Have you ever heard of the merle dog? Many people think that this definition is the name of a dog breed, but in fact, merle is a coat pattern that can occur in dogs of different breeds and sizes. Of genetic origin, the merle coat is characterized by the spotted appearance of the hair over a solid or bicolor color. To learn more about this interesting appearance, the Paws of the House has separated 10 curiosities about the merle dog, come check it out!

1) Merle: dog with this trait has a different genetic pattern

The merle dog does not only have a different coat: its genetic pattern also carries some characteristics of its own. Merle is a name given to a heterozygote of an incompletely dominant gene. The merle can be identified by DNA testing, in cases where coat colors are not visible. These cases are called phantom merle. It is important that laboratory testing is done in casethe guardian suspects that the dog has the gene.

2) Merle puppies may not crossbreed with each other

The merle coat is very beautiful and can attract a lot of attention. However, it is important that dogs with the merle gene do not crossbreed with each other. This is necessary because there is a high probability that part of the puppies generated in this type of crossing will develop a series of health problems such as deafness, blindness, microphthalmia (malformation of the eyeball), sterility, epilepsy and other problemsphysical factors that can cause a dog to be born completely without eyes.

When researching the merle gene in dogs, you will probably find reports from breeders saying that there have been no problems with this type of crossbreeding. However, this is not recommended by veterinary health experts, so laboratory testing to identify the so-called "phantom merle" in case of suspicion is super important.

3) Merle gene also interferes with dog eye coloration

In addition to modifying the coat, the merle gene can also modify the dark coloration of the eyes, resulting in a pair of blue eyes. In some cases, so-called heterochromia can even occur, where each eye becomes one color.

4) Merle: varied breeds can have the color pattern

As previously stated, the merle is not a breed. Dogs of different breeds can present the color pattern. Among the most common are those that fit the term herding dog, such as: Border Collie, Shetland Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Pembroke, among others. The merle coat can also appear in other breeds such as American Pit Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel and even French Bulldog.Regardless of the breed, a merle dog can never be crossed with another with the same gene.

5) Merle coat can have different shades

The hair bases are different for each breed, so the merle color usually comes in varying shades. The colors can blend differently in black, brown, chocolate and other dogs. The famous Blue Merle dog, for example, is the one with black or blue base coat with the characteristics of the merle mutation throughout the body.

6) The merle dog cannot participate in canine competitions

Merle puppies can be registered with associations that recognize dog breeds, but they cannot participate in conformation shows. These shows are dog competitions in which owners parade their puppies for an expert jury that evaluates how well the purebred dog conforms to the official breed standard. Usually these competitions are promoted by a kennel clubnational.

7) Merle dog: in addition to coat, gene can alter color of paws and muzzle

The changes that the merle gene generates are random - that is, they do not follow a pattern. In addition to changes in coat and eye pigmentation, the merle gene can also change the color of the dog's paws and muzzle. In some dogs, pink spots are observed in these regions.

8) Merle is not the only different coat pattern

The characteristics of the merle gene are unique, however, there are other genetic aspects that form other types of coat patterns. There is also the harlequin pattern, where dark rounded patches sit on top of a lighter coat, while the "roan" pattern is characterized by a mixture of coloured and white fur.

9) The merle coat can mix with another pattern

Even though it is not the most common thing in the world, there are some dogs that have a mixture of merle and harlequin coat. This curious fact is most common with dogs of the German Dane breed. Dogs with these two characteristics are usually white with rounded black spots all over the body and have a gray tint in some parts.

10) Regardless of the merle coat, every dog is unique

The merle dog is often highly desired for its exotic coat. However, many factors must be evaluated before deciding to have a dog with this characteristic, especially if you will be able to provide the necessary support for some health problems that it develops. Also remember that each dog is unique, regardless of any genetic mutation. A dog without this characteristiccan give you love in the same way as a merle dog.