Chihuahuas have various charms depending on their type. A Merle Chihuahua is one of them. They make wonderful companion dogs. In general, Chihuahuas enjoy being noticed and are devoted to their owners. They are regarded as lap dogs. However, they are lively and want to be kept busy from time to time.
What is a Merle Chihuahua?
Merle Chihuahua is a Chihuahua with a distinctive and attractive Merle pattern on its coat. It signifies the Chihuahua carries the merle gene, which is known to generate a variety of health issues.
The term “merle” refers to the distinctive coloration of the Chihuahua’s coat. Dappling is another term for it. It is caused by a gene modification that alters the pigmentation of the coat’s base. The distinctive bright and dark spots are the outcomes of this gene. Blue eyes are also possible in Chihuahuas.
Merle is a common marking or coat pattern on a Chihuahua. It might be a standard marker. However, it is one of the most difficult to obtain by breeding. The merle pattern is thought to be finest in blue or chocolate merle, with blue being more popular.
Merle Chihuahuas: What You Should Know
The Chihuahua has well recognized for its diminutive stature and hilariously combative demeanor. Some breeds exist that are not the stereotypically tanned Chihuahua.
“Merle” refers to a dappled coat pattern that is often composed of 5 to 6 colors. Despite their small stature, Chihuahuas can be born with a merle coat that makes them stand out.
➖ They come in Gray or white with Black Dapple
Merle coat coloration results from a genetic mutation and can occur in a variety of hues. The merle mutation also induces eye and skin discoloration. Blue eyes and light brown to pink noses might arise from this.
The merle mutation is one of the most uncommon coat colors in Chihuahuas. Merles are still a pure Chihuahua despite this mutation. They have no resemblance to standard Chihuahuas. Merles, like the main breed, can have short or long hair.
➖ They Require the Same Socializing as a Regular Chihuahua
Their popularity is unaffected by their unusual coloration. So don’t assume it dampens their self-assurance and outgoing personality. Chihuahuas are popular because of their tenacity. Although it is not suitable for all homes.
Your Merle will thrive in a home without little children or large dogs. If they’ve grown up together, it can sometimes work out. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, generally assert themselves as the alpha. This is true regardless of how large the other dog is.
➖ They should be Monitored at an Early Age
Typical monitoring should be provided to ensure that they do not grow hostile. Chihuahuas may be little, but they may have a significant influence on other canines. If you’re not cautious, they can potentially instigate an assault on themselves.
Excessive barking might be interpreted as a sweet attempt to protect you. However, too much might be harmful to your Chihuahua. All of this is part of proper Chihuahua training in general.
You will be able to socialize with your Merle Chihuahua if you keep a well-trained disposition. They have a lot of energy.
As a result, exercise is essential for them. Regularly tiring them out with a moderate stroll can assist in keeping their hyperactive personality under control. The only time they need to be closely supervised is while they are reproducing.
➖ Breeding them can be Dangerous
Breeding a Merle Chihuahua with another Merle Chihuahua is strictly forbidden. It would result in the birth of double-merle children. This can result in puppies with skin sensitivities, hearing problems, and vision problems.
Defects in Merle’s cardiac systems are possible. These flaws are unique to Merles, who are also prone to all of the health issues that Chihuahuas encounter in general. As a result, purposeful breeding of double-Merles is strongly prohibited.
The merle mutation is the result of an insufficiently dominant feature. This implies that a Chihuahua with no merle markings can carry it and transmit it to their progeny.
Merle babies, on the other hand, are not assured. A parent might contain the gene but not have merle children in the same litter. However, the gene must be passed down through another generation of Chihuahuas before it manifests as merle.
➖ They are Loyal to One Owner
The AKC characterizes Chis as having a “saucy expression,” which, no matter how accurate or cute, should not be encouraged. Share the workload and take turns providing equal amounts of praise and reinforcement. Switch who takes the dog for walks.
You don’t want Merle to become hostile towards other members of the home as a result of a single strong bond. This does not suggest that Chihuahuas are evil dogs. If you adopt a Merle, it will undoubtedly adore you. Everything, however, is better in moderateness.
Health Issues with Merle Chihuahuas
❕ Deafness
Deafness affects Merle Chihuahuas more than any other breed of dog. Because the merle gene influences the pigmentation of the inner ear, this is the case. This can result in faster nerve-ending degeneration and hearing loss.
❕ Blindness
Merle Chihuahuas are also more probable to be blind at birth or to acquire blindness over time. And because of the decreased pigmentation within the eyes, they are more susceptible to strong light. If you have a Merle Chihuahua, make sure to offer them shade on hot days.
❕ Skin Cancer
Color Dilution Alopecia affects the lighter-colored hair of Chihuahuas. In addition to the emergence of bald patches. This ailment can be accompanied by itchy or dry skin, as well as other illnesses.
❕ Microphthalmia
Merle Chihuahuas may be born with deformed or unequal eyes, in addition to losing their sight. Such Chihuahuas are also prone to be blind.
How to Properly Care for a Merle Chihuahua
👍🏻 Limit their Sun Exposure
Merle Chihuahuas have fair, delicate skin. It will be susceptible to sun radiation. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Merle Chihuahuas should avoid direct sunlight and limit their sun exposure.
👍🏻 Get Health Insurance
Health insurance is required. Merle Chihuahuas are predisposed to more ailments than other breeds. Blue Merle Chihuahuas are especially more vulnerable. A good pet insurance policy is the greatest way to keep medical expenditures under control.
👍🏻 Do not Allow two Merle Chihuahuas to Mate
Puppies born to two Merle Chihuahua parents are nearly invariably damaged or handicapped. Prevent this from happening to an innocent animal. Never allow two Merle Chihuahuas to mate.
👍🏻 No Bright Lights
Merle Chihuahuas have one or two blue eyes on occasion. These eyes are highly sensitive to bright light. And they frequently go blind.
👍🏻 Visit the Vet
Many Merle Chihuahuas are deaf or blind, or both. That doesn’t make them any less endearing. Give them adequate medical attention and counseling.
The Advantages of Owning a Merle Chihuahua
Now that you know the basics of a Merle Chihuahua, here are some of the many benefits of owning one. They are the world’s tiniest and most devoted to their owners.
✔️ Perfect for an Apartment Pet
They are indoor dog who dislikes cold weather and prefers warmer temps. It is perfectly suited to apartment life. They are great for new dog owners. Moreover, they will only need to conduct a few outdoor workouts.
✔️ They are Low Maintenance
Grooming is basic for the smooth and short-coated Merle Chihuahua. Brushing long-coated hair at least two or three times a week is suggested.
✔️ They are Friendly
Merle Chihuahuas show affection to family members. They are also quite welcoming to children. It gets along well with outsiders and also gets along well with other pets. Especially if there are other Chihuahuas in the house.
✔️ They are Loyal
They are a lively and loyal friend who is full of pranks. They’re entertaining to watch. The Merle Chihuahua guards its owner fiercely. And will never leave your side once it has formed a friendship with you.
✔️ Great Watchdog
They have exceptional hearing and vision and will frequently bark at the presence of an intruder, alerting their owner to the presence of an intruder or a potential threat to the property.
✔️ You can Carry them Anywhere
For its tiny size and weight, the Merle Chihuahua is an ideal traveling companion. As long as it is comfy, it can fit anyplace, including your purse. They enjoy traveling with their owners, and their small stature makes it extra easier.
✔️ Calm Presence
They are interesting and humorous canines with a unique attitude that no other breed can match. They are self-assured, daring, vivacious, and keen to please their owner. The majority of how these dogs act is determined by inherited genetic disposition.
✔️ They are Cute
This puppy is adorable and sweet. It enjoys being carried around or sitting on your lap all day and appreciates the warmth.
✔️ They are Comforting
They are a life companion that provides unconditional affection and dedication to their owner, which is extremely beneficial to one’s health.
According to research, people suffer from stress and anxiety problems. Owners have a one-year advantage over non-owners in terms of longevity. Merle Chihuahua’s presence in the home is soothing.
✔️ They Live Longer
Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 11 to 18 years, relying on their health and care. As a result, you will have many more years of devoted companionship. In general, this dog is in good health. However, it must be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it is clear of illnesses and viruses.
✔️ They are Simple to Groom
They occur in two varieties of cotes: smooth and long. And they may have hairy tails and a ruff of dense fur around their necks. They do, however, have thinner hair on top and around their ears. Moreover, they are easy to groom because they are the world’s smallest dog breed. Additionally, they shed softly all year.
✔️ They are Smart
They are less likely to receive obedience instruction, socialization, or adequate exercise and training than larger dogs. This is due to the fact that they are the most intelligent dog breed in the world.
Great Learners
Merle is a lively, bold, amusing, and rapid learner Chihuahua. They’re swift on their feet and simple to train. However, because of a small bladder and a stubborn disposition, they are difficult to housebreak. They are quite active for their size. They are frequently energetic and passionate about playing.
Do Merle Chihuahuas Make Good Pets?
Merle Chihuahuas is a fun, expressive, and devoted breed of dog. They may be affable or antisocial, depending on how much they acquired from their parents.
This breed is extremely devoted and protective to a single individual. Many Chihuahuas are wary and quickly irritated when strangers approach their owners. This dog has a high grade of intelligence. Just as long as they are properly and timely taught.
This habit, however, makes them a superb watchdog. Chihuahuas are calm among other Chihuahuas or other pets in the family, but not around other canines.
However, how you parent kids will also play a role in this. Despite their little size, they are not afraid and are eager to defend their haven. The Chihuahua is a charming breed that enjoys sleeping in its dens. They should also cover themselves with cushions or blankets if they feel cold rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the rarest Chihuahua color?
A: White Chihuahuas are undoubtedly the rarest hue of Chihuahua. A white Chihuahua is not the same as an albino Chihuahua, yet both are the consequence of a lack of pigmentation.
Q: Is my merle chihuahua in need of extra care?
A: No, if your puppy is healthy. They may be sensitive to bright sunlight if they have blue eyes. Your Merle Chihuahuas may be a little bigger than typical. This is according to some.
Q: Are merle chihuahuas uncommon?
A: Not very. However, there will always be breeders that ride on the popularity bandwagon. They demand exorbitant fees for this sort of color branding. Make sure the parents aren’t both merle. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to register your dog.
Q: Are Merle Chihuahuas pure?
A: Since the gene does not exist naturally in the breed, a “merle” Chihuahua can only be a crossbreed. Regardless of what the breeder claims about it being “purebred.”
Q: How do you make a Merle Chihuahua?
A: If you want to breed your Merle Chihuahua, use a regular Chihuahua. And because the Merle gene is dominant, nearly half of the puppies in a litter will be Merle.
Q: How do you know if your Chihuahua is a merle?
A: The merle gene alters the black pigment in the eyes, occasionally turning dark eyes blue or causing a portion of the eye to be blue.
Final Thoughts
Merle Chihuahuas are wonderful pets to have. Before purchasing or adopting a merle Chihuahua, consult with a veterinarian, reputable breeders, and other Chihuahua owners.
Adding a Merle Chihuahua to your household is still a wise decision. They will enjoy the finest time of their lives if they are properly cared for and loved. And will cherish you for the rest of their lives.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.
