Merle
Merle Color
The merle color, or dapple, is a coat pattern characterized by irregular blotches of fur on a lighter background of the same color. For example, a solid black color on a gray background is called a blue merle, while a solid brown paint on a tan background is called a red merle. The merle pattern is caused by a genetic mutation that affects pigment distribution and is inherited in an incomplete dominant manner. A dog with even one gene copy can express the merle pattern.
Dogs That Have Merle
Merle color is commonly found in several dog breeds, including the following:
- Australian Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Catahoula Leopard Dog
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Dachshund
- Great Dane
- Shetland Sheepdog
However, it is important to note that not all individuals of these breeds will have a merle coat, and breeding two merle dogs together can result in puppies with potential health problems, such as deafness and blindness. Therefore, responsible breeding practices and genetic testing are crucial to maintaining the health of merle-colored dog breeds.
The merle color is a coat pattern primarily found in dogs. While other animals can have variations of coat patterns, no other animals are commonly known to have a merle color. However, some breeds of horses, such as the Appaloosa, can have similar coat patterns, including spots and variegated markings. These patterns are not caused by the same genetic mutation as the merle color in dogs but are still an interesting example of animal coat variations.
