# Axle’s Frenchies: Understanding the Merle Gene in French Bulldogs

As a dedicated breeder of French Bulldogs, we prioritize health, structure, and temperament. It’s essential to provide clear, accurate information about coat color genetics, particularly regarding the often-misunderstood merle gene.

While the merle color is not recognized by the AKC for French Bulldogs, it has been naturally present in the canine gene pool and has been responsibly incorporated into breeding programs for many years. This has been done with a focus on the breed's best interests.

#### What Is the Merle Gene?
The merle gene (M-locus) is a dominant gene that alters the base coat color of a dog, producing patches of diluted pigment that create the distinctive marbled or “dappled” appearance. Merle is found in various breeds, including:

- Australian Shepherds
- Dachshunds
- Cardigan Welsh Corgis
- Great Danes
- Chihuahuas

French Bulldogs are a man-made breed, and the merle trait was carefully introduced rather than being an inherited standard. Historical outcrossing likely brought merle into the gene pool, possibly through connections with Chihuahuas or other merle-bearing breeds. While the AKC does not acknowledge merle, this does not render merle dogs "impure" or unhealthy when bred ethically.

#### Is Merle Dangerous for French Bulldogs?
Merle itself is not inherently dangerous. Health issues may arise if two merle carriers are bred together, resulting in "double merle" puppies, which have a higher risk for:

- Deafness
- Vision problems
- Underdeveloped eyes (microphthalmia)

A responsible breeder will avoid breeding merle to merle. When a merle dog is bred to a non-merle mate, the litter may include 50% merle puppies without the associated health risks.

**Key Point**: Single-merle French Bulldogs do not face increased risks of deafness or blindness compared to other colors, assuming both parents are health tested and structurally sound.

#### Health Testing Comes First
Regardless of color—whether standard shades like fawn, pied, or brindle, or non-standard colors like merle, lilac, or blue—the focus must always be on:

1. **DNA health panel screening** (e.g., CMR1, HUU, DM, IVDD)
2. **Color testing** to prevent accidental merle-to-merle pairings
3. **Conformation and temperament evaluation**
4. **Clinical evaluation**

These practices ensure that merle French Bulldogs can be as healthy, loving, and sound as their standard-colored counterparts.

#### AKC Standard vs. Ethical Breeding
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not accept merle as a standard color for French Bulldogs. However, registration is based on lineage rather than color:

- A merle Frenchie from AKC-registered parents can still be registered, even if the color is marked as "not recognized." Merle patterns are often categorized as "Spotted" or "Ticked."
- Breeding merles does not breach AKC rules, though they cannot participate in conformation shows.

Many reputable breeders embrace non-standard colors alongside the breed standard, prioritizing health, temperament, and structural integrity.

#### Our Commitment to Merles
At Axle’s Frenchies, we are dedicated to:

- Producing healthy, happy, and structurally sound French Bulldogs
- Educating buyers and fellow breeders about canine genetics
- Preserving the breed’s charm while responsibly embracing color diversity

Our merle puppies result from meticulous planning, health testing, and a profound understanding of genetics. We never breed merle to merle, ensuring our puppies are both beautiful and capable of thriving.

#### Further Reading & Resources
- [UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Merle Testing](https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu)
- [AKC DNA & Parentage Testing](https://www.akc.org)
- [Embark – Merle and Coat Color Testing](https://www.embarkvet.com)

If you’re interested in a merle French Bulldog puppy from a breeder who prioritizes health and ethics over trends, please reach out to learn more about our breeding program.