Last updated on May 19th, 2023 at 07:35 pm
If you’re looking for a new pup, you may want to consider a Merle Goldendoodle. This adorable designer breed is a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog. They are known for their unique coat patterns, which feature a mixture of black, brown, and white markings that are arranged in a mesmerising swirled pattern. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the breed and explore why they might be the perfect addition to your family.
| Height | 22-27 inches |
| Weight | 50 – 90 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Common Health Problems | Eye problems, Hip dysplasia, Skin allergies, Ear infections, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Cancer |
What is a Merle Goldendoodle?
Merle Goldendoodle is a cross between the Golden Retriever and Poodle. This dog has a coat that is similar to both parents, with a white base and dark spots or patches on the body. The coat of a Merle Goldendoodle can be wavy or curly, but it will not have an undercoat. The eye colour can be any colour from brown to blue, but they are generally lighter than those of their parents.
Merle Goldendoodles can be stubborn at times and may require training, but they are smart and will learn quickly when motivated by treats or praise. They make great companions for children because they are playful yet calm enough to play safely with them without getting too rowdy. They also love to cuddle up with their owners on cold nights!
Merle Coats Explained
Merle Coats in dogs refer to a unique pattern of coat colour that can be seen in certain breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Catahoula Leopard Dog, and Dachshund. Merle is a genetic trait that causes a mottled or marbled pattern of dark and light patches on a dog’s fur, and it can vary in intensity from very subtle to extremely bold.
The Merle gene is a dominant gene, which means that if a dog inherits one copy of the gene from either parent, it will show the Merle pattern in its coat. However, if a dog inherits two copies of the gene (one from each parent), it can result in health problems such as deafness, blindness, or other issues. This is why responsible breeders carefully monitor the genetics of their breeding dogs to avoid breeding two Merle dogs together.
Merle coats can come in a variety of colours, including blue Merle (which features grey or blue patches on a white or cream base coat), red Merle (which features red or brown patches on a white or cream base coat), and even chocolate Merle (which features brown patches on a lighter brown or tan base coat).
In addition to the unique colour pattern, Merle coats are often associated with strikingly beautiful eyes. Many Merle dogs have one blue eye and one brown eye or a combination of blue, green, or hazel eyes that really stand out against their coat.
While Merle coats are certainly eye-catching, it’s important to note that they are not a reliable indicator of a dog’s breed or temperament. Just because a dog has a Merle coat does not mean it is automatically a certain breed or that it will exhibit certain behaviours or personality traits.
are merle goldendoodles rare?
Merle Goldendoodles are relatively rare compared to other coat colours of Goldendoodles. This is because the merle pattern is not a standard characteristic of either Golden Retrievers or Poodles, which are the two breeds that are typically used to create Goldendoodles.
The merle gene is a dominant gene that causes a dog’s coat to have a marbled or speckled pattern of darker and lighter colours.
can goldendoodles be merle?
While Goldendoodles are not typically associated with merle colouring, it is possible for them to have this pattern. However, it requires a specific type of crossing process involving a Poodle that carries the Merle gene. The merle gene is a dominant gene that, when present, will cause a dog’s coat to have a merle pattern.
To produce Goldendoodles with the Merle pattern, breeders must first start with a Poodle that carries the Merle gene. This Poodle may be a merle itself or a carrier of the gene without exhibiting the merle pattern.
Next, the breeder will cross the Merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever. The resulting puppies will inherit one copy of the Merle gene from the Poodle parent. If the Golden Retriever parent also carries the Merle gene, the puppies can inherit two copies of the gene, which will result in a more pronounced Merle pattern.
It’s important to note that breeding two merle dogs together can result in health problems for the puppies, such as hearing and vision impairments, so responsible breeders will avoid this practice. Breeders should also perform health checks on the parents before breeding to ensure that the puppies have the best chance of being healthy.
Merle Goldendoodle Coat Types
1. The Short or Flat Coat Merle Goldendoodle
The short-coat merle Goldendoodle is a variation of the standard Goldendoodle. It has all of the same great qualities as its long-coat counterpart but has a shorter coat that can be anywhere from two to four inches long.
It’s important to note that while this is a short coat, it still has the softness and thickness you’d expect from any good Goldendoodle. So if you’re looking for a dog that will be more comfortable in warmer climates, this might be the right choice for you.
2. The Wavy or Shaggy Coat Merle Goldendoodle
This dog is known for its wavy coat, which can be curly or straight. The coat has red, gold, brown, black and tan colours.
The Wavy or Shaggy Coat Merle Goldendoodle is a friendly dog that loves to be around people. It’s intelligent and easy to train once you know how to handle it.
3. The Curly Coat Merle Goldendoodle
It’s a medium-sized dog with golden fur that has a curly texture, with white markings on its face, legs, tail tip, chest and paws. The Curly Coat Merle Goldendoodle is a friendly and intelligent dog that makes an excellent family pet.
Does the Colour of Merle Goldendoodles Change?
Merle Goldendoodles can change colour as they grow older. This is because the merle gene, which gives them their characteristic marbled and speckled coat, is not a stable gene. As a result, the merle pattern can shift and change as the dog matures.
The merle gene is dominant, meaning that if a Goldendoodle inherits one copy of the gene from either parent, it will display the merle pattern in its coat. However, the way in which the Merle gene is expressed can vary from dog to dog. The degree of marbling or speckling in the coat can be different, and the base coat colour can also vary.
In addition, the merle gene can cause a phenomenon known as “phantom merle.” This occurs when a dog has one copy of the Merle gene but does not display the Merle pattern in its coat. However, as the dog ages, the merle gene can become more active, resulting in a change in coat colour and the appearance of the merle pattern.
It’s also worth noting that Goldendoodles can inherit other coat colours and patterns from their parents, which can also influence their coat colour as they mature. For example, a Goldendoodle with a cream or apricot base coat may develop more golden or red tones as it ages.
Merle Goldendoodle Personality
The Merle Goldendoodle is a friendly, outgoing dog that loves people and other animals alike. They are intelligent enough to be trained easily, as well as being able to learn tricks with ease. They can also be taught to respond to basic commands like sit, stay, heel, etc.
They are very playful dogs who love running around in open spaces such as parks or fields. They enjoy playing games like fetch or tug-of-war and will happily play with you for hours on end if you want them to!
the appearance of a Merle Goldendoodle
The Merle Goldendoodle’s appearance is characterized by its wavy, curly coat that comes in a wide range of colours, including black, white, cream, chocolate, apricot, and red. What sets the Goldendoodle Merle apart from other Goldendoodle varieties is its striking Merle pattern, which creates a marbled or swirled effect on the coat.
The Merle pattern is caused by a gene mutation that affects the distribution of pigment in the dog’s coat. The coat can have a blue or red base colour with black, grey, or brown patches or spots. This pattern can vary from subtle to very pronounced, giving the dog a truly unique and eye-catching appearance.
Sizes of Merle Goldendoodles
The size of the Merle Goldendoodle can vary depending on the size of its Poodle parent. Miniature and standard-sized Poodles can be used in the breeding process to create different sizes of Goldendoodle Merles. Typically, a standard Merle Goldendoodle weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands around 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder, while a miniature Merle Goldendoodle weighs between 20 and 40 pounds and stands approximately 14-20 inches tall.
The Merle Goldendoodle’s most popular colour variations
Blue Merle Goldendoodle
Blue Merle Goldendoodles have a unique coat colour that is a blend of grey, black, and white. The blue merle pattern is created by a dilution gene that affects the black pigment in the coat. The dilution gene creates a marbled or mottled appearance that is visually striking. They can have either a wavy or curly coat and can range in size from small to large.
Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle
Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles have a rich, dark brown coat that is the result of the brown gene inherited from the Poodle parent. The coat can be wavy or curly and may have white markings on the chest or feet. Chocolate Goldendoodles are known for being loyal and intelligent, and they make great family pets.
Phantom Merle Goldendoodles
Phantom Merle Goldendoodles have a unique coat colour that is characterized by two distinct colours: a base colour of cream or apricot and a secondary colour that appears in specific areas such as the face, legs, and tail. The secondary colour can be black, brown, or grey, creating a striking contrast against the lighter base colour. Phantom Goldendoodles can have either a wavy or curly coat and can range in size from small to large.
Red Merle Goldendoodles
Red Merle Goldendoodles have a vibrant, reddish-gold coat resulting from the red gene inherited from the Poodle parent. The coat can be wavy or curly and may have white markings on the chest or feet. Red Goldendoodles are known for being friendly and affectionate, and they make great companions for families with children.
Black Merle Goldendoodle
Black Merle Goldendoodles have a unique coat colour that is a combination of black and a dilution gene that creates a marbled or mottled appearance similar to blue merle. The black merle pattern is characterized by a black base colour with patches or spots of lighter grey or white.
What Is the Lifespan of Merle Goldendoodles?
The average Merle Goldendoodle lives anywhere from 10 to 14 years. The actual lifespan of a Goldendoodle Merle varies depending on the dog’s genetics and overall health, as well as how well you take care of their needs.
are merle goldendoodles healthy?
While Goldendoodles are generally considered a healthy breed, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health problems. Some of the common health problems of Merle-colored Goldendoodles include:
- Eye problems: Merle-colored Goldendoodles can be at risk for a number of eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. PRA can lead to blindness over time, while glaucoma can cause eye pain and vision loss.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Hip dysplasia is common in many large breeds, including Golden Retrievers and Poodles, which are the parent breeds of Goldendoodles. Merle-coloured Goldendoodles are no exception and can develop hip dysplasia, especially if they are overweight or do not get enough exercise.
- Skin allergies: Some Merle-colored Goldendoodles may develop skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and even hair loss. Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors, including food, pollen, and other environmental allergens.
- Ear infections: Like many dogs with floppy ears, Merle-colored Goldendoodles are prone to ear infections. This is because moisture can get trapped in the ear canal, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
- Epilepsy: Merle-colored Goldendoodles can also develop epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes seizures. This can be a hereditary condition, so it is important to choose a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for epilepsy.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to a sluggish metabolism and a range of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
- Cancer: While not specific to Merle-colored Goldendoodles, all dogs are at risk of developing cancer. Some of the most common types of cancer in dogs include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumours.
Do Merle Goldendoodles Shed A Lot?
It depends on their coat type and how often you brush them. If you have one with long hair and don’t brush it regularly, they’ll be like a tumbleweed in your house! But if you brush them regularly and keep their coats short, they’ll shed less than other dogs of the same size.
FAQ
How much is a blue merle Goldendoodle?
A blue merle goldendoodle costs between $3,000 and $3,500.
Do merle Goldendoodles have blue eyes?
Yes, Merle Goldendoodles can have blue eyes.
When they’re not merle, they will have brown eyes. However, the merle gene makes their eyes slightly lighter than their non-merle counterparts’. The result is that some merle Goldendoodles have blue eyes, while others have light brown eyes. So it’s definitely possible for a dog to have blue eyes!
What is the rarest colour of a Goldendoodle?
The rarest colour of a Goldendoodle is black. This colour is not common and is often only found in puppies with one or both parents with the same colour. It is also possible for two black puppies to be born from a litter of other coloured puppies.
The second rarest colour of Goldendoodle is grey, followed by chocolate brown, reddish-brown and white.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Merle Goldendoodle is a beautiful dog. They are loyal, dedicated, and incredibly loving. However, this is not meant to be a comprehensive list of doodles or merles. A proper understanding of the breeds that make up the goldendoodle merle is necessary to appreciate their unique characteristics and the challenges they might face.
