Merle Dog Breeds

Merle dog breeds have some of the most striking coats in all of “dogdom”. These stunning canines typically have a speckled or mottled appearance and often light-colored eyes that make them look even more unique. So here are some of the top dog breeds with merle coats and what you’ll want to know about them!

Merle Dog Basics

Merle is a coat color/pattern that is caused by the merle gene. Only certain dog breeds are known to traditionally carry this gene. Merle dogs usually have a coat with irregularly-shaped patches of diluted color along with patches that are fully pigmented.

Although some individual dogs known as “cryptic merles” carry the merle gene their coat appears “normal” in both color and pattern. In addition to the color of the coat, the merle gene also can affect the pigment of the dog’s eyes, nose, and paw pads. While a merle coat is undeniably beautiful, the genetics behind it are complex.

And breeding two parent dogs that carry the merle gene together isn’t recommended as puppies with two copies of the gene (known as double-merle)  are known to have increased odds of deafness, eye defects (including blindness),  or a combination of both. That being said here is your guide to some of the best merle dogs on the planet.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and athletic sheep herding dog with an intense work ethic that is known for its stare when keeping the sheep in line. In addition to coming in two coat textures: rough and smooth, the breed is available in a range of colors and patterns including merle. Merle colored border collies can be blue merle, white and blue merle, red merle, white and red merle, or sable merle.

Australian Shepherd

Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a breed that originated in the United States. As a dog that was created to herd stock animals, the Aussie isn’t ideal for everyone. It needs a job to do or active owners that can keep it tired out from exercise or sports.

The unique coat of merle-colored Australian Shepherds is a hallmark of the breed. It may be either blue merle or red merle. In addition, Aussies can also have a coat that is black or red.

French Bulldog

Frenchies are friendly bat-eared canines that are loved worldwide. However while highly sought after merle French Bulldogs are not allowed to compete in the show ring. That’s because the merle gene is actually not naturally occurring in the French Bulldog breed.

Therefore in order for a French Bulldog to have a merle coat at some point in the dog’s lineage one of its ancestors must have been crossed with another small breed that does naturally have the merle gene, such as the Chihuahua. Merle French Bulldogs are not only rare but also very expensive. And while they may not be able to compete in a show, these little guys make great pets that will be sure to turn heads!

Great Dane

The Great Dane is the biggest of all the merle-colored dog breeds. However, their short, smooth, and glossy coats may also be brindle, black, fawn, harlequin, blue, or black mantle. These giants were once used as hunters of wild boar and as guardians in their native home of Germany.

However while still protective today, the breed is much gentler than it once was. Like other dogs of enormous size, this one needs responsible owners who can care for its special needs.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a dwarf breed. These short-legged canines developed to move, herd, and guard cattle. They are great with kids and typically get along well with other household pets. Don’t be fooled by their small size, because they were created to work these little dogs do require plenty of daily exercise.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi may look similar to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, another Welsh corgi breed, although the two breeds differ in physical traits and coat colors. The Cardigan comes in several coat colors that the Pembroke does not, including blue merle, a particular favorite of many fanciers of the breed.

Dachshund

The hot dog-like shape of this hunting hound allowed it to enter the burrows of badgers, a quarry known for its fierce nature, particularly when threatened. These long-backed dogs with short legs make excellent family pets but like other dogs with hunting origins, Dachshunds can be independent.

They come in two sizes standard and miniature. The breed also has three coat types: wirehaired, smooth, and longhaired. And if that weren’t enough to choose from they come in a wide range of colors and patterns too. When it comes to Dachshunds merle coated dogs are referred to as having a dapple coat.

American Bully

While considered a rare coat color, and coveted by many fans of the breed for its exotic looks, merle is not an accepted coat color for the American Bully by most kennel clubs.

And that means a merle American Bully therefore won’t be able to compete in the show ring. However, they can steal your heart and make wonderful family pets. Unlike the American Pitbull Terrier one of the breeds that contributed to its makeup, American Bullies have big blocky heads and aren’t known for being aggressive when it comes to other dogs or animals.

Pomeranian

This amazingly popular toy breed is the smallest of all Spitz-type dogs. Pomeranians are intelligent companions that have fox-like faces and are easy to train. In addition, the breed is known to have few health problems. While tiny, they don’t act like it. These canines have big personalities.

Most often the breed is seen sporting an orange or red coat. Yet these dogs actually come in a wide range of coat colors including merle. Because they are rare, merle Pomeranians can be both hard to find and costly.

Shetland Sheepdog

Native to the Shetland Islands off the northeastern coast of Scotland, the Sheltie originally functioned as a herder. Shelties are barkers and that coupled with the fact that they are naturally protective of their family makes them excellent watchdogs.

They are also highly intelligent and eager to please which means they learn fast and usually are among the top performers in obedience trials. This longhaired breed has a straight rough coat. And merle colored dogs can be blue merle or sable merle.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog comes in a variety of both eye and coat colors. In this breed, merle coats are referred to as “leopard coats,” as they have a spotted leopard-like appearance. This is a true American working breed that just like in the past can still be used to hunt and herd. And as an assertive working dog, this is a canine that needs an owner with experience and who can be a strong pack leader.

Rough Collie

This is a breed that can do it all as anyone familiar with “Lassie,” will know. These active dogs make loving family companions that are well-known for being fabulous with children of all ages. And as herding dogs, they sometimes will even herd the kids too! The breed’s long beautiful coat can be found in tricolor, sable, blue merle, and white.

Chihuahua

For fans of small merle dog breeds it doesn’t get smaller than the Chihuahua. This compact Mexican breed is popular worldwide and weighs only about 6 pounds.

And luckily for their owners, these little lapdogs are typically healthy and long-lived often reaching the age of 15 years or even older. Chihuahuas’ coats come in many colors and patterns. And in addition, there are two different coat types as well, long and short. Compact, loyal, and surprisingly confident despite its size, the Chihuahua is an ideal lapdog.

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