Australian Shepherd Colors and Patterns

• Description: Black base with rich copper points on cheeks, eyebrows, legs, and under the tail, plus white trim.
  Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• A Locus: At/* (tan points).

• B Locus: B/* (black pigment).

• E Locus: E/* (permits eumelanin).

• M Locus: mm (non-merle).

• K Locus: Must be ky/ky if At is visible (some KB/ky dogs may appear tricolor depending on modifiers).
  ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Black coat with white markings on chest, legs, and face; no copper points.
  Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• B Locus: B/* (black pigment).

• E Locus: E/* (permits eumelanin).

• M Locus: mm (non-merle).

• S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp (Irish spotting for white).

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: A sleek, rich black coat with no white or copper markings.
  Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/* (solid black expression).

• B Locus: B/* (black pigment).

• E Locus: E/* (permits eumelanin).

• M Locus: mm (non-merle).

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Marbled pattern of black and gray. May appear with or without white.
  Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: B/*

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm (heterozygous merle).

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Blue merle coat with white markings, no copper points.

• Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: B/*

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm (heterozygous merle).

• S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Blue merle with copper points and white trim; bold, expressive pattern.​

• Pigmentation: Black.
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: B/*

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm (heterozygous merle).

• A Locus: At/*

• K Locus: ky/ky (or permissive KB/ky)

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: A deep, reddish-brown coat without white or copper.
  Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: bb (black → liver).

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: mm

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.​

• Description: Liver coat with white markings on face, chest, and legs; no copper.

• Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: bb (black → liver).

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: mm

• S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.​​

• Description: Liver base with rich copper points and white trim.

• Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• A Locus: At/*

• K Locus: ky/ky or permissive KB/ky

• B Locus: bb (black → liver).

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: mm

• S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Marbled pattern of liver and cream. May appear with or without white.
  Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: bb

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.​

• Description: Red merle coat with white markings only; no copper.
  Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• K Locus: KB/*

• B Locus: bb

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm

• ​S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Marbled pattern of liver and cream. May appear with or without white.
  Pigmentation: Liver
  Genetics:

• A Locus: At/*

• K Locus: ky/ky (or permissive KB/ky)

• B Locus: bb

• E Locus: E/*

• M Locus: Mm

• ​S Locus: sp/sp or sw/sp

      ASDR Standard: Accepted.

• Description: Red or tan base with dark-tipped hairs; typical in Collies but not allowed in Aussies.
  Pigmentation: Black or liver depending on B locus.
  Genetics:

• A Locus: Ay/*

• K Locus: ky/ky (allows agouti expression).

      ASDR Standard: ❌ Severe fault — not accepted.

This color, though present since the early development of the breed, has largely been bred away from due to its tendency to create a muddied or indistinct appearance when combined with the merle genotype. As a result, it is now nearly extinct within the breed. However, solid sable Australian Shepherds—when preserved—can be truly striking and visually captivating.

• Description: Pale cream to yellow-red coat with no black or liver pigment. May resemble a Golden Retriever.
  Pigmentation: Black or liver (depending on B locus).
  Genetics:

• E Locus: ee (blocks all eumelanin).
  ASDR Standard: ❌ Severe fault — not accepted.

• Description: Washed-out gray (diluted black) or pale liver (diluted red) with reduced pigment intensity.
  Pigmentation: Slate (dilute black) or lavender (dilute red).
  Genetics:

• D Locus: dd (recessive dilute).
  ASDR Standard: ❌ Severe fault — not accepted.

• Description: White crossing over the eyes, ears, or extending too far on the body (e.g., flanks, back).
  Pigmentation: Matches base color.
  Genetics:

• S Locus: sw/sw or extreme expression of sp/sp.
  ASDR Standard: ❌ Severe fault — disqualifying.

• The merle coat pattern is a well-known and iconic trait in Australian Shepherds, creating a beautiful marbled effect with patches of diluted pigment in colors such as blue merle and red merle. However, while the pattern itself is visually striking, it carries significant genetic risks when two merle dogs are bred together—resulting in what’s known as a double merle.

• Genetics: The merle pattern is caused by the M allele at the PMEL (M) locus. A dog that inherits one copy of this gene (genotype Mm) will exhibit the classic merle coat. However, if a dog inherits two copies (MM)—becoming a double merle—it faces a much higher risk of congenital health issues.

• Merle is an incomplete dominant trait. When present in one copy, it creates the marbled effect. But two copies do not enhance the pattern; instead, they severely disrupt pigment development, especially in the eyes and ears. This lack of pigment often results in partial or complete deafness, vision impairment, microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), or even complete blindness.

• Appearance: Double merle Australian Shepherds often appear mostly or entirely white, particularly on the head and body. They may have pale blue or oddly developed eyes, and their lack of pigment can be a strong visual indicator of their genotype. While some may retain merle patches, the diluted pigmentation is typically more extreme than in single merles.

• Double merle dogs often suffer lifelong health challenges, and many are born with severe sensory disabilities. Because of this, breeding two merle-patterned Australian Shepherds together (Mm × Mm) is widely regarded as unethical and irresponsible.

• Ethical breeding practices dictate that merles should only be bred to dogs that are:

• Non-merle (mm) — solid or traditional coat colors without the merle allele, or

• Cryptic merle or minimal merle (Mc or m⁺) — shortened or weakened versions of the merle gene, only under expert guidance and genetic confirmation.

• All breeding stock should be DNA tested for the merle allele prior to pairing, especially because cryptic merles may appear solid in color but still carry the gene. Breeders should also screen for associated mutations common in the breed, such as MDR1 sensitivity or CEA (Collie Eye Anomaly), that are commonly linked to this genotype.

• Breeding merle Australian Shepherds requires deep knowledge of canine genetics and responsible planning. Producing a merle-patterned litter should never be prioritized over the health and welfare of the dogs. Reputable breeders focus on genetic diversity, sound temperament, and long-term health—not just aesthetic traits.

• Description:
  Albino Australian Shepherds are incredibly rare and possess a coat that appears completely white, accompanied by pinkish skin, light blue or pink eyes, and a complete lack of pigment throughout the body. Their appearance has an almost ethereal quality, and they are more sensitive to light and UV exposure.

• Genetics:
  True albinism is caused by mutations that affect melanin production entirely, most commonly associated with the TYR gene, which affects the enzyme tyrosinase. The most severe form is oculocutaneous albinism, where two copies of a recessive allele (aa) result in a complete lack of melanin. Albino dogs will test negative for eumelanin and phaeomelanin expression.

• Health & Ethical Considerations:
  Because albinism is linked to increased risk for vision and hearing impairments, along with sun sensitivity and skin issues, it is not an intentionally bred trait in responsible programs. Albino aussies are not recognized in breed standards and are extremely rare.