Why Are Blue Merle Shepherds Suddenly Gaining Popularity?

Last Updated on April 21, 2022

Have you heard of blue merle Shepherds? These brilliant dogs have a unique coat colouring that makes them extraordinarily desirable and gaining popularity!

But what should you know before you purchase a blue merle Shepherd? And what are the key things you need to keep in mind?

What is a blue merle Shepherd?

“Blue merle” simply means the specific colour of the dog’s coat. Just as you see tri coloured Shepherds, blue merles are another unique colour for an Aussie to have. blue merle is typically a white and blue-grey, or blue-ish colouring that speckles the coat. They also may have brown or tan limbs and cheeks. They are technically also “tri coloured”, but the merle colouring is focused along the body, where there are no other colours present beyond white and blue-grey.

How rare is it?

Red Australian Shepherds are one of the rarest colours you can get, the blue merle Shepherd isn’t common either. This colour has to be selectively bred, which makes breeders charge a premium for these puppies. Some will even tell you that a tri coloured Shepherds as blue merle, so watch out! You may find it hard to find a blue merle.

How much does a blue merle Shepherd cost?

Because of their colouring, this particular colour can cost a bit more than regular Shepherd puppies, selling high at about $1200 AUD. Breeders used to not charge so much for blue merle Shepherds, but with recent demand for these gorgeous dogs, prices have rapidly increased.

Where to get blue merle Shepherds?

Some reputable breeders may choose to breed blue merle Shepherds specifically for that colour. Of course, breeding is a process, and some litters may not produce blue merle Shepherds. In this case, you should ask around various breeding programs to make sure they have puppies with blue merle Shepherds. They may be harder to find, especially in areas of Australia with fewer breeders available, but keep trying!

Health conditions of the blue merle Shepherd

Coloboma is common among blue merles, but all Australian Shepherds have this trait. Coloboma is where the iris does not dilate correctly, resulting in vision impairment for the Aussie. Not all blue merles will have this trait, and some non-merle Aussies do carry it. You should take the time to research the dog’s pedigree and ask questions.

Temperament

Aussies do not change temperament based on coat colour. This is definitely a myth, as temperament can be affected based on environment and training. If your Aussie is acting up, it may be they are under-stimulated.

Aussies are work dogs! They need activity on a daily basis. A task, a job, and a routine go a long way to keeping an Australian Shepherd happy and healthy! Daily walks are a must, and regular playtimes help. Even training, learning tricks and commands, will help your Aussie thrive in their environment.

Blue merle Aussies are a highly sought after colour for Australian Shepherds, and well worth the cost if you want a unique colour. However, finding and purchasing one might bit tricky!

Ask around to see if a breeder near you has a blue merle Australian Shepherd.