They are up to date on their vaccines and dewormers to ensure you get a healthy little companion! For dogs, the eye that is blue often has problems that can affect its sight. Wall eye is also sometimes seen in rabbits, cats, cattle, sheep, and horses. Fortunately, most dog eye problems can be easily diagnosed and while they may not all be treatable, your vet can help you to deal with the effects and maintain your dog's quality of life. In horses, wall eye does not seem to cause problems with vision, though having two blue eyes can be associated with deafness. I want a blue merle australian shepherd puppy... with blue eyes? Let me explain. By now, you might be wondering — what are genes? Cute and Ready for Lifes Adventures!! Some may affect his eyes' appearance, while others impact how well he sees. If the base color of the eye is blue, then the are likely to have brown specks. The most common type of eye problem in the Australian Shepherd. Learn more about the fluffy dog and its surprising background. Training & Care Ebook, Deal Alerts, Coupons My Everyday Dog Training Tools Healthy lining should be pink and not red or white. by professional dog trainer Daniel Abdelnoor, "Doggy Dan", Free Newsletter Contrary to popular belief the Mini Australian Shepherd’s history is mainly American and European. Australian cattle dogs, also known as blue heelers or Queensland heelers, are pretty tough canines. If you have an Aussie pup, have his eyes examined each year … 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. From hip problems to eye problems to skin and allergy problems, Australian Shepherds can be risky in the health department. 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. Blindness and deafness is common in mostly white Aussies. Keep in mind all dogs are born with blue eyes and will begin to change to their permanent adult-color at 10 weeks old. Dog Training Videos For the first two weeks a puppies eyes are actually closed and after that they slowly open up. 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. The Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix is also known as a Texas Heeler or a Texas Cattle Dog. Though there’s potential for many variations of eye color with the blue merle, most of them will have blue eyes with brown specks. 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. Vision problems are common and epilepsy is also a concern. What's New? Less frequently seen are progressive rod cone degeneration (a form of progressive retinal atrophy), collie eye anomaly, iris coloboma, and persistent pupilary membrane. Their eyes can be green, amber, hazel, blue… Every living thing is made up of cells. The merle gene is the same in all. The pupils themselves should be equal in size and there shouldn't be any tearing or discharge in the corners of the eyes. This breed was known as the Pyrenean Shepherd.. As the Basque began immigrating to Australia in search of pastureland for their flocks, the dog itself … The most famous of the Australian Shepherd color combination is the blue merle. Dog eye problems are a concern for all owners. It can lead to impaired vision and even blindness. Humans can also have one blue eye and another of a different color, like brown or green. Australian Shepherds). This is because the genes for eye color and coat color are closely connected. Their coats might be dappled or streaked with white. Then at the beginning their eyes are blue so enjoy this stage as it might not last that long. Because every mammal comes from two parents, it has two copies of every gene — one from the mother and one from the father. The genes are made up of DNA and held together on stringy structures called “chromosomes” in the center of the cell. 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. When choosing an Australian Shepherd, look for signs of eye problems. If you look closely, you’ll also see that dogs with two different colored eyes have unusually colored coats, too. Articles Index Most dog breeds have a few options for eye colors. NAS/Mini Breeders Dir. 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. Double Merle dogs may also have a variety of eye defects that can occur in any color eye. 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. Healthy eyes should be clear and bright with a distinct white area around the pupil. Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care, Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. Expect … For more information about Aussie health issues see the Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute (ASHGI). Dog Training Index Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is rare in the breed but both this and cataracts are a concern in Aussies. Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats. 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. For example, the mother’s gene might be saying “dark hair,” while the father’s says “fair hair.”. Their coat is a combination of white, black, gray, and blue hairs which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect. In the worst case, a condition can cause blindness. 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. Obesity can be a significant health problem in Australian Shepherds. New Puppy Care This article was originally published on The Conversation by Jan Hoole. Breeders—Get Listed Here Homozygous blue merle Aussie "Angel" Angel is totally deaf and although her blue eyes are small and starburst, she sees just fine. What Colors Can an Australian Shepherd’s Eyes Be? Aussie Special Feature Facebook Page 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. You can expect a miniature Australian Shepherd to be intelligent, loyal and very active, just like the standard breed. 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. og eye problems are a concern for all owners. 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. Notice how Violet has the most beautiful blue eyes and Cody has 1 beautiful Blue Eye! Soapy water, flea control products, bugs, and dirt can all be irritants and should be avoided. Australian Shepherd Eye Color Information. Each cell contains all the information needed to tell the body what to look like and how to work. A blue merle Australian Shepherd is one of the four recognized varieties of the breed. Another malignancy that can occur is … Ever since we've taken him home he's been running into things constantly. The puppy might become iillbecause of genetic problems, poor breeding/care and may need to be put down in the future. Get Australian Shepherd Info, Website Updates, Special Offers, and Cartoons... FREE GIFT Some of the defects are eye dysplasia and retinal separation. Wikimedia Commons/Magnus Manske., CC BY-SA, A Squished Face Isn’t the Only Reason It’s Hard for Bulldogs to Breathe. 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. I have just gotten a 9 week old red merle Toy Australian Shepherd with blue eyes from a breeder. Agility Training Index, NEW  Dog Product Reviews Any part of the eye can be affected. Ask your breeder to see her dogs’ test results for genetic health problems that can affect the Australian Shepherd. These include Collie Eye Anomaly, canine hip dysplasia and cataracts. Sometimes, having wall eye can cause problems. Other health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, skin disorders, and respiratory problems. Irises are frequently deformed, sometimes grossly so. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. They can be affected with eye diseases like CEA, PHR, micropthalmia and also cataracts. You wouldn't take any chances with your own eyes so why would you be careless with your four-legged friend? 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. 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. 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! Tell Us About Your Aussie Blue eyes or partially blue eyes can occur in any color dog. Take care of his eyes and help him to live a long, healthy life with good vision! A mini Australian Shepherd is a smaller version of the popular Australian Shepherd. One of the two most common forms of cancer reported in the Aussie. Health. 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. 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). Dog Grooming Index Australian Shepherd Art. You can easily check to see if your dog is showing any signs of eye trouble. 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. So with this mix you get a wonderful all-purpose … Aussies might have any combination of brown, blue, hazel, amber, or green eyes. I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash. 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. Australian Shepherd can suffer from a number of health issues. Other Australian shepherd colors accepted under the AKC breed standard include; black Australian shepherd, red Australian shepherd, and white Australian shepherd. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Guide. There's a Reason Most Australian Shepherds Have 2 Different Colored Eyes ... having wall eye can cause problems. Health Issues Index Aussie Breeders Directory Australian Shepherds boast an eye color range that’s almost more reminiscent of us humans. The Aussie Shepherd was bred for herding flocks of sheep and the Blue Heeler is meant to keep cattle in line.. Cataracts and distichiasis are the most common eye diseases in Aussies. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your dog's chances of returning to full health. Each copy may be telling the body to do something different. Males weigh between 50 to 65 pounds, and stand at a height of 20 to 23 inches. On the other hand, if the base color of the eye is brown, then they are likely to have blue specks. The baby will only have fair hair if both parents pass on the gene for fair hair. This is sometimes called “wall eye,” and it’s caused by certain genes that are passed down from parents to offspring. Every little bit of information is called a “gene,” and there are lots and lots of genes which decide nearly every aspect of how we are. 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. The ancestor of the modern Australian Shepherd was developed by indigenous Basque shepherds in the Pyrenees Mountains (Europe).. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition where the femur does not fit securely in the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Some breeds are prone to have excess discharge and crusting around the eyes, which can be gently cleaned away with a damp cotton ball, moving away from the corner of the eye. For this reason, breeders don’t let two dogs with wall eye and streaky coats have puppies together. Never swipe close to the eyeball itself as you could accidentally scratch the cornea. I want my dog to listen and come every time I call! The genes for wall eye and streaky coat are similar to the fair-haired gene, in this way. They have a merle gene that can change their eye color to either pale blue or odd-colored eyes. However, even the hardiest breeds are prone to certain medical issues. You'll also receive a free copy of the ebook Cyndi Cunico - AussieLads Aussie Rescue Sometimes the growth of the eye is impeded and one or both eyes are smaller than normal (microopthalmia) or … As such it is extremely important that you pay attention to your dog's eyes and ensure that they remain healthy throughout his life. Several genetic eye defects affect Australian shepherds, resulting in a range of consequences. If they do, then the puppies will often be blind and sometimes deaf as well. 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). The primary health problems affecting the "Aussie" involve the eyes, ears and joints. While examining your dog's eyes you should also gently roll down the lower lid with your thumb and check the lining. 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. They grow up to 18 inches tall and weigh up to 40lbs as adults. Because Blue Australian Shepherds look very similar to any other color variation, their appearance will follow the breed standard. You can easily check to see if your dog is showing any signs of eye trouble. While blue eyes sounds like a desirable trait to reproduce, the Merle gene can have a dark side when breeding – which is known to cause a number of major health concerns . I recommend following all of the advice on my Australian Shepherd Health Page. The most common hues are hazel, golden, speckled, or light blue. An animal will only have those features if that specific gene is passed down from both parents. 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. Info about submitting your BEST Aussie photos here: https://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.… Get the Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care Ebook here: https://www.australian-shepherd-lovers.… Photo: Steve Risley - Aussie: Magic Magic is a very active … Australian Shepherds are generally a pretty healthy breed, but they can have several health problems. 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. As a responsible dog owner you need to stay on top of any potential health issues that could strike your pet. This dog stands between 18 and 23 inches tall and can weigh around 40 to 65 pounds. Vision problems are common, and epilepsy is also a concern.  NEW  Aussie Clubs, Template Design by Cre8ve Online  |  Mega Menu by Gerry Davis. When the lens in one or both eyes becomes cloudy, it leads to impaired vision and blindness. 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. Back to Australian Shepherd Health Issues. This often goes with a white streak in the front of their hair. Read more about how scientists have identified the merle locus in the Australian Shepherd here. Eye defects caused by the merle gene are due to having two copies of the merle gene. But usually there’s at least one dog on both sides of the family tree that has the unusual coloring. For dogs, the eye that is blue often has problems that can affect its sight. These Sweet Mini Australian Shepherd / Beagle Mix pups have been lovingly raised and they love to play with our little children!! 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. The Australian Shepherd is one of a few dog breeds that commonly have two different colored eyes, called heterochromia. Defective Iris. Q & A Forum Often, this is the best way to determine whether a dog is a Pattern White or a Double Merle. Hemangiosarcoma. I want a blue merle aus. That’s how the mother and father can both pass on the genes that give some of their puppies the unusual coloring. 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 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. That is particularly true when it comes to maintaining your dog's vision. (Cataracts is the most common eye disease in Australian shepherds) CEA (collie eye anomaly) - this is a recessive gene mutation that affects the eyes. He usually has the following features: Short, floppy ears; All Content Copyright © 2006-2020 by Anton Hout, Australian-Shepherd-Lovers.com. Blue Merle Australian Shepherd Appearance. ), which makes them look even more unusual. The parents themselves may not show any sign of these unusual coat or eye colors. Dog Nutrition Index I want my dog to stop barking at everything. In merle-to-merle breeding, the puppies that have inherited two copies of the merle gene have an increased risk of … They are sought after because they aren’t that common as compared to solid-coated Aussies. Puppies For Sale Read the original article here. Site Blog, Training & Care Ebook Simply take a good look at your dog in bright light and pay close attention to the condition of his eyes. 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. However, in order for a dog to get CEA both the mother and father must be carriers. See also: A Squished Face Isn’t the Only Reason It’s Hard for Bulldogs to Breathe. 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.