Origin of the Merle Gene in a Poodle
The merle gene is one of the most mysterious and controversial among many dog breeding enthusiasts, especially when mentioning the coloring of Poodles. In fact, such a gene causes marbling or mottling, that is, patches of the lighter and darker color distributed throughout a Poodle’s coat, resulting in those characteristic patterns of being merle.
What is the Merle Gene?
Definition of the Merle Gene
Merle gene represents a genetic mutation in the dog coat, eyes, and skin that affects the pigmentation on a dog’s coat. It causes a mottled or marbled effect, where patches of darker and lighter colors are mixed throughout the coat. This gene also influences eye color, with the possibility of blue eyes or heterochromia.
The Merle Gene as a Factor of Coloration
The merle pattern in dogs is the result of the merle allele interacting with a dog’s primary coat color. When the interaction happens, patches of lighter color (that might be gray or cream) overlay on darker areas that might appear black or brown. For instance, a black dog carrying the merle gene might have patches of light gray or silver on darker black sections, or a red merle dog might have cream-colored patches on a red base.
The merle gene does affect other parts of the dog’s anatomy.
- Eyes: Dogs that carry the merle gene may have blue eyes, or heterochromia: two different colors for their eyes.
- Skin: Some merle dogs may have problems with their skin, as the gene can cause an even greater effect on the pigmentation in the skin, giving it a higher sensitivity towards sunburn or sensitivity.
- Hearing and Vision: In rare cases, merle dogs, especially those with two copies of the merle gene (referred to as double merles), may have problems like deafness or blindness because of this genetic mutation.
The Origin of the Merle Gene in Genetics
Where did the Merle Gene Originate?
The merle gene is thought to have been inherited from other dog breeds that carried the gene as part of their normal natural genetic variation. The gene has been most often associated with breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Collie, Corgi, and Chihuahua. It is thought that the gene was present in those breeds long before it was actually introduced into Poodles.
Introduction of the Merle Gene into the Poodle Breed Population
Poodles and especially AKC recognized ones have never been bred with a focus on the merle gene. It was only through cross-breeding with other breeds carrying the merle pattern, such as Australian Shepherd, Collie, or mixed-breed dogs that this introduced merle gene into the Poodle breed population. As interest in unique coat patterns grew, some breeders began to intentionally use merle dogs to produce Poodles with the merle pattern.
How Does the Merle Gene Affect Poodles?
Visual Impact of the Merle Gene
Merle gene effects in Poodles are first and most evidently a color change in their coats. Merle Poodles have a typical marbled effect, where there is a combination of light and dark patches on the coat. The actual color will depend on the base color of the dog and the interaction that the merle gene has on that color. For example:
- The blue merle Poodle has a base coat that is blue-gray with darker patches being black.
- The Black Merle Poodle has a predominantly black coat with lighter patches of gray or silver.
- Chocolate Merle Poodle: Brown base coat mixed with lighter patches of tan or cream
- Red Merle Poodle: red or apricot base coat, with lighter patches of cream.
Health Consequences of the Merle Gene
Deafness: Double merle dogs may be born deaf, or even partially deaf.
- Vision Problems:
- Skin Sensitivity:
Breeding Considerations
Because the merle gene can lead to associated health complications, responsible breeders exercise extra caution when breeding dogs harboring the gene. Here are some essential breeding practices for merle Poodles:
- Health Screening:
- Health Over Color:
Debate Over Merle Gene in Poodles
AKC Non-Recognition
The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize the merle gene in Poodles, which is a reason why Poodles having a merle coat pattern can’t compete in the AKC shows and even be officially registered by the AKC in its official records. That’s because the merle pattern is not included in the standard color variations of the Poodle breed. So, most traditional breeders, following the standards, treat merle Poodles with skepticism.
Ethical Concerns
Intentional breeding of the merle Poodle, more recently, raises ethics questions in some within the breeding community. Some argue that an intention to breed the merle pattern may lean too hard toward aesthetic goals rather than health goals and contribute to a proliferation of genetic issues in the breed. Others point to “designer dogs” and whether such pursuits for unique coat patterns are substantial enough to swamp the much-needed practice of sound breeding based on health and temperament factors.
Should I Get a Merle Poodle?
Prospective Owners
There are various considerations you need to make if you are thinking about bringing a Merle Poodle home. On the one hand, they undeniably look stunning. However, their coat patterns may carry potential health issues, while breeding them can also be somewhat polemic.
- Health Issues: You can expect the health hazards associated with it, especially if the Poodle is the product of double merle breeding.
- Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups at the veterinary are more likely with Merle Poodles, perhaps to check the vision and hearing of the Poodle.
- Moral Accountability: If you want to have a Merle Poodle as a pet, choose a responsible breeder who genuinely cares about the health and well-being of the pet.
Adoption vs. Purchase
Adopting a Merle Poodle from a rescue organization or shelter is an option for those who want to give a dog a second chance and avoid some of the controversies surrounding breeder practices.