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The Chihuahua Club of America vote to
DQ merle PASSES!

69% of the membership votes YES to DQ!

We've created a special web to discuss this topic at http://ChihuahuaMerles.com

There are no merle Chihuahuas at Ktg Chihuahuas.

This page exists because Chihuahuas exhibiting the merle pattern appeared in some pet lines and some show breeders have chosen to add it to their lines as well. The merle gene has a dark side that causes deafness and blindness if breeding practices are not carefully and strictly observed. Those who choose to breed merle Chihuahuas need to be very clear on the consequences that incorrect breeding practices will bring to them, their breeding program, and most importantly, the Chihuahuas.

How merle is being handled around the world.

Countries that have banned registration of the
merle pattern in Chihuahuas.
New Zealand, Australia & The United Kingdom (England, Scotland & Wales)

Countries that have revised their standards to make the
merle pattern a disqualification in the Chihuahua Show Ring.
Germany, Canada (effective 1/1/2008), & USA (pending AKC approval)

Countries that are in the process of revising their standard to disqualify the merle pattern in Chihuahuas.
South Africa

The merle gene is not a color gene, but one that causes a pattern affecting on the color of the  coat. This gene can produce some lovely affects, but also has a hidden side. Two merles bred together frequently produces the double merle or homozygous merle puppy. About 1/4th of a litter can inherit this. Those affected puppies do not properly develop their inner ear structure or eyes, sometimes both. This results in a deaf and/or blind puppy. 

The AKC definition:

Merle A marking pattern, used in conjunction with another color, to describe Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies, Great Danes, and Australian Shepherds. The color is characterized by a marbling effect of dark patches against a lighter background of the same color. Color definitions may vary by breed. Always check the breed standard for the definitive color description.

Merle Gene DNA Testing

Canine Coat Genetics

Devastation in the Chihuahua population?

In breeds where merle occurs the color options are limited so as to minimize health concerns associated with merle such as deafness and blindness. The Chihuahua standard includes all colors including dilutes and white.

An example of this are the restrictions for color in the Australian Shepherd.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_shepherd/index.cfm

Color
Blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points, with no order of preference. The hairline of a white collar does not exceed the point of the withers at the skin. White is acceptable on the neck (either in part or as a full collar), chest, legs, muzzle underparts, blaze on head and white extension from underpart up to four inches, measuring from a horizontal line at the elbow. White on the head should not predominate, and the eyes must be fully surrounded by color and pigment. Merles characteristically become darker with increasing age. Disqualifications White body splashes, which means white on body between withers and tail, on sides between elbows and back of hindquarters in all colors.
 

We've created a special web to discuss this topic at http://ChihuahuaMerles.com