Double merle dogs are far more likely to be unhealthy. For example, in a litter of mixed colour puppies the non-merles will be (mm), while a merle will be (Mm), meaning it has inherited one merle gene and one non-merle gene. Sophie has been a freelance writer since 2003. The merle pattern is labeled “red” or “blue.” The merle forms of brown (or liver) are called “red” although red and brown are genetically different. There are also those that will cull obvious double merle puppies at birth, whether they have a health problem or not. The practice is regarded as unethical. Merle coat in dogs has been introduced into a range of other breeds. Red merle dogs are marbled, light cinnamon to dark liver color with copper points on the face and legs. Th Presumably, this is because of the suppression of melanocytes by the merle gene itself. It absolutely depends on your future plans and what you want from a dog. I actually have to move her out of the way, so I … Create, run and manage your breeder website using reliable tools. How to know that your dog is unhappy Just as there are signs that your dog is happy, there are others that show that your dog is unhappy, sick, stressed, afraid or not emotionally alright. Blue merle border collie with mismatched eyes. As long as there are merle coated dogs, double merles will be produced, usually by accident or through ignorance on the part of the breeder. While none of the control group of non-merles (mm) had any hearing issues. I have asked Amanda and double merle dog Keller to share their information with all of us so we can also educate others about this unorthodox breeding practice. M/M (Double merle) This dog carries two copies of the dominant M. Dominant M will always be passed on to the offspring. This statistically will produce a litter that is ¼ solid-colored, half will be Texas A&M University has devised a … The study concluded that merle dogs had a higher risk of deafness compared to many dog breeds, but not compared to dalmatians and white bull terriers (which have high rates of deafness thought to be linked to their white pigmentation). When two merle patterns (“M/m”) are bred to each other, 25% of the puppies will be homozygous for merle. Is the light sensitivity a genetic trait that may be passed on the to the pups? In hotter weather, you should apply sunscreen too. However, understanding the language of your dog and interpreting its displays of affection is not always easy, especially if you do not know how to read the dog's postures or understand its everyday behaviour. Do you know what a double merle is or what it means? Equally, there are those who mistakenly think that the issues with double merles indicate that the normal merle (Mm) dog is somehow less healthy than a standard colour. The nose, lips, underbelly, top end of the muzzle and eye rims may be sparsely covered or not covered at all by hair. This results in a blending of both alleles. It is crystal clear that we love our dogs dearly, that we love spending time with our dog and we know that, whenever we need them, we can count on their company. Clear sable (ay) is another gene that hides merle patterns. Reputable breeders who wish to produce merle puppies mate a merle (“M/m”) with a non-merle dog (“m/m”). They will charge more for a merle pup, and guaranteeing every pup is a merle makes the litter more lucrative. Many dog breeds have similar qualities, particularly those breeds that are derived from one another. What is the Difference Between Harlequin and Merle? Recessive red dogs are affected by merle but patches are subtle or not visible at all. Though the dog is not technically blind, it can suffer from light sensitivity as the eye does not react as well as it should to light. The merle gene creates mottled patches of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and can affect skin pigment as well. Merle pattern in dogs is desirable in some specific breeds but must be produced responsibly. There is a one in four chance that each puppy will inherit two merle (M) genes, thus making them a double merle. Harlequin (“Hh”) and merle (“Mm”) are inherited separately but must work together. I'm very thankful now that I did, because I imagine if the breeder had him returned, he probably would have been euthanized. Another study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2009 set out to discover if there was a link between increased deafness and the Silv gene. Not every double merle dog will face these issues, but a significant amount of them do, which makes the deliberate breeding of these dogs unethical. You Might Want to Think Twice About Double Merle Dogs Rishabh Kushwaha Sep 8, 2017 "Very helpful post. A mixed litter of puppies with non-merles (mm) and merles (Mm). Cryptic merle dogs are genetically merle but do not visually appear to be merle. Many different types of dogs will come into your grooming salon, so it is essential to have a strong understanding of dog groups, coat types, and how to properly groom each pup so he can enjoy a healthy life. and if I breed it I will get a pure-bred Great I thought that she was beautiful and that she would be a great puppy to have. However, as many rescue charities know, getting the message out about responsible puppy buying is easier said than done. I shudder to think what would result in a double to double breeding, but since I really haven't seen the results for myself or read up Not every double merle dog will face these issues, but a significant amount of them do, which makes the deliberate breeding of these dogs unethical. Double Merle Dog Health One study found that deafness affected 9.2 percent of dogs with the merle allele, with 3.5 percent in single merles and 25 percent in the double merle dog. They vary in size, shape, and color. Take a look at our article : why doesn't my dog wag its tail anymore, where you'll find the reasons why they may stop doing so. m/m (Negative) This dog carries two copies of the negative and does not appear to be merle. There are several answers to this question, the first being pure ignorance. I was looking through a few sites that are for selling puppies and i recently came across a almost purely white puppy. Poor baby! It is not the same as co-dominance. The double merle pattern is directly associated with ocular defects, auditory defects, and skin exposure that can lead to an increased risk of sunburn. Blue merles are, in fact, grey. A double merle Great Dane with distinct eye problems, Wikimedia (Eimann)Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons. Phaeomelanin is not affected by merle. Merle is a heterozygote of an incompletely dominant gene, this is a type of genetic formula. The merle gene causes the coat hair to produce a faded, or shaded colour (hence the merle pattern), two merle genes together often cause the coat to be white or with limited merle shading. The merle gene is usually dominant, so a merle dog will have inherited the gene from one of its parents. The truly unfortunate pups are destroyed days after they are born when the breeder realises they are disabled and doesn't want to have to raise such pups knowing they are hard to home. Breeds By Kelsey Snyder 5 min read May 4, 2020 3 Comments Merle, dapple, adorable — whatever your name … This is deemed the 'safe' or responsible way of producing merle puppies. Double merle dogs have a higher risk of deafness, blindness, and sunburn. I have recently been looking into getting a Border Collie puppy, and this is how I got here. In a wider context, such breeding brings the ethics of all dog breeders into question and casts a pall over the show dog world. The quality of life of many double dapple bred dogs Double merles are often partially or completely white in coat colour (sometimes termed albino, though this is not entirely accurate). Heterozygote refers to the inheritance of two different alleles from both parents. If you own a double merle, it is highly recommended that you see a veterinary ophthalmologist at least once. This is achieved by breeding one merle (“M/m”) to another merle (“M/m”). The only way these people can be stopped is by bringing in legislation to stop puppy farming, but that is another issue entirely. Merles commonly have blue eyes. If your dog stays outside during the day, always provide shelter. Iris coloboma: a cleft or notch in the iris. In some cases, it appears as if there is no eye at all (anophthalmia). No, Amy it is not safe to breed a merle dog with another merle dog. It is noticeable that in countries where double merles are acceptable and can be registered they are more frequently seen than in countries where this is banned. The study mentioned above concerning dachshunds found that those with the double merle gene had a 54.6% chance of having a hearing problem. They have no reason other than money in mind when they breed pups and have no concern for the health of their dogs. Plan a breeding program, master canine genetics, and use the right strategies. Every Great Dane carrying the harlequin gene and the merle gene has a harlequin coat. When a dog with the merle colouration (Mm) is bred to another merle dog then there is a chance that a double merle (MM) will be produced. Commonly merle dogs will have at least one blue eye, but in this example, due to the tan markings on the face, both eyes are brown. Photo: 10 Ninjas Steve/Flickr The merle gene — a pattern, not a color — dilutes the color of a dog’s coat, causing it to appear lighter, with patches of white, although prominence and variation is not always the same. Double merle dogs are beautiful to look at, but expensive to care for. There are problems with this form of mating too and there can be risks of deafness due to the heavy amount of white (like with dalmatians, the white coat gene carries problems). Some cases of the merle coat in dogs are masked by other genes. Breeding Business is a platform dedicated to ethical dog breeding around the world. A double merle dog is created when two dogs with the merle coat pattern are bred together. Breeding Business, 2015-2021 © All rights reserved. However, this should not detract from the fact that many double merles suffer from eye or ear abnormalities due to their breeding. Double Merle Collie breeders have no problem with their dogs being blind, and they have no problem pulling the wool over your eyes either. Homozygous refers to the inheritance of the same allele from both parents. Sunburn and skin cancer are more prevalent in exposed areas of the skin. I have a question regarding double merles. There are three different variations: Other genes affect the expression of harlequin. This can lead to problems with vision when going from light to dark areas. If you are prepared to take on challenges, you might still considered buying this pup. Price and availability information shown on Amazon at the moment of purchase will apply. My double Merle has had minimal vision since joining our family 4 years ago. If you end up with a double merle dog you may have to make some accommodations for deafness or loss of vision but merle genetics do not affect the temperament of the breed – your dog will be just as lovable as any other. Albinism is rare in all animals, including dogs, and many people easily confuse white-coated dogs, or dogs that exhibit forms of albinism, for albino dogs. Out of 48 merles, only 1 was deaf in one ear. How do I know my dog has CD? The merle gene that makes the Dapple Doxie’s coat dapple is also responsible for higher instances of deafness, blindness, sensitivity to sunlight, and higher rates of skin cancer in the dog … Yay. If your double merle dog is sunburned, their skin appears pinker than normal. All your dogs' health, nutrition, fitness, grooming and special care. Merle patterning is a distinguishing trait in several breeds, particularly Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Catahoula Leopard Dogs. In a merle to merle breeding, 25% of the puppies are double merle. I THOUGHT Chocolate is a dilute of Red.. so I wondered if because my dog is colored like this, that makes him a double dilute. I would say, however, that if you have never owned a BC before (I don't know if you have or not) then taking on one that is a double merle is going to be hard work, as they are quite an intense breed without additional complications, and at six months there could be behavioural issues if she has not been properly socialised. Recessive red and merle can be a tricky combination to work with when breeding dogs. To do this, groomers must be highly knowledgeable about coat types! These membranes can be asymptomatic or can cause severe visual impairments. Congenital sensorineural deafness is directly associated with the merle gene. A 2006 paper on the merle gene first published by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America attempted to identify the gene in dogs that caused the merle pattern. As far as I know, a Blue is an automatic Dilute. Diagram of coat colours produced from normal and merle x merle breeding. Normal to heavily marked due to merle (HhMm), Lightly marked due to double merle (HhMM), No harlequin expression due to no merle (Hhmm). Occasionally her right eye would turn green or yellow. "My dog chews things when left alone. In the US double merles of any breed are sometimes referred to as 'lethal whites', though many consider the term derogatory. The way genetics work is that a puppy inherits one colour gene from each parent, this means that puppies in a merle x merle litter could be normal merles (Mm), non-merles (mm) or double merles (MM). Merle pattern can be masked by other genes or heavy patching. Needless to say, the deliberate breeding of double merles causes a lot of controversy in the canine world—certain official bodies (such as the Kennel Club in the UK) have clamped down on the practice, refusing to register dogs that are a result of merle-to-merle breeding. Ocular defects are directly associated with the double merle coat. This dog, when mated to a non-merle, will produce an entire litter of normal merles, because it carries two versions of the merle (M) gene and all the puppies will inherit one copy from it, thus making them all (Mm). Small studies of other breeds that can have the merle pattern found that they all had the mutated Silv gene. Phantom, cryptic or hidden merles may also be caused by a different mutation labeled as “Mc“. Is it safe to breed them? This is the reflective layer at the back of the eye. Additionally, puppies who have a parent who is a double merle cannot be officially registered. These dogs may have poorer night vision. Their dim view of breeders is only worsened by seeing double merle matings often quite blatantly advertised. Not all double merle dogs are born with sensorineural deafness but the risk is definitely increased. Merle coat in dogs does not always mean that the dog is unhealthy. One-off litter or professional dog breeder? Important Disclaimer – This site does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 13 Merle Dog Breeds: Colorful Cuties! It is thought this may be due to the way the Silv gene (the gene that causes the merle pattern) affects the pigment of the skin around or within the ear, and the colour of the eyes. The paw pads and nose are sometimes mottled pink and black because the gene targets the skin as well. In this case, it refers to the presence of a dominant “M” allele and a negative “m” allele. Now I know why, thanks." Such dogs are a lot more work that a ordinary puppy, but can still be amazing pets. I offered to take him, and she accepted. This is why merle is written as “M/m.” Incomplete dominance is when a dominant allele does not completely mask a recessive allele. Merle forms of black are called “blue.” Blue merle dogs can be distinguished by the marbling of gray, silver and black in their coat with some copper points possible on the face. 13 thoughts on “ How To Tell If A Dog Has A Single Or Double Coat ” Pingback: Why You Shouldn't Shave Double Coated Dogs - Paw Print garek007 August 5, 2017 at 8:54 am My dog has mostly soft fur. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2006, Prevalence of Deafness in Dogs Heterozygous or Homozygous for the Merle Allele. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Read on to learn why you might want to think twice before purchasing a merle dog. In certain breeds of dog, there is a coat pattern known as 'merle'. For example, the Miniature Schnauzer is similar to the Standard or Giant The exact function of Silv and how it affects pigment is unknown and remains controversial. However, a great deal can be done to discourage the breeding of double merles and to educate the public on the dangers. A double dose of the merle gene can be deadly. A double merle is created when two merle dogs are bred together. 09740325). Two recessive copies result in a dog that is not merle. What Does the Merle Coat Pattern Look Like in Dogs? Similarly, a red merle will have faded patches of red and will often look more mottled than the blue merle. I like it!" Dog groomers know that keeping a dog’s coat healthy is the most important part of their job. My exposé of Wyndlair Avalanche has gone viral and now the breeders who support this practice are closing ranks and covering their tracks. Harlequin is a dominant gene that occurs on its own locus, the H locus. Only a couple years later, did I realize this was the result of double Merle breeding. Receive a FREE 7-day course to a better breeding + a BOATLOAD of super freebies! This includes double merles. The exact reasons why the two merle genes together cause these problems remains unclear. Unscrupulous breeders will sometimes sell double merle puppies as 'rare albino' versions of the breed. The merle gene dilutes random patches of a dog’s coat to a lighter color. the only ones which cannot produce double merle puppies. Merle is a genetic pattern that can be in a dog's coat. Ideally anyone selling a merle puppy should explain to the new owner the risks associated with breeding merle to merle, especially if that person already has a merle dog of the opposite sex to the puppy. Harlequin cannot work on its own. As merles tend to be the rarest colour pattern in most breeds which carry the (M) gene, some unscrupulous breeders see breeding an entire litter of them in terms of money. A dog that has very reduced merling that is nevertheless visible, such as a blue ear, isn't a cryptic merle. Microphthalmia is a defect wherein the eyes are smaller than normal. The same study found that in Shetland Sheepdogs a mutation of the pigmentation gene known as Silver (or Silv) is probably responsible for the merle pattern. Double merles are highly likely to suffer from eye or ear deformities (in some cases both), which at the most extreme can result in complete blindness and deafness. Depending on the honesty of the breeder, you could ask about the parents, question the possibility of her being a double merle and then consider if you would be prepared to take on a dog with potential hearing and eyesight issues. It is also a means for covering the breeder's tracks and making it appear as if they had a merle-to-merle litter completely free of double merles. I dunno maybe it's This dog is solid black (no merle), so she is mm and can only give her pups a solid color gene. This article explores the world of double merle genetics, the breeds affected, the health issues and the wide range of ongoing debates concerning the breeding of double merles. There may be a link between pale coloured eyes and eye problems, but so far the scientific research to back this claim has not emerged in the public domain. Hello! This article will delve into possible health concerns Child-safe SPF 30 to 50 sunscreen is suitable for use on your dog’s most sensitive skin: the nose, belly and other bare patches will need it the most. Unfortunately, there are health problems associated with the merle mutation and the risk of these problems occurring increases when two merle coated dogs are mated together. The one place neither of these routes is much use is with the puppy farmer or backyard breeder. I know what can happen with merle to merle breeding since I've seen the results with my own eyes. How to Identify a Miniature Schnauzer. While ignorance is no real excuse, what's far worse is those who know the risks and still choose to breed merle to merle. My double merle is completely deaf - easy to tell, she is startled if I don't approach her where she can see me - and, she will lay on the floor in my way while I vacuum! Such breeds accepted by the American Kennel Club include: Merle pattern has been introduced to other breeds through crossbreeding. Auditory Problems Congenital sensorineural deafness is directly associated with the merle gene . Other breeders believe a mating involving a double merle will produce the best merle pattern on all the puppies, so they choose to produce or use a double merle in the hopes of getting the best 'show quality' dog. Though a variety of merle colours are referred to by breeders and dog owners, the two most commonly seen types of merle are blue merles and red merles. Though double merles do not usually have fatal disabilities due to their genetics (negating the term 'lethal') the implication that double merles are unhealthy compared to normal coloured dogs in their breed has some basis. Responsible breeding is important to reduce the risk of these problems. A study found that the relative risk of deafness is less than that in the white Bull Terrier and Dalmatian. Tricolor dogs may look similar but typically lack the characteristic marbling of merle. In tests, the cryptic allele is written as “Mc.” This means that a cryptic merle dog still carries a dominant “M” and can technically produce double merles if bred to a merle. In the litter, there was a puppy that was predominantly white. It doesn’t matter what color merle or what breed they are. Around half of the resulting puppies are merle because these dogs will produce both “M/m” and “m/m” puppies. The lucky ones end up in a good rescue that specialises in dogs with such disabilities and will find them appropriate homes. This breed has a lower incidence of ocular abnormalities and deafness associated with the merle gene. M/m (Merle) This dog carries one dominant M and one negative m. Either allele can be passed on to the offspring. Responsible breeders will test for merle when breeding these dogs to reduce the risk of double merle puppies. Two dominant copies produce a double merle which will most likely have serious eye defects and may be deaf. Whatever the exact reason behind choosing to create and then breed from a double merle, the truth is that along the line it is highly likely a significantly disabled pup has been created. When two dominant “M” alleles are present the result is a double merle dog. While some argue other health problems for double merles there is no evidence that, aside from ear and eye deformities, they have any higher risk of other conditions. Your email address will not be published. A dog with a merle coat is characterised by having patches of hair with diluted pigment (colour). But as this is unlikely to happen, accidental creations of double merles will continue to occur. However, as yet there is no firm scientific evidence to imply that a dog with white ears will be deaf, or a dog with white patches around the eyes will be blind. Do you think he has a Dog Litter Separation – How To Handle Puppies Leaving Their Littermates, My Dog Wakes Up Too Early – 7 Tips to Change this Habit, How To Stop My Dog From Biting When Excited. The harlequin allele modifies merle and cannot be expressed on its own. Sophie Jackson (author) from England on October 15, 2019: There is a strong possibility she is a double merle considering the limited colour and the merle markings. French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs now come in a merle pattern but these dogs are not purebred. You can NEVER get a merle from a non-merle. It is like saying my dog is a purebred Pomeranian and a merle factored (that doesn't exist!) It is inherited separately from merle. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It’s one of the most beautiful coat patterns in the dog world. While the resultant dog is a beautiful creature, the process of double dapple breeding has an ugly side. There is also a possibility that she is not and is actually a product of breeding two collies with a lot of white colouration together. Equally, pet owners with two merles may breed their dogs without realising the consequences. What becomes of these puppies? It also eliminates the risk of double merles (“M/M”) because only one dominant “M” allele is involved in the breeding. A study done by Texas A&M University found that 8 out of 22 double merles were completely deaf, 2 were deaf in one ear. Very useful article. Especially when one of the merle dogs in question is obviously the result of merle to merle breeding. However, being deaf, blind or both is surely bad enough? Operated by Lazhar Limited, a company registered in England & Wales (Company No. They may then be passed to a rescue or euthanised if the owner does not think they can cope with the pup's problems. While their appearance is fairly unusual, the Dachshunds shape and build actually helped them to fulfil their original working purpose, which was to pursue pests into their burrows below the earth, which other dogs were unable to access. They appear like a tri-colour dog (black, white and tan), but with patches of the black appearing 'faded' or grey. Licensed under CC BY-S. History And Genetic Influence In Different Dog Breeds. This is genetic and not related to age or other health issues. A breeder who deliberately and knowingly creates double merles is after one thing—a dog carrying the MM coat pattern genes. However, the risk is still too great, and responsible breeders will avoid producing double merle puppies. I recently rescued a blue merle mini aussie that had been purchased by the previous owner from a breeder. The strength of the other colours in the dog's coat (tan and black, or red and tan) can vary as well, with some merles appearing to have extremely pale colouring all over, while others can have quite strong patches of colour. Merle — that kaleidoscope of swirly patterns that has no two dogs looking alike. Very imformative article. As with hearing, double merles can have eye problems that range from slight vision loss or unusual eyes, to complete blindness. This means that one sable allele is enough for the gene to be expressed. Product availability and prices for Amazon Products displayed on this page are updated every half an hour and are subject to change. In certain breeds of dog, there is a coat pattern known as ‘merle’. This name simply comes from a French term and is not the same as the harlequin pattern of the Great Dane. A double merle coat in dogs is also associated with a lack of tapetum lucidum. There is a perception that show dog breeders are the worst offenders for producing double merles because they are striving for the perfect merle coat pattern. Lucky double merles are born without problems, but many do suffer severe auditory or visual impairments. Some double merles have a 'starburst' pupil, where the pupil appears to have spiky projections. Each gene has it’s own labeling including the recessive red (“ee”) and clear sable (ay). That being said, some double merle dogs do not suffer these problems. None were completely deaf. Double merle dogs are at a greater risk of health problems than single merles. Our Merle french bulldog puppies all come with AKC registration. Hemangiosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma are just two possible results. The breeding and possible destruction of disabled pups has led to heavy criticism of merle-to-merle matings. The resulting litter of puppies has a high chance of containing 'double merles' or 'lethal whites', dogs that have very little or no colour to their coat at all. There are those who perceive the breeding of dogs as a negative practice—no matter the reason— and believe dog owners should only pick a potential pet from rescues. The recessive red allele (“ee”) hides some merling. A merle coat in dogs is one of the most interesting and beautiful variations to come from breeding. Merle X Merle This is the litter where the double merle pups show up (and we don't recommend it). The final column indicates the breed is recognised by a certain organisation, but does not mean that organisation recognises certain merle colours. "Mudpaws Duke Silver" by Dhlstrm at the English language Wikipedia. The practice is controversial. These homozygous puppies are known as “double merles”, also written as “M/M.”. The question many ask is, if breeding merle to merle has such a high chance of producing a disabled puppy, why would anyone do it? The merle gene is associated with several health problems and isn’t always visibly obvious to breeders. These are known as 'cryptic merles', but the exact reason why such dogs do not display the merle pattern remains unknown. Our male can hear perfectly, however, our vet told us he may have slight sensitivity to the light. Limited research has been done into the links between the merle gene and eye problems, though a great deal of anecdotal evidence is presented on the subject. These patches are distributed all over the body. Hidden merles appear to be solid-colored or have very faint merle patches that go unnoticed. Sometimes they have one blue and one brown eye. He's a good boy overall. While these dogs can still live fulfilling lives, responsible breeders will work to prevent cases of poor welfare in their puppies. Even if your dogs eye appears to This is because recessive red dogs do not produce eumelanin pigment, leaving them a solid red color caused by phaeomelanin. This makes merle heterozygous. Deafness results from the degeneration of the cochlear blood supply. Unwary puppy buyers are sometimes sold double merles as 'rare white' or 'albino' versions of a certain breed, not knowing that the pup may prove deaf or blind. This is because it requires crossbreeding and potentially brings health issues to the target breed.
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