Dog Training Index Notice how Violet has the most beautiful blue eyes and Cody has 1 beautiful Blue Eye! While dogs tend to rely more on their sense of smell as a rule, vision is still extremely important, particularly for working and active breeds like the Australian Shepherd. Other health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin disorders, and respiratory problems. However, even the hardiest breeds are prone to certain medical issues. I want my dog to listen and come every time I call! On the other hand, if the base color of the eye is brown, then they are likely to have blue specks. However, in order for a dog to get CEA both the mother and father must be carriers. Keep in mind all dogs are born with blue eyes and will begin to change to their permanent adult-color at 10 weeks old. Though there’s potential for many variations of eye color with the blue merle, most of them will have blue eyes with brown specks. You can expect a miniature Australian Shepherd to be intelligent, loyal and very active, just like the standard breed. Their coats might be dappled or streaked with white. Healthy lining should be pink and not red or white. Australian Shepherds). Back to Australian Shepherd Health Issues. Among different variations of Australian shepherds, in this post, we will discuss Blue Merle Australian Shepherds.Blue merles are bright eyes Australian shepherds.The look of blue marle Aussies made them the most popular Australian Shepherd variation. Each copy may be telling the body to do something different. Ever since we've taken him home he's been running into things constantly.  NEW  Aussie Clubs, Template Design by Cre8ve Online  |  Mega Menu by Gerry Davis. The most common type of eye problem seen in Australian Shepherds, cataracts are a potentially debilitating condition wherein the lens in one or both of the dog’s eyes becomes cloudy. Aussie Breeders Directory Blue merle Australian Shepherds may have stunning blue eyes, brown eyes, amber eyes, or even one eye that is blue and one eye that is brown. The Australian Shepherd is one of a few dog breeds that commonly have two different colored eyes, called heterochromia. A genetic variation can cause German Shepherds to have blue eyes, but it's incredibly rare, and breeders consider it a fault, according to All About Shepherds. If you look closely, you’ll also see that dogs with two different colored eyes have unusually colored coats, too. In the worst case, a condition can cause blindness. This is because the genes for eye color and coat color are closely connected. A blue merle Australian Shepherd is one of the four recognized varieties of the breed. They are sought after because they aren’t that common as compared to solid-coated Aussies. I want my dog to stop barking at everything. That is particularly true when it comes to maintaining your dog's vision. by professional dog trainer Daniel Abdelnoor, "Doggy Dan", Free Newsletter Eye defects caused by the merle gene are due to having two copies of the merle gene. These include Collie Eye Anomaly, canine hip dysplasia and cataracts. For dogs, the eye that is blue often has problems that can affect its sight. He usually has the following features: Short, floppy ears; My Everyday Dog Training Tools Another malignancy that can occur is … You can easily check to see if your dog is showing any signs of eye trouble. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Appearance. Some cats and humans who have it can also have trouble hearing, and humans whose parents both have wall eye may be unable to speak or hear. Since CEA, iris coloboma, and PPM are all present from birth it is important for Aussie's to have their eyes regularly checked from puppyhood. The Australian shepherd is considered an overall healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, though certain issues like elbow and hip dysplasia and hereditary eye problems can occur. Aside from wiping away discharge or crust, you should also carefully trim the fur around the eyes in order to avoid dog eye problems caused by long hairs poking or scratching at the eyeball. Blindness and deafness is common in mostly white Aussies. This dog stands between 18 and 23 inches tall and can weigh around 40 to 65 pounds. As much as he may like it, you also shouldn't let your dog ride in the car with his head out the window as the wind can dry his eyes. Read the original article here. Each cell contains all the information needed to tell the body what to look like and how to work. For Aussies the most common eye problem is cataracts, though they can also be susceptible to Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), iris coloboma, or persistent pupillary membrane (PPM). As with humans, the eye is the most sensitive area of the body and is prone to a wide range of issues, all of which can affect vision. Australian Shepherds - Collie Eye Anomaly(CEA) Treatment of the eye is a major concern for puppies belonging to some breeds like Australian Shepherd and Border Collies. The merle gene is the same in all. From hip problems to eye problems to skin and allergy problems, Australian Shepherds can be risky in the health department. Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons Australian cattle dogs, also known as blue heelers or Queensland heelers, are pretty tough canines. Site Blog, Training & Care Ebook Cataracts and distichiasis are the most common eye diseases in Aussies. Never swipe close to the eyeball itself as you could accidentally scratch the cornea. I have just gotten a 9 week old red merle Toy Australian Shepherd with blue eyes from a breeder. Humans can also have one blue eye and another of a different color, like brown or green. For example, there are around 25,000 genes in human cells, which can decide everything from our height, to our hair color, or how likely we are to get certain diseases. Articles Index But usually there’s at least one dog on both sides of the family tree that has the unusual coloring. Their eyes can be green, amber, hazel, blue… So with this mix you get a wonderful all-purpose … Irises are frequently deformed, sometimes grossly so. Vision problems are common, and epilepsy is also a concern. As a responsible dog owner you need to stay on top of any potential health issues that could strike your pet. Australian Shepherds are generally a pretty healthy breed, but they can have several health problems. All Content Copyright © 2006-2020 by Anton Hout, Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com. The genes are made up of DNA and held together on stringy structures called “chromosomes” in the center of the cell. Australian Shepherds boast an eye color range that’s almost more reminiscent of us humans. For Aussies the most common eye problem is cataracts , though they can also be susceptible to Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), iris coloboma, or persistent pupillary membrane (PPM). They grow up to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 40lbs as adults. Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. Dogs seem to easily adapt to vision loss but anything you can do to curb eye problems before they reach that level is certainly recommended. Dog eye problems are a concern for all owners. Let me explain. The MASCA also has a Code of Ethics, and if you are interested in a mini, you should seek out a breeder who abides by it. Less frequently seen are progressive rod cone degeneration (a form of progressive retinal atrophy), collie eye anomaly, iris coloboma, and persistent pupilary membrane. I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash. The United States Australian Shepherd Association recommends breeders test for cataracts , autoimmune thyroiditis, drug sensitivities, and collie eye anomaly (CEA) to avoid passing on to their litters. Wall eye is also sometimes seen in rabbits, cats, cattle, sheep, and horses. Vision problems are common and epilepsy is also a concern. Healthy eyes should be clear and bright with a distinct white area around the pupil. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is rare in the breed but both this and cataracts are a concern in Aussies. (Cataracts is the most common eye disease in Australian shepherds) CEA (collie eye anomaly) - this is a recessive gene mutation that affects the eyes. If the base color of the eye is blue, then the are likely to have brown specks. Several genetic eye defects affect Australian shepherds, resulting in a range of consequences. This often goes with a white streak in the front of their hair. You'll also receive a free copy of the ebook Puppies For Sale There's a Reason Most Australian Shepherds Have 2 Different Colored Eyes ... having wall eye can cause problems. For more information about Aussie health issues see the Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute (ASHGI). The ancestor of the modern Australian Shepherd was developed by indigenous Basque shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains (Europe).. og eye problems are a concern for all owners. Common Dog Eye Problems For Australian Shepherds Some breeds are prone to specific problems, so you should always research your dog's breed and be aware of which problems he is more likely to face. This is sometimes called “wall eye,” and it’s caused by certain genes that are passed down from parents to offspring. Some may affect his eyes' appearance, while others impact how well he sees. The most common hues are hazel, golden, speckled, or light blue. Simply take a good look at your dog in bright light and pay close attention to the condition of his eyes. This article was originally published on The Conversation by Jan Hoole. Read more about how scientists have identified the merle locus in the Australian Shepherd here. The parents themselves may not show any sign of these unusual coat or eye colors. Facebook Page Cyndi Cunico - AussieLads Aussie Rescue Sometimes the growth of the eye is impeded and one or both eyes are smaller than normal (microopthalmia) or … Australian Shepherd Eye Color Information. Ask your breeder to see her dogs’ test results for genetic health problems that can affect the Australian Shepherd. Males weigh between 50 to 65 pounds, and stand at a height of 20 to 23 inches. For dogs, the eye that is blue often has problems that can affect its sight. Breeders—Get Listed Here Dog Grooming Index You wouldn't take any chances with your own eyes so why would you be careless with your four-legged friend? One of the two most common forms of cancer reported in the Aussie. Double Merle dogs may also have a variety of eye defects that can occur in any color eye. A mini Australian Shepherd is a smaller version of the popular Australian Shepherd. The most common type of eye problem in the Australian Shepherd. You can easily check to see if your dog is showing any signs of eye trouble. For example, the mother’s gene might be saying “dark hair,” while the father’s says “fair hair.”. That’s how the mother and father can both pass on the genes that give some of their puppies the unusual coloring. Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care, Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. By now, you might be wondering — what are genes? Homozygous blue merle Aussie "Angel" Angel is totally deaf and although her blue eyes are small and starburst, she sees just fine. If they do, then the puppies will often be blind and sometimes deaf as well. Dog Training Videos What Colors Can an Australian Shepherd’s Eyes Be? The genes for wall eye and streaky coat are similar to the fair-haired gene, in this way. Other Australian shepherd colors accepted under the AKC breed standard include; black Australian shepherd, red Australian shepherd, and white Australian shepherd. Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd Hybrid Health Problems Blue Heeler Australian Shepherd hybrids are generally healthy, but once something goes wrong, it may lead to a wide variety of diseases. For the first two weeks a puppies eyes are actually closed and after that they slowly open up. While examining your dog's eyes you should also gently roll down the lower lid with your thumb and check the lining. Get Australian Shepherd Info, Website Updates, Special Offers, and Cartoons... FREE GIFT Sometimes, having wall eye can cause problems. I recommend following all of the advice on my Australian Shepherd Health Page. The pupils themselves should be equal in size and there shouldn't be any tearing or discharge in the corners of the eyes. When the mother and father carry the gene, but don’t have wall eye themselves, then some of their offspring will have it, though not all of them. They are a mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Australian Cattle Dog and are commonly used as a working dog on a farm or ranch.. Some dogs are born with one brown eye and one blue eye, which can look very strange since we’re used to seeing dogs with two brown eyes. Any part of the eye can be affected. Every living thing is made up of cells. Contrary to popular belief the Mini Australian Shepherd’s history is mainly American and European. It can lead to impaired vision and even blindness. Take care of his eyes and help him to live a long, healthy life with good vision! If your dog's eyes are running and crusting up regularly you should see your vet as that could be a sign of more serious dog eye problems. He can 'see' around things, it's not like he keeps running into a wall trying to find his way around it, but often he will bump head-on into a wall then go around it. Some of the defects are eye dysplasia and retinal separation. Some have called it Australian Shepherd Syndrome, but that is a poor term since the defects seen in double merle Aussies are also seen in double merles of other breeds. When the lens in one or both eyes becomes cloudy, it leads to impaired vision and blindness. They have a merle gene that can change their eye color to either pale blue or odd-colored eyes. As such it is extremely important that you pay attention to your dog's eyes and ensure that they remain healthy throughout his life. An animal will only have those features if that specific gene is passed down from both parents. Health. The puppy might become iillbecause of genetic problems, poor breeding/care and may need to be put down in the future. Wikimedia Commons/Magnus Manske., CC BY-SA, A Squished Face Isn’t the Only Reason It’s Hard for Bulldogs to Breathe. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition where the femur does not fit securely in the pelvic socket of the hip joint. In horses, wall eye does not seem to cause problems with vision, though having two blue eyes can be associated with deafness. Their coat is a combination of white, black, gray, and blue hairs which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect. With its unusual markings and piercing blue eyes, i. t's hard to ignore an Australian shepherd when it prances by you on the street. Horses that have one blue eye usually have black and white patches on their coat — they are called “piebald” or “pinto” or “paint.” Some of these horses even have two blue eyes (one of mine does! Blue eyes or partially blue eyes can occur in any color dog. Health Issues Index The most famous of the Australian Shepherd color combination is the blue merle. If you have an Aussie pup, have his eyes examined each year … These Sweet Mini Australian Shepherd / Beagle Mix pups have been lovingly raised and they love to play with our little children!! Soapy water, flea control products, bugs, and dirt can all be irritants and should be avoided. I want a blue merle aus. For this reason, breeders don’t let two dogs with wall eye and streaky coats have puppies together. ), which makes them look even more unusual. Aussie Special Feature The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your dog's chances of returning to full health. In merle-to-merle breeding, the puppies that have inherited two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of … New Puppy Care In that case, the mother’s gene will win, and their baby will have dark hair, because the dark hair gene is dominant over the fair hair gene. Other warning signs to look out for include tear-stained fur, closed eyes, cloudiness or a change in eye color, a visible third eyelid, or unequal pupil sizes. Often, this is the best way to determine whether a dog is a Pattern White or a Double Merle. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. See also: A Squished Face Isn’t the Only Reason It’s Hard for Bulldogs to Breathe. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Australian Shepherds. Because every mammal comes from two parents, it has two copies of every gene — one from the mother and one from the father. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Guide. The baby will only have fair hair if both parents pass on the gene for fair hair. The Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix is also known as a Texas Heeler or a Texas Cattle Dog. I want a blue merle australian shepherd puppy... with blue eyes? 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