The vivid, mottled coats of Merle Pitbulls turn heads wherever they go. Their marbled coloring in shades of gray, red, brown and white resembles a cosmic nebula swirling across the night sky. This distinctive merle patterning on an athletic Pitbull body generates an eye-catching dog guaranteed to attract attention.
However, controversy shrouds the breeding and genetics behind Merle Pitbulls. While reputable preservation breeders work carefully with the merle gene, others prioritize producing exotic-colored puppies over health and welfare.
For those considering adding one of these striking dogs to your family, understanding the color genetics, health considerations, and ethical breeding practices ensures the welfare of both dogs and owners remains the top priority.
What Exactly is a Merle Pitbull?
A Merle Pitbull refers to an American Pitbull Terrier exhibiting the merle coat pattern of irregular color splotches. This unique patterning stems from a gene that randomizes pigment production in the coat.
The merle effect can create stunning blended hues of gray, blue, red, brown and white as pigment cells randomly activate. Merle Pitbulls often display vivid irregular spots over a lighter background.
While commonly associated with Pitbulls, merle can appear across various bully breeds. The controversy comes not from the gene itself, but from breeding practices that prioritize color over health.
The Genetics Behind Merle Coat Patterns
The genetics of the elusive merle pattern boils down to the inheritance of a particular gene variant. Here’s an overview of how merle works its magic:
The Merle Gene
The merle coat pattern is controlled by a gene aptly named the M gene. It comes in two variants:
- M – produces merle coat pattern when present
- m – does not produce merle; allows regular pigment expression
Random Pigment Distribution
For a dog to exhibit merle coloring, it inherits one copy of the dominant M gene from either parent (Mm genotype). The M gene essentially randomizes pigment production during development, causing the distinctive blurred patches of color.
Can Affect Eye Color
Merle dogs often have bright blue or odd-colored eyes due to the patchy pigment distribution. The M gene can affect both coat and eye coloration.
Diverse Merle Patterns
Since the merle gene randomizes black pigment, it can act on any base coat color:
- Red base coat + merle gene = “red merle”
- Fawn base coat + merle gene = “chocolate merle”
- Gray base coat + merle gene = “blue merle”
This diversity allows for stunning combinations like red merles, chocolate merles, blue merles, and more.
Temperament and Characteristics
While their coats attract the most attention, Merle Pitbulls reflect the loyal personality and athleticism of the Pitbull breed.
Strength
Like all Pitbull type dogs, the Merle Pitbull has a strong, muscular build perfect for athletics and hard work. Historically Pitbull breeds assisted on farms with herding or livestock handling.
Confidence
Merle Pitbulls carry themselves with a self-assuredness emanating from their terrier breeding. When properly socialized from a young age, these dogs have a stable, trusting temperament.
Intelligence
With advanced cognitive abilities and capacity for training, Pitbulls rank among the top intelligent canine breeds. Their smarts combined with eagerness to please makes teaching Merle Pitbulls easy.
Loyalty
Pitbull breeds are renowned for their steadfast devotion and loyalty toward their owners. They form exceptionally close bonds with their people that last a lifetime.
Energy
As terriers bred for work and action, Pitbulls have a turbo boost switch for energy. Merle Pitbulls need plenty of daily activity and enrichment to prevent boredom or destruction.
Eagerness to Please
Properly raised Pitbull breeds aim to make their owners happy through obedience and affable nature. They thrive when given a sense of purpose or job to fulfill.
The merle coat itself does not alter the core Pitbull temperament. With proper care, training and socialization, the Merle Pitbull embodies the excellent qualities of the breed.
Health Considerations with Merle Breeding
Introducing the merle gene into Pitbull lines produces visually striking dogs, but not without potential risks. Most concerns stem from irresponsible breeding practices that prioritize exotic coat color over canine health.
Risk of Doubling Up on Merle
When two merle-patterned dogs are bred together, approximately 25% of the litter can inherit two copies of the M gene and become “double merle” puppies.
Dogs with an MM genotype have significantly increased risk for:
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Eye defects
- Macropalatia
- Micropalatia
- Sun sensitivity
- Vision impairment
- Other sensory issues
Double merles often have a mostly white coat due to the absence of pigment cells in the skin.
Prioritizing Color over Health
While preservation breeders carefully balance merle with overall breed health, disreputable breeders focused solely on profit intentionally create double merle litters to generate “rare” colored puppies.
Dogs bred without care for genetic health are more likely to suffer impaired vision, hearing, or other issues that dramatically affect their quality of life.
Responsible Breeding Practices
To avoid producing double merles, responsible preservation breeders:
- Only breed non-merle dogs to merle partners
- Perform thorough genetic and health testing for all breeding dogs
- Carefully screen potential puppy buyers to ensure suitable homes
- Require spay/neuter contracts for pet quality puppies not intended for ethical breeding
These practices allow merle diversity to thrive while optimizing breed health as a whole.
Differentiating Merle Pitbulls from Related Breeds
It’s important to understand Merle Pitbulls differ from other established Pitbull breeds. The merle pattern can appear across various bully type dogs.
Not Technically American Pit Bull Terriers
While frequently called Pitbulls, Merle Pitbulls do not fully meet the breed standard criteria for purebred American Pit Bull Terriers. The merle coat pattern originated in other breeds and was introduced more recently to Pitbull-type dogs.
Where Merle Can Occur
There are other Pitbull-related breeds that do allow the merle color in their breed standards:
- American Bully
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
So while often grouped under the Pitbull umbrella term, Merle dogs are not technically purebred American Pit Bull Terriers.
Merle Pitbull Appearances in Popular Culture
The eye-catching merle coats have landed some Merle Pitbulls appearances in media, drawn by the flashy aesthetic. They’ve been featured in:
Social Media
Breeders and Pitbull fan accounts on Instagram and TikTok frequently showcase gorgeous Merle Pitbulls. Viral Merle Pitbull photos attract lots of likes and shares by social media users drawn to their unique look.
Movies
Merle Pitbulls have made minor appearances in films like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, the American Pit Bull Terrier remains the most prominently featured Pitbull breed in cinema.
TV Shows
A blue merle Pitbull appears in a few episodes of the show Paradise City. While a beautiful dog, his role portraying an overly aggressive guard dog unfortunately perpetuates some negative stereotypes of the breed.
Besides these few cameos, Merle Pitbull representation in mainstream media is still quite limited compared to other Pitbull breeds. Their controversial status likely prevents wider publicity at this time.
Ethical Considerations for Potential Owners
Families interested in bringing home one of these unique dogs must make ethical choices to avoid supporting negligent breeding practices.
Prioritizing Proven Health
Ensure the breeder fully health tests all their breeding dogs. Reputable preservation breeders will proudly provide proof of testing for hips, elbows, eyes, heart conditions, and more.
Avoid Impulse Purchasing
Cute online Merle Pitbull photos are meant to entice quick purchases based on looks alone. Take time to thoroughly research the breeder and ensure they prioritize long term dog health over profit.
Proper Early Socialization is Critical
Any powerful breed like Pitbulls depends heavily on extensive socialization and training starting from puppyhood. Be ready to put in this crucial groundwork with a Merle Pitbull pup.
Consider Adoption First
If seeking a mixed breed merle dog as a pet, check with rescues first. Avoid supporting back yard breeders just to acquire a specific desired look. There are many wonderful dogs of all kinds waiting in shelters for homes.
With education and diligence, prospective owners can make ethical choices that support the wellbeing of Merle Pitbulls.
Owning a Merle Pitbull
So what’s it like to live with one of these unique dogs? While their flashy coats grab the spotlight, Merle Pitbull owners need to look beyond the surface.
Activity Requirements
Like all Pitbulls, Merle Pitbulls are high energy, high drive dogs. Be prepared to provide at least 1-2 hours of hard exercise like running, hiking, swimming each day. Games of fetch and walks just won’t cut it for this athletic breed.
Mental Stimulation is Equally Important
In addition to physical activity, Merle Pitbulls need mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, nosework, etc. A bored Pitbull can be destructive. Providing an outlet for their intelligence is key.
Training Commitment
Early socialization and training classes are highly recommended starting in puppyhood. Pitbulls excel at many canine sports and activities with proper guidance. Their enthusiasm makes training fun!
Grooming is Easy
The short, smooth merle coats require only occasional brushing and bathing as needed. But regular nail trims and ear cleaning are a must.
Prepare for Attention
In public, be prepared for people to stop and stare, ask to take pics, or approach to inquire about your dog. Merle Pitbulls invariably draw crowds curious about their cosmic coats.
For owners able and willing to put in the required time, effort and responsibility, sharing your life with a Merle Pitbull can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Why Merle Pitbulls Generate Controversy
Merle Pitbulls boast unique coats, but caution is still warranted when it comes to their breeding. While preservation breeders work diligently with the merle gene, profit-driven breeders have abused it to the detriment of dogs.
Origins from Crossbreeding
Merle first appeared in Pitbulls through mixing with other breeds who carry the gene. Crossbreeding sparks debates around preservation versus hybrid health.
Risk of Exploitive Breeding Practices
Breeding merle dogs without genetic testing risks producing blind, deaf, or otherwise impaired puppies. Yet greedy breeders continue producing litters with no regard for welfare.
Increased Attention on Breed Bans
The flashier Merle Pitbull draws more attention, at a time when breed ban controversies already surround Pit bulls. Some argue merle breeding further fuels negative perceptions.
Controversial even within Breeding Circles
Many breeders condemn crossing merle into American Pit Bull Terrier lines as irresponsible and risky. Yet others persist, dividing breeding communities.
Clearly, strong differing opinions exist on either side of Merle Pitbull breeding debates. There are persuasive arguments around preservation, ethics, and genetic health. Much contention surrounds the practice, even among expert breeders themselves.
Is a Merle Pitbull the Right Dog for You?
Despite the allure of their unique coats, Merle Pitbulls are not the best fit for every dog owner. Here are some considerations if you’re thinking of getting one of these special dogs:
Be Ready for an Active Breed
Merle Pitbulls are energetic, muscular athletes. If you lead a more low-key lifestyle, consider a less high-drive breed.
Commit Fully to Training
This powerful terrier breed needs extensive training starting young. If you can’t commit, opt for an easier novice breed.
Prepare for Public Attention
These dogs invariably attract looks and questions when out in public. If you dislike uncontrolled attention, a more common breed may suit you better.
Research Breeders Thoroughly
Not all breeding is ethical. Take time finding a preservation breeder who fully health tests all parent dogs.
Consider Rescue Dogs First
If open to mixed breeds, check shelters and rescues first. There are countless dogs needing homes.
While their unique coats captivate, Merle Pitbulls require special consideration to own responsibly. They aren’t the ideal dogs for everyone, but with diligent research they can make wonderful additions to an active family.
The Allure of the Merle Pitbull
There’s no denying Merle Pitbulls grab attention; their whimsical paint-splatter coats draw the eye wherever they go. But the hope is they will be appreciated for more than just the physical.
Above all, the long term health and welfare of Merle Pitbulls should remain top priority for all reputable dog lovers and owners. Through responsible and ethical breeding practices, their unique place in the bully breed world can be preserved.
Despite concerns, there’s still room for Merle Pitbulls to thrive when produced conscientiously. Like any dog, their happiness and wellbeing should be placed above aesthetic appeal.
With diligence and care by preservation breeders and guardians alike, the future looks bright for Merle Pitbulls. Their cosmic coat legacy can live on sustained by ethics, responsibility and, above all, love.
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