Brown Australian Shepherd: A Guide to This Unique Coat Colour

Last Updated on November 24, 2023

If you’re searching for a faithful, clever, and industrious canine companion that can also catch the eye of a crowd, you might find interest in the brown Australian Shepherd. Unique and attractive coat colour is a variation within the well-known Australian Shepherd breed, with its origins tracing back to European herding dogs in the United States.

Some people misunderstand Brown Australian Shepherd as a separate dog breed. Still, it’s a variation of the Australian Shepherd, with different coat colours like red merle or red tri-colour.

This article will cover all the information related to Brown Australian Shepherds and clarify the dog owner’s misconceptions, such as:

• What is a brown Australian Shepherd?
• How do they differ from other Australian Shepherds?
• What are their personality and temperament traits?
• How do you care for a brown Australian Shepherd?
• Where can you find a brown Australian Shepherd puppy?

By the end of this article, you will better understand this unique and unforgettable dog breed.

What is a Brown Australian Shepherd?

Brown Australian Shepherds have the same behaviour and feelings as other Australian Shepherds. They are intelligent, faithful, and lively dogs that love to learn and exercise. They are also hot and attached to their owners and family members.

• Red Merle Australian Shepherds: These dogs have a base coat of light brown or cream with darker brown or red patches. They may also have white markings and tan (copper) points on their face and legs. Their eyes can be blue, brown, or a combination of both.
• Red Tri-color Australian Shepherds: These dogs have a base coat of solid red or brown with white markings on their face, chest, belly, and legs. They also have tan (copper) points on their face and legs. Their eyes are usually brown.

Both red merle and red tri-colour Australian Shepherds are officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as standard coat colours for the breed. However, they are less common than the black and blue merle variations.

How Do They Differ From Other Australian Shepherds?

Besides their coat colour, brown Australian Shepherds closely resemble other Australian Shepherds in terms of their physical attributes. They fall into the medium-sized category, weighing between 40 to 65 pounds and standing at shoulder heights ranging from 18 to 23 inches.

The main difference between brown Australian Shepherds and other Australian Shepherds is their genetic makeup. Brown Australian Shepherds carry two copies of the recessive red gene, which masks the black pigment in their coats. This means they can only produce red or brown offspring when bred with another red or brown dog. On the other hand, black and blue merle Australian Shepherds carry one or two copies of the dominant black gene, which allows them to produce black, blue merle, red, or red merle offspring when bred with any colour dog.

What Are Their Personality and Temperament Traits?

Brown Australian Shepherds have the same character and mood as other Australian Shepherds. They are clever, loyal, and spirited dogs that enjoy learning and exercising. They are also very loving and loyal to their owners and family members.

Brown Australian Shepherds possess a natural aptitude for herding animals and demonstrate their skills across various livestock. Their adaptability and innate talents enable them to excel in diverse canine pursuits, including agility, obedience, rally, flyball, disc dog competitions, and beyond. Beyond these roles, they can also fulfil roles as service dogs, therapy companions, search-and-rescue partners, or cherished companions.

Brown Australian Shepherds are not for everyone. They need attention, training, and exercise to stay happy and healthy. They can also be very loud, independent, and stubborn sometimes. They may not be friendly with other dogs or small animals unless they are socialised from a young age. They may also chase or snap at anything that moves, such as children, cars, or bikes.

Therefore, brown Australian Shepherds need experienced, responsible, and committed owners to provide the proper care and guidance. They also need owners who can provide them with an ample and secure space where they can run and play freely.

How Do You Care for a Brown Australian Shepherd?

Caring for a brown Australian Shepherd is similar to caring for any other Australian Shepherd. Here are some of the essential care tips that you should follow:

• Feed your brown Australian Shepherd a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid overfeeding or giving them too many treats to prevent obesity and health problems.
• Provide your brown Australian Shepherd with plenty of fresh water and shade, especially in hot weather. Avoid leaving them outside for too long or exposing them to extreme temperatures.
• Groom your brown Australian Shepherd regularly to keep its coat clean and healthy. Brush their coat at least once a week to remove loose hair and dirt. Trim their nails as needed to prevent cracking or splitting. Check their ears for signs of infection or wax buildup and clean them gently with a cotton ball and a mild ear cleaner. Brush their teeth daily or at least several times weekly to prevent dental problems.
• Exercise your brown Australian Shepherd daily to keep them fit and happy. Ensure your brown Australian Shepherd remains physically fit and content by engaging them in daily exercise. It is essential to provide them with at least one hour of energetic activity, such as running, hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports. Equally crucial is providing them with mental stimulation through training, puzzles, games, or toys, which aids in preventing boredom and curbing potential destructive behaviour.
• Train your brown Australian Shepherd from an early age to teach them good manners and obedience. Use positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, to reward them for their excellent behaviour. Avoid harsh or harmful methods to correct their bad behaviour, such as yelling, hitting, or scolding. Be consistent, patient, and firm with your commands and expectations.
• Socialise your brown Australian Shepherd with other people, dogs, and animals from an early age to help them develop a friendly and confident personality. Expose them to different situations, environments, sounds, and objects to help them overcome their fears and anxieties.

Where Can You Find a Brown Australian Shepherd Puppy?

If you want a brown Australian Shepherd puppy, you have several options. You can:

Consider adopting a brown Australian Shepherd puppy from a local shelter or rescue group. This compassionate choice not only offers a lifeline to a deserving dog but also provides a loving home. Additionally, you’ll likely save on the initial puppy cost and associated medical expenses. Remember that the adopted puppy’s complete background, health status, and temperament might not be fully known.

Alternatively, purchase a brown Australian Shepherd puppy from a respected breeder. This avenue guarantees a well-bred, healthy puppy that aligns with your preferences and expectations. Access to details about the puppy’s lineage, parentage, health evaluations, and socialisation can inform your decision. Be prepared for a potentially higher cost and a longer waiting period for availability.

Buy a brown Australian Shepherd puppy from a pet store or online seller. This is a risky and irresponsible way to get a puppy that may come from a puppy mill or an unethical breeder. You may have a sickly and poorly bred puppy with behavioural and health problems. You may also support the cruel practices of the puppy industry.

Therefore, we recommend adopting or buying your brown Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable source that provides the best care for your new furry friend.