Merle is the multi-color pattern or patches in a dog’s coat. The Labradoodle is a mixed breed that can be gotten from different crossbreeds like Poodle and Labrador to many other breeds.
Blue Merle Labradoodle Puppies & Breeder
Labradoodle’s intelligence and tenacity cannot be overemphasized; hence they are very obedient and easy to train. You can be sure of their cooperation during grooming and training.
Merle Labradoodle Coat Information, Facts, Images
Labradoodles come in different colors and patterns as merle can affect all coat colors. The ones with the merle gene are known as merle Labradoodles. These sets of pets are scarce to come by. This article addresses some common merle Labradoodle coat guides.
What Are The Types of Labradoodle Coats?
Your Merle Labradoodle can come in different types of beautiful coats. Labradoodles are associated with 3 coat types; the wool coat, the fleece, and the hair coat. Wool and fleece are the more common and allergy-friendly
Fleece Coat
The fleece coat type has a very comfy and soft texture. This coat type comes in various forms. For example, it can be straight, wavy, or very curly.
The fleece coat type is almost non-shedding and requires regular brushing and trimming. This coat type is good for people with dog and general allergies.
Wool Coat
The wool coat has a very compact curl resembling that of a Poodle. This coat type is non-shedding and has a little bit of a stiff texture.
Labradoodles are allergy-friendly; people with dog or general allergies can tolerate this coat. Your Merle Labradoodle wool coat pet requires regular grooming and trimming for a greater outlook.
Hair Coat
This coat type is common with older generation dogs; it has a very tough texture. Ordinarily, Labradoodles are non-shedding; this coat type has mild shedding, although sometimes severe. Regular trimming and brushing can curtail shedding.
This coat type is not advisable for people with a dog or general allergies; hence, it should be considered when getting or breeding a new pet.
Merle Labradoodle Coat Colors
Breeders can create almost an infinite amount of different Labradoodle coat colors. Merle is fascinating and good-looking on any coat type. The color patches on merle Labradoodle coats give them a very spectacular outlook.
As a result of merle’s ability to affect any coat color, they come in different color patterns and patches. Your pets can come in a blue merle coat, chocolate merle coat, red merle coat, brown merle coat, and black.
Blue Merle Labradoodles
The blue merle Labradoodles with their irregular black or gray patches are the most popular of them all. The lighter part of the coat varies from a very light powder blue to a very dark steel blue.
Your merle Labradoodle can also come in other colors such as fawn, yellow and sable. What a beautiful sight to behold, you would say.
It is worth knowing that since Labradoodles are a mixed breed and not a purebred dog, numerous factors can influence the adult coat’s color.
Merle Labradoodle’s pet keeps the same color coat into adulthood. However, most Labradoodle coats fade to a lighter color as they grow older.
Merle Labradoodle Genetics
Merle Labradoodles are not pure breeds; they are heterozygotes. They have a very complex genetic basis: they don’t have a complete dominant gene as one masks the other’s effect.
When two merles Labradoodles are crossed, on average, one-quarter of the puppies will come out as “double merles” due to their genetic makeup.
The genetic makeup is also responsible for the dog’s eye pigment. Sometimes the eye can be partly or totally. Their paw pads and nose are not exempted.
Merle Labradoodle Health Issues
Labradoodles with two copies of the merle gene (homozygous merle or “double merle”) have higher chance of being born deaf. The UK Kennel Club has acknowledged the health risk associated with homozygous merles and stopped registering puppies produced from merle to merle breeding in 2013. Research indicates that the majority of health issues occur in dogs carrying both piebald and merle genes.
Labradoodles who are homozygous for the merle pattern gene often have visual and auditory deficits. These merle labradoodles are sometimes referred to as ‘double merle’. Ocular defects include microphthalmia, conditions causing increased ocular pressure, and colobomas, among others. Double merle labradoodles may be deaf or blind or both, and can carry ocular defects in blue or colored eyes.
A study by German researchers found partial hearing loss in 54.6% double merles and 36.8% of single merles and 9.1% of double merles were fully deaf.
Certified labradoodle breeders will only breed one merle with a non-merle to produce normal healthy merle labradoodle puppies.
Merle Labradoodle Puppies
Just like humans, Merle Labradoodle puppies also inherit many of their characteristics from their parents. Your pet’s temperament and how healthy it will be throughout its life largely depend on its parents’ genes. That is why it is essential to find a good, responsible Labradoodle breeder when crossing your pets.
How to Care for Your Merle Labradoodle Coat
Irrespective of the Merle Labradoodle’s coat type, all coat types need to be properly taken care of. It is highly recommended that your pet is well taken care of by
Giving your pet a good bath: This will make their coats clean and bright.
Trimming and brushing the coat regularly: regular grooming is highly recommended to avoid shedding, especially for pets with Hair coat type.
Make sure their crate is clean and in order: this will keep their coats clean.
Make sure your Pet’s coat length is not more than 4-6 inches long.
Paying a regular visit to the vet: regular checkup of your pet’s well-being is of utmost importance.
Ensuring your pet’s coat is not too dense or heavy: regular grooming is advised to get a fluffy feel.
Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Blue Merle Labradoodle right for me?
Blue Merle Labradoodles are usually an excellent dog for a family with a small backyard. Apartments are often too small for a Labradoodle, especially if they’re retriever dominant and want to run quite a bit.
Are Blue Merle Labradoodles sickly?
Blue Merle Labradoodles are a mixed breed, and their parents’ genetics have a massive influence on their overall health. The Blue Merle Labradoodle is a relatively rare genetic occurrence, and they do have a reputation for vision and hearing problems.
But overall, breeders and owners don’t regard them as sickly or overly prone to health issues.
How long do Blue Merle Labradoodles live?
Blue Merle Labradoodles will typically live between ten and twelve years. Smaller dogs tend to live longer lives, and fifteen years for a Miniature Labradoodle is not unheard of.
However, Merle Labradoodles are more susceptible to specific health problems that may reduce their quality of life and overall life span.
Final Thoughts
In puppies, The merle Labradoodle Coat, like any other coat, can be very sharp and bright but changes with time in adult pets.
It is advised that you opt for a merle Labradoodles pet with a darker shade as their color becomes lighter as they become adults. Regular grooming keeps your merle Labradoodle Coat gorgeous.
