Merle bully : Detailed study

Dog admirers are always fascinated by these exclusive sorts of canines to own as their pets. One amongst them is the Merle bully. It is in the process of moving towards commonality due to its extraordinary coat colour and pattern.

So, if you are wondering about having such a unique companion pet, then Merle bully can surely be included in your selective choices.

There are several controversies regarding the Merle bully and you need to know a lot of things about it to make an appropriate decision.

In this article we will delve deeper into explore each and every fact about the Merle bully including its origin, characteristics as well as the good & bad of having it.

By the end of reading this comprehensive piece of writing, you will surely have a deeper understanding about the Merle bully.

Let’s get started!

What is a Merle bully?

The term Merle does not encompass any particular breed type or variety. It is just a sort of coat pattern and type that distinguishes it. Any breed of a dog can be regarded as a Merle bully if it has a specified genetic trait.

For example,merle also known as dapple american bully is a specific pattern of colours used to describe coat of some dogs.

The bully merle is found in different dog breeds, including American bully and bull dogs. Some dark patches over the major coat colour due to the presence of diluted pigment in their genes provide a striking and charismatic appearance.

Yet, this bully merle dog is greatly susceptible to several health issues like blurred vision and deafness.

Moreover,merle bullies are available in a variety of colours,such as red merle,chocolate merle,black merle, blue merle american bully etc. Blue and red Merle are two of the common types that are detected by most people.

The blue merle bully does not display exactly blue patches but a mixture of black and greyish colour. On the other hand, the Red merle holds some faded patches of red colour.

What causes American bully to have a Merle pattern?

Genetics plays a significant role in the inheritance of specific traits. Merle is a dominant gene which directly influences the occurrence of pigmentation in dogs. Thus,faded or light-coloured patches appear on the dark fur of canines.

These coloured patches are visible in several breeds of canines, such as the Australian Shepherd, leopard dogs, American bully etc.

Understanding the genetic factors responsible for Merle coat patterns and colours is crucial as it is associated with various health issues.

If an American bully with the Merle gene is bred with another American bully who doesn’t hold the Merle gene , then the resulting offspring may be both Merle and non-Merle.

On the other hand, mutual breeding of two Merle American bully dogs can produce either Merle or double Merle bullies.

Apart from this, some canines with Merle genes don’t display colour patches but are capable of giving birth to Merle puppies.

Such canines are known as “cryptic merles”. In spite of having Merle genes, the reason behind them not exhibiting the Merle pattern is a mystery.

Is a Merle coat accepted in the American bully breed?

The acceptance of a Merle coat pattern in the American bully breed is a matter of great debate. Some breeders opine that the Merle bully has violated the standards of the American bully. So, it can’t be acknowledged in the American bully breed.

While others contradict the same and believe Merles to be acceptable in the American bully breed.

As per the norms of the American kennel club (AKC), Merle colour or pattern is not recognised under American bully breed dogs.

The Merle bully is highly prone to some severe health issues like hearing and vision problems. Thus , it is disagreed to be included in the American bully category.

Double merles may even go through more critical situations like complete deafness and blindness. These are all the disadvantages of having Merle bully as a pet.

Most people still admire and are attracted to Merle canines regardless of the health issues associated with them.The ultimate choice is yours, which entirely depends upon your preferences & lifestyle.

Don’t forget to do thorough and deep research specifically on breeders before final selection. Breeding standards and health circumstances should be ensured before opting for the merle as your companion. Otherwise, it may also result in some negative consequences.

Physical Characteristics of Merle American bully

The distinct physique of Merle’s American bullies stands them apart from other breeds of dog. These Merle bullies are found in different varieties along with a distinct pattern and colour patches.

The physical characteristics of the Merle American bully may differ depending upon the mutation or alteration of their Merle gene.

Let’s discuss some of them:

1)Coat pattern: One among the most remarkable features is their Merle coat pattern, which adds to their exclusive appearance.

2)Coat colour: Most people are fascinated by the unique range of patches on its coat including black, grey, brown etc.

3)Eye colour: Generally, the mating of two Merle American bullies produces offspring with two blue eyes. Sometimes their puppies may also have one blue and one brown eye. However, the combination of two brown eyes is the rarest possibility in them .

4)size: Merle American bullies are larger than pitbulls and bulldogs in size. They can rise up to about 13-20 inches and their average weight ranges between 50 and 70 pounds.

Temperament of Merle American bully

The Merle American bully is widely popular for its loyal, affectionate and gentle disposition. These traits prove them ideal family pets and guards.

As per experts say , these dogs are not as aggressive as Pitbulls or other bull dog breeds. They exhibit their loving nature and patience infront of children.

Merle bullies can even sacrifice their lives while defending their owners and family members.

Classification of Merle American bully

We can easily identify the Merle bullies owing to their unique colour patches over their bodies. Now, let’s talk about the unique and impressive appearance of different types of merle bully.

Generally, there are three sorts of colour patterns found in Merle American bullies:

• Blue Merle American bully
• Red merle American bully
• Cryptic Merle American bully

1)Blue Merle

Blue Merle is a renowned & most common type of the Merle American bully. The most interesting and surprising fact about the blue Merle American bully is that it does not display any blue colour pattern at all. As a matter of fact , they exhibit light black colour patches over grey coats. Thus, they can also be called grey merle bully.

Blue Merle American bully dogs are generally of tricolour i.e combination of tan, black and grey. Moreover, those canines with the blue Merle gene having no tan in their coats are recognised as bicolour American bully.

Due to the appearance of blue coloured coats in some lightning may be the major reason for the confusion about American bully colour.

2)Red Merle

Red merle bully are well recognised through their reddish brown coats along with some tan and black coloured patches over them.

As only a smaller portion of certain breeds give rise to red merle bully. Thus, these canines are not as popular as blue Merle American bully dogs. Owing to a more marbled pattern, Red merles even without tan markings over them can still be referred to as red merles.

3)Cryptic Merle

As already mentioned above, cryptic merle american bully don’t hold the appearance of Merle inheritance.It implies cryptic merle bully dogs do not display coloured patches over them despite holding Merle gene. Instead they have a normal coat of solid colour.

American bully with cryptic merles still possess the capacity to produce Merle offspring. The breeding of two Merle bully will surely result in the transfer of the Merle gene to at least some of their puppies.

Health issues concerning Merle American bully

If you are already an owner or planning to become an owner of Merle American bully, then it is indeed indispensable to be aware of all health issues concerning American bully Merles.

The Merle gene is a genetic trait which gives an outstanding appearance through their amazing coat patterns. Meanwhile, they are vulnerable to several health problems that you should be acknowledged with:

1) Ocular or eye problems:

According to several scientific studies being conducted, the rate of suffering from eye deformities in Merles is higher than non Merles.

American bullies with a single Merle gene may or may not suffer from mild vision defects, but American bully dogs with two copies of Merle genes are highly prone to visual issues ranging from mild to even complete blindness.

2) Auditory or ear problems:

Likewise, in the case of vision defects, Double Merle American bullies have a greater tendency to experience critical hearing loss since birth or may develop it later.

3) Skin issues:

The Merle American bully can also suffer from various skin diseases and coat issues like skin irritation and hair shedding.

Difference between Single Merle and Double Merle

Understanding the distinction between single merles and double Merles is essential to make an appropriate and informed decision. Merle is a variation in a gene that is responsible for producing a distinct coat colour.

The single merle bully possess merely one copy of the Merle gene(M) and another of non Merle (m), while double merles hold two copies of the Merle gene (MM). It implies single Merle canines hold less risk of developing health issues.

On the other hand, double merle american bully are more prone to severe health issues such as blindness, vision impairment and hearing loss. The mating of two merles should be discouraged in order to reduce the risk of blindness and deafness in offspring.

Researchers are still unaware of the reason for any of these impairments associated with the double Merle gene. As melanocytes are also found in the inner eyes and ears other than skin, So the possible reason could be the effect on melanocytes (a melanin pigment producing cells). So it is best to avoid mating Merle to Merle.

Some other dog breeds with Merle patterns

The following are some of the dog breeds having the Merle pattern:

• Australian Shepherd
• Border collie
• Shetland sheepdog
• Catahoula Leopard Dog
• Dapple Dachshund
• Great Danes
• Scottish Collie
• Smooth Collie
• Rough Collie

Pros and cons of having Merle American bully

Almost everything in this world has its advantages and disadvantages too. Similarly, there are both positive and negative aspects of having a Merle American bully.

Being an owner of such a unique breed, awareness of the pros and cons of Merle canines is necessary. So let’s consider some of them:

Positive aspects:

Pleasant temperament: Merle American bully is a dog breed with an excellent disposition and personality. They are loyal, friendly and can become great companion pets.

Unique appearance: Due to the diverse coat patterns, Merle canines are well known for their stunning appearance worldwide.They are found in a varied range of colours along with darker patches over the lighter base.

Excellent companion: Owing to their friendly and stable temperament, they can become excellent apartment companions and family pets too.

Reduces stress: These lovely creatures also act as stress relievers for owners through their affectionate nature and playful attitude.

Negative aspects

Health issues: The Merle gene is dominant in the Merle American bully, which leads to some major health issues like vision loss and deafness.

Grooming requirements: Due to the influence of Merle gene variation over the coat and skin of these canines, their grooming requirements need to be fulfilled routinely.

Financial burden: As double merles are highly susceptible to health issues, their medical costs also get added to their financial expenses.

Conclusion

Merle American bullies can also become good companions of human beings through proper training and early socialisation. But it is essential for breeders to understand the breeding process of Merle dogs, which results in a number of severe health issues. Thus, owners are required to be extra conscious regarding their unique health concerns.

If you’re considering getting a Merle American bully, make sure to carry out extensive research and search for recognised breeders who perform health testing before the mating process.

So, basically, if you are able and willing to give your reasonable time and efforts to the Merle American bully, then they can serve as amazing pets who bring joy and happiness to your life. However, the final decision would be yours as per your lifestyles and preferences.

FAQs

Q1.what makes a merle bully?

Ans. Merle is a dominant gene which directly influences the occurrence of pigmentation in dogs. Thus, faded or light-coloured patches appear on the dark fur of the American bully.If an American bully with Merle gene is bred with another non Merle American bully, then resulting offspring may be both ,Merle and non Merle. On the other hand, mutual breeding of two Merle American bully dogs can produce either Merle or double Merle puppies.

Q2.Are merle American bullies healthy?

Ans. Merle gene is a genetic trait which gives outstanding appearance through their amazing coat patterns. Meanwhile they are vulnerable to several health problems like vision deformities, deafness and skin problems.

Q3. can 2 merle dogs mate?

Ans. Yes, Mutual breeding of two Merle American bully dogs can produce either Merle or double Merle bullies. But, double Merles are more prone to severe health issues such as blindness, vision impairment and hearing loss.

Q4.What is a double merle called?

Ans When two Merle dogs are mated with each other, the resultant offspring can be double Merle also known as Homozygous Merle.

Q5.What is the difference between red merle and blue merle?

Ans. Single merle dogs possess merely one copy of Merle gene(M) and other of non Merle (m) while double merles hold two copies of Merle gene (MM).
It implies single Merle canines hold less risk of developing health issues.On the other hand, Double Merles are more prone to severe health issues such as blindness, vision impairment and hearing loss.