Buying Aussies on Color

I see it and hear it all the time: “I only want a blue merle with blue eyes or a red merle with green eyes.” Unfortunately, many people will overlook a superior puppy simply because it’s not the flashy merle in the litter. For those unfamiliar with the genetics, the merle pattern—caused by an incompletely dominant allele—can lead to complications if not handled properly, such as excessive white markings that may violate breed standards or increase health risks in certain combinations.   This becomes a bigger issue in breeding: If you don’t fully understand the genetics of both the sire and dam, you risk problems down the line. Many backyard breeders irresponsibly pair merle to merle to meet demand for these eye-catching colors, which statistically results in about 25% of puppies being “double merles” (homozygous for the gene). These double merles often face serious genetic issues, including high rates of congenital deafness, vision impairments (like microphthalmia or colobomas), and excessive depigmentation.    

Eye color can tie into this as well. Blue eyes (and sometimes hazel or greenish tones in red-based coats) are more prevalent in merles due to pigment dilution, which tempts unethical breeders to double down on merle pairings to produce them.   However, blue eyes themselves aren’t the problem—they don’t inherently cause deafness or other issues; it’s the associated excessive white or double merle genetics that do.  

The demand for these “designer” color combos drives prices sky-high, encouraging unscrupulous breeders to prioritize aesthetics over health, sometimes producing litters with “disposable” pups that end up with lifelong problems or in shelters.

That said, not all blue-eyed or merle Australian Shepherds are genetic disasters. Reputable breeders understand the science, use DNA testing to confirm merle status and avoid risky pairings, and focus on producing healthy, well-tempered dogs. 

Now, about fixating on a specific color: Do you think a racehorse trainer hunts for a champion and insists, “I only want a gray one”? Absolutely not! They prioritize bloodlines, conformation, aptitude, and traits that lead to success—it could be pink with purple polka dots for all they care.

"Wiggle Butts Make Me Nuts" - Funny Aussie Tee

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You might not be getting an Aussie for herding or showing, but will it be around kids? Other pets? The hidden genetic flaws from demand-driven breeding go beyond what’s visible, potentia

lly including epilepsy, drug sensitivities (like MDR1), or behavioral issues from poor socialization.

The bottom line: When selecting a puppy, evaluate the breeder thoroughly. Spend time with the litter, choose the pup that matches your lifestyle and home—whether it’s the vibrant blue-eyed merle or a more understated solid. Most importantly, request proof of genetic testing (for merle, eyes, hips, etc.), research the breeder’s reputation, and ask for references. If they can’t provide it, walk away and find a responsible one. Your future dog (and you) will thank you.