Merle Dogs
Merle is a coat color variation that gives a mottled or patchy appearance to dogs with this type of coat. It is a genetic coat pattern that can be present in puppies with one or both parents. When breeding happens between two merle adults, the puppies are referred to as ‘double merle’.
Based on the color of the patches, there are two main types of merle coats: red merle having liver-colored patches on reddish or tan coats, and blue merle having black patches on blue, gray, or silver coats. Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pyrenean Shepherd are two common examples of blue merle coats, though they also come in other merle patterns. The Australian Shepherd and Mudi breeds often come in blue and red merles. Dachshunds with merle coats are called ‘Dapple’.
Double merle dogs are prone to various health issues and have a higher risk of hearing and vision problems. It is better to get a merle puppy with only one merle parent as studies have shown this to reduce the risk of deafness and maybe other health issues as well.
List of Merle-colored Dog Breeds
The enlisted breeds have attained recognition from major kennel clubs like the AKC, UKC, CKC, and FCI.
Small Dogs With Merle Coat
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- Pomeranian
- Beauceron
- Poodle
- Bergamasco
- Pit Bull
- Old English Sheepdog
- Rough Collie
Medium-sized Dogs With Merle Coat
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Koolie
- Pyrenean Shepherd
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Smooth Collie
- Mudi
- Mini Aussie
- Miniature American Shepherd
Big Dogs With Merle Coat
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Great Dane
