Merle Toy Poodles have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their unique and eye-catching coloring.
However, this trend has also sparked a heated debate within the dog breeding community about the ethical implications of breeding Merle Toy Poodles.
While some breeders and owners argue that there are no significant health risks associated with Merle coloring, others insist that breeding Merle Poodles can lead to a range of serious health problems.
In this blog post, we’ll explore both sides of the debate over breeding Merle Toy Poodles.
We’ll discuss the genetics behind Merle coloring, the potential health risks associated with this coloring, and the different viewpoints held by breeders and Poodle enthusiasts.
Let’s get started!
The Great Merle Toy Poodles Controversy
Merle Toy Poodles – a term that’s been causing quite a stir in the dog breeding world. Some believe that these dogs are purebred Poodles, while others argue that they’re not.
As with any controversy, it’s important to understand both sides of the argument.
In this section, we’ll explore what Merle Toy Poodles are, where the Merle gene comes from, and why it’s considered controversial.
The Merle pattern is a genetic trait that results in a marbled coat with patches of color. It’s a gene that was introduced to Poodles from other breeds, usually Australian Shepherds.
While the pattern may look pretty, it comes with a whole host of health problems that can affect the dog’s eyes, ears, heart, and skeletal system.
In addition, Merle Toy Poodles may carry the MDR1 gene, a genetic blood/brain barrier issue found in herding dogs.
This gene can cause severe reactions to common medications like Ivermectin, leading to the death of the dog.
Some breeders market Merle Toy Poodles as purebred Poodles, which is a lie. DNA tests have confirmed that these dogs have been introduced to the Poodle breed from other breeds.
Unethical breeders have even passed off other Poodle colors as Merles, and registered them as such with the Kennel Club (KC). This has led to a lot of confusion and misinformation about what a Merle Toy Poodle really is.
It’s not just about the breeding practices, either.
There are also concerns about the welfare of the dogs. Cryptic Merles, which are Merles with hidden or subtle patterns, can occur in Poodles of other colors, such as creams and apricots.
These dogs can produce deaf and blind puppies if bred with another Merle. This can lead to a lifetime of health problems for the puppies, and it’s not fair to subject them to this just because of a trend.
In conclusion, Merle Toy Poodles are not purebred Poodles, and the Merle gene was introduced to the breed from other dogs.
While some breeders market them as purebred, this is not the case.
Merles come with a host of health problems and welfare concerns, and it’s important for potential dog owners to be aware of these issues.
It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and others and to make informed decisions about the dogs we choose to bring into our lives.
Merle Toy Poodle Breeding: To Breed or Not to Breed?
When it comes to breeding Merle Toy Poodles, it’s a controversial topic that many people have differing opinions on.
On one hand, you have breeders who argue that Merle is a naturally occurring color in certain breeds of dogs, and therefore, it’s perfectly acceptable to breed Merle Poodles.
On the other hand, there are those who believe that breeding Merle Toy Poodles is unethical and can lead to health problems in the offspring.
One thing to keep in mind is that the ee coloration gene, which is responsible for red, apricot, and cream-colored dogs in Poodles, masks the Merle coloration.
This means that you can have a dog with a Merle gene that is visually a non-Merle dog.
These dogs may or may not have blue eyes, but when they do, it’s a clear indication that they have a masked Merle gene.
It’s important to note that this can happen in both pale and dark-colored dogs.
The problem with breeding these masked Merle dogs is that even educated breeders and owners may not be aware that their dog has a Merle gene, leading to unintentional Merle-Merle breeding.
This can result in severely compromised puppies with deaf and/or blind impairments.
Unfortunately, this is something that many breeders have seen firsthand.
For example, Australian Shepherds are a breed of dog that doesn’t typically come in the ee red coloration, but it can happen.
When you introduce Merle to a breed of dog with a lot of ee red-colored dogs, it can be a recipe for disaster.
There are many double Merle blind/deaf dogs in Australian Shepherd rescues because of backyard breeders who don’t know not to breed Merles together or have cryptic Merles and aren’t doing the necessary genetic testing.
The same situation could easily happen in Poodles if breeders aren’t responsible when it comes to Merle breeding.
It’s important to understand that Merle is a gene that requires very responsible breeding. The consequences of not being responsible can be dire.
In conclusion, Merle Toy Poodle breeding is a controversial topic that needs to be approached with caution.
While Merle is a naturally occurring color in some breeds of dogs, breeding Merles together can lead to severe health problems in the offspring.
It’s essential for breeders to educate themselves on the genetics behind Merle and to be responsible when breeding these dogs to ensure the health and well-being of the puppies.
Why Are Merle Toy Poodles Bad?
If you’re a fan of poodles or have been researching poodle genetics, you may have come across the topic of Merle poodles.
Merle poodles are a relatively new phenomenon, having only been observed for the last two decades. But where did they come from? And why are they controversial?
To shed some light on the matter, we turn to Barbara Hoopes, a professor of Molecular Biology at Colgate University and a breeder of toy poodles.
In a public Facebook post, Barbara shared her research on Merle poodles, aiming to debunk some common misconceptions surrounding their origin and genetics.
Firstly, Barbara notes that Merle does not occur naturally in purebred poodles.
Instead, it must have been introduced from a Merle-containing breed, most likely a herding breed or breeds.
This means that Merle poodles have pedigrees that were falsified at some point.
But what about claims that Merle has been present in poodles all along, hidden in white and cream dogs?
Barbara points out that this is not supported scientifically, as extensive crossing of white and colored poodles since 1900 would have “unmasked” hidden Merle early in the breed’s history.
Additionally, the Merle mutation found in poodles is identical to that found in herding breeds, making it unlikely that it arose spontaneously in poodles.
Another misconception is that Merle poodles arose from “cryptic Merles” present in the breed.
While “cryptic Merles” that do not show Merle coloring do exist in Merle-containing breeds, this cannot explain the sudden appearance of Merle poodles.
In fact, breeding a “hidden Merle” to a Merle dog can result in the production of “double Merles”, which have a higher risk of deafness, improper eye development, and blindness.
So why are Merle poodles controversial?
In addition to the falsification of pedigrees, Merle carries health risks for dogs. Merle dogs have a higher risk of deafness than non-Merle dogs when there is loss of pigment on the head, and double Merles have an even higher risk of hearing and vision loss.
Overall, it’s clear that the origin and genetics of Merle poodles are not well understood or accepted.
Genetic testing to detect the presence or absence of Merle in colors where Merle would be hidden is crucial to prevent the unfortunate production of double Merles.
As poodle enthusiasts and breeders, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of our beloved furry friends.
Merle Toy Poodle Temperament
If you’re considering getting a Merle Toy Poodle as your furry companion, you might be wondering what their temperament is like.
It’s important to understand that temperament can vary among individual dogs, and it can be found in poodles with or without merle ancestry.
Young Merle Toy Poodles, like many other puppies, are often very energetic and mouthy.
They love to play, explore, and get into everything.
You might even find yourself jokingly calling them “vampire toddlers” due to their high energy level and curious nature.
As Merle Toy Poodles grow and mature, they tend to become more relaxed and calm.
They still love to play and go for walks, but they also enjoy snuggling up with their owners and taking naps.
They’re affectionate and loyal dogs that thrive on attention and love to be around their family members.
One of the key traits of Merle Toy Poodle temperament is their intelligence.
Poodles are known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and Merle Toy Poodles are no exception.
They have a quick wit and a strong desire to please their owners.
They enjoy learning new tricks, playing games, and solving puzzles.
Merle Toy Poodles are also known for their sociability.
They tend to be friendly and outgoing with people and other dogs.
They enjoy socializing and being part of the family pack.
However, like any dog, early socialization and training are essential to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and confident dogs.
Overall, Merle Toy Poodles are wonderful companions with a lively and intelligent personality.
They require mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, but they also love nothing more than snuggling up with their owners and being part of the family.
Related: Poodle Separation Anxiety: Can Poodles Be Left Alone?
Are Merle Toy Poodles Rare?
They’re quite rare because the merle coloring is not a naturally occurring color in purebred poodles.
In fact, it’s the result of introducing the dominant Merle mutation from another breed, likely a herding breed or breeds.
As a result, merle poodles have pedigrees that were falsified at some point.
Merle poodles have only been observed for the last two decades and genetic testing is required to detect the presence or absence of the Merle mutation, especially in colors where it may be hidden, like in white and cream dogs.
However, it’s important to note that breeding a “hidden Merle” to a Merle dog can result in the production of “double Merles”, which have a significant risk for hearing and vision loss.
That’s why responsible breeders don’t intentionally breed for merle poodles.
While some may find the unique coloring of merle poodles desirable, it’s crucial to understand the health risks associated with the Merle mutation.
Merle dogs have a higher risk of deafness than non-Merle dogs when there’s a loss of pigment on the head, and double Merles have an even higher risk of deafness and improper eye development leading to blindness.
So to sum it up, merle poodles are rare because they’re a relatively new color in the breed and come with certain health risks.
Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over unique coat colors, which is why they don’t intentionally breed for merle poodles.
Are Merle Poodles Expensive?
If you’re considering adding a Merle Toy Poodle to your family, you may be wondering about the cost.
The short answer is yes, Merle Toy Poodles can be expensive.
Let’s dive into the details.
According to our research, the average price of a Merle Toy Poodle is $3095, with a price range of $2655 to $3500.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on the breeder, location, and other factors.
So why are Merle Toy Poodles more expensive than other Toy Poodles?
One reason is their rarity.
As we discussed earlier, Merle coloring is not a naturally occurring color in purebred Poodles.
Merle Toy Poodles are a result of introducing the dominant Merle mutation from a merle-containing breed, which is a relatively new development in the breed.
This means that Merle Toy Poodles are less common than other Toy Poodles, making them more desirable and valuable to some.
Another reason for the higher cost is the additional genetic testing and health screening that responsible breeders perform before breeding.
As we mentioned earlier, Merle coloring comes with health risks, and reputable breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over unique coat colors.
These health tests and screenings can increase the cost of breeding and, therefore, the price of the puppies.
It’s essential to note that price should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a Merle Toy Poodle.
Finding a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs is crucial to ensure that you are bringing a healthy and happy puppy into your home.
When researching breeders, look for those who perform health screenings on their dogs, are knowledgeable about the breed, and provide proper care and socialization for their puppies.
In conclusion, Merle Toy Poodles can be more expensive than other Toy Poodles due to their rarity and the additional health testing and screening that responsible breeders perform.
However, the price should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a breeder.
Remember to prioritize the health and well-being of the puppy, and always do your research before making a decision.
Can Merle Toy Poodles Be Registered?
If you are considering purchasing a merle toy poodle, one of the questions you may have is whether or not they can be registered.
The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on the registry you are using and the breeding history of the dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register merle poodles, as there is no way to prove that a dog with merle coloring is 100% a poodle.
The AKC only recognizes solid colors and abstract patterns for poodles, so any poodle with merle coloring is considered a fault in the show ring.
In the United Kingdom, the Kennel Club (KC) has banned registering merle in non-traditional merle colored breeds since the beginning of 2020.
However, breeds such as Collies, Koolies, Corgis, and Australian Shepherds are exempt from this ban because the merle color is naturally occurring in these breeds.
So, can a merle toy poodle be registered?
It depends on the registry and the dog’s breeding history.
Many responsible breeders will still provide documentation of the dog’s pedigree and genetic testing to verify its lineage.
I reached out to a good friend who owns a merle poodle to ask about their experience with registration. They said, “While the AKC doesn’t register/recognize “Merle” poodles, I do in fact have a phantom blue merle standard poodle and she has been Embark genetic breed tested and is 100% poodle. So yes, they can absolutely be 100% a Poodle.”
This highlights the importance of genetic testing in verifying the breed of a dog with merle coloring.
Are Merle Toy Poodles Hypoallergenic?
If you’re allergic to dogs, but you want to add a furry friend to your family, you’ve probably got a merle toy poodle on your mind.
But are merle toy poodles really hypoallergenic?
No, they are not!
Let me explain.
According to a study conducted by the researchers at Henry Ford Hospital, there were no findings that could support the claim that households with hypoallergenic dogs had fewer allergens as compared to homes with non-hypoallergenic dogs.
So why is it a widely accepted ‘fact’ that merle toy poodles are hypoallergenic dogs and they don’t trigger any allergies?
Here are a few theories as to why that may be.
Toy poodles have hair instead of fur.
The main difference between dogs that have fur and dogs such as toy poodles that have hair is the fact that fur is denser, grows quickly, and sheds often.
Whereas a poodle’s hair grows out very slowly, which means they shed far less than dogs with fur.
Unlike breeds that have fur instead of hair, such as Huskies and German Shepherds who are known for shedding a lot – toy poodles don’t shed nearly as much.
Notice I said ‘don’t shed nearly as much‘ instead of ‘poodle don’t shed at all‘ – this is exactly the part that breeders fail to mention.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
In fact, allergies are one of the top six chronic illnesses causing conditions in America.
Given how popular toy poodles are, some breeders see it as an opportunity to cash in by stretching the truth to sell more puppies.
Like saying Toy Poodles don’t shed a single hair or are totally hypoallergenic when that just isn’t fair to anyone who’s thinking about adding a Toy Poodle to their family.
While merle toy poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs, there are no previous allergy studies that could confirm this claim.
So, if you or someone you live with suffers from an allergy, I highly recommend talking to a qualified medical professional to get their opinions before welcoming your new furry friend to your family.
How Big Do Merle Toy Poodles Get?
You can tell a toy poodle from their larger relative, the miniature poodle, by size.
Merle toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 to 9 pounds.
Toy poodles are the perfect size for apartment living because they don’t require a lot of space.
Here’s a chart to show you how big a merle toy poodle will get and how fast it will grow.
| Toy Poodle Age | Height |
|---|---|
| At birth | few inches |
| 1 month | 4 to 5 inches |
| 2 to 2.5 months | 7-9 |
| 6 months | under 10 inches |
| 12 months | under 10 inches |
It’s important to remember that according to AKC’s standard for toy poodles, there are no restrictions on the weight of these dogs.
Here’s a table to help you get an idea about how much a merle toy poodle weighs as they grow up.
| Toy Poodle Age | Male Toy Poodle Weight Range | Female Toy Poodle Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 2 to 4.5 pounds | 1.8 to 4 pounds |
| 4 months | 2.5 to 6 pounds | 2.3 to 4.8 pounds |
| 6 months | 3.5 to 8 pounds | 3.3 to 7.4 pounds |
| 8 months | 4 to 9.4 pounds | 3.8 to 8.6 pounds |
| 12 months | 4.5 to 10.6 pounds | 4.4 to 10 pounds |
| 24 months | 5.4 to 11.5 pounds | 4.8 to 9.6 pounds |
You can use this information to make sure your merle toy poodle stays in the weight range and does not get overweight.
How Long Do Merle Toy Poodles Live?
If you’re thinking about getting a merle toy poodle, you might be wondering how long they can live.
A merle toy poodle lives about twelve to eighteen years on average.
That’s quite a long time for a dog.
Toy poodles are among the three different varieties of poodles, and they tend to have longer lifespans than their other two counterparts—the standard poodle and the miniature poodle.
According to a study done on 74 different dog breeds in North America, “large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly”.
However, there are some factors that play into how long your toy poodle will live.
For example, you’ll want to make sure they get regular exercise and are given plenty of opportunities to run around and play outside.
You should also ensure that they’re eating well-balanced meals full of nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
And remember that even though these dogs are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they still need plenty of love from you!
If you follow these guidelines along with providing your dog with stable living conditions, then there’s no reason why your pet won’t enjoy a long life filled with happiness and fun!
Do Merle Toy Poodles Fade?
As with any dog’s coat color, merle toy poodles may experience some changes over time.
Some people may wonder if merle toy poodles fade, and the answer is that it depends on the individual dog.
First, it’s important to understand what is meant by “fade.”
In the context of a dog’s coat color, fading refers to a loss of vibrancy or intensity in the color.
This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as sun exposure or natural aging.
In general, merle toy poodles are known for having a stable coat color.
This means that their merle pattern is likely to remain consistent throughout their life, without significant fading or changes.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog is unique, and some individuals may experience fading to a certain degree.
Factors that can affect the likelihood of fading in a merle toy poodle include their overall health, diet, and environment.
For example, excessive sun exposure can cause the coat to become lighter and less vibrant over time.
Additionally, certain health conditions or nutritional deficiencies can impact the health and appearance of a dog’s coat.
To help prevent fading and maintain a healthy coat, it’s important to provide your merle toy poodle with proper nutrition, regular grooming, and protection from excessive sun exposure.
Regular visits to a trusted veterinarian can also help ensure that any underlying health issues are addressed promptly.
Are Merle Toy Poodles Healthy?
When it comes to Toy Poodles, there are many factors to consider before bringing one home.
One important factor is whether or not they are healthy.
In particular, there has been some debate about whether or not Merle Toy Poodles are healthy.
Let’s take a closer look at this topic.
First, it’s important to understand that Merle Toy Poodles are not a separate breed of dog.
Rather, they are a variation of the Toy Poodle breed that has a distinctive pattern of coat color.
This pattern is caused by a specific gene that produces a mottled or spotted appearance.
While this pattern can be quite beautiful, it’s important to be aware of potential health issues that may arise.
One issue to be aware of is that double Merle Toy Poodles are often born with blindness and/or deafness.
This is because the Merle gene can be masked by certain shades of cream and apricot that are common in the Poodle breed.
As a result, it’s possible for a breeder to inadvertently mate two Merle carriers, leading to the birth of a double Merle pup.
While this is certainly not ideal, it’s important to note that if you aren’t planning to breed your pup, this issue shouldn’t be a major concern.
Another potential issue is related to the origins of the Merle gene in Poodles.
It’s believed that this gene may have entered the Poodle gene pool through an outcross to herding dogs.
Herding dogs are known to carry a mutation in the MDR1 gene, which affects their ability to metabolize certain medications.
This can make it difficult for them to tolerate certain drugs, such as ivermectin, which is commonly found in livestock dewormers.
While the MDR1 mutation is not common in Poodles, it’s still possible for a Toy Poodle to carry this mutation.
However, a veterinarian would not normally expect to encounter related problems when treating Poodles, and it’s easy enough to get a dog tested for the mutation to ensure that they are not affected.
Overall, the health of a Merle Toy Poodle will depend on a number of factors, including the breeding practices of the breeder, the individual dog’s genetics, and their environment and lifestyle.
While there are potential health issues to be aware of, with proper care and attention, a Merle Toy Poodle can be a happy and healthy companion.
If you’re considering bringing one home, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Merle Toy Health Issues
Merle toy poodles may look cute, but even the best looking ones aren’t perfect – health wise, that is.
Every dog breed has their own set of health concerns and the merle toy poodle is no different.
Here are all the major health issues toy poodles are prone to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Hydrocephalus
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis (SA)
- Bloating (GDV)
- Epilepsy
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Apart from these health conditions, a merle toy poodle can also develop other health issues such as ear infections, skin irritation, allergies, and gastrointestinal issues.
These are all the major and common health conditions that can affect a merle toy poodle but it does not mean your individual poodle will suffer from one or more of these ailments is not guaranteed.
Related: Are Toy Poodles Healthy? [Poodle Experts Answer]
How Much Exercise Do Merle Toy Poodles Need?
Merle toy poodles are just one of those dogs that are more of a companion than a working dog.
That’s not to say they don’t need exercise, though!
Merle toy poodles are very energetic and do best with at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise per day.
They love to play fetch and run around in the backyard with their human companions, but they also make great indoor pets if you don’t have space for long walks or runs outside.
If you have a fenced yard where your merle toy poodles can play, that’s even better. If your poodle is getting short on exercise, letting them run around in your backyard can give them the workout they need.
A well-balanced exercise regimen considers both physical activity and mental stimulation—if you do lots of fun training with your dog, they probably won’t need as much long walks to wear themselves out.
If most play takes place indoors, however, give them more time outside exploring new spaces and smelling interesting things.
Toy poodles love to exercise, but they are also fragile and may get hurt if you push them too hard. So make sure that when exercising your poodle you don’t overdo it.
If you take your toy poodle to a park where there are a lot of dogs, it is important to be careful.
Many toy poodle owners that I see at my local park never let their toy poodle off-leash when they are outdoors.
The reason being bigger dogs, which are pretty much all the dogs at the park, may end up hurting your toy poodle even if they don’t mean to.
When you take your merle toy poodle out for walks in icy cold winters or hot summers, make sure they are wearing boots that will protect their feet from hot sidewalks in summer or icy cold ones in winter.
Here’s one that I recommend: Dog Shoes for Small Dogs
Merle Toy Poodle Nutritional Requirements
Toy poodles are an energetic breed, and as such, they need proper nutrition.
To provide these cute dogs the energy they need, a merle toy poodle needs a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
In addition to these essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals — such as B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and iron — are needed to make the food balanced.
When buying food for your merle toy poodle, always make it a point to read the food label so that you’ll know what’s in there.
The first five ingredients listed on a dog food label are the most important and are typically listed according to the quantity present, from most to least.
Meat protein should be among those first five ingredients, preferably as the first ingredient.
Feeding your merle toy poodle a protein-rich diet can help keep their body functioning properly, promote healthy hair and nails, boost muscle development, and tissue repair.
Next on the label is food filler which typically is corn, wheat and soy, or rice.
Each filler has its own pros and cons, here are some quick facts.
- Corn is widely used in dog food because it is inexpensive.
- Wheat and soy are also commonly used but are known to cause allergies among some dogs.
- Due to its health benefits and lack of allergens, rice is becoming one of the most commonly used fillers in dog foods.
To choose a good dog food for your toy poodle, consider a few things:
- How active is your dog?
- Is he overweight?
- Does he have any allergies?
As a general rule, the more active a merle toy poodle is, the more protein he needs to keep his body functioning properly.
As for the amount of fat present, lower fat levels are recommended for overweight poodles.
Grooming a Merle Toy Poodle
When it comes to toy poodle grooming, there’s no one-solution-fits-all answer!
The frequency of your toy poodle’s grooming will depend on a number of factors — including the type of cut they have and the color they are.
If you’ve got a show clip, you’re going to want to groom them every 4 weeks or so.
If you’ve got a pet clip, you can probably get away with grooming them every 6 or 8 weeks.
But what about their color? Does that make a difference?
Well, this is where things get interesting.
Darker-colored poodles need less frequent attention than lighter ones—because they don’t get as dirty!
Light-colored poodles will need more frequent baths and brushes, but even then that depends on how much time they spend outside running around on the beach or in the park.
So how often should you groom your merle toy poodle?
Here’s a common grooming schedule you can follow for your toy poodle.
- Brushing: Brush your toy merle poodle’s coat three to four times a week to keep tangle free. If your toy poodle’s trim is very short, brushing them every two to three days should do the trick.
- Bathing: If your poodle is staying clean and doesn’t have any poop incidents, then you can probably get away with bathing them once every 7 to 10 days. But if they do get dirty or have a poop incident, then you’ll want to bathe them more often.
- Clipping: If you clip your poodle’s hair at home, clipping their hair once every 4 weeks or so should be enough. 8 weeks is the maximum amount of time that a merle toy poodle’s hair should go without being clipped.
- Eyes: Check your merle toy poodle’s eye every week to make sure there are no visible issues. You may also need to wipe the area underneath their eye to keep it free of tear stains.
- Ears: Check your merle toy poodle’s ears once a week. Remove excess hair and check for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge. Earflaps keep air out of the ear canal, making yeast infections more likely than in other breeds.
- Teeth: Brush your merle toy poodle’s teeth daily for a sparkling smile. Twice or three times weekly will also do the trick. Once a week brushing is alright too.
- Nails: Each toy poodle’s nails grow at different rates, but it is a good idea to trim them once a week.
TLDR;
- Merle Toy Poodles are a controversial topic in the dog breeding world.
- The Merle pattern is a genetic trait that produces a marbled coat with patches of color.
- The Merle gene was introduced to Poodles from other breeds, typically Australian Shepherds.
- Merle Toy Poodles may carry the MDR1 gene, which can cause severe reactions to common medications.
- Some breeders market Merle Toy Poodles as purebred Poodles, which is not true.
- DNA tests have confirmed that Merle Toy Poodles have been introduced to the Poodle breed from other breeds.
- There are concerns about the welfare of Merle Toy Poodles and the potential for health problems, particularly cryptic Merles.
- It’s important for potential dog owners to educate themselves about the breed and make informed decisions about the dogs they choose to bring into their lives.
- The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register merle poodles, as there is no way to prove that a dog with merle coloring is 100% a poodle.
- Merle Poodles are rare because they’re a new color in the breed, resulting from introducing the Merle mutation from another breed.
- Responsible breeders prioritize their dogs’ health over unique coat colors and don’t intentionally breed for Merle Poodles.
- Merle dogs have a higher risk of deafness than non-Merle dogs and breeding a “hidden Merle” to a Merle dog can result in the production of “double Merles,” which have an even higher risk of hearing and vision loss.
- According to our research, the average price of a Merle Toy Poodle is $3095, with a price range of $2655 to $3500.
