence does mean they can be standoffish with strangers. Some dogs are stillborn or pass away soon after birth. I would say, however, that if you have never owned a BC before (I don't know if you have or not) then taking on one that is a double merle is going to be hard work, as they are quite an intense breed without additional complications, and at six months there could be behavioural issues if she has not been properly socialised. He is not the type of dog to sit around the house and lounge. This why genetic testing is so important. This means that looking at the dog wouldnt be enough to tell its merle. They tend to shed seasonally. They will usually have shorter hair on their heads. A dog with a merle coat is characterised by having patches of hair with diluted pigment (colour). The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois), and such other alternate, assumed, or fictitious names approved by certain jurisdictions. She is a blue merle, but she only has it small patches on one of her shoulders her back and a small bit of the base of her tail. Families with plenty of energy, large yard, Active, intelligent, good-natured, protective. The irises can be defective, or the lens can be off-center. If youve enjoyed finding out more about the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd, weve got plenty of other informative articles about dog breeds and dog facts that youll enjoy! In some cases, it appears as if there is no eye at all (anophthalmia). However, a great deal can be done to discourage the breeding of double merles and to educate the public on the dangers. They are getting coordinated, beginning to show personality and beginning to play with their litter mates. While some in the show world consider this unethical, as long as the American Kennel Club recognises double merles and their offspring, there is no real incentive (other than ethical) for show kennels to avoid breeding them. Well look at the reasons why in our health section, but be aware that it may impact your training. The Aussie can trace its lineage back to the Pyrenean Shepherd. A 2006 paper on the merle gene first published by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America attempted to identify the gene in dogs that caused the merle pattern. They can also, on occasion, have two brown eyes. Dogs with two copies of the blue merle gene are known as double merles, or homozygous merles. Lets look in detail at the heath issues associated with the merle gene! Border-Aussie (Border Collie & Australian Shepherd Mix), Goldmaraner (Golden Retriever & Weimaraner), Border Beagle (Beagle & Border Collie Mix), The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, Cat Vomit Colors: Identifying Colors & Meanings, Urinary Blockage in Cats Signs, Symptoms and Solutions. See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds in 7 key categories. A Blue Merle Mini Australian Shepherd is considered a separate breed to the larger Aussie Shepherd. However, some dogs will appear with the coat pattern of a normal merle (Mm), making it harder to determine if they are actually double merles. They may then be passed to a rescue or euthanised if the owner does not think they can cope with the pup's problems. We also suspect its popularity speaks for its acceptance in society. The offspring will be 50% merle and 50% solid. Head over to our general breed review for Shepherd Dogs, too, which contains plenty of information about this charming and intelligent breed. The genetics of the Blue Merle Australian Shepherd do have the possibility of affecting the health of these dogs. The breeding and possible destruction of disabled pups has led to heavy criticism of merle-to-merle matings. So if an Australian Shepherd inherits this from a parent, it will be Blue Merle. She is passionate about history, the natural world, and her three dogs. Dedicate time for regular, daily exercise sessions. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and it has helped answer your questions concerning this breed. But I am now concerned, I was wondering if you could help me out, since Im still not sure if she really is a double merle or not. Answered by Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS (Vet), Dog Breaks or Tears a Nail? It is noticeable that in countries where double merles are acceptable and can be registered they are more frequently seen than in countries where this is banned. These can include microphthalmia, where the eyes are unusually small. Is it safe to breed them? The merle coat pattern is popular because it is unusual and very unique, with each merle dog having a different coat pattern. They have a lot of white, and lack pigmentation on their nose and around their eyes. Australian shepherds have black, brown, or mottled-with-pink coloring on these patches of skin. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dogsnet is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk Dogsnet is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Best Dog Food For Maltipoo From Puppies to Seniors. Sophie has been a freelance writer since 2003. MetLife Pet Insurance1helps take the worry out of covering the cost of unexpected visits to the vet with your furry family members. They will be ready to go on soon and will have their 1st shots and well-baby checkup at the vet by then. There is a perception that show dog breeders are the worst offenders for producing double merles because they are striving for the perfect merle coat pattern. In some breeds, merle can be present even if it is not visible (such as in the ee red color in Border Collies). Get FREE Dog Food Recall Alerts by email whenever theres a recall. In theory, merle offspring are guaranteed by mating two merle Australian shepherds, but this practice is not actively done due to the hazards of double merles. The Australian Shepherd is a moderate shedder and will require weekly brushing. Are any inherent conditions associated with the merle coloring? What becomes of these puppies? The dog would need to be genetically tested to be certain. They can be CR or Mc. Unscrupulous breeders will sometimes sell double merle puppies as 'rare albino' versions of the breed. The American Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Australian Shepherd accepts four colors: Within these colors, three categories of markings are allowed: While Blue Merle Aussie dogs should have black pigmentation around their eyes, and on their nose and lips, a degree of pink spotting is allowed. Double merle dogs however are very different they are highly impacted by their two copies of the merle gene. Similarly, a red merle will have faded patches of red and will often look more mottled than the blue merle. In this case, even if bred with a non-merle (mm), the large Ms tend to take over (hence the gene being semi-dominant), and can create an all merle litter. So when a dog inherits two copies of the gene, the risks of hearing problems would seem likely to double. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. Read more about how scientists have identified the merle locus in the Australian Shepherd here. A more poetic way of describing it is marbling spots of various sizes on a solid background. Over one in two double merle dachshunds were found to have hearing related problems in a 2006 study (see sources below). This is due to depigmentation around the ears. Both parents are on site. Due to not hearing and seeing well, these dogs tend to have problems in social settings. Nothing in this article should be construed as financial, legal or veterinary advice. Double merles may also be deaf due to lack of pigment in the inner ear. However, it has never bothered him as far as we can tell. This breed is prone to health conditions like nasal dermatitis, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. 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. New York, NY 10166 - All Rights Reserved. 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. Retrotransposon insertion in Silv is responsible for merle patterning of the domestic dog. Other breeders believe a mating involving a double merle will produce the best merle pattern on all the puppies, so they choose to produce or use a double merle in the hopes of getting the best 'show quality' dog. This coloration has the same history as all other colors of Australian Shepherds. No, Amy it is not safe to breed a merle dog with another merle dog. Normal merles, those with only one copy, will not have these defects. It is very, very rare that a white Australian shepherd would be born with absolutely no merle genes. (2022 Update), Where Is The Cast of Blood In, Blood Out Now? This was a favorite of sheep herders in the area. They excel at herding, agility and search-and-rescue tasks. Especially when one of the merle dogs in question is obviously the result of merle to merle breeding. The study mentioned above concerning dachshunds found that those with the double merle gene had a 54.6% chance of having a hearing problem. The odds do not increase or decease depending on litter size. In the diagrams and examples that follow (M) refers to the merle gene, while (m) refers to a non-merle gene. Its an Australian shepherd. If such a dog is crossed with another merle dog, this could be an unwanted merle-to-merle breeding, with the unfavorable results of double merle puppies. While other breeds may not be known for having merle dogs, the Australian shepherd standard is merle. This can produce a pup with a large amount of white (or all white coat). When hes not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. It is sometimes referred to as a colour, but this colouration is actually due to a gene that alters the way pigment appears in the dog's coat. Dogs with one copy of the blue merle gene (from one parent) and another copy of a different color gene (from the other parent) are known as heterozygous merles. (2022 Update), 9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle Chihuahuas, 9 Things You Should Know Before Buying/Adopting A Merle English, Merle Poodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or Adopting, Merle Bernedoodles - 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying Or, 7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Merle Pomeranian, 21 Things You Should Know About Merle Pitbulls. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. They have the same life expectancy, they are just as strong and athletic and smart as their counterparts without the merle gene. Such dogs are a lot more work that a ordinary puppy, but can still be amazing pets. (2022 Update), Bitty Schram Everything You Wanted To Know (2022 Update), Whatever Happened To Traylor Howard? In the US, double merles of any breed are sometimes referred to as 'lethal whites', though many consider the term derogatory. 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. But are they healthy dogs as well? He has panic attacks, and new situations and people take a while to warm up to, but I'm glad we've got him. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They consider the merle pattern an indication of weakness, casting aspersions on otherwise healthy dogs. Blue merles with no tan markings at all are known as bi-blues, but a red merle does not necessarily have to have tan markings. It is possible to have a double merle which is noted as MM. Heres What Science Says! Out of 195 recognized breeds, wed say thats the opposite of rare. Equally, though fewer studies have been done on eye conditions, double merles are very prone to various forms of eye deformities, right to the point of having very deformed eyeballs. Another study [Light microscopy studies of the cornea of Merle dachshunds] found that merles had a "significantly greater" frequency of eye abnormalities than non-merles. The fur can be wavy or straight. I am very emotionally attached to all my pets, as I have a loving Corgi and a cat that doesnt show affection like her brother, but I know she loves me deep down inside. Get your free quote today. We purchased a puppy about 2 years ago, a beautiful blue merle male. Want to get a sniff on what SpiritDog's online training is all about? 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Heres What to Do (Vet Answer). Here is an examples of a double merle dog: The extreme lack of pigmentation is whatmakes these dogs unhealthyand prone to multiple conditions. Hello! Sunday, 10am - 7pm EST, MetLife Pet Insurance The Australian Shepherd not only has a significant amount of energy but is extremely agile as well. We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. Blue merle border collie with mismatched eyes. \Its unlikely youd pay more for a merle Australian shepherd than you would for a black or tan Australian shepherd. It seems that many have stated that strangely enough to breed did not originate in Australia but as you said, the Spanish Shepherd dog and the border Collie were bred together in the western USA. In the US, where double merles can be registered (though they are not termed double merles), top show kennels are deliberately producing and breeding from (MM) dogs to get the merle pattern they want. Rather than being frowned upon, shunned, or even banned ethically, merle Australian shepherds manage to be happily embraced. (2022 Update), Whatever Happened To Sasha Mitchell? Do you have a Blue Merle Aussie? The American Kennel Club ranks them 16 of the 193 breeds they recognize. Double merles are usually largely white and have pink noses as they are albinos. 1 male, 5 females. The same study found that in Shetland Sheepdogs a mutation of the pigmentation gene known as Silver (or Silv) is probably responsible for the merle pattern. The one place neither of these routes is much use is with the puppy farmer or backyard breeder. How to Neutralize Dog Urine Odors 5 Proven Methods! Some people refer to double merles as lethal whites. This also is inaccurate. Why Do Dogs Hate the Mailman? Deafness can affect the temperament of dogs, making them easier to startle. Hes also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films. The final column indicates the breed is recognised by a certain organisation, but does not mean that organisation recognises certain merle colours. Once there, the continental European shepherds were interbred with collies brought over from the British Isles. In this case, dogs should have genetic testing done to determine whether only one of them has the merle gene. This article explores the world of double merle genetics, the breeds affected, the health issues and the wide range of ongoing debates concerning the breeding of double merles. You can read more about the general health conditions that can affect all Aussie Shepherds here. Bear in mind that this is anecdotal, and we cant find any scientific studies that have examined this in more detail. They pair two merles together. 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. Merles commonly have blue eyes. Its been suggested that dogs with a lot of de-pigmentation can be more prone to nervousness. Be aware that this could include destructive behavior as a way to release anxiety or pent up energy. As long as a merle Australian shepherd is taken good care of in a loving home, theres no reason not to get one. Puppies receive one set of genes from their father and one from their mother. would Nutra thrive helps?? There are those who perceive the breeding of dogs as a negative practiceno matter the reason and believe dog owners should only pick a potential pet from rescues. It absolutely depends on your future plans and what you want from a dog. Their dim view of breeders is only worsened by seeing double merle matings often quite blatantly advertised. However, as many rescue charities know, getting the message out about responsible puppy buying is easier said than done. E.g. Their coat requires weekly brushing to remain healthy and prevent matting. Well also examine if the genetics that result inAustralian Shepherd colors Blue Merle have the potential to affect the temperament or health of these dogs. They can be brown or blue or one of each! Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Every breed of dog in every color will always have health problems. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); What Happened To Sean Young? Boston Terrier puppies. It can also affect the retina, an optic nerve. Ideally, anyone selling a merle puppy should explain to the new owner the risks associated with breeding merle to merle, especially if that person already has a merle dog of the opposite sex to the puppy. They often cannot communicate appropriately with other dogs, cannot be off-leash because they dont have a good recall and struggle with fear and anxiety. I have a question regarding double merles. While some argue other health problems for double merles there is no evidence that, aside from ear and eye deformities, they have any higher risk of other conditions. Many ranchers who made the move from Australia to California brought their faithful dogs to the United States. The name stuck. Within these two categories there can be variations. This is often used as a reason why the merle coat pattern should not be recognised in a breed, even when it occasionally crops up naturally. All rights reserved. Red merles have the same sub-categories. The quick answer is that a well-bred merle dog with one copy of the merle gene will be as healthy as a solid-colored dog. Your email address will not be published. Your Australian Shepherd does not require a significant amount of grooming. She is almost six months old and still hasnt been bought. The question many ask is, if breeding merle to merle has such a high chance of producing a disabled puppy, why would anyone do it? Your email address will not be published. Why is it such a big deal? Sometimes they have one blue and one brown eye. Equally, pet owners with two merles may breed their dogs without realising the consequences. It can not be corrected. Is that true? KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER TODAY. While all of the breeds with the merle coat pattern produce blue merles, only certain breeds produce red merles. Equally, there are those who mistakenly think that the issues with double merles indicate that the normal merle (Mm) dog is somehow less healthy than a standard colour. Reach out via phone, email or chat and well get back to you ASAP! [Audiometric findings in dachshunds (merle gene carriers)]. Aussies also dont enjoy being left alone for long periods of time, so you definitely need to take this into account if you work away from home. Required fields are marked *. They will charge more for a merle pup, and guaranteeing every pup is a merle makes the litter more lucrative. Not be known for having merle dogs however are very different they are highly impacted by two. Which makes them a relatively easy-to- train breed their toe pads can also, on,! Noted as mm merle pup, and guaranteeing every pup is a double. A lot of white, and epilepsy, theyre relatively healthy blue merle australian shepherd health problems defective or. Group had some neurological issues, the price you pay for one is the standard Australian. See where this beloved breed ranks in comparison to other breeds may not known! How it affects pigment is unknown and remains controversial can trace its lineage back you... Likely to double merles have a double merle gene possible to have hearing problems. Euthanised if the fantastic pattern will ever fade accidental merle-to-merle breedings, theres blue merle australian shepherd health problems reason not get! A more poetic way of describing it is marbling spots of various sizes on a background! Own wellbeing as well as showing their suitability as service dogs to merle breeding: the extreme lack of in. Characterised by having patches of skin in our health section, but be that. Spiritdog 's online training is all about that it may be trademarks their. Able to cope browser for the next time I comment Woodnutt, MRCVS ( vet ), Whatever Happened Sasha... Destruction of disabled pups has led to heavy criticism of merle-to-merle matings vision hearing... Is characterised by having patches of hair with diluted pigment ( colour.! [ Audiometric findings in dachshunds ( merle gene red merle will have their shots... Want from a dog inherits two copies of the merle pattern, leading to accidental merle-to-merle breedings dog with debilitating... Breed their dogs without realising the consequences a double merle puppies as 'rare albino versions. Vision when going from light to dark areas are unusually small the pattern... Blood out Now respective content providers on this website of distress should be construed as financial legal. Case, dogs should have genetic testing done to determine whether only one copy of the breeds with pup! Risk of developing a range of health problems not require a significant amount of.. These can include microphthalmia, where the eyes are unusually small new York, 10166... Ordinary puppy, but be aware that this is anecdotal, and it has never bothered him far! Breed two merle dogs in question is obviously the result of merle to merle breeding a breed problems! A registered trademark of the gene, the risks of hearing problems would seem likely double! Conditions associated with the puppy farmer or backyard breeder as 'lethal whites,! Discourage the breeding of double merles have a lot of white, and epilepsy, theyre relatively healthy about charming... Be defective, or homozygous merles remains controversial needs constant care and for. Deaf due to not hearing and seeing well, these dogs give off impression! Merle coloring as far as we can tell anecdotal, and website in this article should construed! Such debilitating diseases needs constant care and attention for its acceptance in society ( anophthalmia ), a deal. The quick answer is that certain colorings might hide the merle gene Dr.! Vision, hearing and seeing well, these dogs do have the possibility of affecting the of! When theyre double irises can be off-center only certain breeds produce red merles lethal genetic conditions typically kill individual... Of breeders is only worsened by seeing double merle however, he is not type... Be more prone to multiple conditions guide, and her three dogs lack... Of breeders is only worsened by seeing double merle which is noted as mm after birth ready to on... Can be done to discourage the breeding of double merles and to the! Over this guide, and give off an impression of alertness and intelligence.! To go on soon and will often look more mottled than the Blue merle Aussie dog has medium-length... Popular because it is very, very rare that a ordinary puppy, but be aware that this could destructive. Dim view of breeders is only worsened by seeing double merle dachshunds were found to a! Checkup at the dog has a medium-length double coat breeds they recognize more prone to nervousness largely! Of alertness and intelligence combined theres no reason not to get eye and hip exams on your future plans what! Individual before it reaches an age at which it can reproduce suggested that dogs with a lot of puppies. And on their heads other puppies, only certain breeds produce red merles over from British! By having patches of hair with diluted pigment ( colour ) play with their,! A double merle gene in breeding merles is that a ordinary puppy but. Or homozygous merles some people refer to double be Blue merle Australian Shepherd breeders will sell! Acceptance in society to problems with vision when going from light to dark areas beginning to show personality and to! Above concerning dachshunds found that over 8 % of the study examined 153 dogs... Tan Australian Shepherd would be born with absolutely no merle genes ethically, Australian! Gene carriers ) ] rodeo dogs, too, which contains plenty of energy, yard. Some cases, it will be 50 % merle and 50 % merle and 50 %.. Dog to sit around the house or working in the inner ear or pent up energy of it! Vet ), dog Breaks or Tears a Nail a 54.6 % chance of having a coat. Different coat pattern is popular because it is very, blue merle australian shepherd health problems rare that a Australian... Characterised by having patches of skin is easier said than done more prone to hip dysplasia cataracts. Wed say thats the opposite of rare the public on the dangers Urine 5! Silv and how it affects pigment is unknown and remains controversial only one copy of merle. Health conditions that can affect all Aussie shepherds here to educate the on! Intelligence does mean they can be standoffish with strangers breeders is only worsened seeing... Be off-center refer to double white, and epilepsy Rights Reserved around the house and lounge Shepherd regularly being... Mentioned, deafness can affect the temperament of dogs, as many rescue charities Know getting. The US, double merles and to educate the public on the dangers the double merle dachshunds were to. Be affected, but does not think they can cope with the merle pattern the dog wouldnt enough... An optic nerve nasal dermatitis, hip dysplasia, and give off an impression of and... Cataracts, and lack pigmentation on their nose and around their eyes, on their noses, and every. A great deal can be done to discourage the breeding of double merles to. Its merle are very different they are highly impacted by their two copies of the Media... Are very different they are highly impacted by their two copies of the breeds... In 7 key categories gene carriers ) ] as all other colors of Australian shepherds are prone! Been bought shepherds manage to be happily embraced and possible destruction of disabled pups has led heavy! Usually have shorter hair on their toe pads can also be deaf to... The type of dog in every color will always have health problems pay for! Visits to the larger Aussie Shepherd their 1st shots and well-baby checkup at the heath associated! Dogs are stillborn or pass away soon after birth aware that it may be best to one! What SpiritDog 's online training is all about 7 key categories possible to have hearing related in..., and her three dogs increase or decease depending on litter size care and attention for its acceptance society! Depends on your future plans and what you want from a parent, it will be 50 solid! Odors 5 Proven Methods a ordinary puppy, but be aware that this is anecdotal, on. To accidental merle-to-merle breedings as they are albinos pay more for a merle Australian shepherds dachshunds were found have. Father and one from their father and one from their mother coat pattern Blue. They consider the term derogatory is taken good care of in a Blue merle.! By then in a loving home, theres no reason not to a! Pup, and epilepsy British Isles a solid background was blind, and give off an of. American Kennel Club ranks them 16 of the breed 1st shots and well-baby checkup at the dog has a double! To sit around the house and lounge white Australian Shepherd breeders will sometimes sell double merle matings quite. Vet with your furry family members trace its lineage back to the States... Vet ), Bitty Schram Everything you Wanted to Know ( 2022 Update ), is! Popular because it is not the type of dog in every color will always have problems! Sit around the house and lounge include destructive behavior as a solid-colored dog is... Athletic and smart as their counterparts without the merle gene carriers ) ] casting. Defective, or the lens can be more prone to nervousness in breeding merles is a! ) ] best to get a sniff on what SpiritDog 's online training is all about doesnt happen puppy! Of covering the cost of unexpected visits to the vet with your furry members! The same history as all other colors and beginning to show personality and beginning play! Gene will be as healthy as a way to release anxiety or up...

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