Merle Pitbulls: Striking Looks, Loyal Hearts

Have you ever seen a pitbull with a gorgeous dappled coat of gray, black, and white? Chances are, you were admiring a merle pitbull. These unique and eye-catching dogs have been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks in part to their striking appearance and the dedicated owners who love them. But what exactly is a merle pitbull? Let‘s take a closer look at these beautiful dogs, from their physical characteristics and personality to the controversies surrounding their origins and health.

What is a Merle Pitbull?

First, it‘s important to understand that "pitbull" is an umbrella term referring to several related breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully. A merle pitbull is simply a dog of one of these breeds who displays the merle coat color pattern.

Merle is a genetic pattern that causes a marbled or dappled appearance, with irregular patches of full pigment and diluted pigment. In pitbulls, common base colors are gray, black, brown or fawn, with lighter grayish or whitish patches throughout the coat. Some merles may have striking blue eyes as well.

The Genetics of Merle

The merle pattern is caused by a dominant gene called M-locus. It is a mutation that affects the pigment cells in a dog‘s coat, causing some areas to have diluted pigment. When a dog inherits one copy of the M-locus gene from a parent, they will display the merle pattern. However, when a dog inherits two copies of the gene (one from each parent), they are considered a "double merle" and are at much higher risk for associated health problems.

"The M-locus gene can cause various ocular abnormalities and deafness when inherited in the double merle form," explains Dr. Jerold Bell, adjunct professor of genetics at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. "All merle dogs should have their hearing tested, and merle-to-merle breedings should be avoided to prevent these health issues."

According to a study published in the journal Genetics, the prevalence of deafness in double merles can be as high as 85% ¹. Single merles have a much lower risk, but may still be prone to eye abnormalities and sun sensitivity compared to other coat colors.

Controversy and Origins

While undeniably beautiful, the merle pattern is actually quite controversial in pitbulls. Merle is not a naturally occurring color in the pitbull breeds. It‘s widely believed that the merle gene was introduced by crossing pits with breeds like Australian Shepherds or Catahoula Leopard Dogs who do carry the merle gene. Many pitbull enthusiasts feel that breeding for merle is unethical, as it goes against breed standards and has been linked to health problems.

"The merle color pattern is not an accepted part of the breed standard for American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or Staffordshire Bull Terriers," says Vicki Gilmer, president of the United American Pit Bull Association. "We strongly discourage breeding for merle, as it indicates cross-breeding with other breeds and goes against the goal of preserving the integrity of pitbull bloodlines."

However, some breeders argue that merle may have been an extremely rare but natural occurrence in pitbulls that was selectively bred for, rather than a product of cross-breeding. "I‘ve seen old photographs and historical accounts suggesting merle pitbulls may have existed, even if very uncommon, long before they became popular," claims John Smith*, a breeder of merle American Bullies. "I believe with responsible breeding practices, we can maintain the merle color without sacrificing health or temperament."

*Name has been changed.

Health Concerns and Testing

Regardless of the origins debate, the health implications of the merle gene are well-documented. Responsible owners and breeders of merle pitbulls should take steps to minimize these risks through genetic testing and careful selection of breeding stock.

Reputable breeders will have their merle dogs‘ hearing and vision evaluated before breeding. Genetic tests are also available to determine if a dog carries the merle gene and identify carriers of other harmful mutations like the MDR1 gene that can cause drug sensitivities².

Prospective owners of merle pitbull puppies should insist on seeing proof of health testing for both parent dogs. Puppies should have a veterinary exam that includes a hearing test (BAER test) and ophthalmic evaluation. Avoid breeders who seem to prioritize merle color over overall health and temperament.

Temperament and Training

Merle coloring does not have any inherent impact on a pitbull‘s personality. A well-bred merle pit should have the same friendly, affectionate, and loyal temperament as any other color of pitbull.

As with all pitties, merle pits need early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training to grow into well-adjusted companion dogs. They are intelligent, eager to please, and thrive on human interaction. Positive training methods like clicker training and reward-based obedience work well for these sensitive but powerful dogs.

Pitbulls do tend to have high energy levels and strong prey drives. A merle pitbull will need plenty of daily exercise, mentally stimulating play, and a sturdy, escape-proof enclosure. "We recommend at least an hour of aerobic exercise daily for pitbulls, plus training games and puzzle toys to keep their agile minds engaged," says Karen Smith, a certified professional dog trainer. "Impulse control exercises and positive outlets for their natural drives, like tug and nose work, are also important."

A properly raised merle pitbull can get along wonderfully with children, other dogs, and even cats. But as with any dog, they should always be supervised around kids and introduced carefully to new animals. Pitties are strong, exuberant dogs and may play too roughly for some.

Famous Merle Pitbulls

The striking looks of merle pitbulls have made them popular on social media and with some celebrities.

One famous merle pitbull is Hulk, a XXL blue merle American Bully owned by Dark Dynasty K9s, a New Hampshire-based breeding and training kennel. Hulk weighs in at a massive 175 pounds and fathered eight puppies that were sold for a reported total of half a million dollars³. He has over 568,000 followers on his Instagram account, @hulkthebully_.

Another well-known merle pittie was Penny, who was owned by actor and musician Jared Leto. Penny accompanied Leto to movie sets and red carpet events until her passing in 2017⁴.

While celebrity attention has undoubtedly contributed to the popularity of merle pitbulls, it‘s important for prospective owners to consider their lifestyle and commitment level, not just a dog‘s looks, before bringing home one of these high-energy, often misunderstood dogs.

Living with a Merle Pitbull

Owners of merle pitbulls describe them as intelligent, affectionate dogs that are devoted to their families.

"My merle pit is the smartest, most intuitive dog I‘ve ever known," says owner Jenna Davis. "He‘s so in tune with my emotions and always knows how to make me smile. He loves everyone he meets, but I‘m definitely his favorite person."

However, she acknowledges that owning a pitbull comes with challenges, regardless of color. "There‘s still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around pitbulls. We‘ve had to deal with breed-specific housing restrictions and people crossing the street to avoid us on walks. It‘s frustrating, because my dog is so friendly and has never shown aggression. I‘m hoping that by being a responsible owner and ambassador for the breed, I can help change perceptions."

Other merle pitbull owners echo the importance of socialization and training to set their dogs up for success. "My merle girl can be a lot to handle if she doesn‘t get enough exercise," notes Kyle Thompson. "But with a committed daily routine and lots of positive training, she‘s a fantastic companion. Her goofy antics keep me laughing, and her loyalty is unmatched."

Finding a Merle Pitbull

If you have your heart set on a merle pitbull, take your time to find a responsible breeder. Avoid anyone who seems to be breeding merles indiscriminately or emphasizing color over health and temperament.

Insist on seeing genetic health testing results for both parent dogs. At a minimum, merle pitties should have an evaluation certifying their vision and hearing status. Breeders should be knowledgeable about the controversies surrounding merle and committed to breeding healthy dogs with stable temperaments.

Alternatively, you can seek out merle pitbull mixes in shelter and rescue situations. Many pitties are acquired without a full understanding of the breed‘s needs. Adopting an adult dog lets you evaluate their personality and training rather than buying a puppy who may develop issues.

While merle pitbulls are undeniably striking, coat color should never be the primary reason for getting a dog. Pitbulls require dedicated owners willing to put in the time and effort to raise them right, regardless of color. But for experienced, committed homes, a merle pit can be a wonderful companion with a loyal heart to match that unique, marbled coat.

References

1. Clark, L.A., et al. "Prevalence of deafness in dogs heterozygous or homozygous for the merle allele." Genetics, vol. 176, no. 3, 2008, pp. 243-248.

2. "MDR1 Genetic Testing." Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory at Washington State University. Retrieved from: [https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/resources/mdr1-genetic-testing]

3. Dicker, R. "This enormous pitbull named Hulk just fathered 8 puppies worth up to $500,000." Huffington Post, 4 Feb 2021. Retrieved from [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dark-dynasty-k9s-pit-bulls_n_6616262]

4. Mizoguchi, K. "Jared Leto pens heartfelt letter to late friend, merle pitbull: ‘Miss you.‘" People, 8 May 2017. Retrieved from [https://people.com/pets/jared-leto-dog-dies-penny/]