12/17/2025
Copied from a fellow breeder…
✨ A gentle reminder ✨
We love our merles too, but here’s something important to keep in mind: when the very first (or repeatedly asked) question is “Do you have any merles available, and what color are their eyes?” what that communicates to a responsible breeder is that temperament isn’t the priority.
Color and markings may catch your eye, but temperament, health, and structure are what truly make a dog a great lifelong companion. 🐾 The average lifespan of our breed is 12–15 years. With that in mind, ask yourself this:
👉 Do I want to purchase a dog from someone who has dedicated their time, resources, and heart into producing healthy puppies who look and act like true Australian Shepherds—and who prioritizes matching temperament to my lifestyle—even if they don’t have my exact first-choice color or gender?
👉 Or do I want to grab the first available blue or red merle from “Joe Schmoe down the road,” who skips health testing, ignores breed standards, and mass-produces puppies for profit?
Australian Shepherds come in a variety of colors, and every shade is equally capable of being your best friend, working partner, or beloved family member. When families put temperament first, they set themselves up for the most rewarding match. 💙
So when reaching out to breeders, consider leading with questions like:
✔️ What are the parents’ temperaments like?
✔️ How are the puppies raised and socialized?
✔️ Which puppy might be the best fit for our family?
At the end of the day, it’s your puppy’s personality—not the color of their coat or eyes—that will make you fall in love every single day.
*Pictured is HeartDriven Pandora’s Echo, one of our beautiful black tri girls*
