Merle Labradoodles are known for their fun-loving, calm, funny and quiet nature. They are also intelligent, trainable and eager to please. These traits make them a good family pet, but here’s what you need to know about Merle Labradoodles.
Merle is not actually a color, but a dilution gene that lightens a dog’s coat color. The lightening doesn’t affect the entire coat.
This leaves patches of dark colors all over the body of the affected dog. Merle also pertains to the pattern in their coat.
This gene also alters the color of their eyes, paw pads, and nose. For instance, dark eyes may become blue. The random alternations caused by this gene may produce blue-eyed, odd-colored or dark-eyed dogs.
Coat Colors of Merle Labradoodles
Merle Labradoodles come in various colors such as blue merle, chocolate merle and black merle. A blue merle is actually a black Labradoodle. The black coloring of the dog is divided into unevenly shaped patches by the lighter coloring of their coat or by gray.
The lighter part or the gray is the merle and it can vary from a dark steel blue to a light powder blue. Merle Labradoodles may also come in other colors such as brown, red, fawn, diluted reds, sable and yellow. They may have a white trim. It’s also possible for them to have copper points.
Types of Merle Labradoodle Coat
Hair
Merle Labradoodles with straight hair may shed a lot, so they’re not suitable for those with asthma and allergies. This coat is usually seen in 1st and 2nd generation American-bred Labradoodles.
Fleece
It looks like the coat of an Angora goat. Merle Labradoodles with a fleece coat are non-shedding dogs. This kind of coat is easy to maintain.
Wooly
A wooly coat looks like that of a poodle. Merle Labradoodles with this kind of coat is non-shedding, so they are suitable for those with asthma and allergies.
Merle Labradoodle Shedding and Temperament
Merle Labradoodles are non-shedding and hypo-allergenic. They have a wavy fleece coat and friendly temperament. These dogs are playful and love interacting. However, it is important to note that these dogs are active and can have a lot of energy so you should provide them with enough space to play and run around.
Merle Labradoodles have to be mentally and physically stimulated. They will do well in an environment where they can interact with people on a regular basis. Merle Labradoodles won’t have any problem interacting with other dogs, cats, and pets.
Exercise
Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise daily is enough for Merle Labradoodles. You can play fetch, go for regular walks or allow your dog to run around outside. This breed should have a physical outlet for their energy in order for them to stay healthy and happy.
It is usually a bad sign if your dog is becoming stressed or vocal. A bored Merle Labradoodle may become destructive if it is not getting enough attention.
Merle Labradoodles are not the best guard and watch dogs due to their social and friendly nature. This breed, however, can make good service or therapy dogs. They are responsive, easy to handle, perky, trainable, cute and affectionate.
These dogs are also sensitive to the needs of their owners. They will react according to the energy level of the one they are interacting with. Adults and children with special needs will find Merle Labradoodles to be good companions.
How to Find a Reputable Breeder
Each Merle Labradoodle has its own personality. How they are taken care will affect their personality and temperament. This is why you need to find a reputable breeder. Don’t forget to ask the breeder about the following:
Living Conditions
Merle Labradoodles should be raised in a clean environment. They should get the necessary vaccines on time. You also need to make sure that they are bathed and groomed properly. Merle Labradoodle puppies require extra care and attention in their early months to keep them clean and healthy.
Nurturing
Dogs need love and care. Merle Labradoodle puppies should be exposed to the food, sounds, environment and feelings they will face. They should interact with humans to develop their socialization skills.
Nutrition
Both puppies and adult dogs need to get the right amount of nutrients to stay healthy. Ask the breeder about what the dog eats and how often he should be fed. You should also talk about proper hydration and any supplement that they can recommend.
Merle Labradoodles have become a popular breed among many families. Just make sure that you are ready to own a dog before getting your own Merle Labradoodle. This breed demands a lot of attention, so you should be ready to give it to them.
