Australian Shepherd Colors

The Aussie comes in 4 basic colors .

1-black , 2-red , 3-red merle , 4-blue merle

Each of these colors may or may not have white and/or copper trim . The copper "trim" varies in  amount and shade . Some dogs may appear to have none at all , until you look under their tail . Copper trim can come in a very light shade of cream or as dark as a new penny . No amount or shade is better than another , just different .

White trim can vary in amount , from minimal ( just on the toes) to "full" which can mean a big collar and blaze as well as white legs and belly . The areas surrounding the ears and eyes should be dominated by color other than white . The white collar should not extend beyond the withers ( shoulder blades ) and there should not be white  body  spots .

As the Merle ages the color will intensify , a puppy that appears a silver color may appear almost black as a senior dog . Copper that is pale on a young puppy , most times will darken as the puppy matures .

It should also me mentioned that the red and red merle colors tend to fade with excessive exposure to sunlight . The lighter shades seem to fade the most , sometimes to the point of appearing almost blond . Interestingly though the copper trim seems to retain it's color . Blacks can also fade , in the blacks the coat will have a reddish hue .

Howser , a blue bi merle dog with white trim and no copper , at 6 weeks and 6 years .  

Blue merles with white and copper trim .

Blue merles with white trim  ( blue bi merle ).

Red merles with  copper and white trim.

Red merles with white trim ( red bi merle ).

Black bi's ( white trim , and no copper ).

Black tri's   ( white and copper trim ).

Red bi's  ( white trim no copper ).

Red tri's  ( copper and white trim ).

I could go on forever showing examples , for as you must realize by now . There are no two aussies exactly alike .