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Merle Pug: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Written by: Beth Crane

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Dogster Team

Black and grey Merle pug puppy with one blue

Merle Pug: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Pugs are excitable, cheeky companions that are famed around the world for their unique appearance. They are popular in all their main colors, including black, tan, and fawn, but there have been breeders that have started introducing merle coloring.

Merle Pugs are rare, and how a Pug gains a merle coloring is interesting and complex. In this article, we explore how Merle Pugs came to be and what owning one looks like. Read on to discover all there is to know about these mischievous dogs.

Breed Overview

Height:

10–13 inches

Weight:

14–18 pounds

Lifespan:

13–15 years

Colors:

Merle

Suitable for:

Families looking for a loyal companion, those knowledgeable about brachycephalic breeds and their health needs

Temperament:

Loving, bright, curious, mischievous

Merle Pug Breed Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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The Earliest Records of Merle Pugs in History

Pugs were first bred and honed into perfect companion dogs around 400 B.C., making them one of the oldest breeds in the world. They were first bred in China, and the flat-faced dogs were the chair warmers and close companions of Chinese royalty and the elite. The Pug was so revered by everyone in the upper circle of society, from Tibetan monks in their temples to emperors in their palaces, that they had guards and servants of their own!

The Pug was then picked up by Dutch traders entranced by their wrinkles, which resembled “王, “the Chinese symbol for “prince,” and transported them over to Holland and England.

There, the breed was refined as they resided with British celebrities and royalty. In 1740, the Freemasons formed the secret “Order of the Pug” club due to their love of the breed and as an homage to the Pug’s loyalty. Finally, in the 19th century, the Pug made their way to America, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.

Merle pug puppy with one blue eye
Image By: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock

How Merle Pugs Gained Popularity

Pugs were always bred to be the ultimate companion dogs. They were immediately popular when the breed first emerged in China, and their lovable faces made them a curiosity to the traders who shipped them to Europe. The Pug began to take off in England when the monarchy adopted the breed, with Queen Victoria owning several and passing them down the family line.

In the U.S., the breed was slow to gain popularity. However, with the founding of the Pug Dog Club of America in 1931, the Pug has slowly crept up the ranks.

Formal Recognition of Merle Pugs

The Pug as a breed was first recognized in 1885 by the American Kennel Club, and the Kennel Club (U.K.) followed in 1918. However, only the following colors are accepted by each club:

  • Black
  • Fawn
  • Apricot
  • Silver

Merle is not a recognized color in any of the major kennel clubs because it does not occur naturally in the breed as it does for others (like the Cardigan Corgi).

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Top 4 Unique Facts About the Merle Pug

1. Merle Coloring Is Genetic

For a dog to be the dappled pattern called merle, they must inherit two “merle” genes. The merle gene is semi-dominant, meaning only one must be inherited from a parent to produce a merle coloring.


2. Merle Pugs Can Have Health Issues

If a dog is a merle, there is a small chance that they may inherit some health issues. For example, in most merle dogs, the chance of deafness is increased by around 1%. However, if a dog is a “double merle” or inherits a merle gene from both parents, they will have a significantly higher chance of being fully deaf.

In addition, double Merle Pugs can also be born with eyes much smaller than normal (called microphthalmia), which can leave the animals blind. These health issues are why breeding merle dogs is a controversial topic, and kennel clubs will never register a double merle dog.

Merle Pug puppy with one partially blue eye looking at the camera
Image By: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock

3. Merle Coloring Is Rare

Due to the genetics involved in breeding Merle Pugs, they’re rare. Since you can’t breed a merle to a merle, only some of a litter of Pugs from a merle and a “normal” color will be merle themselves. Pugs also often have trouble giving birth, so the number of puppies could be fewer than those of another breed.


4. Merle Pugs Are Not Purebreds

Since Merle is not a pattern that’s naturally seen in Pugs, no Merle Pugs will be purebred. Instead, merle has to be bred in from a breed that can pass on the gene. Two purebred Pugs will not be able to produce a merle puppy.

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Does a Merle Pug Make a Good Pet?

A Merle Pug can make a loyal, loving, and carefree pet to the right owner, as long as the owner is aware of and able to deal with some of the potential illnesses they can have. Merle is a beautiful patterning, but it can cause deafness in some dogs and even blindness in “ double merle dogs.”

If your Merle Pug was bred responsibly, these problems are less likely to occur. Pugs have other well-documented health issues due to having flat faces, including breathing and eye problems. However, owners knowledgeable about what the breed needs regarding care and exercise can have a fun-loving and loyal companion in the Merle Pug.

Blue eyed merle pug puppy
Image By: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

The Merle Pug is an anomaly in the dog world since the breed does not usually carry the patterning. Merle is a genetically inherited trait that must be bred into Pug lines from other breeds that can pass the gene on naturally. If they are bred responsibly, merle dogs often live normal and happy lives without health issues. Regardless of the controversy surrounding them, Merle Pugs make excellent pets for responsible, caring owners.


Featured Image Credit: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock

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