At Scenic Collies, we celebrate the beautiful variety of colours our puppies show — while also being transparent about how colour genetics actually work.
Some colour names describe how a puppy looks, while genetics explain how that colour is inherited. Both matter, and both can exist side by side.
Below is how we describe colours visually, and what they mean genetically.
🐾 Blue Merle (visual)
Visually, blue merle puppies have grey, silver, or blue-toned merle coats.
Genetically, many “blue merles” are actually black-based merles, where the merle pattern breaks up black pigment to create lighter tones. This does not affect health or temperament and is very common in Border Collies.
You may hear us describe these puppies as blue merle visually, while referring to them as black-based merle genetically.
🐾 Chocolate Merle (visual)
Chocolate merle puppies appear as warm brown merles rather than grey.
Visually, these coats can look chocolate or milk-chocolate in tone. Genetically, these appearances can be influenced by modifiers, lighting, coat stage, and merle patterning.
We describe these puppies by appearance, while relying on DNA testing to guide breeding decisions rather than colour names alone.
🐾 Lilac Merle (visual)
Lilac merle puppies have very soft, pale grey-lavender tones and are often striking in appearance.
Visually, these colours can occur when multiple coat modifiers interact, especially in merle puppies. Because lilac is a genetically specific colour combination, we are careful to describe these puppies visually, while acknowledging that true genetic lilac requires specific inheritance.
🐾 Slate Merle (visual)
Slate merle puppies appear darker and cooler than typical blue merles, with deeper grey tones.
This is often a visual description rather than a separate genetic colour and reflects how merle interacts with underlying pigment.
🐾 Solid & Bi-Colour Puppies
You may also see puppies described as:
- Black & White
- Chocolate & White
- Red & White
- Apricot / Orange & White
- Wheaten & White
- Golden & White
These names reflect visual coat colour, which can continue to soften, deepen, or warm as puppies mature.
Some red puppies appear more orange or apricot in tone, and lighter chocolates may show golden or lilac-tinted areas — especially around the ears or undercoat.
👀 Eye Colour
Some puppies inherit striking eye colours, including:
- Blue
- Green
- Mixed blue/green
Eye colour can continue to change in early development and is influenced by merle and pigment distribution. We never guarantee final eye colour, but we enjoy watching each puppy’s features settle as they grow.
🧬 Our Commitment
We prioritise:
- Health
- Temperament
- Ethical breeding practices
Colour is enjoyed and celebrated — never chased.
Colour descriptions are based on visual appearance and may change as puppies mature.