Which dog breeds come in merle? Out of 162 breeds in our database, 13 list merle, dapple or harlequin among their colors. Merle is a marbled coat, with patches of darker color on a lighter background of the same color. It is one of the most striking coats in dogs, and it also carries a health risk when two merle dogs are bred together, covered below.
Each breed here has its size, weight, lifespan and temperament from our breed data. To see which merle breeds also have blue or odd-colored eyes, use the dog breeds by trait finder.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is one of the four breeds the AKC glossary names in its definition of merle. Its colors in our data are black, blue merle, red, red merle, so you can find blue merle and red merle dogs next to solid black and red ones. Merle can also change eye color; see our guide to dog breeds with blue eyes.
The Australian Shepherd is a large breed in the AKC Herding Group. Adults weigh 40 to 65 lb (18 to 29 kg) and stand 18 to 23 in (46 to 58 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as smart, work-oriented and exuberant. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The medium double coat sheds year round, with a heavier shed twice a year. The AKC data lists 60 to 120 minutes of exercise a day, and the temperament words include work-oriented, so give this dog a job.
Beauceron
The Beauceron is here because its colors include harlequin, which our trait finder groups with merle. The full list in our data is black and tan, black and rust, harlequin. Most Beaucerons you meet will be black and tan, so a harlequin is the exception.
At 70 to 110 lb (32 to 50 kg) and 24 to 27.5 in (61 to 70 cm) tall, the Beauceron counts as a large dog (in the AKC Herding Group). Expect 10 to 12 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as faithful, gentle and obedient. The AKC rates shedding 4 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is a big, strong herding and guarding breed from France. It needs firm, early training and plenty of room, and the AKC data gives 90 to 120 minutes of daily exercise.
Border Collie
Merle is only one of many Border Collie colors. Our data lists black and white, red and white, blue and white, blue merle, red merle, sable, lilac. The classic black and white dog is far more common than a merle, so if you want one, ask breeders early.
The Border Collie is a medium breed in the AKC Herding Group. Adults weigh 30 to 55 lb (14 to 25 kg) and stand 18 to 22 in (46 to 56 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 15 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as energetic, affectionate and smart. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Border Collies are among the most energetic dogs in the AKC data, and they do best with a task to think about. Plan for 90 to 120 minutes of exercise a day plus training games.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The Cardigan Welsh Corgi comes in red, sable, brindle, black and white, blue merle. Blue merle is the unusual one, with gray and black marbling on a lighter ground. The Cardigan is a separate breed from the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which is the one you see in most photos.
At 25 to 38 lb (11 to 17 kg) and 10.5 to 12.5 in (27 to 32 cm) tall, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi counts as a medium dog (in the AKC Herding Group). Expect 12 to 15 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as loyal, affectionate and smart. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Cardigans are long and low, just 10.5 to 12.5 in tall, so use ramps and keep them lean to protect the back.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
The name says it: the Catahoula Leopard Dog is known for a mottled coat. In our data the colors are blue merle, red merle, black, red, yellow, brindle, chocolate, with blue merle and red merle leading the list. It is an American breed and sits in the AKC Foundation Stock Service, so it is not yet fully recognized by the AKC.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large breed in the AKC Foundation Stock Service. Adults weigh 50 to 95 lb (23 to 43 kg) and stand 22 to 24 in (56 to 61 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 10 to 14 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as independent, loyal and watchful. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Catahoulas are independent working dogs, and the AKC temperament words say as much. They suit an owner with experience and a lot of activity to offer.
Collie
Blue merle is one of four Collie colors in our data: sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, white. The merle Collie has a bluish-gray coat with black marbling. The AKC glossary names Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Great Danes and Australian Shepherds as the breeds it uses merle to describe.
At 50 to 75 lb (23 to 34 kg) and 22 to 26 in (56 to 66 cm) tall, the Collie counts as a large dog (in the AKC Herding Group). Expect 12 to 14 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as devoted, proud and graceful. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The long, rough coat is a show of its own and needs a thorough brush at least weekly, more during the heavy shed.
Dachshund
In Dachshunds the merle pattern is called dapple. Our data lists red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, wild boar, blue and tan, dapple. A dapple Dachshund has lighter and darker patches over its base color, and the pattern is the same one used on other merle breeds.
The Dachshund is a medium breed in the AKC Hound Group. Adults weigh 16 to 32 lb (7 to 15 kg) and stand 8 to 9 in (20 to 23 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 16 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as curious, friendly and spunky. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Dachshunds have long backs and short legs, which makes spinal injuries a real risk. Keep them off high furniture, or give them ramps, and keep the weight down.
Great Dane
Our data lists fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, mantle, merle among the Great Dane colors. Harlequin, the white coat with torn black patches that you see in the photo, is the pattern most people think of with this breed. The AKC glossary names Great Danes in its definition of merle.
At 110 to 175 lb (50 to 79 kg) and 28 to 32 in (71 to 81 cm) tall, the Great Dane counts as a giant dog (in the AKC Working Group). Expect 7 to 10 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as friendly, patient and dependable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
This is the tallest breed here and one of the shortest-lived: 7 to 10 years. Budget for food, space and a large crate.
Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd has the same colors as the Australian Shepherd in our data: black, blue merle, red, red merle. It is a smaller dog, so it suits more homes, but the herding drive is the same.
The Miniature American Shepherd is a medium breed in the AKC Herding Group. Adults weigh 20 to 40 lb (9 to 18 kg) and stand 13 to 18 in (33 to 46 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 13 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as intelligent, good-natured and devoted. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Despite the name it is a separate breed from the Australian Shepherd, and the AKC data lists 90 to 120 minutes of exercise each day.
Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Dachshund also comes in dapple, alongside red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, wild boar, blue and tan. The merle pattern looks the same as on the standard size.
At 8 to 11 lb (4 to 5 kg) and 5 to 6 in (13 to 15 cm) tall, the Miniature Dachshund counts as a toy dog (in the AKC Hound Group). Expect 12 to 16 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as curious, friendly and spunky. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
At only 8 to 11 lb, this is the lightest breed on the list. Small size does not mean small bark, and the same back care applies as for the larger Dachshund.
Mudi
Merle is one of the Mudi's many colors: black, white, yellow, gray, brown, merle. This Hungarian herding dog is rare outside Europe, and merle Mudis are rarer still. It is also on our curly-haired dog breeds list.
The Mudi is a medium breed in the AKC Herding Group. Adults weigh 18 to 29 lb (8 to 13 kg) and stand 15 to 18.5 in (38 to 47 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 14 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as loyal, intelligent and active. The AKC rates shedding 2 and grooming needs 1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The curly coat is low-maintenance for a herding dog. The AKC rates grooming needs 1 out of 5, but the dog itself is active and clever and needs both exercise and work.
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog's colors in our data are gray and white, blue and white, grizzle and white, blue merle and white, so the merle version is blue merle and white. It is mostly known as the big, shaggy gray and white dog under a lot of hair.
At 60 to 100 lb (27 to 45 kg) and 21 to 25 in (53 to 64 cm) tall, the Old English Sheepdog counts as a large dog (in the AKC Herding Group). Expect 10 to 12 years of company, and a temperament the AKC sums up as smart, gentle and adaptable. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.
That coat is the work: the AKC grooming rating is 4 out of 5. Plan on long brushing sessions or regular visits to a groomer, which our dog grooming cost calculator can help you budget.
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog comes in sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, black and white, sable merle. Blue merle and sable merle both appear in our data. It is one of the four breeds the AKC glossary names when it defines merle.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small breed in the AKC Herding Group. Adults weigh 15 to 25 lb (7 to 11 kg) and stand 13 to 16 in (33 to 41 cm) at the shoulder. The lifespan in our data is 12 to 14 years, and the AKC describes the temperament as playful, energetic and bright. The AKC rates shedding 3 and grooming needs 3 on a scale of 1 to 5.
The long double coat is thick and needs regular brushing. Shelties are small, but the AKC data lists 60 to 90 minutes of exercise a day.
Why do some dogs have merle coats?
The AKC glossary describes merle as "a marbling effect of dark patches against a lighter background of the same color," a pattern used "in conjunction with another color." Merle is controlled by the PMEL gene, and the same gene can dilute the eyes, which is why many merle dogs have blue or odd-colored eyes.
Merle is only one of several patterns. Dapple in Dachshunds and harlequin in Great Danes and Beaucerons are closely related terms, and our trait finder groups them together with merle. For flecks and roan patterns, see dog breeds with spotted coats.
The merle x merle (double merle) health risk
The risk comes from breeding two merle dogs together. A puppy can inherit two copies of the merle gene, which is called a double merle. In a 2009 study in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2.7% of dogs with one copy were deaf in one ear and 0.9% were deaf in both ears. For dogs with two copies, 10% were deaf in one ear and 15% in both.
In plain terms, a double merle puppy is many times more likely to be deaf. Two copies can only happen when both parents carry merle, so:
- Never pair two merle dogs.
- When you buy a merle puppy, ask the breeder what both parents are and whether they were hearing tested.
- Walk away from any breeder who plans or sells merle x merle litters.
- If you adopt a puppy with an unusually white coat or pale eyes, ask your vet about a hearing test.
The merle gene on its own, with one copy, carries a much lower risk. The study found 0.9% of single-copy dogs were deaf in both ears.
Sources:
- Strain GM, et al. Prevalence of deafness in dogs heterozygous or homozygous for the merle allele. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2009
- Deane-Coe PE, et al. PLOS Genetics, 2018
- American Kennel Club: Glossary of breed standard terms
All 13 merle dog breeds at a glance
| Breed | Size | Weight | Lifespan | Merle-type colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Shepherd | Large | 40-65 lb | 12-15 years | blue merle, red merle |
| Beauceron | Large | 70-110 lb | 10-12 years | harlequin |
| Border Collie | Medium | 30-55 lb | 12-15 years | blue merle, red merle |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | Medium | 25-38 lb | 12-15 years | blue merle |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | Large | 50-95 lb | 10-14 years | blue merle, red merle |
| Collie | Large | 50-75 lb | 12-14 years | blue merle |
| Dachshund | Medium | 16-32 lb | 12-16 years | dapple |
| Great Dane | Giant | 110-175 lb | 7-10 years | harlequin, mantle, merle |
| Miniature American Shepherd | Medium | 20-40 lb | 12-13 years | blue merle, red merle |
| Miniature Dachshund | Toy | 8-11 lb | 12-16 years | dapple |
| Mudi | Medium | 18-29 lb | 12-14 years | merle |
| Old English Sheepdog | Large | 60-100 lb | 10-12 years | blue merle and white |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Small | 15-25 lb | 12-14 years | blue merle, sable merle |
Conclusion
Merle shows up in herding breeds, in two Dachshunds and in the Great Dane, so you can find the coat in nearly any size, from 8 to 11 lb to 110 to 175 lb. Choose the breed for its temperament and exercise needs first, and the pattern second. Then choose a breeder who never pairs two merle dogs.
Narrow the list with the dog breed selector or compare two breeds with the dog breed comparison tool. If you like unusual coats, see our lists of brindle breeds, breeds with different colored eyes and dog breeds with white-tipped tails.
