Pitbull’s with the merle color mutation, which usually results in erratic color swirls or patches on their coat, are known as merle Pitbull. Though Pitbull come in a variety of colors, the merle hue is a more recent addition that has gained popularity among dog enthusiasts. There is no denying her beauty. The suitability of owning a Merle Pit Bull, however, depends on a number of criteria, including temperament, trainability, and general health. All dogs are really cute, but especially with such a contentious breed, what matters most is that the appropriate dog be in the right home.
History of Merle Pitbull
A fascinating breed that arose with a coat pattern akin to a painter’s canvas was the Merle Pitbull. Breeders sought to create this distinctive appearance within the Pitbull bloodline in the late 20th century. These canines won people over with their bravery and charm, making them devoted companions. However, the merle gene’s possible link to health issues sparked debates. Notwithstanding disagreements, the breed’s unique look and loving disposition have irrevocably etched themselves into the fabric of canine history, serving as a constant reminder of the nuanced interplay between responsible breeding and human aspirations.
What Size Is a Merle Pitbull?
The size of a merle Pitbull varies according to its gender. A male Pitbull merle weighs between 35 and 65 pounds. Female Merle Pitbull’s, on the other hand, weigh between thirty and fifty pounds. Female Merle Pitbull’s are frequently much smaller than males. Merle Pitbull’s typically stand between 17 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder, making them not the tallest canines.
Characteristics
It’s critical to distinguish between brindle and merle. The consistent coloring pattern known as brindle gives the dog a polished appearance. Merle, on the other hand, is more about sporadic droplets on the skin. A Merle Pitbull differs from its native breed in that it has shorter tails and more erect ears in addition to its distinctive coloration.
The visually appealing blue eyes of these pit bulls are just another intriguing feature. In comparison to the merle pattern, their eye-catching pupils add to their appeal to breeders. Puppies of Merle Pitbulls are quite uncommon. Even so, there are a few variations within them. The extraordinarily uncommon and exquisite Blue Merle Pitbull is one of them.
Appearance
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a more fitting name for the Pitbull. Despite the fact that some people occasionally refer to other dogs as “pitbulls,” this usage is incorrect and the result of misunderstanding.
Usually, these canines are of medium size. At 35 to 60 pounds, males are usually slightly larger than females. Women are much lighter, weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. This breed is acceptable in almost every hue, with the exception of merle, which explains why this coloration is so divisive. Buckskin, red, and black are the most prevalent colors. They have a short, sleek coat. It does lessen some of their grooming demands because it just has one layer. That being said, it also means that they are less resilient to lower temperatures. Their muscular anatomy is distinct. Beyond this, there is some variation in their features. Their eyes can be almond-shaped or round. They usually have medium-sized or small ears. Although fully extended ears are the most typical, slightly bent tips are nevertheless prevalent.
Personality
Contrary to popular misconception, if trained correctly from puppyhood onward, Pitbull’s are not aggressive dogs—rather, they are friendly and well-mannered. These pit bulls are excellent family pets who enjoy spending as much time as possible with kids. They are rarely afraid of anything and are incredibly self-assured dogs.
These dog breeds are the origin of the name “nanny dogs” since they get along well with kids and make excellent playmates and protectors. They are lovers, not fighters, despite their intimidating appearance, yet they will battle to keep the people they care about safe.
Breeding
It is important to remember that not all pit bulls have the same pattern. Numerous other breeds have repeatedly displayed this trend as well. Great Danes, Australian Shepards, Welsh Corgis, Catahoula Leopard Dogs, and other breeds may be among them.
The idea that pit bulls do not inherently carry the Merle gene is one viewpoint that is up for debate. This implies that it is necessary to artificially breed Pitbulls with gene-specific animals, such as Catahoula Leopard Dogs. Even yet, the gene’s effects might not become apparent right away. Numerous scientists think that this gene has been suppressing its effects for many generations. And the result of their early breeding line is the uncommon Merle Pitbull puppies that we currently own.
Temperament
The disposition of a Merle Pitbull can vary, just like that of any other dog. Their upbringing, society, and genetics all influence their personalities. Certain Merle Pitbulls are amiable, devoted, and energetic companions who form strong bonds with their owners. But remember that every dog is different, and that positive training, affection, and quality time spent together all contribute to the development of a dog’s character. Being nice and compassionate to all dogs, but especially Merles, is essential to building a joyful and trusting connection.
grooming
These dogs are usually easy to groom. Their sleek, short hair maintains its exceptional cleanliness. We advise brushing them at least once a week because they do shed occasionally. Additionally, brushing will help distribute their natural oils throughout their fur and eliminate dust and debris. You can maintain the health of their skin and coat by brushing them once a week. Additionally, you prolong the intervals between showers and minimize the amount of fur they lose before it lands on your couch.
It won’t be necessary to bathe these dogs very frequently. They frequently do great without taking a bath at all if you continue to brush them. Usually, you only need to give them a wash when they get muddy from rolling in the mud or doing other things. In certain situations, it can be preferable to use a dog wipe instead of a wash.
Food and Diet Requirements
Muscular canines and merle pit bulls thrive on a diet high in protein. Like other dogs, their size means they require more calories, but the amount of food needed varies according to age or activity level, with larger dogs requiring more food. If you choose to feed your Pit Bull a raw diet, it is advisable to speak with your veterinarian about what food your dog needs. Your veterinarian will also inform you whether your dog has any health issues, such as allergies, that have an immediate impact on his diet.
Exercise and health
Being lively dogs, merle Pitbull’s need to be exercised frequently to maintain their health and happiness. Walking the dog every day, playing in the backyard, or even participating in agility or obedience trials are examples of this. Insufficient exercise might lead to boredom and, perhaps, destructive behavior in them. Merle Pitbull’s live 12–14 years on average and are generally healthy dogs. They may, however, be more susceptible to specific medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, skin conditions, and the previously stated merle gene-related conditions. A balanced diet and routine veterinary exams can help guarantee your Merle Pitbull maintains the greatest possible health. Breeds of merles were much rarer in the past than they are today. As the demand for these puppies has grown, so has the number of breeders raising them. Another factor contributing to the importance of researching and verifying the breeder while looking for well-bred Merle Pitbull puppies is their popularity.
Puppy Pitbull with merle coats are less common than other types. However, their appeal is driving up their numbers.
Associated health problems
According to the American Pitbull Registry, there isn’t any proof that male Pitbull’s are more likely to experience health issues. However, three health conditions linked to the merle gene may affect 3% of merle Pitbull’s.
The reflective material seen in the backs of some merle Pitbull’s’ eyes is absent, according to research conducted by the American Dog Breeders Association. This implies that, in addition to other eye abnormalities such as clefts in the iris, some people may experience night blindness.
Another condition that might affect Merle Pitbulls is congenital deafness. Veterinarians advise puppies to undergo the Baer Test, which can identify congenital illnesses by the time the puppy is six months old.
Merle Pitbull’s Genetic Makeup
The merle gene, which results in the distinctive, dappled pattern on their coat, is a major factor in the allure of the Merle Pitbull. This gene has a significant impact on their appearance, but it’s also closely related to some important health problems. The inheritance of the merle gene is straightforward but crucial: it is a dominant gene, which means that only one merle parent may give their kids this unique coat pattern. On the other hand, by mating two merle dogs, each of whom carries one copy of the gene, you can produce double merle pups, who inherit two copies of the gene. These twin merles frequently experience severe visual and hearing problems. Understanding these genetic dynamics is crucial, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, especially in light of the health problems associated with breeding merles to merles, which can result in these sensory impairments in puppies.
Eye-catching Eyes
Their captivating eyes are one of Merle Pitbull’s most endearing and unique characteristics. These dogs are renowned for having eyes that, with their distinct attractiveness, captivate and lure admirers in. The term “merle” describes not only their coat patterns but also their eyes, giving them a unique mix that makes them stand out in the dog world. Merle Pitbull eyes are known for their wide range of hues, which include warm browns, vivid greens, and blues. The possibility of heterochromia—a disorder in which each eye has a distinct color—adds even more intrigue.
Are Pitbull’s good with children?
A merle Pitbull’s affinity for children is well-known. These dogs are tolerant and self-assured, which makes them excellent with children. Furthermore, if they are playing with kids, their size makes them more difficult to hurt. Your Merle Pitbull should always be watched around little children, as they have the potential to bite when frightened. Nevertheless, they are usually quiet and focused on kids.
Are Pitbull with Merles aggressive?
Pitbull’s with merles are not violent. These playful, self-assured canines generally won’t bite unless they are provoked. Nevertheless, if a Merle pitbull becomes frightened, they may become hostile. However, on average, the breed is not aggressive. This makes Merle Pitbull’s ideal dogs to have around.
Color Genetics in Pit Bulls
Pit bull enthusiasts refer to the breed as Red Nose or Blue Nose Pit Bulls. For example, the gene that determines hair color, MLPH (melanophilin), is genetically mutated in the Blue Nose Pit Bull. While genotype describes a dog’s genetic composition, phenotype describes its external appearance. Although genotype is invisible to us, it determines phenotype, and certain phenotypes are highly sought-after and valuable.
Black is the standard coat color for the Blue Nose. Because each parent has two sets of alleles, it is possible for them to carry one copy of each allele, two copies of the recessive gene (which causes blue nose), or two copies of the dominant gene. Black is the mutation’s dominant color; if they have one of each, the puppy will be a regular color. You would need to know if either parent contained the recessive gene if you were to cross two black dogs in the hopes of producing a blue-nosed dog.
Where can I get one?
Your greatest option if you’re trying to get a Leopard Merle Pitbull is to hunt for a trustworthy and moral breeder. If at all feasible, get in touch with the breeder ahead of time and inquire about their breeding philosophy and any health certificates their dogs might possess. To obtain possible leads on trustworthy breeders, you may also get in touch with other owners of these unusual canines. In addition, a lot of rescues focus on certain breeds, or even combinations of breeds, such as the Leopard Merle Pitbull, so if adopting rather than purchasing from a breeder appeals to you, be sure to look into local rescue groups for this kind of dog!
What Is The Price Of Them?
The breeder, the pup’s age, and the location can all affect the price of a Leopard Merle Pitbull. Generally speaking, the price range for this uncommon breed is between $1200 and $3000. However, the cost can be significantly higher if you’re searching for a show dog or one with papers. When choosing a breeder, it’s critical to conduct extensive research to make sure your puppy will come from a responsible breeder that treats their dogs with care. Furthermore, because of its unique genetic makeup and rarity, this breed may be more prone to medical problems than other breeds. For this reason, purchasing high-quality health insurance is advised.
Merle Pitbull’s are uncommon, exquisite canines with a distinctive look. If trained and socialized from an early age, Pitbull’s can make wonderful family pets. Purchasing and owning a Merle Pitbull is costly since they are hard to find and can only be produced through regulated breeding. Many dog owners have found this dog to be a faithful friend when given the right care, commitment, and time. Make sure you have considered these factors before putting a Merle Pit in your house.