The Blue Merle coat color is intriguing and fascinating. It is one of the many colors of the Cavapoo and many Cavapoo owners love it for its uniqueness.
So, how different is this coat color and how does it come about?
Read on to learn more on what makes a Blue Merle Cavapoo, from appearance, temperament, associated health problems, price and where to get them.
Table of Contents
What Is A Blue Merle Cavapoo?
A Blue Merle Cavapoo has a dilute merle coat pattern, which is a variation of the Merle coat color. The coat has a subtle gray with a blue hue covered with dilute black markings. The Blue Merle Cavapoo also has a bluish-black nose pigmentation which is also another physical identifier of the dog.
What do Blue Merle Cavapoos look like?
Blue Merle Cavapoos look like any other Cavapoo except for their unique coat color. They have the same physical features as a Cavapoo.
They have round faces, big eyes, and soft, fluffy coats that can be curly or wavy. Their physical appearance include small round, fluffy, cuddly bodies, with short legs, and floppy ears.
Blue Merle, also known as a dilute merle is a coat color variation of the Merle dog coat color.
The Merle coat color in dogs is a result of the Merle gene which is a dark to pale gray base coat with black markings.
Depending on how the gene characteristics show up from normal pigment (dark) or dilute pigment, the Merle coat has variations in the color intensity.
The Blue Merle is one of the variations of the Merle coat which is the dilute presentation of the merle coat color.
The blue color is not a sky blue color, as may be confused to be. It is rather a gray, sliver, or slate color with a hue of blue.
A Blue Merle Cavapoo, therefore, appears as a grey coat broken up with dilute dark marks. The dilute dark marks vary in size and shape and are distributed over a dog’s body.
Blue Merle Cavapoo Eyes
In addition to the determination of the Merle coat color characteristics, the merle gene also influences the eye color of a Blue Merle Cavapoo.
Blue Merle Cavapoos have blue or brown eyes.
Blue Merle Cavapoo Size
The Blue Merle Cavapoo is similar in size to the standard Cavapoo breed size.
Adult dogs, both male and females, weigh between 20 to 45 pounds and stand between 16 to 18 inches at the shoulder in height.
How Do You Get A Blue Merle Cavapoo?: Blue Merle Cavapoo Genetics
Puppies obtain their DNA from their parents. The inherited genes and their interaction determine a puppy’s coat color.
The coat color of dogs starts with two primary pigments, that is, a black pigment referred to as eumelanin, and a red pigment, known as pheomelanin.
The different genes that are inherited by a puppy manipulate these two primary pigments which result in different coat colors and patterns.
The merle gene is responsible for the Merle coat color. The Merle color pattern is a dark gray base coat covered with dark markings. This is the standard Merle coat pattern.
Depending on the merle gene’s length, the merle color can show up in different variations and color intensity.
A Blue Merle Cavapoo puppy inherits one copy of the dominant merle gene (M) from one of its parents.
A Blue Merle Cavapoo is a result of shorter merle genes compared to the standard merle genes. The coat shows up as a subtle grey base coat with a blue hue and black markings.
Are Blue Merle Cavapoos rare?
Blue Merle Cavapoos are rare. This is because it is harder to breed this a coat color because of the specific gene interaction required to produce the coat color.
The gene that determines a Blue Merle coat color is an incomplete dominant gene. This means the production of a Blue Merle puppy requires that either parent passes down a dominant merle allele (M) for the Merle coat color to show up.
Only one copy of the dominant merle gene (M) is required and when the gene is shorter than the standard merle gene from gene interaction, a Blue Merle puppy is produced.
Based on this genetic makeup requirement, although difficult to get, breeders can increase the chances of producing Blue Merle Cavapoo puppies.
Blue Merle CavapooTemperament
A Blue Merle Cavapoo has the same personality as any other Cavapoo dog. Their coat color does not influence their temperament.
The breed is affectionate, energetic, friendly, intelligent and people-oriented. They are also easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement.
They are also good family dogs because of their personality.
In addition to this, a puppy’s personality is also shaped by good training, socialization, and good nurturing.
Good breeding produces puppies with great personalities and also socialization and training help a puppy to integrate well with people and other animals as well as have desired behaviors.
Blue Merle Cavapoo Health Issues
Research has shown that a dog’s color has an influence on its health and longevity. This means some coat colors are prone to more health problems than others.
White, merle, piebald and roan coat colors have more health problems.
Dogs with dilute-colored coats are also susceptible to certain health conditions related to their coat color.
Blue Merle Cavapoo puppies are susceptible to color dilution alopecia (CDA) which is a health condition that is specific to blue and fawn coat colored dogs, that is, dogs with dilute color.
CDA is an inherited health condition that causes hair thinning or loss, itchy skin, and flaky skin.
As a Cavapoo and a large breed puppy, they are also prone to common health problems observed in the breed.
These common Cavapoo health issues include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Luxating patella
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Allergies
- Dental issues
- obesity
A Blue Merle Cavapoo puppy and an adult dog will not necessarily develop all or any of the ailments.
They can live healthy lives despite being susceptible to these conditions. Breeders reduce the risk of occurrence of the conditions. Good care is also essential for raising a healthy dog.
When purchasing a Blue Merle Cavapoo puppy make sure that you obtain their health history from the breeder.
Also, ensure that their parents do not have CDA to reduce the risk of occurrence of the condition in your puppy.
By knowing the possible health problems, you can know what to expect when you are considering buying a certain Cavapoo coat color and the care they need to live a healthy life.
See also: Cavapoo throwing up: Causes, symptoms and what to do
Blue Merle Cavapoo Lifespan
The Blue Merle Cavapoo’s life span is 12 to 15 years. One of the best ways to ensure a Blue Merle Cavapoo’s health and longevity is to promote their physical activity through regular exercise, high-quality diet, and regular health checks.
Blue Merle Cavapoo Price
The Blue Merle Cavapoo price ranges from $1500 to $3500, compared to a standard Cavapoo price which costs between $1,000 and $3,000. Blue Merle Cavapoos are generally expensive because of the high demand for the coat color.
The coat color comes from recessive genes which means it can be a little difficult but possible to produce the puppies.
Generally, the harder it is to breed a coat color the more expensive it is.
Finding Blue Merle Cavapoo puppies for sale
When looking for a reputable source to purchase a Blue Merle Cavapoo puppy, it is important to purchase one from a reputable Cavapoo breeder.
Blue Merle Cavapoo puppies for sale can be obtained from professional Cavapoo breeders, shelters, or Cavapoo rescues.
While searching for a Blue Merle Cavapoo, it is important to take into account a dog or puppy’s health history. This includes confirmation of genetic disease testing, as well as screening for common illnesses and conditions.
It is also important to find a breeder that is committed to responsible breeding practices and one that will share the health clearances of their dogs, to receive a healthy puppy.
Knowing the health status of a puppy is important because it is the only way to know for sure if they are healthy or less likely to develop genetic or medical disorders.
To start your search for Blue Merle Cavapoos for sale, some of the reputable Blue Merle Cavapoo breeders include:
Finding Blue Merle Cavapoo for Adoption: Blue Merle Cavapoo rescues
Blue Merle Cavapoos for adoption can be found in local animal shelters or Cavapoo rescue groups.
Shelters and Cavapoo rescue groups have Cavapoos that need rehoming.
When you obtain a Cavapoo from a rescue center, ensure that they go through health checks to know their health status.
Some of the reputable Cavapoo rescues where you can find a Blue Merle Cavapoo for adoption include:
In Summary: Should You Get A Blue Merle Cavapoo?
The Blue Merle Cavapoo is loved by Cavapoo owners because of its fascinating color. The coat color is a lovely subtle gray with dilute dark marks.
In addition to this fascinating coat color and adorable size, the Blue Merle Cavapoo has a pleasant personality. They are is easy to train, and is a great family dog.
This Cavapoo is no different from other Cavapoo colors apart from the coat color and size.
By being aware of their health and characteristics, you can be able to raise a healthy Blue Merle Cavapoo.
Always remember when considering buying a Blue Merle Cavapoo puppy, buy them from ethical breeders to ensure you get a healthy pup.