The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized breed of solid build. Aussie colours are black, red (sometimes called 'liver'), blue merle (marbled black, white, and grey), and red merle (marbled red, white, and buff). Each of these colours may also have copper (tan) points or white markings in various combinations on the face, chest, and legs. Australian Shepherds are also usually characterized by a docked tail, while Border Collies are left with their bushy, long tails. However, the most apparent difference in appearance is the coat coloring. Australian Shepherds are known for their gorgeous merle coloring, while Border Collies are typically black and white. A bicolor Australian Shepherd has a coat that's made up of two different colors: one of the four recognized colors/patterns and white. Usually, white fur is found on their face, chest, belly, legs, and feet. You can find four types of bicolor Aussies: Black bicolor: black and white; Red bicolor: red and white ; Blue merle bicolor: blue merle The split face is a variation of pigment distribution seen in merles and sometimes in solids with blazes. In most merles the distribution of merled areas vs dark areas is random. Merle dogs are not typically symmetrical in their body markings; the same dog may be mostly dark on one side and heavily merled on the other. Top Mini Aussie Haircuts. 1. Puppy Cut. Via Flickr/Madaise. This is a fairly simple style where you trim Aussie’s coat to the same length all over the body. The head, legs and tail are usually left a bit longer. This gives your pet a cute puppy-like appearance and it’s fairly easy to maintain. 2. Mini Australian Shepherds are 13 to 18 inches (33cm to 45.7cm) tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds (13.6kg to 18.1kg). Standard Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches (45.7cm to 58.4cm) tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds (18.1kg to 29.5kg). Read Also: Australian Shepherd Size Guide (Teacup, Toy, Mini & Standard) Mini Aussie via @itsnori The lack of pigment causes light to reflect in blue wavelengths, thus making the eyes of the Aussie look blue. With that, an Australian Shepherd can have blue eyes if it inherits the specific color genes that inhibit or alter the production of melanin in its body. Because melanin is usually found in the dog’s skin, hair follicles, nose, and Blackhawks Aussies raises standard Australian Shepherds. We have three to four litters a year on our North Central Illinois farm. Parents are from show quality stock and we strive to raise correct standards to the breed. We have been having litters since 2012 and have 100% satisfaction with our puppies! We get black tri, red tri, blue merle and Australian Shepherd’s popularity is on the rise! 4. Aussies Have a Shy Streak. Though Australian Shepherds are known for being devoted and wonderful family pets, they are often shy around people they first meet. Though friendly, they tend to be cautious when they interact with a new person. The blue merle color spectrum starts at light silver and ends at dark smoky charcoal. The dominant coat color is lighter, ranging from light cream to a darker grey. There may also be some of the red, cream or white tones on the legs and face areas. Aussies with the blue merle coat color often have blue/brown marbled or parti-colored eyes. sRuwls.