Merle Pugs: What UK Puppy Buyers Must Know

The pug is one of the most distinctive and easy-to-recognise dog breeds in the UK, with most people able to identify one at a glance. However, some pugs have an unusual coat colour known as merle, which is not naturally found within the breed. Merle pugs display distinctive mottled patches of colour across their coats and often have striking blue or differently coloured eyes, making them stand out from typical pug colours.

Merle pugs are rare and controversial, and if you're considering bringing one into your home, it is essential to understand the implications of this coat colour.

What is a merle pug?

A merle pug is a pug displaying the merle coat pattern, which consists of irregular patches of diluted pigment, often blue or blue-grey, on a solid or piebald base coat. This pattern is caused by a dominant gene that creates these striking colour variations. While merle colouring is natural in breeds like the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Border Collie, it does not naturally occur in pugs.

Is merle a natural colour in pugs?

The merle gene is not part of the pug breed’s original genetic makeup. All pedigree pugs registered with the Kennel Club follow strict colour standards which exclude merle.

For a pug to have a merle coat, this gene must have been introduced via crossbreeding or outcrossing with a merle-carrying breed at some point in its ancestry. Therefore, technically, merle pugs cannot be considered purebred by major kennel clubs, including the UK's Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

What are the standard pug colours?

The Kennel Club recognises four official colours for pedigree pugs:

• Apricot
• Black
• Silver
• Fawn

There is also a "colour not recognised" classification for non-standard colours like brindle or white, but this does not apply to merle pugs, which are outright excluded from registration.

How is merle inherited in pugs?

Merle pigmentation is due to a dominant gene with incomplete penetrance. This means if a pug has one merle parent, there’s a good chance some puppies in the litter will inherit the merle pattern, though it’s not guaranteed.

If both parents are merle, the resulting puppies are called double merles, which always show the merle pattern but carry a much higher risk of serious health issues, including deafness and blindness.

When did merle pugs first appear?

Merle pugs emerged due to deliberate breeding efforts and sometimes accidental outcrossing to introduce unique coat colours. The trend grew alongside the increasing popularity of pugs in the UK, which is the country’s third most popular dog breed. The desire for unusual traits has driven some breeders to produce and sell merle pugs to meet demand.

Are merle pugs generally healthy?

Pugs as a breed face a number of inherent health issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), eye problems due to their prominent eyes, spinal issues, and risk of obesity.

Merle pugs may inherit these common pug health problems but also have additional risks associated with the merle gene, leading to a greater likelihood of congenital defects affecting hearing and vision.

Are there health issues specific to the merle colour in pugs?

The merle gene is linked with an increased risk of hearing impairments ranging from partial hearing loss to complete deafness and eye abnormalities, including blindness. Merle areas may have poor melanin production, making the skin more sensitive to sun damage and prone to burning. These congenital issues raise welfare concerns among breed clubs.

What is a double merle pug?

A double merle pug results when both parents carry the merle gene. These dogs always display the merle pattern but face a high chance of severe health problems, including deafness, blindness, and malformed eyes. Responsible breeders and vets advise strongly against breeding or buying double merle pugs.

Can merle pugs be registered with the Kennel Club?

The UK Kennel Club, in collaboration with the Pug Breed Council, refuses to register merle pugs due to the associated health risks and the breed standard’s exclusion of the merle colour. This policy applies to merle pugs bred in the UK or imported from abroad.

Can merle pugs be registered as "colour not recognised"?

Although the Kennel Club allows "colour not recognised" registration for some non-standard pug colours, this does not extend to merle pugs. They remain excluded because of the health concerns and lack of breed purity.

What if a breeder claims to sell registered merle pug puppies?

Claims that merle pugs are Kennel Club registered are false or fraudulent. Some breeders may falsely register merle pugs under standard colours or use unofficial registries to provide paperwork. Buyers should verify registration status carefully and avoid breeders who cannot provide legitimate Kennel Club pedigree documentation.

Why are merle pugs controversial?

The primary reason merle pugs are controversial lies in the increased health problems linked to the merle gene, adding to the existing welfare challenges in the pug breed. Breeding traits that cause avoidable health risks is widely regarded as irresponsible and breaches the ethical standards of reputable breeders and clubs.

Merle pugs often command higher prices due to their rarity, which can encourage unethical breeding and perpetuate health problems within the breed.

Can merle pugs compete in dog shows?

Merle pugs cannot be entered in Kennel Club or affiliated breed shows in the UK, as they are not recognised within the breed standard. They may participate in informal or fun shows, but will be excluded from competitive judging and official recognition.

Are merle pugs rare and expensive?

Merle pugs are indeed rare in the UK, making up under 2% of pugs advertised for sale on popular platforms. Because of their unusual colour, prices vary widely but can often be much higher than standard pugs, sometimes exceeding £2000 depending on the breeder and perceived demand.

Should you buy a merle pug?

Buying any dog requires careful consideration, and merle pugs demand extra caution due to their potential health risks and ethical concerns surrounding their breeding. It is crucial to seek reputable breeders who prioritise health and transparency, and to understand fully the consequences that merle colouring might entail.

Prospective buyers should be aware that supporting merle pug breeding can indirectly encourage practices that harm the breed’s welfare. Therefore, seriously weigh the health, registration, and welfare factors before choosing a merle pug as a pet.

Responsible ownership and informed decision-making are key to ensuring the well-being of your future canine companion.