No, Merle Great Danes are not particularly rare. While not everyone has seen a merle Dane, they can be found with relative ease in many parts of the world. Many kennels and breeders specialize in Merle-colored Danes, and they can be found in shelters and rescue groups too.
Merle-colored Danes appear to be one of the most popular coat colors for the breed, although the exact numbers vary from year to year. The popularity of Merle-colored Danes appears to have increased in recent years as more people have become aware of them.
Merle Danes have been around for many years and are a recognized coat color by the American Kennel Club. The rarity of Merle-colored Danes is largely a matter of perception, as they are quite common throughout the world.
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Are merle dogs worth more?
The short answer is yes, merle dogs are typically worth more than dogs that are not merle. This is because merle coloration is a rarer and more distinct genetic trait. Some people prefer merle-colored dogs to other dogs for this very reason, and as such, purchasing a merle-colored dog may have a higher price tag.
The price of buying a merle-colored dog will vary depending on the breed and the size of the dog, and even price differences within particular breeds. In general, however, the additional cost of purchasing a merle-colored dog will reflect the rarity and popularity of the breed’s unique coloring.
In some cases, breeders will even have a waiting list for pet owners wanting to purchase a merle-colored pup. Ultimately, if you’re interested in purchasing a merle-colored dog, it’s worth researching the breed and price associated with the specific dog you’re interested in.
How much is a merle Worth?
A merle is a type of dog distinguished by its mottled patches of color in its coat, and they are a sought-after breed in many countries due to their looks and intelligence. That said, there is no fixed price attached to a merle.
It all depends on the breeder, the type of merle, its lineage, and the demand for the particular pup. It is possible for merles to range from around $500 for mixed-breed varieties all the way up to over $5,000 for purebreds from a reputable breeder.
It is important to do your research before buying to ensure the pup comes from a good source and that the price is fair.
Can merle dogs be purebred?
Yes, merle dogs can be purebred. Merle is an inherited coat pattern, so purebred or designer bred dogs can have a merle coat. Depending on the breed, the standard for the breed may or may not allow for merle dogs.
However, if a purebred merle dog comes from a litter of other purebred dogs, it can be certified as a purebred. For example, many Australian Shepherds, Hereford Cattle Dogs and Catahoulas may be bred with a merle coat pattern.
In general, any purebred dog with parentage listed on their documents can be certified as a purebred, regardless if the dog is a merle or not.
Can merle be AKC?
Yes, Merle dogs can be AKC registered. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the largest dog registry in the United States and its purpose is to maintain the integrity of the purebred dog breeds. The AKC recognizes the Merle coat pattern in a few breeds – such as the Australian Shepherd, Beagle, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi – and allows for Merle-coated puppies to be registered.
However, the AKC does not recognize some other breeds with Merle coat patterns, such as the Bluetick Coonhound and Red Heeler. As such, dogs with Merle coat patterns in those breeds are not allowed to be registered with the AKC.
Is merle a bloodline?
No, merle is not a distinct bloodline. Merle is a coat color and pattern that can occur in many breeds. The merle coloring is created by a gene mutation that affects the production of melanin or pigments in the fur.
While some breeders have declared a “merle breed”, these breeders typically breed the same breed with various coat colors and patterns. Merle can occur in breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Dachshund, and Boston Terrier.
Merle can also be found in mixed breed dogs, as the color and pattern is not exclusive to a single breed.
What happens if you breed two Merle Great Danes?
If you breed two Merle Great Danes, you may get a litter of both merle puppies and standard colored puppies. As Merle is a dominant gene, it tends to dominate when breeding two merle Danes. Depending on the breeding pair, you may get anywhere from 0-50 percent of the litter being merle.
The other 50-100 percent will likely be non-merle, but both could carry the merle gene.
You should be aware though, that any time two merle-colored dogs are bred there can be a health risk to the puppies due to the genetic mutation that created the merle coloring. Sometimes, when two merles are bred, puppies can be born with extreme health issues such as blindness, deafness, and deformities.
If you are considering breeding two merles, you should be prepared for the potential risks and discuss them with your veterinarian beforehand.
What problems do merle dogs have?
Merle dogs typically have a unique patterned fur that features different shades of the same color. While this often makes them very aesthetically pleasing, merle dogs can suffer from a number of medical issues caused by their specific genetic makeup.
Because merles have a double gene, their color pattern can be very unusual and is linked to several rare health issues.
The most common problem that plagues merle dogs is deafness or vision problems due to the double gene controlling both pigmentation and neurological function. Merle dogs can be born with severely impaired vision, vision loss, or even total blindness if the affected genes are severe enough.
They may also have a hearing impairment known as Piebald Deafness, which means they can only hear low-pitched noises, or that they cannot hear at all.
Merle dogs may also have an increased chance of developing autoimmune disorders and other skin problems due to the double gene trait. Merles commonly exhibit patchy coat, thinning fur, or hair loss. Additionally, some breeds can be predisposed to skin allergies and certain problemswith the nervous system.
Most of these issues can be managed if caught and treated early, but it is important for owners to monitor their merle dog’s health closely. They should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as any symptoms arise and be kept up to date with all of their vaccinations and medications.
Should you breed merle dogs?
When it comes to breeding merle dogs, the answer is not a simple one. While the strategy of breeding merle-colored dogs can be beneficial in certain cases, there is also the potential for health issues to arise in the offspring.
Merle is a distinguished double-recessive gene that is found in many breeds of dogs. This gene gives a mottled or patchy colored coat to these dogs, most notably in blue or red merle. Breeding two dogs that are both merle-colored can result in some puppies that are pure merle, which are known as homozygous merles.
While these homozygous merles typically look very distinct and appealing, they can also carry with them some concerning health risks.
Homozygous merles can have a variety of medical issues that range from mild to severe, including deformed eyes, hearing problems, or neurological issues. Additionally, some studies suggest merle-blooded pups can be prone to OCD or nervous energy, which could also be problematic for their owners.
Given these potential issues, responsible breeders should carefully consider the pros and cons of breeding merle dogs. While homozygous merles may have a distinct appeal, their often unpredictable genetic makeup can make it difficult to guarantee a healthy litter of puppies.
Ultimately, breeders should do their due diligence and research to assess the risks involved in breeding merle-colored dogs.
What is a ghost merle?
A ghost merle is a genetic phenomenon in which a spotted coat pattern appears in a dog, often mixed with its primary coat color. The markings have a ghostly appearance and range in color from white to grayish tones.
This pattern most commonly appears in the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie breeds but can also be seen in some Catahoulas, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and several other herding breeds.
The condition is the result of a rare gene mutation, which can lead to other congenital defects such as blindness and deafness. As such, it is strongly recommended that breeders do not breed from or produce ghost merles.
Do merle bullies have health problems?
Yes, merle bullies can have a variety of health problems, depending on the genetic mutations present. Merle coat coloration is primarily caused by an incompletely dominant gene, and it results in patches of color throughout the coat.
The gene which causes the mutative effects is associated with a range of health issues. Examples of these health problems include:
• Vision and hearing issues: merle dogs can be at increased risk for vision and hearing problems, including cataracts, congenital deafness, and vision problems related to an abnormally shaped pupils or retina.
• Hypothyroidism: some studies have identified a correlation between merle coat coloration and an increased risk for developing hypothyroidism.
• Skin Issues: due to the pigmentation irregularities associated with the gene, merle dogs can be at risk for various skin issues, including sunburns and skin Cancer.
• Birthing Issues: the size of merle puppies can be more than average and the puppies may experience more difficulty in being birthed.
Overall, it is important for owners of merle bullies to regularly check on the health of their dogs and to inform the vet of any changes.
Can two merle dogs have healthy puppies?
Yes, it is possible for two merle dogs to have healthy puppies. However, it is important to know that there are certain risks associated with breeding two merle dogs together. For example, there is a higher likelihood of puppies being born with congenital defects or issues related to their health due to the homozygous double merle (hm/hm) gene that is associated with merle coat pattern.
This is why breeders are advised to only breed merle dogs to a “non-merle” (mm) in order to decrease the risk of any health concerns. Additionally, there can be issues related to vision and hearing depending on the genetics of the specific dogs being bred, as some merles can carry a genetic mutation that will create puppies that are deaf and/or blind.
For these reasons it is strongly recommended that any breeder looking to produce a merle litter consider the health and genetics of their animals before making any decisions.
Do merle dogs have skin issues?
Merle dogs often have a higher potential for skin issues than other types of canine. This is due to their coat pattern, which is characterized by splotches and streaks of various shades of the same color on their fur, often blue or gray.
As a result of these color variances, merle dogs can be more susceptible to sunburns, insect bites, and other environmental irritations. Furthermore, their skin and coat are more difficult to keep properly hydrated, leading to dryness and irritation.
Additionally, the presence of the gene responsible for merle is often connected with a higher incidence of certain dermatological issues, such as flank alopecia, which is a condition where areas of the dog’s coat are suddenly lost.
Finally, merle dogs are sometimes born with vision and/or hearing defects, and in some cases, these can be linked to skin difficulties. All of these factors contribute to the possibility of skin issues in merle dogs, and owners should pay special attention to their merle pup’s fur, coat, and skin for anything out of the ordinary.
How long do Merle Great Danes live?
The average lifespan of a Merle Great Dane is 8-10 years, though they may live longer with proper care. Like all large breed dogs, Merle Great Danes are more prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and heart problems.
Regular vet check-ups and a good diet that is specific to the breed can help ensure that your Merle Great Dane will live a full and healthy life. Additionally, providing frequent and consistent exercise can keep your Merle Great Dane in good physical condition throughout their life.
Overall, providing your Merle Great Dane with quality healthcare and nutrients, along with plenty of exercise and love, can help to maximize their lifespan and ensure that they remain happy and healthy.
What is the longest a Great Dane has lived?
The longest living Great Dane is believed to be Bluey who lived in Australia and passed away in 1939 at the age of 29. Guinness World Records recognized Bluey as the oldest dog ever recorded, living nearly three times the average lifespan of a Great Dane.
The average life expectancy of a Great Dane is between 8 and 10 years.
