Merle Chihuahuas: Truths & Facts About This Controversial Coat

The Chihuahua is the UK's second most popular dog breed, prized for its small size and affectionate nature, making it ideal for compact living spaces.

Despite their popularity, appearances among Chihuahuas vary widely including long and short coats and different head shapes such as the more common apple head and the alternative deer head.

Among the wide variety of accepted colours in the breed, the so-called rare merle coat is distinctive but controversial due to the health and ethical concerns that surround it.

What is a merle Chihuahua?

A merle Chihuahua displays a mottled coat pattern over a base colour, including blues, reds, or lilacs. This pattern often comes with blue or heterochromatic eyes and skin pigmentation that can increase sun sensitivity.

More than a simple colour, merle results from complex genetic factors that may bring serious health risks, which we explore below.

Is merle a naturally occurring colour in Chihuahuas?

The merle colour has not been naturally part of the pedigree Chihuahua breed. Its presence is widely attributed to outcrossing with other merle-carrying breeds rather than spontaneous mutation, leading to challenges in maintaining pure breed lines.

Accepted Chihuahua colours and Kennel Club registration

The UK Kennel Club recognises many Chihuahua colours, none of which include merle. Since March 2007, the Kennel Club has banned registration of merle Chihuahuas and any litters involving merle parents, citing health concerns.

This ban is strictly enforced, meaning no genuine pedigree registration for merle Chihuahuas exists in the UK.

Breed clubs and ethical stance on merle Chihuahuas

Organisations like the British Chihuahua Club and the Smooth Coat Chihuahua Club share the Kennel Club's opposition. These clubs discourage breeding or purchasing merle Chihuahuas due to associated health risks and breed dilution concerns.

Registration issues and potential misrepresentation

Occasionally, merle Chihuahuas may be falsely advertised as Kennel Club registered. Buyers should be cautious of claims of "full pedigree parents" or registration with non-UK bodies like the American Kennel Club, which does allow merle registration. Such paperwork does not grant UK pedigree status.

Eligibility for dog shows

Merle Chihuahuas cannot compete in Kennel Club-affiliated shows due to registration restrictions but may participate in non-Kennel Club events which have more open entry criteria.

How is merle inherited in Chihuahuas?

Merle is an inherited dominant gene requiring one copy for expression, but with incomplete dominance leading to varied coat presentations. Two merle parents produce double-merle offspring, which are almost certain to have severe health issues.

Health concerns linked to merle Chihuahuas

Merle Chihuahuas have higher risks of congenital deafness and blindness, which are irreversible. They are also more prone to sunburn and related skin conditions due to pigmentation dilution.

Choosing a merle puppy means accepting a significant health risk, with double-merle breeding dramatically increasing the likelihood of serious disability or death.

Double-merle dangers

Breeding two merle Chihuahuas worsens health risks, often resulting in pups that are deaf, blind, or born with severe eye defects. Most UK breeders strongly avoid this practice due to animal welfare concerns.

Merle Chihuahua controversy explained

The mercury of health risk is the core reason for opposition, but controversy also involves ethical concerns about breed dilution, rarity marketing, inflated prices, and information transparency to buyers.

Buying or breeding merle Chihuahuas contributes to ongoing health problems and controversies within the breed community.

Are merle Chihuahuas truly rare?

Market data from Pets4Homes reflects that merle Chihuahuas make up just over 1% of Chihuahua adverts, confirming their rare status in the UK market.

Important considerations when buying a Chihuahua puppy

• Research thoroughly and ensure responsible breeders disclose all health risks.
• Look for Kennel Club registered puppies when possible, avoiding those marketed under dubious registration claims.
• Consider adopting from rehoming centres where you can provide a loving home to a dog in need.

Responsible ownership means prioritising health and welfare over coat colour novelty, helping protect the breed’s future and wellbeing.

FAQs

What does it mean if a merle Chihuahua breeder says their dogs are registered pedigrees?

Quick Answer: Merle Chihuahuas cannot be legitimately registered as Kennel Club pedigrees in the UK due to a ban on merle registration.

Some breeders use misleading terms like "full pedigree parents" or register with foreign organisations such as the American Kennel Club, which permits merle registration. Such registrations do not confer official UK pedigree recognition, and buyers should verify paperwork carefully to avoid fraud.

Can merle Chihuahuas be entered in dog shows?

Quick Answer: No, merle Chihuahuas cannot enter Kennel Club-affiliated dog shows due to registration restrictions, but may participate in other informal events.

Because Kennel Club registration is required for official shows, merle Chihuahuas are ineligible. However, non-affiliated or fun shows without strict registration rules may accept merle dogs, though these carry less prestige.

What health issues are linked to merle Chihuahuas?

Quick Answer: Merle Chihuahuas have higher risks of congenital hearing and vision impairment, which are permanent and often severe.

They may suffer from partial or complete deafness and blindness at birth. The merle gene also causes skin pigment dilution which increases vulnerability to sunburn and potentially skin cancer. Risks are significantly greater in puppies from double-merle matings.

Why does the Kennel Club ban merle Chihuahuas?

Quick Answer: The Kennel Club bans merle Chihuahuas due to the associated health risks of congenital deafness, blindness, and other genetic defects.

The breed registry aims to protect breed health and welfare standards, discouraging colours linked to genetic problems. Merle is considered an "undesirable" trait in Chihuahuas and banned from pedigree registration to prevent spreading avoidable health issues.