Red Tri Australian Shepherd: Facts, Genetics, Traits & Pictures

If you love Aussies, you’ll surely be interested in meeting the unique red tri Australian Shepherd! This dog exhibits all the characteristics of its other-colored counterparts but with a few extra irresistible perks.

This Australian Shepherd’s red hair, white markings, and copper highlights make it stand out from the pack.

Furthermore, these pups are more than just their striking appearances; they also have many significant qualities. Read on to learn more about the red tri Aussie, including its overall build, behavior, and coat color genetics.

What Is a Red Tri Australian Shepherd?

A red tri Australian Shepherd is a purebred Australian Shepherd that displays three colors: red, white, and copper. This dog typically has a red base coat with white markings on its belly and limbs. Meanwhile, its ears, eyebrows, muzzle, tail, and mane appear to have copper accents.

The Australian Shepherd breed, with its various coat colors, is among the most famous dogs in the United States. Its red tri variety, in particular, is gaining popularity mainly because of its unique brownish-red color coat.

The red tri Aussie is also called the tri-red Aussie, Australian Shepherd red tri, and red tri-color Australian Shepherd. It boasts an impressive list of traits that sets them apart from other dogs.

For example, as a member of the herding family, it’s known for being active, versatile, and intelligent — three characteristics any owner would want in a canine companion.

Are Red Tri Australian Shepherds Rare?

Compared to other tri-colored Australian Shepherds, such as those with black, white, and copper color combinations, red tri Australian Shepherds are relatively rarer.

This is because the gene responsible for the red coat color is recessive. Hence, for an Australian Shepherd puppy to appear red, it must inherit two copies of this gene from its parents.

Although rare, the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepts tri-red Aussie puppies as purebreds.

Red Tri Australian Shepherd Appearance

In terms of appearance, the red tri Australian Shepherd typically exhibits a mix of reddish-brown, white, and copper-colored hair. Its double-layered coat is also usually smooth and medium in length.

But similar to other Australian Shepherd colors, red tri-color Australian Shepherds also exhibit the features specified by the American Kennel Club in the breed standard.

In terms of the growth curve, a red tri Australian Shepherd puppy can grow about 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 40 to 70 pounds.

It will also retain the classic “Aussie look” with its slightly domed head, naturally bobbed tail, scissor bite, triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes that come in various shades.

Note, however, that the exact appearance of a red tri Aussie will still vary from one pooch to the next.

This is because genetics, health status, and overall state all play key roles in determining how your canine’s physical characteristics develop over time.

Watch this video to see what a red tri-color Australian Shepherd looks like when it is fully grown:

Red Tri Australian Shepherd Coat Color Genetics

To begin, one should note that the coat color of Aussies starts with two base pigments: eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red). Their inherited genes, however, determine how those two are distributed in the hair shaft.

But as with most dogs, the black or K gene is dominant over red in this breed. So, if you have a black Aussie and you breed it with a red tri Aussie, you can expect that most of the puppies will be black.

This only means that a pup has to get one copy of the recessive red gene, commonly known as the b gene, from each parent to be born with a red base coat.

It’s important to note, though, that the gene responsible for tri-coloring in tri-red Aussies, the agouti allele, resides on a chromosome different from the genes that control their base color.

The red tri-color Australian Shepherds’ copper highlights are actually controlled by the agouti gene. On the other hand, these canines’ white markings are due to the white spotting or S gene.

Overall, the colors of the red tri Australian Shepherd’s coat are determined by multiple genes. They act upon one another to produce varying levels of copper, white, and red pigment in the fur.

Red Tri Australian Shepherd Temperament and Personality

As with other Aussie varieties, red tri Australian Shepherds make great family pets due to their gentle and kind nature. They are also particularly protective of their loved ones and can be excellent watchdogs.

Since red tri Aussies are natural sprinters, they make ideal partners for outdoorsy owners. In fact, even when they are not working, these dogs always enjoy a good romp in the park or a walk around the neighborhood.

Further, these tri-colored pups, like the other Aussie variants, are highly trainable and often excel at agility competitions. Their playfulness makes them popular with children as well.

Moreover, the Australian Shepherd red tri’s friendly and sweet personality makes it a good choice for households with other canines.

But despite all of these desirable traits, know that the red tri-color Australian Shepherd is not for everyone. They need owners who understand that this breed requires lots of exercise and attention to thrive.

In addition, red tri Aussies will likely develop separation anxiety since they do not appreciate being left alone for long periods. Thus, crate training is recommended for these dogs.

Red Tri Australian Shepherd Lifespan and Health Issues

On average, red tri Australian Shepherds can live from 12 to 15 years. They are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues that can shorten their lifespan.

Furthermore, hereditary conditions are common in these canines. For example, some problems associated with the joints, bones, and eyes are more likely to affect them than other breeds.

The following is a partial list of the most typical health issues affecting the red tri Australian Shepherd:

• Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV): GDV, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can affect red tri-color Australian Shepherds. It occurs when the canine’s stomach becomes overstretched and twisted, often due to overeating or eating too fast.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic disease that causes the retina to deteriorate. As a result, affected red tri Aussies may experience diminished vision and, eventually, blindness. Sadly, PRA is an incurable condition that cannot be prevented or slowed down in any way.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when an Australian Shepherd red tri’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate metabolism. This disorder can cause weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and skin problems.

Bearing these health issues in mind, you must find a reputable breeder who can provide you with details about the puppy’s parents’ genetic history. Doing so will help ensure that your potential pet lives long.

In addition, aspiring owners of the Australian Shepard red tri should research this breed’s diet, as it is predisposed to obesity.

Obtaining a pet insurance policy is suggested as well. This way, if your pup becomes ill or injured at any point during its life, your expenses will be covered by your insurer.

How Much Does a Red Tri Australian Shepherd Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Generally, a red tri Australian Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder will cost between $800 and $3,000. A show-quality one, however, can cost significantly more, or around $5,000 and up.

But if you’re looking for a more economical option, you can opt for adoption. The adoption fee is usually around $150 to $600, depending on the age and condition of the red tri-color Aussie.

That said, you should be aware that the cost of raising a tri-colored Australian Shepherd puppy is not cheap. You will need to buy food, treats, grooming supplies, and other necessary items.

For your reference, the table below shows the estimated initial expenses of owning a red tri-color Australian Shepherd puppy:

But on top of the basic costs of pet ownership, other expenses may come up in the long run. This may include dog sitting and dog walking fees, pet insurance, etc.

Places to Find Red Tri Australian Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Red tri Australian Shepherds are a favorite among many prospective dog owners. However, finding a reputable breeder that offers these puppies for sale can be challenging.

To help you begin your search, the following are some places to find red tri Australian Shepherd puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace puts forward a wide range of credible breeders selling red tri-color Australian Shepherd puppies. They are all members of this organization, which means they adhere to its high standards in breeding.
• Riverlook Australian Shepherds – As a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), the Riverlook Australian Shepherds offers pups with exceptional pedigrees. A red tri Australian Shepherd puppy from them costs around $2,500, along with a microchip, registration, and other important documents.
• Fiddler’s Green Australian Shepherds –Located in Colorado, Fiddler’s Green Australian Shepherds has been producing red tri Aussie puppies since 2003. All their canines for sale are vet-checked, come with an AKC registration form, and have had their first round of vaccines.

For those who are looking to adopt, below is a list of rescue organizations that may have an Australian Shepard red tri up for adoption:

• Australian Shepherds Furever – One of the reputable rescue organizations in the United States is Australian Shepherds Furever, which has been saving purebred Aussies and Aussie mixes since 2013. Their adoption fees are between $215 and $445, depending on the red tri Aussie’s age and overall health.
• Aussie Rescue San Diego – Aussie Rescue San Diego is a non-profit organization that takes care of many adoptable rescued dogs, including Great Pyrenees, Border Collies, and red tri Australian Shepherds. You should note, though, that only adoptive parents 18 years or older may submit applications.
• Western Australian Shepherd Rescue – Whether you’re searching for a senior, young adult, or a tri-red Aussie puppy, Western Australian Shepherd Rescue may be able to help. They are affiliated with many shelters in various states, including Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana, Texas, and Colorado.

In addition to these organizations, you may want to leverage social networking sites for your search. Just be extra cautious and diligent when searching.

Best Dog Names for Your Red Tri Australian Shepherd Puppy

For first-time and experienced owners alike, naming a red tri Australian Shepherd can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. From its gender to personality and color, there are so many factors to consider.

In addition, the name you choose for your red tri Aussie puppy will stick with them for the rest of their life. Hence, you should carefully choose the name.

To assist you in this task, the following are dog name ideas for male red tri Australian Shepherd puppies:

• Redford
• Flash
• Copper
• Archie
• Clifford
• Fox
• Brick
• Pepper
• Reed
• Maple
• Cheddar
• Nitro
• Rowan
• Flynn
• Ketchup
• Crimson
• Rooney
• Weasley
• Cheeto
• Hunter
• Oakley
• Finch
• Rufus
• Spark
• Rocket

On the other hand, if you are looking for some name ideas on what to call your female red tri Australian Shepherd puppy, here are a few suggestions:

• Honey
• Annie
• Scarlet
• Pumpkin
• Cherry
• Apple
• Rosie
• Amber
• Poppy
• Sienna
• Ruby
• Lily
• Merida
• Berry
• Holly
• Fiona
• Hazel
• Rory
• Emma
• Sandy
• Carmine
• Tulip
• Kira
• Venus
• Penny

Bear in mind, though, that these are merely a few recommendations to help you get started.

You can always search for one on the internet, ask your friends and family for opinions, or even make up your own if none of these names seem like a good fit for your tri-red Aussie puppy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Red Tri Aussies Shed?

Whether you are aiming to buy or adopt the short-coated or long-coated variety, you should know that red tri Aussies shed. They lose hair throughout the year and even more so during the spring and fall.

Considering this, aspiring owners should remember that grooming and cleaning their red-colored pooches aren’t the only things they need to do. They will also have to deal with vacuuming carpets and furniture regularly.

Luckily for you, daily brushing, following a proper bathing frequency, and using good shampoos can help reduce excessive shedding.

Are Red Tri Aussies Hypoallergenic?

No, red tri Aussies are not hypoallergenic. Given that these canines shed heavy amounts of fur, they are likely to trigger a reaction in people with allergies.

In addition, dander is found not only on dogs’ fur but also on their skin, sweat, and saliva.

Therefore, if you have any allergy or asthma condition, it may be best to consult your doctor before taking home a red tri Aussie.

Can You Breed Two Red Tri Aussies Together?

Yes, you can definitely breed two red tri Aussies. Breeders specify that for an Australian Shepherd pup to be born red, it must inherit a copy of the recessive red gene from each of its parents.

Hence, mating two red tri-color Australian Shepherds, or even one tri-red Aussie with a red merle Aussie, will probably result in a litter of puppies with red colorations.

What Color Eyes Do Red Tri Aussies Have?

Surprisingly, red tri Aussies often retain light brown to amber-pigmented eyes that correspond with their coat color. However, there are rare exceptions.

Sometimes, an Australian Shepard red tri may exhibit blue or two different colored eyes as well. This is true, especially if one parent is a merle or perhaps a carrier of the merle gene.

Final Thoughts

The red tri Australian Shepherd exhibits a striking shade variation that makes it stand out from other Aussie varieties.

These dogs feature a deep red coat with white markings. They often appear to have copper highlights in their hair, making them look even lovelier than they already are.

But as with other Australian Shepherds, these canines require some grooming work from time to time to keep their tri-colored fur looking great. They also shed a lot, so you’ve got to be prepared for that.

Nonetheless, once you’ve gotten the hang of it and figured out what works best for your red tri-color Australian Shepherd, you’ll find that caring for them is actually pretty straightforward.

Let us know in the comments if you’re considering owning a red tri Australian Shepherd. We’d love to hear from you!