What Makes Merle Chihuahuas So Unique and Controversial?

Do merle Chihuahua is still unique?

What about its Gene and breeding Process?

Merle Chihuahuas are very fascinating and highly eye-catching with their stunning coat patterns and captivating eyes. There are huge difference between merle Chihuahua with other Chihuahuas for their unique merle gene and their striking mottled fur and blue or two-toned eyes.

But as much as people are drawn to their beauty, the merle gene consists of many problems that most people don’t understand before adopting one. If you’re thinking to adopt Merle Coat Chihuahua puppies, it’s crucial to understand what makes them special. If you adopt one then you should give them extra attention. Also you should know how the merle gene impact to their coat type and health.

Complete Overview of Merle Chihuahua

What is the Merle Gene?

The merle gene is a supreme gene that can effects the coat color and physical traits of any dog breed including Chihuahua. When a Chihuahua inherits this gene, it causes their coat to have the distinctive patchy or marbled pattern. These powerful gene not only change the coat but also can alter the eye color and skin sensitivity.

Merle Chihuahuas usually have irregularly lightened patches of color mixed with darker pigments. For example, you might see a blue merle Chihuahua with shades of black, grey, and silverywhite mixed together. Some also have eyecolors that are very unique—like blue or heterochromia (where each eye is a different color).

How the Merle Gene Affects Coat and Eyes

Coat Colors:

The merlepattern can come in different color variations:

• Blue Merle: The black base coat lightens into greyish-blue patches, creating a “swirled” effect.

• Chocolate Merle: A brown-toned coat with lightened patches of tan or cream.

• Red Merle: A reddish base coat mixed with lighter tan or cream spots.

Eye Color:

• The Merle gene affects eye pigmentation, often resulting in blueeyes. Sometimes, a merle-type Chihuahua will have heterochromia, meaning each eye is a different color, like one blue and one brown.

• Tip: This unique appearance is stunning, but it’s also important to note that Merle Chihuahuas can have certain healthrisks due to the gene’s impact.

Why is the Merle Gene Controversial?

Merle’s genotype is very controversial for its different traits. First of all this gene do not comes by natural breeding process. So, first reason can be the breeding process. On the other hand, this gene consist with many health issues and uncertainty.

Health Risks Linked to the Merle Gene

While merle-type Chihuahuas look beautiful, the merle gene can lead to serious health problems, especially when it is inherited from both parents. Here’s why:

• Double Merles: If both parents are Merle, there’s a chance that some of their puppies will inherit the double-Merlegene, meaning they will have twocopies of the Merle gene. This can lead to a higher risk of:

• Deafness: Double merles are more likely to be born deaf or partially deaf.
• Blindness: These dogs may also develop blindness or retinaldegeneration over time.
• Other Sensory Defects: Double merles may have a variety of sensory issues like visionimpairment and skinsensitivity.

Single Merles vs. Double Merles

• Single Merles (Heterozygous):
• A Merle Coat Chihuahua with one copy of the Merle gene (one from each parent) is typically healthy and may inherit the Merle coat pattern without any major health concerns.
• Double Merles (Homozygous):
• A double merle inherits two copies of the merle gene—one from each parent—and is pronetoserioushealthdefects. This is why responsible breeders avoidbreedingtwomerledogstogether.

By breeding a merle Chihuahua with a non-merle Chihuahua, the breeder ensures that the puppies will inherit the merle gene without the added risk of double merles.

The Breeding Process for Merle Chihuahuas: Ethical Considerations and Genetic Testing

The Ethics of Breeding Merle Coat Chihuahuas

Is the breeding process of Merle Chihuahua ethical? This is a million-dollar question.

Breeding merle-type Chihuahuas comes with ethical concerns, particularly related to the double merle gene and its potential for health problems. In order to ensure healthy puppies, responsible breeders will:

1. Avoid breeding two merles together, as this can lead to the production of double merles.
2. Use genetic testing to ensure that the dogs being bred are healthy and do not carry other genetic diseases that could be passed down.
3. Test for hearing and vision issues before breeding to prevent passing down congenital defects.

Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of the dog over appearance, ensuring that they breed merle-type Chihuahuas responsibly.

Genetic Testing for Merle Chihuahuas

Before breeding, a good breeder will perform genetic testing to screen for any hidden health issues, including those caused by the merle gene. Testing can confirm if the dog is a carrier of the merle gene and whether it has any underlying genetic diseases that could affect its offspring.

Health Issues in Merle Chihuahuas: What You Need to Know

Common Health Problems in Merle Chihuahuas

Merle Coat Chihuahuas suffer from many sicknesses due to the genetic mutation they carry. Merle gene consists of many health issues. It’s essential to be aware of the potential health problems and how to manage them:

1. Deafness: Merle-type Chihuahuas, especially double merles, are at higher risk for deafness, either congenital or progressive. Regular hearing tests are important, especially if you suspect your Chihuahua is not responding to sounds.

2. Eye Problems:

• Retinal issues: Retinal degeneration and cataracts are common in merles. Regular vet checkups, including eye exams, are crucial to detect these problems early.

• Microphthalmia: This is a condition where the eyes are underdeveloped, leading to vision loss.

3. Skin Sensitivity: Merle Chihuahuas, particularly those with lighter fur patches, are at risk of sunburn and skin irritation. It’s important to use dog-safe sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

4. Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune Disorders means when immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. In some cases merle type Chihuahua can be attacked by this disease. The merle gene sometimes attached the condition when the immune system of it attacks its own tissues.

5. Heart Problems: Though heart problem not directly linked with the merle gene, but sometimes merle Chihuahua can suffer from this issue. From some case study we finds most of the time they suffer from heartmurmurs, patentductusarteriosus (PDA), and valvulardisease.

6. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):  Chihuahuas, particularly those with long backs (which some Merle Coat Chihuahuas have), are at an increased risk for IVDD, where the discs in the spine become damaged or rupture, causing pain and mobility issues.

7. Collapsing Trachea: Smaller breeds like Chihuahua widely suffer from this problem. The trachea weakens and collapses under pressure, which can cause difficulty breathing, especially when the dog gets excited or exerts itself.

Experts Tips: Managing Health Risks

According to the experts, regular veterinary checkup can be the key factors to manage the health risks of merle Chihuahuas. Be proactive with eyeexams and hearingtests to detect issues before they become severe. In addition, consider geneticcounseling if you plan to breed merle type Chihuahuas to ensure that the puppies are healthy and free from the dangerous double merle gene.

Grooming Your Merle Chihuahua

Regular grooming and proper care make your merle color Chihuahua healthy and strong. We have already known that their coat and skin type is very sensitive. Consequently, they need regular grooming.

Brushing: Brushing is mandatory. Weekly 3 to 4 times minimum brushing is required, especially for longhaired coats. Weekly 1 time is enough for short-haired Merle.

• Tools: Pin brush or slicker brush, wide-toothed comb.

Bathing: Bath your merle coat Chihuahua 3 times every 4 weeks. If they get dirty then you can bath them more often. Also you can some quality soap or shampoo which is really good for dogs. As a result, they won’t be smelly earlier.

• Tools: Shampoo, Conditioner, Dog body gel.

Nail Care: You should trim your dog’s nail every 2 to 3 weeks. Actually it depends on your dog’s nail growth. But don’t let it big.

• Tools: Dog nail cutter or a nail grinder.

Teeth-Brushing: Clean your dog teeth 2 to 3 times per week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.

• Tools: Don’t forget to use a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste.
• N.B.: Never use human toothpaste and toothbrush. Also, don’t use your dog’s product. Be careful about the rabies virus.  

Exercise Needs

Though they are small dogs, they need moderate exercise, not heavy exercise. It helps them to remain in sound mind. Exercise Tips:

Daily Walks:

• 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.
• At moderate speed.
• Tip: Use a harness to control your dog.

Indoor Playtime:

• 15 to 20 minutes of active play indoors.
• Tip: Use a soft toy or softball.

Socialization and Mental Stimulation:

• 10 to 15 minutes daily.
• Type: Introduce them to new people and take them to new places.
• Tip: Don’t leave them alone in a new place.

They don’t need to do anything other than the mentioned exercise because they are small in size.

Nutrition

Merle Chihuahuas have smallstomachs, so their food needs to be nutrient-dense and easy to digest. Opt for:

High-Quality Protein:

• Source: Food like chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, or fish (salmon, sardines, etc.) can ensure High quality protein.
• Amount: Look for dog food with at least 20%-30% protein.  Merle Chihuahua Puppies and Active adult dogs need slightly more.

Healthy Fats:

• Sources: The main sources of healthy fats can be Fish oil, chicken fat, flaxseed, and canola oil.
• Amount: Target to gain 8% to 15% fat in the diet.

Carbohydrates:

• Sources: You can find carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats, and barley.
• Amount: 10 to 30% carbohydrates can be beneficial.

Fiber for Digestion

• Sources: Some vegetables and fruits like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas provide fiber.
• Amount: An ideal Dog food consists of 2%-5% of fiber.

DNA Testing Kit of Merle Coat Chihuahua.

Are you confused about merle gene of your Chihuahua? Then you can purchase DNA Testing kit. You can check your Chihuahua’s genotype by DNA testing kit. Here I’m describing about few kits by which you can testing your Chihuahua’s genotype.

• Embark Dog DNA Test: This is a very famous and highly reputed company for dog DNA tests. They can provide comprehensive DNA test reports. They offer over 350 genetic health conditions, breed identification, and more, including the Merle gene. Price $90-$100.

• Wisdom Panel 3.0: Wisdom Panel 3.0 is another famous dog DNA testing company that is special for the Merle gene.

Key factors:

• It can identify merle genes and other coat patterns.
• Comprehensive overview of genetic health reports.
• Price nearly $85-$100.

• VetGen Merle Test: VetGen means veterinary Generics Testing company. This company famous for merle testing for various breeds, including Chihuahuas.

Key Factors:

• Special feature for Merle gene.
• Provide a clear and vivid report on whether your dog is a carrier.
• Price around $40-$60.

How does Merle Chihuahua differ from other or Non merle-Chihuahua?

There are many factors which distinguish Merle Chihuahua from Non-merle Chihuahua. Here is a brief discussion about their differences.

Explore Cryptic Merle Chihuahua; Our Additional Info.

Cryptic Merle Chihuahua is a mysterious type of Chihuahua. It carries the merle gene but does not display the typical merle coat pattern. The merle coloration and merle traits remain hidden in this breed. That’s why it’s very critical to detect them as merle genotype. They are also known as phantom merles. Let’s explore some info about it:

• They carry the Merle gene, but it is hidden.
• Their coat is solid, but it could have light or dark areas for the merle gene.
• Some cryptic merles have both blue and dark eyes.
• They are also compact-sized dogs like other Chihuahua dogs.
• Their coat can be both longhaired and short-haired. It depends on individual genetics.

How long does Merle Chihuahua live?

A general (Non-Merle) Chihuahua can live 14 to 16 years. On the other hand, a Merle Coat Chihuahua can survive 12 to 20 years. In some cases, we find that they can typically live till 16 years. If they get proper care and treatment, they can live till 20 years. They face many health problems when they get older, such as Vision problems, Deafness, Arthritis, Congestive Heart Failure, etc. If we can ensure nutrition value and a healthy diet chart, then they can live longer and healthier.

Does the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognize Merle Chihuahua?

American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t officially recognize Merle Chihuahua as a purebred. But AKC officially recognized Chihuahua as a purebred. Not only AKC but also no famous breeding organization officially recognized this color. Though it is not a registered breed, it is famous and cute like other Chihuahuas.

Experts Talk about Merle Chihuahua.

Dr. Emily Johnson, DVM

Veterinarian at Greenfield Veterinary Clinic

Hello. This is me, Emily Johnson. I have four years of experience at Greenfield Veterinary Clinic. I have worked with many breeds, including Merle Chihuahua. This fascinating breed is very eye catchy for its striking coat. Despite of their beauty and elegance they have serious health issues for merle gene such as: Deafness, Vision problem, Skin damages etc. As per my personal experience I can say that this health problems occur for genetic variation and breeding process.

Regular vet check is very important to detect this problem earlier. Also, nutrition value and regular exercise can be key factors for preventing these problems. Follow the guideline of this blog to mitigate the health risk of your furry friend.  

Conclusion: Is a Merle Chihuahua Right for You?

We already know that Merle Chihuahuas are considered unique dogs for their stunning coat. However, because of their merlegene, they suffer many problems. That’s why they need proper and special care to remain healthy. Before getting a merle-type Chihuahuapuppy, it’s important to:

• Understand the geneticrisks associated with the merle gene.
• Choose a responsiblebreeder who prioritizes health over appearance.
• Be prepared for their healthcareneeds, including regular checkups, eye exams, and hearing tests.

Merle Chihuahuas can be a wonderful addition to your family if you’re ready for the extra responsibility they require. Their loyalty, affectionatenature, and distinctivelook are all worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Merle Chihuahua rare?

Ans: Yes, Merle Chihuahua is a rare breed due to its unique genotype.

2. What are the health problems of Merle Chihuahua?

Ans: They face many problems with their genetic process. Major health problems can be Deafness, Vision Problems, Skin sensitivity, Heart problems, Collapsing Trachea, etc.

3. Is Merle Coat Chihuahua is purebred?

Ans: No, They are not purebred. They are crossbreeds of different color Chihuahua. American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize them as purebred.

4. What is Merle Chihuahua’s Price range?

Ans: Average price range can be $1500-$3000.

5. How Do I know if my dog is Merle?

Ans: Embark Dog DNA Test can be the best option to know if your dog has the Merle gene or not.