What is the Merle Gene and How Does it Affect Dogs?

The merle gene is a gene found in some dog breeds that causes a distinctive mottled or patchy coat pattern. This pattern is characterized by patches of different colors, usually white, black, and/or grey. The merle gene has also been linked to other physical traits such as blue eyes and white hair in dogs. It is important to note that the merle gene can be dangerous if two dogs with the same gene are bred together. This can result in puppies with severe health problems or even death. In this article, we will discuss what the merle gene is and how it affects dogs, including its potential risks and benefits. We will also explore some of the most common breeds with the merle pattern gene and their unique characteristics. Finally, we will provide some tips on how to care for a dog with a merle coat pattern. The merle gene is a dominant gene found in many breeds of dogs. It produces a pattern with patches of different colors, usually white, black, and/or grey. The color patches can be small or large. Some colors may also mix together to yield an unexpected pattern. The merle coat pattern has been linked to blue eyes and white hair in some breeds of dogs. It is important to note that the merle gene can be dangerous if two dogs with the same gene are bred together and possibly result in puppies with health problems.