# Blue Merle Shelties: A Comprehensive Guide to These Captivating Canines

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- Published: 2024-03-28
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

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## Introduction

If you have ever locked eyes with a blue merle sheltie, you know the experience is nothing short of mesmerizing. With their marbled coats, keen expressions, and undeniable charm, these dogs seem to cast a spell on all who meet them. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I can attest that blue merle shelties are some of the most striking and unforgettable dogs out there.

But blue merles are far more than just a pretty face. These intelligent, athletic, and deeply loyal dogs have a rich history as herding partners and continue to excel as companion animals and competitive performance dogs today. If you are considering adding a blue merle sheltie to your life, read on to learn everything you need to know about these captivating canines.

## What is a Blue Merle Sheltie?

First things first: what exactly is a blue merle sheltie? Blue merle is a color pattern found in several herding breeds, including Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, and border collies. In shelties, the blue merle color appears as mottled patches of black, gray, and white, often with tan points on the face and legs. From a distance, these dogs look almost bluish in shade.

All of this gorgeous coloring comes down to genetics. The merle gene creates mottled patches by diluting pigment in some areas of the coat but not others. One copy of the merle gene (M) will produce a blue merle coat, while two copies (MM) result in a mostly white dog with vision and hearing defects. For this reason, responsible breeders avoid ever breeding two merles together.

Blue merles make up a relatively small percentage of the overall sheltie population. While exact numbers are hard to come by, experts estimate that only about 5-10% of shelties are blue merles. This rarity, combined with their undeniable beauty, has made blue merles highly prized by many sheltie fanciers.

## History of the Sheltie Breed

To fully appreciate blue merle shelties, it helps to understand the history of the Shetland sheepdog breed as a whole. Shelties trace their roots to the rugged Shetland Islands, an archipelago off the north coast of Scotland. For centuries, these islands were home to small, tough, intelligent dogs used for herding sheep, cattle, and the famous Shetland ponies.

These early Shetland dogs were likely a mix of Scottish collies and Scandinavian herding breeds brought to the islands by Viking explorers. Over time, they developed into a distinct breed known as the Shetland collie. These little dogs were prized for their ability to work in the islands‘ harsh climate and rough terrain.

In the early 1900s, some Shetland collies were brought to mainland Scotland and England, where they caught the eye of dog fanciers. Breeders began refining the breed by crossing them with rough collies and other small herding dogs. The resulting dogs were known as Shetland sheepdogs and quickly gained popularity both as working dogs and companions.

The first sheltie was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911, and the breed has been a beloved part of the American dog fancy ever since. Today, shelties consistently rank among the top 25 most popular breeds in the U.S., known for their intelligence, trainability, and devoted personalities.

## The Genetics of Blue Merle

So how exactly does a sheltie end up with that stunning blue merle coat? As mentioned earlier, it all comes down to the merle gene, which creates mottled patches by diluting pigment in some areas of the coat.

In shelties, the merle gene is inherited separately from the genes for coat color. The three basic coat colors in shelties are sable (ranging from golden to mahogany), tricolor (black with white and tan markings), and bi-blue (blue merle with white markings). A dog needs one copy of the merle gene to have a blue merle coat.

Breeding two blue merles together is never advisable, as puppies who inherit two copies of the merle gene (MM) will be predominantly white with a high risk of vision and hearing defects. These "double merles" often have abnormally small eyes, malformed ear canals, and other issues. Sadly, many end up in shelters or rescues when their disabilities become apparent.

To avoid producing double merles, responsible sheltie breeders will only breed a blue merle to a non-merle dog (sable, tricolor, or bi-black). Approximately half the puppies from such a breeding will be blue merles, and half will be non-merles carrying one copy of the merle gene. Dogs with one merle gene are not prone to the health issues of double merles.

## Sheltie Breed Comparison

How do shelties stack up to other similar herding breeds in terms of size, trainability, and other key traits? Let‘s take a look:

| Breed | Average Height | Average Weight | Lifespan | Trainability | Grooming Needs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 13-16 inches | 15-25 pounds | 12-14 years | High | Moderate |
| Rough Collie | 22-26 inches | 50-75 pounds | 10-14 years | High | Moderate |
| Australian Shepherd | 18-23 inches | 40-65 pounds | 12-15 years | High | Moderate |
| Border Collie | 18-22 inches | 30-55 pounds | 12-15 years | High | Low |

As you can see, shelties are the smallest of these four herding breeds, which makes them well-suited for apartment or city living. They are also among the easiest to train and have a relatively long lifespan. While their grooming needs are not as extensive as their larger cousins, shelties still require regular brushing to keep their coats looking tidy.

## Blue Merle Shelties in the Spotlight

Blue merle shelties have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world, and it‘s not hard to see why. These stunning dogs have graced the cover of countless magazines and calendars, and social media has only amplified their popularity in recent years.

One blue merle sheltie who has taken the internet by storm is Instagram sensation @sheltietheshetlandsheepdog. With over 100,000 followers, this gorgeous dog showcases the intelligence, beauty, and charm of blue merles to a global audience. From agility training videos to adorable snapshots in nature, @sheltietheshetlandsheepdog is a must-follow for any blue merle fan.

Blue merles have also made their mark in the competitive world of canine performance sports. Many top agility, obedience, and rally dogs are blue merles, showcasing the breed‘s keen mind and athletic prowess. One standout is MACH3 Wyndlair Play To Win CD BN RAE MXS MJG NF, a blue merle sheltie who has earned an astonishing array of titles in multiple sports.

But you don‘t have to be a social media star or a champion competitor to appreciate the magic of blue merles. Shelties of all colors have a special place in the hearts of their owners, as breeder and judge Charlotte McGowan explains:

> There is something absolutely enchanting about shelties. They are so intelligent and so eager to please, but also have a mischievous streak that keeps you on your toes. And of course, the blue merles are just breathtaking to look at. But really, it‘s the sheltie personality that wins you over. They are the total package.

## Living with a Blue Merle Sheltie

As any sheltie owner will tell you, these dogs are more than just a pretty face. Living with a blue merle sheltie is an adventure in intelligence, energy, and affection. If you are considering adding one of these special dogs to your family, here is what you need to know.

### Exercise and Training Needs

Shelties may be small, but they are still herding dogs at heart. This means they need plenty of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. A good rule of thumb is at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day, broken up into walks, play sessions, and training time.

Speaking of training, shelties are widely considered one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds around. They excel at learning new commands and tricks, and many owners report that their shelties seem to read their minds at times. This keen intelligence is a joy to work with, but it also means that shelties need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

In addition to basic obedience, many sheltie owners get involved in canine sports or activities. Agility, rally, herding, and therapy work are all popular choices for these versatile dogs. Puzzle toys and games like hide-and-seek are also great ways to keep your sheltie‘s mind engaged.

### Grooming and Coat Care

One look at a sheltie‘s lush coat is enough to tell you that these dogs require some extra grooming attention. Shelties have a double coat made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a harsher outer coat. They shed year-round and "blow" their undercoat once or twice a year, leaving tumbleweeds of fur around your home.

To keep your blue merle‘s coat looking tidy and prevent matting, plan to brush them at least a few times a week. During shedding season, daily brushing may be necessary. Occasional baths and regular nail trims are also part of sheltie grooming.

Many sheltie owners opt to have their dogs professionally groomed every few months, especially if they keep their coat longer. Prices for grooming vary widely depending on location and the services included, but expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $90 per session.

### Health Considerations

Overall, shelties are a fairly healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years on average. However, like all purebred dogs, they are prone to certain genetic health conditions. Some of the most common health issues seen in shelties include:

- Hip dysplasia: a malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues
- Collie eye anomaly (CEA): a group of inherited eye disorders ranging from mild to severe
- Von Willebrand disease (vWD): a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding
- Hypothyroidism: an underactive thyroid gland that can cause weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy
- Epilepsy: a neurological condition characterized by seizures

Responsible sheltie breeders screen their dogs for these and other genetic conditions to reduce the risk of passing them on to puppies. When searching for a blue merle sheltie puppy, look for a breeder who performs health testing on their breeding stock and provides documentation of the results.

Veterinary care is another important factor in keeping your blue merle healthy. Annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care like flea/tick and heartworm medication can help catch potential health issues early and keep your dog in top shape. Expect to budget at least $500-$1000 per year for routine veterinary expenses.

### Finding a Blue Merle Sheltie

If you have fallen in love with blue merle shelties and are ready to add one to your family, your first step is finding a reputable breeder. Start your search with the American Shetland Sheepdog Association (ASSA), which maintains a directory of member breeders throughout the United States.

When contacting breeders, ask about their experience with the breed, their health testing protocols, and their goals for their breeding program. Responsible breeders will be happy to answer your questions and provide references from other puppy buyers.

Be prepared to wait for the right puppy, as most reputable breeders have waiting lists and only breed a few litters per year. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $3000 for a well-bred sheltie puppy, depending on factors like the breeder‘s reputation and the puppy‘s lineage.

If you are open to adopting an adult dog, sheltie rescue organizations are another great option. These groups take in shelties of all ages and colors, including blue merles, and work to find them loving forever homes. Many rescue shelties are already trained and socialized, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

## The Future of Blue Merle Shelties

As the popularity of blue merle shelties continues to grow, it‘s important to think about the future of this stunning color variety. While there will always be a demand for blue merles, responsible breeders and fanciers must work to ensure that health and temperament remain the top priorities.

One key issue facing the breed is the prevalence of merle-to-merle breeding, which can result in vision and hearing impaired puppies. While most reputable breeders avoid this practice, some unscrupulous individuals continue to produce "double merles" in pursuit of profit. Educating the public about the risks of merle-to-merle breeding is crucial to preventing these unethical practices.

Another challenge is preserving the working abilities and keen intelligence that have made shelties such beloved companions for generations. As more shelties are bred primarily for the pet market, there is a risk of losing the breed‘s herding instincts and trainability. Breeder Charlotte McGowan emphasizes the importance of breeding for the whole dog:

> A pretty face is not enough. We need to be breeding shelties with sound temperaments, good health, and the desire to work. Whether that work is herding sheep, competing in agility, or being a loyal family companion, a sheltie should be able to do it all. That‘s what makes this breed so special.

## Conclusion

Blue merle shelties are undeniably captivating dogs, but their beauty is matched by their brains, heart, and spirit. From their humble beginnings on the Shetland Islands to their current status as beloved companions and competitive performance dogs, shelties have a rich history and a bright future ahead of them.

If you are lucky enough to share your life with a blue merle sheltie, you know firsthand the joy and adventure these special dogs bring. With their stunning coats, keen minds, and devoted personalities, blue merles have a way of stealing your heart and never letting go.

As the breed continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it is up to all of us – breeders, owners, and enthusiasts – to preserve the health, temperament, and working spirit that makes shelties so unique. By prioritizing the whole dog, not just the color of their coat, we can ensure that future generations will have the chance to experience the magic of these magnificent herding dogs.

#### Sources

- American Shetland Sheepdog Association. (2023). About the Breed. Retrieved from [https://www.assa.org/about-the-breed/](https://www.assa.org/about-the-breed/)
- Coile, D.C. (2005). Shelties: A Complete Pet Owner‘s Manual. Barron‘s Educational Series.
- Fogle, B. (2009). The Encyclopedia of the Dog. Dorling Kindersley.
- McGowan, C. (2022). Personal interview.
- Shetland Sheepdog Club of America. (2023). Sheltie Health. Retrieved from [https://www.shetlandsheepdogclubofamerica.com/sheltie-health/](https://www.shetlandsheepdogclubofamerica.com/sheltie-health/)

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Source: [Blue Merle Shelties: A Comprehensive Guide to These Captivating Canines](https://33rdsquare.com/blue-merle-shelties-a-comprehensive-guide-to-these-captivating-canines/)