What to Look for in a Blue Merle Pitbull: Despite the beautiful blue merle color, some Blue Mercado Pitbulls can have specific problems, making them unsuitable as family pets. Read on to discover what to look for in a Blue Mercado Pitbull. You’ll also learn about health problems, eye defects, and more. After reading this article, you’ll be well on your way to making an intelligent decision.
Tri-colored coat
While most breeds of Pitbulls have different coat colors, the Blue Merle Pitbull has a tricolor coat. This color is not standard, however. These dogs have recessive genes, making it difficult for breeders to produce these puppies. Occasionally, a dog will begin with a lilac coat and eventually turn black or purple. Although it is not easy to breed a tri-colored Pitbull, it is not impossible to achieve a tri-color.
While merle Pitbulls are not included in the official breed standard, they look stunning. They are not suitable for showing at dog shows, but they make great family dogs. Lilac Pitbulls have a solid lilac background with patches of tan on their ears and paws. Their white underneath is also visible. Some of these dogs have blue or light gray eyes.
Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize this coat pattern, it is not uncommon to find a Tri-Color Pitbull. These dogs are classified as American Bullys but are still considered a breed by the United Kennel Club. Although the United Kennel Club does not recognize this coat pattern, many breeders still remember it. If you’re interested in getting a tri-colored Pitbull, consider some things before adopting one.
Eye defects
The Merle gene has a strong association with eye defects. A dog with a Merle gene may have an off-center pupil, a thin iris, and an out-of-place lens. There may also be persistent pupillary membranes. These may cause significant vision problems or a lack of night vision. Despite their etiology, cataracts are not always fatal.
The double Merle gene is also associated with severe health problems. Dogs with this gene should not be bred because they may be more prone to develop eye problems and go blind. The merle gene also causes albinism in dogs. These dogs are white. They may also be deaf or blind. This gene can cause your blue merle pitbull to develop these congenital disabilities.
As a breeder, it’s essential to spot a Blue Merle Pitbull based on its eye color. Blue Merle Pitbulls may have white pigmentation in their eyes. Occasionally, the blue merle pitbull may have brown or black eyes, the most common. Blue merles may also have blue eyes. If you suspect your dog has an albinism gene, be sure to have it tested by a veterinarian.
Some other eye problems in Blue Merles include cataracts, glaucoma, and a decreased ability to see clearly. Fortunately, most of these problems can be treated with treatment. However, the sooner you detect them, the better chance of a positive outcome. The earlier you can catch eye problems, the better. When possible, try to adopt a blue Merle carrier to avoid the risks of blue eyes.
Health problems
Blue merle is one of the most attractive patterns in the Pitbull breed. The merle pattern’s color results from the merle gene interacting with the black base coat color. Patches of black paint on a blue base coat distinguish blue merles. The blue shade can be anywhere from silvery grey to dark grey. On the other hand, red merles have a reddish hue that can range from cream to liver. This double dilution of the merle gene can cause health problems.
Another health problem common to the pit bull breed is hip dysplasia. This condition is inherited and leads to constant pain. Because of the heavy chest and legs, this breed is prone to developing obesity. Although obesity can cause many health problems, weight gain in the Pit Bull breed can be prevented with proper diet and exercise. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common problems that plague Pit Bulls. Hip dysplasia causes the affected hip to become uneven and painful. Dog owners should watch their pitbull’s gait and visit a veterinarian if necessary.
Other health problems can affect merle Pitbulls. Double merles may develop night blindness because of missing eye tissue or the inability to dilate the pupils. They can even be born deaf. Non-merle Pitbull pups may develop hip dysplasia and knee problems. While blue merle Pitbulls generally live for about twelve to fifteen years, they can experience health problems.
Aggressiveness
Genetics, environmental factors, and poor socialization cause the aggressive behavior of a Blue Merle Pitbull. While some of these factors may be hereditary, changing a Pitbull’s temperament is not always impossible. Proper training and socialization can help you prevent aggressive behavior. Here are some tips for successfully training your Blue Merle Pitbull. Breed experts recommend regular yearly checkups and quality food for your pet. Blue Merle Pitbulls are very healthy but can develop specific health problems.
Genetics may have a strong influence on a Blue Merle Pitbull’s aggression. Since different breeds are genetically related, their baseline aggression may be genetic. It means a substantial genetic effect on a Pit Bull’s aggression toward strangers. Genetics will play a significant role in determining any behavioral trait in a Pit Bull. Breeds have been selectively bred for centuries, and the Blue Merle Pitbull is no exception.
The merle gene in merle Pitbulls can lead to reduced vision and hearing. Purpose breeding of merle Pitbulls can also increase a dog’s risk of developing health problems, such as hip dysplasia. A Blue Merle Pitbull will not attack you or another person despite these risks. If you’re looking to adopt a Blue Merle Pitbull, read up on all health issues to decide if it’s the right breed for your needs.
Genetic defects
Dr. Clark, a veterinarian and current owner of a Blue Merle Pitbull, worked on a study to determine whether breeding the Merle ancestry would lead to health problems. He and his colleagues used a specialized test to identify the Merle allele, which is linked to dermatomyositis syndrome. They also studied the pedigrees of Pitbulls and Collies and developed several microsatellite markers to improve whole-genome screening.
The base coat and eye color are among the bodily parts affected by the merle gene. It causes the eye, or a portion of it, to turn blue. A merle pitbull’s pink nose and paw pads are other distinguishing features. In addition to the color of the eye, merles may have pink paw pads and a mottled pink nose. Those with double merles are known as double merles. However, the genetic defect can also lead to hearing and vision problems in these dogs.
There is no conclusive evidence linking the merle gene to the blue merle pitbull’s eye pigmentation, but it plays a role in WS. Merling is similar to WS in humans. Mutations in SILV are responsible for the disease. Genetic testing can identify dogs that have a SINE insertion in their chromosomes. Dogs with this mutation may produce merle offspring.
Adoption
Among the many positive qualities of a Blue Merle Pitbull, their high energy level makes them an excellent pet for people who enjoy exercise and family time. As a result, they are often a perfect choice for families with small children. Although merle Pitbulls are known to be playful, they must be supervised around young children to prevent them from hurting them. This breed should also be socialized with other dogs and people before being adopted.
A Blue Merle Pitbull’s lifespan can range from 12 to 15 years, although some have lived far longer than this. An American Dog Breeders Association study concluded that this breed was more susceptible to vision problems than other Pitbulls. For example, their lack of reflective substance in the back of the eye makes them easy to night blindness and other visual impediments. Additionally, their eyes’ iris are small, making them easier to the aperture.
A Blue Merle Pitbull is a muscular and athletic dog. They need a lot of exercise and physical activity. If you plan to walk them in the park or run, ensure you get a good-quality Blue Merle Pitbull puppy with a good backbone. Examining their health history can also ensure they are not overweight. If they have an unusually pale nose or eye color, you should have them tested by a veterinarian before adoption.
