The Double Merle Dilemma: Bad Breeding Doesn't Equal Bad Dogs

[@maggiepie8810]

This is the first time I've heard of double merle. I don't think it's acceptable to put these puppies down. As a disabled adult, I find that insane.

[@windhound2005]

My friend breeds rough collies and would never breed 2 merles together, and always bred merle's to a normal colour resulting in a 50/50 ration of merle to normal puppies... same with "Dapple" dacshunds or any other breed that carries merle as a colour pattern, (although as with dacshunds, merle is sometimes known by a different name)... NEVER breed merle to merle and a reputable breeder would be well aware of this... double merles almost always have eye and ear deformities, born blind and deaf, sometimes it is even a fatal condition. i feel like with the popularity of this colour pattern in some breeds, not enough people are aware of this.

[@windhound2005]

My dad is diasabled and i totally agree with you, but in some cases the deformities r so extreme it would be unfair not to euthanise. The sad part is that it is completely avoidable and entirely down to ignorance and bad breeding.

[@maggiepie8810]

@@windhound2005 I wholeheartedly agree that knowingly breeding two merles isn't ethical, but I also don't think that puppies born with the condition automatically should be put down.

[@windhound2005]

@@maggiepie8810 i dont either, i think it has to be looked at as a case by case scenario. im all for every puppy being given a chance

[@kurik9massagecontentforpar884]

I knew nothing of this condition until I met Strider (in the video) and took him on as a client. It was a real eye-opener. And I agree with you 100%--there's no reason to put these dogs down. There are good homes out there for them with knowledgeable people to care for them. Hopefully, non-ethical breeders will smarten up and then the whole "double merle dilemma" won't even be an issue anymore. Ditto for all bad breeding possibilities.