Downloadable PDF of this article. This PDF can be freely shared in its original format.
Breeds
That Include the Merle Pattern in Their Official Standard
Documented Historically Merle Breeds
Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog
American Leopard Hound (referred to as "Leopard")
Australian Koolie (German Coolie)
Australian Shepherd
Beauceron (referred to as "Harlequin")
Bergamasco
Berger des Alpes et de Savoie
Border Collie
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Catahoula Leopard Dog (referred to as "Leopard")
Collie - Rough and Smooth
Cuban Hairless Terrier
Dachshund (referred to as "Dapple")
Dunker/Norwegian Hound
Great Dane
Harlequin Pinscher
Mudi
Miniature American Shepherd
Old English Sheepdog
(The trait seems to be absent from the
modern gene pool.)
Prague Ratter
Pyrenean Shepherd (may be referred to as "Harlequin")
Shetland Sheepdog
Breeds with
the Merle Trait more recently added (via another breed)
and accepted in the AKC Standard
FCI Standards
Do Not Allow for the Merle Trait in These Breeds
Chihuahua
Pomeranian
Merle Trait is present in the breed; can be registered but is disqualified for showing.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier