A merle American Bully is a variety of American Bully that is characterized by its marbled or splotched coat pattern caused by one or more copies of the merle gene. The merle gene is found in many different dog breeds, including Bulldogs, and is responsible for gray, brown, black, or blue spots or patches that can appear on the dog’s fur.
This genetic mutation causes a diluted effect on the color of the coat, and the effect can be different from dog to dog. Merle American Bullies can come in a variety of colors, including blue, lilac, black, red, chocolate, and silver.
Like other Bully breeds, Merle American Bullies have short, thick coats and have been bred to have a “squared” physique and a wide head. They are known to be very loving and loyal pets, and can make great family companions.
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What makes a bully a merle?
A bully merle is a dog that has a specific genetic mutation that results in a noticeably mottled coat featuring patches of two or more colors. The most common color combinations are black and white, red and white, fawn and white, and blue and white.
Bully merles may also feature patches of brown, brindle, tan, and cream. These special genes are a result of a natural genetic mutation that was accidentally passed down, then selectively bred in many of today’s bully breeds.
Merle is an autosomal dominant gene, meaning that if just one parent has the gene, there is a chance that any puppies will end up being merle. As the result of this gene, bully merles often have unique eye colors, such as blue, green, or a split of two colors in one eye.
As with other genetic traits, there are also risks associated with breeding bully merles. Therefore it is important for breeders to screen for hereditary health issues, and make informed decisions about breeding merles.
How much is a merle bully worth?
The cost of a merle bully can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Such factors include color, size, bloodline, health, quality of breeding and so forth. Generally speaking, merle bullies will typically be sold at a higher price point than regular bullies due to their rarity.
The average price of a merle bully can range from $1,000 USD to over $5,000 USD. Factors like the bloodline of the parent set, the presence of any health issues, and the presence of any additional colors (e.
g. harlequin, blue) could affect the cost as well. Overall, one should expect to pay up to $3,000 USD on average for a quality merle bully pup.
Is a merle dog purebred?
The answer to this question really depends on the breed of dog in question. In general, a merle dog can be either purebred or mixed breed. Some breeds, such as Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs, can come in merle coat colors and are considered to be purebred dogs.
Other breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Great Danes, may also come in merle coats, but these often occur in mixed breed dogs. In either case, if the dog is registered with a kennel club it should indicate whether the dog is purebred or mixed.
To be sure, a DNA test can be done to confirm the ancestry of the dog.
Is a merle bully a defect?
No, a merle bully is not a defect. Merle bullies are simply a specific type of bully, named for their coloration that features merle patterns throughout the coat. Merle bullies are beauties, merging the flashy and varied colors of their tan and black coats, and often exhibiting beautiful blues, greys, and apricots.
The merle pattern does not usually lead to any health defects, and therefore, merle bullies should not be considered a defect in any way.
What is the problem with merle dogs?
The problem with merle dogs is that they often have genetic health issues due to their unique coloring. Merle is an alternate coat color which is produced by a dominant gene known as M, or “merling”.
Merle coats typically have mottled patches of color and can come in a variety of colors, such as blue or black. While they may be aesthetically pleasing, the gene which produces their unique coloring is also associated with a number of genetic health issues.
These issues can affect sight and hearing, as well as affect their temperament, behavior and other physical attributes. Merle dogs can suffer from things such as pigment-related eye defects, hearing defects (deafness), skeletal abnormalities and heart defects.
Merle can also increase the risks of certain genetic diseases, such as Collie Eye Anomaly, Hereditary Cataracts, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Therefore, it is important for prospective owners to ask breeders about the health of any puppy which is suspected of being a merle. Experienced breeders will be able to provide assurance that the potential pup is not a carrier of any health problems associated with the merle gene.
What causes a dog to be merle?
Merle is a coat pattern that appears in domestic dogs and is characterized by the presence of light and dark patches, usually in primarily a gray or blue coat. It is caused by an incompletely dominant gene, meaning that two carriers of the gene must be bred together in order for a Merle pup to be created.
The gene itself creates an uneven distribution of melanin pigmentation, both within an individual hair follicle and across the entire coat. This can manifest itself as patches throughout the coat or a spotted appearance, depending on the breed and intensity of the Merle gene present.
The lighter the coat color, the more pronounced the Merle pattern can be. Merle is a popular coat color today, but it does come with some potential health risks that owners should be aware of. Merle dogs can be predisposed to certain types of eye defects, tapetal halo, collie eye abnormality, and even deafness in rare cases.
It is important to research the genetics of any potential Merle pup and speak to a knowledgeable veterinarian before committing to a Merle puppy.
Can a dog carry the merle gene and not be merle?
Yes, it is possible for a dog to carry the merle gene and not be merle. Merle is a coat pattern that comes from a gene known as the M (merle) locus. The merle gene is dominant, which means it only requires one copy of this gene in order to be expressed.
In order for a dog to be a merle, it must have two copies of this gene. If a dog only has one copy of the merle gene, then it will be considered a carrier and will not show any merle markings, although it can pass on the gene to its offspring.
For instance, if a dog that carries the merle gene is bred to a non-merle, all of the puppies will carry the merle gene even if none of them are merles. Therefore, a dog can carry the merle gene and not be merle.
Is the merle gene dominant or recessive?
The merle gene is a dominant gene. This gene type is also known as the Merle Patterning gene or Merling gene. It determines whether an animal has a solid coat color or a mottled patterned coat made up of lighter and darker colors.
Animals with the merle gene have varying amounts of mottled markings and colors, from a small amount to large patches. The merle gene modifies the production of melanin, resulting in the colors of the fur, as well as any associated eye colors and patches of white fur.
Non-merle fur colors are usually uniform colors, such as brown or black. With two copies of the gene, animals can have a more intense mottled pattern.
Genetically, the merle gene is dominant and is located on chromosome 18 in mammals. When two merle animals are bred, their offspring has a 25% chance of having two copies of the merle gene and a 50% chance of having one copy.
A 25% chance of the offspring not having the gene at all. For this reason, it is important to consider the consequences of merle-to-merle matings. Breeding two merle animals can result in poor health for puppies due to a higher risk for certain medical conditions.
Is American Bully vs Pitbull?
No, the American Bully and the Pitbull are two different dog breeds. The Pitbull is a type of medium-sized, short-coated, and very strong dog that is descended from terriers, Bulldogs, and various other breeds, and was primarily bred for work such as pit-fighting.
The American Bully, on the other hand, is a relatively new breed that was created by combining the American Pitbull Terrier and various other breeds, with emphasis on the APBT. It’s a compact, medium-sized dog with an exceedingly muscular body and a short, smooth coat.
The American Bully has a robust and confident appearance, but usually has a more good nature and a calmer demeanor than a Pitbull. The American Bully is also a much more diverse breed, with a wide variety of looks and colors that are constantly being bred in.
What is the most expensive bully sold?
In 2018, a 2-year-old American Bully named ‘The Notorious P. I. B. ‘ was sold for an astonishing $155,000, making it the most expensive bully ever sold. The Notorious P. I. B. was bred by the Diesel Kennel in Texas and sold to a family in the Middle East.
The American Bully is recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) as a unique breed established in the United States since the 1990s. In addition to The Notorious P. I. B. , there have been several other American Bullies that have sold for large sums of money.
For instance, an American Bully named ‘Remington Steel’ sold for $130,000 in 2019, and another American Bully named ‘Ruger’ sold for $50,000 in 2017. Other American Bullies known for their large price tags included ‘Elvis’, ‘Lion’ and ‘Comet’.
Do American Bullies get aggressive?
American Bullies can be prone to aggression depending on the individual dog, its genetics, and its environment. While American Bullies are usually known for their gentle, even-tempered nature, excessive neglect, punishing training, or lack of socialization can cause them to display aggression.
When it comes to this breed, it’s important to understand that their temperament is very much determined by the environment they are raised in, which is why it’s important to practice positive reinforcement training and provide your Bullies with plenty of love, exercise, and socialization.
American Bullies that are well cared for and have been properly socialized usually display calm and friendly behavior. If an American Bulldog does display aggression, it is important to immediately work on the problem and address the issues that could be making it worse.
Can American Bully be left alone?
Yes, American Bullies can be left alone for short periods of time, but not for extended periods of time. It is important to remember that American Bullies are an active and energetic breed that requires attention and interaction from humans.
When left alone for extended periods of time, these dogs may become frustrated and destructive, so it is important to provide them with opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. This may include going for walks, playing interactive games, and/or providing them with puzzle toys, chews, and bones.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the American Bully is receiving proper socialization with other dogs and humans to help reduce their anxiety when left home alone.
Are bullies high maintenance?
No, bullies are not typically high maintenance. While bullies may appear to demand attention and act as if their needs should always be prioritized, this behavior is typically a tool used to gain control and power over others.
Bullies often crave attention and will take whatever form of attention comes their way. They may be demanding in the sense that they expect their needs to be met and may try to manipulate others in order to get what they want, however, this does not automatically mean that bullies are high maintenance.
The term ‘high maintenance’ generally applies to those who are finicky and excessively demanding regarding their needs, and this is not a common trait amongst bullies.
What is an American Bully a cross between?
The American Bully is a relatively new breed of dog, first bred in the United States in the 1990’s. It is a cross between several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Bulldog.
The American Bully was created with the intention of achieving a powerful, athletic short-haired dog, with an appearance that reflects its pit bull lineage but with a more even temperament. The American Bully is an intelligent and loyal breed, and many make great family companions.
They are often eager to please and can get along well with children and other pets if trained and socialized appropriately. American Bullies can be quite active, so they require daily physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and fit.
