05/18/2024
🐾 Today is Double Merle Awareness Day! 🐾
The third Saturday in May is dedicated to spreading awareness to the risks of Double Merle Breeding.
While Merle coloring is highly sought out by many pet owners, and even an AKC standard for some breeds, breeding two of these dogs leads to a 25% chance of producing a Double Merle Pup. This may also be known as “Spot x Spot” breeding.
This inherited condition leads to decreased pigmentation, which is why Double Merles are often white in color. They are at high risk for vision impairments, hearing impairments, or even both.
This condition is most often seen in Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dachshunds - but is seen in other breeds as well.
Though these pups can live very happy and healthy lives, they are often abandoned or euthanized. Just like two of our patients Syrin and Mara here, both of which are blind and deaf and were found abandoned by their breeders in the road. With a small learning curve, these pups can learn touch commands that allow them to be well behaved and happy pups like any other dog!
🧬 Have you ever wondered what breeds your dog is a mix of? Or what genetic conditions they may have? Call or text our office to inquire about Genetic Health Analysis testing that will screen your dog for nearly 300 genetic conditions and determine their breed make up!
