| Toy and Mini Aussie Breed Colors |
| Blue Merle Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy As breeders, we are often asked about the colors of our dogs. This can become a very in-depth conversation, however, we will only touch on the basics. If you would like more information we have provided links to the best sites to find that. |
| Lets take a look at the common terms used to describe the colors of the Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherd. The color chart provided below. |
| Merle Merles happen when there is a merling gene present, however, they are either blue merles (black base) or a red merle (red base). The merling gene breaks up the solid color into a pattern of patches of various shades of the base color. |
| Trim There are 2 colors of trim allowed within the breed standard. The white and copper (sometimes called tan) colors. White is pretty easy however the copper can be from a light cream to dark copper as bright as a new penny. |
| Self Self is a term used to describe an Aussie that is only one color such as solid black or solid merle having no trim color at all. |
| Bi Bi simply means that there are 2 colors present. That can be a combination of the base color with white or the base color with copper. |
| Tri Tri means that there are 3 colors present such as black, white, and copper or red, white, or copper. These terms apply to merles or solids. |
| Color Combinations There are 16 possible color combinations of the Australian Shepherd when you consider possible trim colors and combinations of merling and trim colors. |
| Toy and Mini Aussies color and markings patterns |
| There are standard and non-standard colors in the breed. Most non-standard colors are the result of dilute genes. For more information, this link will lead to photos of the Aussie colors and patterns recognized as the standard for the breed. |
| If you would like more information on standard and non-standard colors please visit this link - The Basics of Aussie Color |
| Toy and Mini Aussies divider ribbon |