When it comes to herding dogs, the Border Collie is a breed that stands out. These dogs are known for their intelligence, trainability, and boundless energy. These dogs are often used in herding, agility, and obedience competitions. But did you know that there’s a unique color variation of the Border Collie? This type of Border collie is becoming increasingly popular. We are talking about the Border Collie Blue Merle.
What is a Border Collie Blue Merle?
A Border Collie Blue Merle is a variation of the Border Collie breed that has a distinctive merle coat pattern. The term “merle” refers to a mottled or marbled coat pattern that can be seen in a variety of dog breeds. In the case of the Border Collie, the merle coat can be blue, black, or red. The blue merle coat is characterized by a mix of blue, black, and gray hairs. All these traits create a unique and striking type of border collie appearance.
The Merle Gene in Blue Merle Border collies
The merle coat pattern is caused by a gene known as the “merle gene.” This gene affects the way that the dog’s coat develops, resulting in the unique marbled pattern. The merle gene is a dominant gene. This means that a dog only needs to inherit one copy of the gene from one parent to express the merle coat pattern.
However, in many cases, both two dogs carry the merle gene. When they breed together, there is a 25% chance that their offspring will inherit two copies of the gene. This results in a condition known as “double merle”. Which can cause a variety of health issues such as blindness, deafness, and other genetic disorders.
See also: Top 10 rare Border collie colors
Blue Merle Collies Appearance
The Border Collie Blue Merle can have a variety of different coat patterns. Some may have a mostly blue coat with black or gray spots. While others may have a more black or gray coat with blue spots. The eyes of a Merle Border Collie can be blue and brown. However, there is also a possibility of having one of each color which is known as “odd eyes”. These dogs can also have a white blaze on their face and a white collar, chest, and belly.
Temperament of Collie Merle Dog
The Border Collie Blue Merle is a highly intelligent and trainable dog that thrives on physical and mental stimulation. They are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise. These dogs excel in herding, agility, and obedience competitions and make great pets for active families. They are also known to be very loyal and loving towards their owners.
See also: Blue Merle Border collie characteristics, training, and health issues
Blue Merle Collie Puppies
If you are thinking about bringing a Blue Merle Border Collie puppy into your home, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Look for a breeder who conducts genetic testing on their breeding dogs to ensure that they do not carry the double merle gene. You should also consider the amount of exercise and training that these dogs require and whether you can provide that for them.
Moreover, go through the medical reports of the blue merle border collie puppy. Make sure that it doesn’t have any genetic problems. Also, check if the merle collie is registered with the Kennel Club or not. It is important to buy a blue merle collie puppy or any other dog puppy after proper verification of its health and documents.
Conclusion
The Border Collie Blue Merle is a unique and striking variation of the Border Collie breed. With their distinctive coat pattern, high intelligence, and boundless energy, these dogs are sure to turn heads. However, it’s important to remember that they require regular exercise and training to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. If you’re able to provide that, a Blue Merle Border Collie can make a loving and loyal companion.
