| Miniature Australian Shepherd Coat Colors, Continued... Harlequin Merles. For most of us, genetics can seem downright confusing; even when researching fairly simple combinations such as the genes influencing coat and eye color. In Lisa McDonald's A FIELD GUIDE TO COLORATION OF AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS, she provides information and photographs on nearly every known variation of Australian Shepherd color, as well as the genes believed to create each pattern. Better yet, she has managed to do so in such a way that most people will come away with a clearer understanding of genetics! On the topic of Harlequin Merles, she states the gene creating this pattern is a "dominant modifier of the merle pattern". In other words, a "Harlequin Merle" is simply a beautiful and unusual variation of the more common Merle color pattern. When a Merle Aussie possesses the Harlequin gene, the already uniquely beautiful Merle coat pattern becomes even more "exciting". For instance, a typical Blue Merle would have a base coat of "blue" with black patches scattered throughout, while a typical Red Merle would have a pretty "sugar and spice" base coat with darker red patches. In the case of a Harlequin Merle, the base coat color is muted; the depigmented areas appearing very pale, possibly even white. In both the Blue and Red Merles, the darker Merle patches are also affected; a Blue Harlequin Merle may have Merle patches ranging from from the typical black, to charcoal gray, to lighter grays, to silver - some with warm reddish tones. A Red Harlequin Merle may have several distinct variations of red, ranging from dark liver to medium red, to a lighter red, to a pale buff. Though knowledgeable fanciers recognize the Harlequin Merle as a legitimate color variation, and a true Australian Shepherd, this pattern is not an "accepted" color variation in most show venues. As Lisa McDonald discusses, a controversy arises when we study the breed standard, which states: "...all colors strong, clear and rich...", she continues with "In harlequins the different colors are quite distinct and do not muddy each other. The fuel for the controversy is that a very few harlequins have small lacy white areas on the body where the patch is depigmented completely. Some interpret this as a white body splash, a disqualifying fault in the Aussie. Others recognize that this is neither a piebald body splash nor the body splash indicative of a homozygous merle, but a byproduct of this type of modification of the merling action. In some harlequins the light areas fill in with pigment as the puppy matures, and in some they remain constant." Either way, there is no doubt that the Harlequin Merle is a beautiful animal who will turn heads everywhere he or she goes... |
| "RunAmok Shimmering Tricks" A lovely little gal, with two different colored eyes. Notice the several, distinct shades of color to her merling, ranging from black to charcoal, to a warm chocolate, to a light warm gray, and even silver. Sandy was absolutely wonderful, keeping us updated with bi-monthly photos of Trixie so we could use her as an example for this web-page. Thank you, Sandy, for all the hard work and timely photos you have sent over the last year! We could, quite literally, put up over 100 photos of this beautiful girl! Sadly, Trixie was hit by a vehicle and passed away. We will all miss Trixie's lovely personality and darling antics... You were deeply loved... and we know we will see you again someday. For now, your little sister will keep your family safe, and fill their time with love and silly play. Rest in peace sweetie... |
| RunAmok Harlie Appropriately named! Harlie is owned & loved by Robin, Warren & family! Pictured to the right at 4 weeks old. Another beautiful little girl - with a wild coat of many colors! Robin was very kind to send us some home pictures of Harlie as a young adult. Obviously, Harlie has been properly "spoiled" and enjoys the run of the house. The picture with her bed made on TOP of her doggie crate says it all! (wink) Thank you for keeping us updated!! |
| "RunAmok Jenny" This lovely girl is a full sister to Trixie, but from a different litter. At first, we were sure she was a harlie... but due to her coat pattern, she may be a Tweed. *See more information below... Like her sister, she also has several distinct shades of color to her merling, ranging from black to charcoal, to a light warm gray, and even silver (I would call her silver "lilac")... A beautiful, sweet little gal! Thank you for sharing! |
| WHAT IS A TWEED? Another interesting coat pattern, seemingly related to the Harlequin gene, is called "Tweed". It is very similar to that a Harlequin Merle in the way it affects the Merle coloration, but test breedings would be needed to know for sure if this is just a variation of the same gene or a different one altogether. pattern itself seems to be more "evenly distributed" in a distinct pattern. For a more complete understanding of the Harlequin, please review Lisa McDonald's Coloration guide, linked above. |
| "Magic" Couldn't be more handsome if he tried... Lovely fellow, with deep red merling, as well as pretty medium red tones... and some soft peach tones too. As with the previous Harlequins, Magic's coat looks out-and-out "wild". Typically, as they age, a harlie will darken, so older pictures will be interesting! A last picture of another red harlequin merle brother too! |
| Miniature Australian Shepherds, Miniature Aussie Shepherd, Miniature Aussie, Mini Aussie, Miniature American Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherd puppies, Miniature Aussie for sale, natural-rearing, natural diet for dogs, SARF diet, species-appropriate raw food for dogs. |
| A "RunAmok" puppy! |
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provided, is meant for educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical or legal advice. Any recommendations are derived from our personal experiences and
from years of study, however the decisions concerning feeding, vaccinations and regular veterinary care - and how you implement those decisions - are yours and yours alone.
Site owners, author, and contributors accept no responsibility for your decisions.
provided, is meant for educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical or legal advice. Any recommendations are derived from our personal experiences and
from years of study, however the decisions concerning feeding, vaccinations and regular veterinary care - and how you implement those decisions - are yours and yours alone.
Site owners, author, and contributors accept no responsibility for your decisions.
| The Miniature Australian Shepherd goes by many names: Miniature Aussie, Mini Aussie, and North American Shepherd. It will soon be recognized by AKC as the Miniature American Shepherd. |
| Miniature Australian Shepherd; Miniature Aussie; Mini Aussie; North American Shepherd, Miniature American Shepherd |
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| Laus Deo! Praise be to God! |
| LITTER ANNOUNCEMENTS Naturally-reared, moderately-sized Australian Shepherd puppies! Champion lines! Photos & information: LIL' RUSTLERS |
| "Everything has been amazing! She has yet to have an accident, slept through the night, has been eating up all her food and is fitting in perfectly with our family. She is such a lover and we are enjoying every moment with her. Thanks for raising such a great dog! She will be very loved! Gina" |
| 208-669-0594 |
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