The Merle Cockapoo may seem like a novelty pup to own because of his unique coat pattern. What some dog enthusiasts fail to know is that the gene causing this distinctive trait has been linked to severe genetic birth defects.
Examining the possible discrepancies in the genetics and lineage of Merle Cockapoos provides a clearer picture of why these dogs are predisposed to several congenital disorders.
What Is a Merle Cockapoo?
A Merle Cockapoo is an offspring between Poodles and Cocker Spaniels with Merle genes. “Merle” refers to a unique coat pattern, not a colour.
It is characterised by irregular swirls of lighter colours and solid pigments. These asymmetrically shaped patches of fur create a marbled or mottled look.
The Merle gene dilutes random parts of the coat. Thus, no Merle Cockapoo has the same coat pattern as the other.
Its dilution ability also affects the pigmentation in other areas of the body. It is not unusual for some Merle Cockapoo dogs to have partially or entirely blue eyes. Their noses can either be completely or partially pink as well.
What Does Merle Mean in Dogs’ Genetics?
In dog genetics, the Merle gene is a type of semi-dominant gene. It means a Cockapoo only has to receive one copy of this gene from either of his parents to have a Merle coat.
Breeding non-Merle Cockapoos with Merle Cockapoos produces a litter containing around 25% to 50% Merle puppies.
If you breed two Merle dogs, about 25% of their offspring will be Double Merle pups. Double Merle refers to dogs that inherited two Merle genes.
What Is the Difference between a Red Merle and a Blue Merle Cockapoo?
Generally, Merle Cockapoos have two primary colours: Red and Blue. Red is a result of the Merle gene diluting brown or liver pigments. On the other hand, diluting black produces Blue.
- Red Merles typically have a red or liver base, and their fur has warm tones. The hues can range from light cinnamon to dark liver. Their faces and legs are commonly adorned with copper points.
- In comparison, Blue Merle Cockapoos possess a black base with silver and grey marbling. Similar to Red Merles, they have copper points on their face that are somewhat distinct.
Interestingly, Blue Merles are more common than Red Merles because of genetics. Liver and chocolate are recessive genes, whilst black is dominant. Thus, more dogs carry black genes than liver or chocolate.
What Is the Rarest Colour of Cockapoos?
Some of the rarest colours of cockapoos are black and white as well as chocolate. Many Cockapoo fanciers hail Merle as the rarest colour in the breed. However, keep in mind that this is a type of coat pattern.
Why the Controversy?
Other breeds also possess the Merle gene including:
The controversy starts when the Merle pattern in the aforementioned dog breeds is recognised by major kennel clubs. But the same is not applied to Cockapoos as well as their parent breeds.
Many believe the Merle gene is not a natural variant in these canines. There is no such thing as Merle Poodles or Merle Cocker Spaniels.
Others counter that the Merle gene could be a product of mutation, similar to what potentially occurred in the herding breeds. However, several critics remain sceptical.
They argue that if Poodles, American Cocker Spaniels, and English Cocker Spaniels are natural carriers of the said gene, then other gundog breeds should be too, but none of them seems to exhibit Merle patterning.
Hence, the possibility of Merle Cockerpoos being a result of unethical breeding practices was raised. Producing rare patterns such as Merle fetches a high price, which shady breeders capitalise on.
It is speculated that Poodles were intentionally mated with Shelties or Collies to introduce the Merle gene into the breed. Then the offspring of these dogs were used to create Merle designer dogs.
The Unhealthy Merle Cockapoo
There were also studies showing a link between the Merle gene and anomalies in the skeletal, reproductive, and cardiac systems of dogs.
These scientific studies are inconclusive and only considered anecdotal evidence. However, dog enthusiasts should not turn a blind eye to these alarming research results.
Experts have time and time again warned breeders to avoid breeding Merle dogs because of their propensity to birth defects.
The Dangers of Double Merle Cockapoos
Double Merle Cockapoos are even more vulnerable to health risks compared to regular Merles.
It is not uncommon for many Double Merle dogs to have severe ocular and auditory issues when born. They tend to possess deformed or underdeveloped eyes and ears, causing them to be partially or completely deaf or blind.
Scientists have yet to uncover how acquiring Double Merle genes can cause such devastating inborn abnormalities.
However, some theorise that the genes abnormally decrease melanin pigmentation in certain parts of dogs, including the eyes and ears, negatively affecting their hearing and eyesight.
Due to the prevalence of health problems in Merles, the Kennel Club does not accept registrations for Merle puppies coming from dog breeds deemed to be unnatural carriers of the gene. Double Merle dogs will not be recognised too.
How Much Is a Merle Cockapoo?
The price of a Merle Cockapoo is estimated to be between £1,200 and £1,500. However, this is not a fixed amount. It can change depending on certain factors such as:
Geographical location
An area with only a few Merle Cockapoo puppy breeders has less competition. Thus, the prices may soar due to the rarity of these pooches, especially if the demand is high.
Bloodlines
The generation of Merle Cockerpoo pups matters when setting up prices. The first generation is produced by crossing a Poodle with a Cocker Spaniel. These dogs tend to be more expensive because they come from purebred parents.
Breeder reputation
Reputable breeders place a high price on their pups to recoup the expenses for whelping, health tests, vaccinations, and vet check-ups.
However, shady breeders also have expensive Merle Cockapoo puppies for sale due to their rarity. Make sure to know how to differentiate these 2 types of breeders.
Ask people whom you trust such as family, friends, or the vet for referrals to a credible breeder. Additionally, before you get a puppy, ask the breeder these 8 questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Merle Cockapoo
1. Are Merle Cockapoos rare?
Yes, Merle Cockapoos are very rare dogs. Again, it boils down to genetics.
Although the Merle gene is semi-dominant, it is not a gene normally found in the Cockapoo and his parent breeds. Because of its unnatural occurrence in this designer dog, it sparked a controversy in the dog community.
2. How do I know if my dog is Merle?
You will know if your dog is a Merle by letting him take genetic testing. The results will show if he possesses any Merle genes.
Do note that some Merle dogs have very conspicuous Merle pattern, which is easy to miss. Examining your dog visually will not produce accurate results.
3. Are all Merle dogs deaf?
Not all Merle dogs are deaf. However, they have a higher predisposition to this hearing disorder.
In a study, 2.7% of Single Merles were deaf in one ear (unilateral) and 0.9% were deaf in both ears (bilateral). As for Double Merles, 10% were unilaterally deaf whilst 15% were bilaterally deaf.
4. Should I buy a Merle Cockapoo?
No, we advise against buying a Merle Cockapoo. As we have said, the Merle gene is linked to congenital eye and ear defects, which can manifest in the puppy you chose. Vet bills might pile up to address these issues.
If you lack financial stability, keeping your canine companion’s health from continuously deteriorating would be difficult. Save yourself from this heartache by opting for healthier dog breeds.
Summary
Merle Cockapoos are popular due to their eye-catching coat pattern, but the Merle gene responsible for this trait is linked to congenital eye and ear disorders. As a result, owning a Merle Cockapoo puppy may not be a good idea.
However, if you decide to bring one home, it’s important to learn how to choose a healthy puppy. By putting in the effort to do so, you can reduce the likelihood of owning a sickly canine companion.
