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Australian Shepherd colors explained: blue merle, red merle, black and red, plus white and tan markings, eye colors and what to know about merle.
The short answer
The Australian Shepherd Club of America recognizes four colors: blue merle, red (liver) merle, black and red (liver). Each can come with or without white markings and tan points, which is what creates the many looks owners describe.
Table of contents
The four recognized colors
White and tan markings
About merle
Eye colors
Does color change the coat?
Does color affect temperament or health?
Pale skin and sun
Unusual colors and marketing
Picking a color
Grooming by color
FAQ
Australian Shepherds come in a surprising range of looks, but the breed standard is simpler than the names you see online. There are four recognized base colors, and the variety comes from white markings, tan points and the merle pattern.
Here is a plain guide to what each color means.
The four recognized colors
The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) lists the following colors for the breed:
Blue merle. A black coat diluted by the merle gene into a blue-gray marbled color with black patches.
Red (liver) merle. A liver coat with the merle pattern, giving a marbled red or cinnamon look with liver patches.
Black. Solid black pigment, without merle.
Red (liver). Solid liver pigment, without merle, ranging from a deep brown to a lighter red.
Each of these can be with or without white markings and/or tan points.
White and tan markings
White markings commonly appear on the chest, legs, muzzle and collar. The amount varies a lot.
Tan points are the copper or tan marks on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs and under the tail.
Owners use shorthand for the combinations: "black tri" for a black dog with white and tan, "black bi" for black with white or tan, "red tri" or "red bi" for liver dogs, and so on. These are informal terms, but they describe real combinations within the four colors.
About merle
Merle is a pattern gene that dilutes pigment in patches. It is incompletely dominant, so one copy shows the pattern. Two copies give a double merle, which ASCA and ASHGI warn can have serious eye defects and deafness. Some merles show little pattern, called cryptic merle. Full details are in Blue Merle Australian Shepherd.
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Eye colors
Aussies can have brown, blue, amber or mixed eyes, including marbled eyes or two different colors. Eye color is independent of coat color in many cases, but blue eyes are more common in merles. Blue eyes by themselves are not a health problem.
Does color change the coat?
Coat color can shift as a puppy grows. Some blues and reds darken or lighten, and tan points may become more distinct. Sun exposure and seasonal coat changes can also affect how the color appears. Color does not change how much the dog sheds. See Do Australian Shepherds Shed?.
Does color affect temperament or health?
There is no evidence that color determines temperament. Energy, drive and trainability are about breeding and individual personality. Health depends on genetics and care, and the main color-linked health concern is the double merle. For general health information, see Australian Shepherd Lifespan.
Pale skin and sun
Dogs with a lot of white fur over pink skin can sunburn, especially on the nose, ears and belly. Limit strong sun exposure and ask your vet about sun protection. This is one more reason not to shave; see Should You Shave an Australian Shepherd?.
Unusual colors and marketing
You may see "rare" colors advertised, such as "lilac," "blue" or "fluffy" Aussies. Be cautious. If a color falls outside the four recognized colors, ask what it is and what testing the breeder has done. Do not pay a premium for color alone. Health testing and breeder quality matter far more.
Picking a color
Choose personality, health and breeder over looks. All colors need the same grooming and exercise. If you plan to spend time outdoors in strong sun, remember that pale skin needs extra care.
Grooming by color
All Aussie colors have the same double coat and need the same routine. Our grooming guide covers brushing, bathing and care. Color does not change what tools you need.
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary or genetic counseling.
Frequently asked questions
What colors do Australian Shepherds come in?
Four recognized colors: blue merle, red (liver) merle, black and red (liver), each with or without white markings and tan points.
What is the rarest Australian Shepherd color?
Popularity varies by region, but be cautious of "rare" colors used as a marketing tactic. Focus on health testing and breeder quality.
What is a red merle Australian Shepherd?
A liver (red) dog with the merle gene, giving a marbled red or cinnamon coat with liver patches.
Do Aussie puppies change color as they grow?
Yes, some do. Blues and reds can darken or lighten and tan points can become clearer as the coat matures.
Are certain Aussie colors healthier than others?
Color does not generally determine health, with the exception of double merles, which face serious eye and hearing risks.
Do all Australian Shepherds have blue eyes?
No. Eyes can be brown, blue, amber or mixed. Blue eyes are more common in merles but are not a health issue by themselves.
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