Can a Dog Carry the Merle Gene?

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Guide About The Merle Gene

Yes, a dog can carry the merle gene, but it is a dominant gene that cannot be carried or hidden. This means that a dog is either merle or not, and it cannot be produced down the line in offspring from non-merle parents.

The merle gene is responsible for producing a matrix that holds the pigment in place, creating a mottled pattern of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and affects skin pigment.

The merle gene can affect any coat and can be found in many dog breeds, including Australian Shepherds, Collies, Shelties, and Dachshunds. Breeding two dogs that possess any of the merle variants may produce “double merle” offspring, which may be prone to health problems.

Therefore, breeding two merle dogs is discouraged to avoid producing double merle offspring.

DNA testing is recommended to establish the genetic makeup of dogs for the merle gene for those who want to breed merle dogs.

Can a poodle carry the merle gene?

Yes, a poodle can carry the merle gene. The merle gene is an incomplete dominant gene, which means that it only requires one copy to be expressed.

It can create a mottled pattern of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and can affect skin pigment.

The merle gene can be found in some poodles, and it is a much-debated topic among poodle breeders.

However, breeding two merle poodles is discouraged as it may produce “double merle” offspring, which can be prone to health problems.

DNA testing is recommended to establish the genetic makeup of poodles for the merle gene, especially for those who want to breed merle poodles.

What are the health risks associated with the merle gene?

One of the most well-known health risks associated with the merle gene is deafness. and

blindness. Other health risks that have been associated with the merle gene include:

  • Skeletal abnormalities
  • Heart defects
  • Kidney problems
  • Cataracts
  • Autoimmune disorders

What is the difference between a merle poodle and a regular poodle?

A merle poodle is a poodle that has a patterned coat with patches of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and can affect skin pigment.

The merle gene is an incomplete dominant gene that can create a mottled pattern of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and can affect skin pigment. The merle gene can be found in some poodles, and it is a much-debated topic among poodle breeders.

However, there is controversy surrounding merle poodles, as some breeders claim that they are not purebred poodles and were made from deceit for money.

The merle gene is not a natural pattern in poodles, and it had to be introduced into the poodle via another breed of dog.

Breeding two merle poodles is discouraged as it may produce “double merle” offspring, which can be prone to health problems.

DNA testing is recommended to establish the genetic makeup of poodles for the merle gene, especially for those who want to breed merle poodles

Emma Olson

About The Author

I'm Emma and I love dogs so much, especially poodles. I have a miniature Poodle named Olive. Pets are my passion and I love to share knowledge through writing blogs.

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