All About the Merle Goldendoodle - Meet the Breed

Allie Christoff -

Are you a devoted dog fan seeking a unique, intelligent, and loyal companion? Meet the Merle Goldendoodle, rapidly gaining popularity among pet parents everywhere! These pooches flaunt memorable coat patterns and gentle temperaments, making them an optimal family addition.

Goldendoodles are now in the top five most popular designer dog breeds in the US - and within this breed, Merle Goldendoodles are rapidly gaining attention for their distinct and gorgeous coat hues.

But what exactly is a Merle Goldendoodle, and what makes them different from other Goldendoodles? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the fascinating world of Merle Goldendoodles, discussing everything from their temperament and appearance to their health and lifespan.

What is Merle Goldendoodle?

Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid canine bred from Golden Retrievers and Poodles, making them one of the most beloved doodle breeds out there. These hybrids boast stunningly unique coat colors, a super friendly demeanor and smarts that come from their parent breeds. The boundless playfulness and love characteristic of a Golden Retriever add to the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of a Poodle, creating the ultimate pup!

Are Merle Goldendoodle Rare?

Merle Goldendoodles are far from being considered an uncommon breed, yet they are more of a rarity compared to other Goldendoodle colors. This is because merle is a dominant gene which isn't present in Golden Retrievers, that being the strain blended with Poodle for making the Goldendoodle. Thus, the Merle Goldendoodle is formulated by crossing a Merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever, consequently rendering the genetic pool smaller than that of most other Goldendoodles.

It is also essential to keep in mind that while Merle Goldendoodles aren't infrequently encountered, it might cost more than the others owing to the added effort needed to achieve them. Breeding Merle Goldendoodles requires finding two dogs that carry the merle gene and ensuring the production of healthy puppies; implying more thorough health tests and careful breeding methods to avoid illnesses associated with the merle gene.

Merle Goldendoodle Coat Types

Merle Goldendoodles can have different coat types, depending on whether they inherit more Poodle or Golden Retriever traits. The three main coat types are short or flat, wavy or shaggy, and curly. Let's look at them in detail.

1. The Short or Flat Coat Merle Goldendoodle

Short and flat coat Merle Goldendoodles are a variation of the Merle Goldendoodle breed. In contrast to other Merle Goldendoodles, they boast a smooth and straight coat with a natural sheen. These pups usually require minimal grooming as compared to their counterparts since their coats are much shorter and tend not to get tangled as easily.

The short and flat coat Merle Goldendoodle would be an ideal choice for those who prefer low maintenance dogs. While regular brushing is recommended for minimizing loose fur, and preserving the shine and healthiness of its coat, there's no need for frequent grooming. They're also less prone to matting and tangling, which can be common problems among breeds with long coats.

2. The Wavy or Shaggy Coat Merle Goldendoodle

Wavy or shaggy coat Merle Goldendoodles are another variation of the Merle Goldendoodle breed. Unlike the short or flat coat Merle Goldendoodle, they have coats that are thick and wavy, with a soft, fluffy texture. These dogs require regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting, and their coats may need to be trimmed periodically to keep them from becoming too long.

The wavy or shaggy coat of Merle Goldendoodles gives them a charming and lovable appearance that many dog owners find irresistible. These dogs have a coat that ranges in color and pattern from blue merle, red merle, and chocolate merle, to black and other colors. This gives each dog a unique look, which adds to its appeal.

While wavy or shaggy coat Merle Goldendoodles require more grooming than the short or flat coat variation, they are still relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only need to be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair and prevent matting. Some owners prefer to have their Merle Goldendoodles professionally groomed to keep their coats looking neat and tidy.

3. The Curly Coat Merle Goldendoodle

Curly Coat Merle Goldendoodles are a highly sought-after variation of the Merle Goldendoodle breed due to their unique and adorable look. These dogs have tightly curled, fluffy coats with a wool-like texture, making them also known as 'fleece coats'. The coat can come in a range of colors and patterns, including blue merle, red merle, chocolate merle, black and many others, similar to the other Merle Goldendoodle variants.

The curly coat of the Merle Goldendoodle is eye-catching but requires the most grooming of all the variants. Their coats are prone to matting meaning regular brushing and combing is necessary for keeping their curls looking neat and tidy. Additionally, trimming them more often prevents tangling and matting.

Despite their high grooming needs, curly coat Merle Goldendoodles are an extremely popular choice for many dog owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they love spending time with their families. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for novice dog owners or families with children.

Do Merle Goldendoodles Change Color?

The merle gene, which is responsible for the unique marbling and hue of Merle Goldendoodles, can lead to a shift in coat color as these pooches mature. This can be particularly noticeable in Merle Goldendoodle breeds with lighter fur shades, like cream or white. As the pup ages, its coat may darken and become richer, putting the merle pattern in plain sight.

Nonetheless, it's worth noting that not all Merle Goldendoodles will morph their fur tone as they age. Some might retain their initial coat shade and pattern for life. Apart from that, color alterations may also be affected by other conditions such as diet, habitat, and overall well-being.

It is also worth mentioning that Merle Goldendoodles with a chocolate merle coat may be more prone to color fading, which means that their coat may become lighter and less vibrant over time. This is because the merle gene can sometimes cause the melanin in the dog's coat to break down, resulting in a lighter color.

Despite the potential for changes in coat color, Merle Goldendoodles remain a popular choice for dog owners who are drawn to their unique and eye-catching appearance. With proper care and attention, Merle Goldendoodles can live long, happy lives, and continue to bring joy to their owners for many years to come.

Merle Goldendoodle Temperament

Merle Goldendoodles are adored for their kind, loving, and highly clever personalities. They make outstanding family pets and thrive on attention and partnership with their owners. They're renowned for their mild temperaments and are usually non-aggressive, making them a superb option for households with young children.

These pups are readily trainable and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. They're faithful and devoted to their families, and they relish spending time with people. Merle Goldendoodles are also very social dogs who get along well with other animals as well as strangers, though proper socialization and training are imperative to ensure they have positive interactions with other creatures.

The personality of the Merle Goldendoodle makes them a hit these days. They're a fantastic pick for households looking for a loving, devoted, and intelligent companion. Plus, their sociable and affable behavior makes them an ideal pick for first-time doggo owners who might want a pup that's easy to train and bond with.

Merle Goldendoodle Appearance

As mentioned earlier, Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, meaning their look can differ depending on which parent's traits they've taken after. They usually boast medium-sized builds with strong and muscular bodies that make them great for running, hiking, and playing fetch outdoors.

Their heads are usually broad and rounded, making them sociable and approachable. It's common for them to have expressive eyes set well apart–a trait they get from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Adding to the uniqueness of their look are their floppy ears that hang down either side; some may even have hair covering their ears.

Overall, Merle Goldendoodles are a beautiful and unique breed with an appearance that is sure to turn heads.

Merle Goldendoodle Sizes

Merle Goldendoodles come in three distinct sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere between 50-90 pounds and stand as tall as 24 inches at the shoulder. Medium-sized Merles usually weigh between 30-50 pounds and reach up to 20 inches tall. And, lastly, a Miniature Merle Goldendoodle can be 15-30lbs in weight and reach a maximum height of 15 inches at the shoulder.

The size of a Merle Goldendoodle often depends on the size of its poodle parent. For example, a Golden Retriever bred with a Standard Poodle will likely result in larger puppies than those bred with a Miniature Poodle.

Generally, the size of a Merle Goldendoodle is also determined by several considerations, including genetics, diet, and exercise. It is noteworthy that standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are larger and need more room for exercise than the smaller ones.

When choosing a Merle Goldendoodle, it's important to consider your lifestyle and living arrangements to determine which size would be the best fit for you and your family. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are great for families with large yards or who live in rural areas, while miniature Merle Goldendoodles are well-suited for apartment living and those who prefer a smaller dog.

1. Blue Merle Goldendoodle

Blue Merle Goldendoodles have a beautiful blue-gray coat, often featuring black patches or spots. The eye color of these pups can vary between blue or green, and their nose and paw pads tend to be black. As a standout among other Goldendoodle colors, Blue Merle Goldendoodles really stand out and are very much in demand.

2. Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle

Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles boast a stunning chocolate-brown coat with lighter brown patches or spots. Their eyes can be green or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in either brown or pink.

3. Phantom Merle Goldendoodles

Phantom Merle Goldendoodles have a black coat with tan or silver markings. Their eyes can be blue or amber, and their nose and paw pads are typically black.

4. Red Merle Goldendoodles

Red Merle Goldendoodles are characterized by their red or orange coat, which can be adorned with white and cream patches or spots. These adorable pups also have captivating eyes - usually blue, green, or amber - as well as nose and paw pads that often range from black to brown.

5. Black Merle Goldendoodle

Black Merle Goldendoodles have a glossy black coat punctuated with gray and silver patches or spots. Eye color is often blue, green, or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in black.

Other Goldendoodle colors

In addition to the merle color variations, Goldendoodles can also come in a range of other colors, including white, apricot, red, black, and chocolate. Some Goldendoodles have solid coats, while others have parti, tuxedo, or abstract markings.

How Long Do Merle Goldendoodles Live?

On average, Merle Goldendoodles live between 10 to 15 years. However, it is essential to note that, like all breeds of dogs, their lifespan is influenced by various factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, and healthcare.

Owners can extend their pet's life expectancy by providing them with high-quality food, regular exercise, and preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and regular vet checkups. Proper care can ensure that your Merle Goldendoodle remains happy and healthy throughout its life.

Are There Health Problems With The Merle Colored Goldendoodle?

Merle Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, they may be at risk of developing some health issues that are common in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common issue among many large breeds, including Goldendoodles. It is caused by the improper development of the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort, arthritis, and mobility issues. Proper exercise, a healthy diet, and regular vet checkups can help identify hip dysplasia early and mitigate its effects.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness. It is essential to have your Merle Goldendoodle's eyes examined regularly to detect early signs of PRA.

Allergies: Merle Goldendoodles may be prone to developing allergies, especially if they have inherited this trait from their Poodle parent. Symptoms of allergies may include skin irritation, scratching, and ear infections. If you suspect your Merle Goldendoodle has allergies, consult with a veterinarian.

Do Merle Goldendoodles Shed A Lot?

Merle Goldendoodles have low-shedding coats, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. However, the level of shedding can vary depending on the coat type. For example, Merle Goldendoodles with curly coats may shed less than those with wavy or flat coats. Regardless of coat type, regular grooming can help reduce shedding.

The Parting Shot: Merle Goldendoodle is the Perfect Pup for Fi-nomenal Adventures

All in all, Merle Goldendoodles are a distinctive breed that brings together the smarts and devotion of Golden Retrievers with the hypoallergenic coat of Poodles. They make a great pick for those looking for an animal that is tender, intelligent, and simple to teach. Whether you're a fan of blue, chocolate, phantom, red, or black Merle Goldendoodle, you can easily find one that caters to your tastes.

At Fi, we feel that Merle Goldendoodles make a great pet for those searching for loving, devoted and intelligent companions. As a technologically advanced firm devoted to pups' comfort, we are delighted to present the Fi Smart Dog Collar. It is engineered to assist owners in keeping their furry family secure and healthy.

Our collar has GPS tracking and activity-monitoring functions, so you can always keep an eye on your Merle Goldendoodle. You can observe their place in real-time and get alerts whenever they depart permitted zones or find themselves in danger. Moreover, our collar tracks your pet's activity pattern to assure they are getting the proper physical exercise and rest.

At Fi, we are committed to creating products that help pet owners give their dogs the best life possible. We believe that every Merle Goldendoodle deserves to be happy, healthy, and loved, and we are here to help make that a reality.

For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.

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