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Merle Pitbull

The term “merle pitbull”refers to a pitbull breed dog that has a coat color pattern known as merle. Merle is a genetic trait that produces a mottled or marbled appearance in the coat, with patches of lighter and darker colors. It is a common trait in many breeds of dogs, including pitbulls.

There is no specific breed of pitbull that is known as a “merle pitbull.” Rather, merle is a coat color variation that can occur in any pitbull breed. Some breeders may breed for the merle coloration, but this is not a recognized breed standard within the pitbull breed

But, What Exactly is a Merle Pitbull?

color merle

Well, to help answer this question, let’s take a closer look at this breed and what makes them so distinctive. Merle Pitbulls are known for their distinct coats that feature mottled patches of blue, brown, or red.

These patches appear in various locations on the dog’s body; typically, the darker or redder the color, the more desirable it is. The Merle Pitbull is a medium-sized breed with a bulky build and a strong jaw.

Merle Pitbulls are a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are great family dogs, known for their friendliness, loyalty, and protective nature.

Merle Pitbulls typically weigh between 30-65 pounds when fully grown, making them one of the larger breeds out there.

However, they tend to live, on average, between 12-15 years, so they’re usually considered medium-sized dogs for their age.

When it comes to health, this breed tends to be relatively healthy but can be prone to certain allergies or joint issues due to its size. However, regular vet checkups, diet, and exercise can help keep these issues at bay for your furry friend.

Merle Pitbulls were originally bred as guard dogs, working dogs who could be trusted with livestock. Nowadays, they are often kept as pets, but they are still very protective. In addition, they are usually intelligent, friendly, and eager to please.

Merle Pitbulls make wonderful family dogs and can make excellent watchdogs, as they will alert you when there is a stranger or thief in your house. They also make good hunting dogs and have been used in police work and military service.

However, the Merle Pitbull Has an Interesting History.

merle color dog

The history of the Pitbull breed and its various subtypes, including the Merle Pitbull, is somewhat controversial and difficult to trace with certainty. However, here is a brief overview of the breed’s general history:

Pitbulls have been around since the 19th century, but the Merle Pitbull as we know it today was first bred in 1936. The breed comes from a combination of two other breeds — the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Although they were originally bred for fighting, they’ve become popular family pets due to their loyalty and intelligence.

The Merle Pitbull is a subtype of the Pitbull breed characterized by a merle coat pattern, a combination of solid colors, and a marbled or spotted pattern. The merle coat pattern is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the distribution of pigment in the coat.

However, the detailed history of the Merle Pitbull is not well documented, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. It may have been developed by crossing Pitbulls with other breeds that carry the merle gene, such as the Australian Shepherd or the Blue Heeler.

It is important to note that the Pitbull breed has a somewhat negative reputation in some parts of the world due to its history of being used for aggressive purposes. However, like any breed, Pitbulls can be well-behaved and loving pets if they are properly trained and socialized. It is important to remember that a dog’s behavior is largely a result of its upbringing and training and not just its breed.

What are Double-Merle Pitbulls?

merle color

Double-merle Pitbulls, also known as homozygous Merle Pitbulls, are dogs that have inherited two copies of the merle gene, one from each parent. This results in a coat that is even more heavily marbled or spotted than the coat of a single-merle Pitbull, which has only one copy of the merle gene.

Double-merle Pitbulls are often more visually striking than single-merle Pitbulls due to their more pronounced coat pattern. However, it is important to note that breeding two merle Pitbulls together to produce double-merle offspring can be risky, as it can result in a higher incidence of certain health problems.

Double-merle dogs, regardless of breed, are at higher risk of being born with vision and hearing impairments and other health issues such as skin problems and immune system deficiencies.

This is because the merle gene can affect the eye and ear structures’ development and disrupt the normal distribution of pigment in the skin and other tissues. 

For this reason, it is generally considered unethical to breed double-merle dogs intentionally, and responsible breeders will avoid producing double-merle offspring.

Double-Merle Life Expectancy

merle coloring in dogs

These health concerns can severely limit a double merles lifespan, with some estimates suggesting they only live between 4 and 6 years on average – much less than other breeds or mixes. Some people said that their double merle dogs lived more than 10 years, but it is clear that double merles are at greater risk for health problems.

While there’s no definite answer on the average life expectancy for these dogs, many veterinarians agree that they generally live shorter lives than regular single-coat colored pups. 

It is difficult to accurately predict a double-merle dog’s life expectancy, as it can vary greatly depending on the individual dog and the specific health issues it may be facing. 

In general, the life expectancy of any dog can be affected by various factors, including its breed, size, overall health, and environmental conditions.

Double-merle dogs, like all dogs, can experience a wide range of health problems, some of which may be more severe or more common in double-merle individuals. 

As mentioned previously, double-merle dogs are at higher risk of being born with vision and hearing impairments and other health issues such as skin problems and immune system deficiencies. These health problems can affect the dog’s quality of life and may shorten its lifespan.

However, it is important to note that not all double-merle dogs will experience these health problems, and some may live long healthy lives. The best way to ensure a dog’s overall health and well-being is to provide it with proper care, including a nutritious diet, regular exercise, preventive health care, and prompt treatment for any medical issues that may arise.

 What is a Merle Color?

merle pit bull

Merle is a unique color pattern found on many dog breeds, but it’s particularly popular among Pitbulls. A “merle” coat pattern in dogs is characterized by irregularly shaped patches of color in a solid or piebald coat, with the patches often having a darker base color than the rest of the coat. Many people find the merle coloring to be quite beautiful and eye-catching. This coat pattern is found in many breeds of dogs, including some types of pit bulls.

The merle coloration occurs when two copies of a mutated gene are present in the dog’s DNA. This mutation affects melanin production, producing patches ranging from light gray to deep black or even blue (usually red/brown or black). Merles come in all kinds of colors and patterns, including tri-color and brindle variations. 

Depending on which breed they occur, there are also different types of merles; for example, Bully Merles tend to have darker shades than other Pitbulls with merle coats. 

It is important to note that the term “pit bull” does not refer to a specific breed of dog but rather a type of dog that includes several breeds, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These breeds can come in various coat colors and patterns, including solid colors, brindle, and Merle. 

If you are considering adopting a pit bull, it is important to do your research and understand the breed’s characteristics and needs. This includes understanding the breed’s temperament, energy level, exercise requirements, and potential health issues. It is also important to remember that responsible pet ownership involves providing proper care and training for your dog, as well as being a good neighbor and following local laws and regulations.

Merle Pitbull Puppies

merle pitbull puppies

Merle Pitbull puppies are some of the most eye-catching and unique dogs you can find! Known for their merle coloring, these pups make great pets due to their gentle nature and love of fun. Consider a merle pit bull if you want to add a furry friend to your family.

These smart dogs are descendants of American Pit Bull Terriers, the main difference being the marbled coat pattern. Merle color pitbull come in shades such as blue, black, red, or brindle. 

While these merle pits may require more maintenance than other breeds due to their thick fur coats, they’ll repay you with lots of love and loyalty. Plus – those striking looks will turn heads wherever you go!

Not only are Merle Pitbulls adorable, but they’re also incredibly intelligent. With the right training, these puppies can easily learn basic commands like sit and stay. Their smarts make them great family pets or companions for those needing a service dog. Not only will they keep you company, but they’ll be loyal and protective too.

If you’re considering welcoming one of these cuties into your home, research breeders carefully before making a purchase.

How to Get Merle Puppies?

merle pit puppies

Every dog possesses two sets of each gene, one originating from its mother and the other from its father. This particular gene variation is dominant, which suggests that it only requires one parent to pass down the trait of having a merle-colored coat to the pup.

However, Merle puppies can be an excellent addition, bringing color and personality into your home. If you’re interested in learning how to get merle puppies, there are a few steps you should take. 

First, research the breed of dog that is best for your lifestyle and family. If you don’t already have one in mind, look for a reputable breeder in your area who specializes in merle-coated breeds such as Australian Shepherds or Chihuahuas. The best place to start is by contacting local rescue organizations or reputable breeders in your area.

Next, contact the breeder and ask questions about their available pups and any health screenings they may have completed. Additionally, inquire about any guarantees they offer if the puppy has any genetic health issues or other medical problems down the line. 

Several specific breeds are approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as having a permissible “merle” pattern.

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Beauceron
  • Border Collie
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  • Catahoula Leopard Dog
  • Chihuahua
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Collie 
  • Dachshund (dapple)
  • Great Dane (harlequin acts the same)
  • Miniature American Shepherd
  • Mudi
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Pyrenean Shepherd
  • Shetland Sheepdog
How Much are Merle Puppies?

Are you considering adding a merle puppy to your family? Merle puppies are gorgeous, unique pups with striking marbled coats. But one of the first questions any potential pup parent has is – how much do merle puppies cost? 

The answer depends on several factors, including the breed of dog, the location of the breeder, and other special characteristics. They are, generally speaking. However, most purebred merle puppies will range between $800 and $2,000. When unique colors or patterns are available for certain breeds, such as Australian Shepherds or Great Danes, prices can be even higher. 

It’s important to remember that price is not everything when it comes to your new pup – you should also research reputable breeders and genetic testing before making any decisions. Also, check out our other pages where we’ve explained Tri color merle Pitbull, Blue Merle Pitbulls, Leopard Merle Pitbulls, and other breeds as well.

If you’re a Pitbull lover and would love to learn more about the various pitbull colors and coat patterns, you’re in the right place. Learn more about Tri Color Merle Pitbull, Blue Merle Pitbull, Bully Merle Pitbull, Leopard Merle Pitbull, and many others. We frequently update the website. Please bookmark it and check back soon!

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