Are you thinking about adding a calm, easy-going, playful yet well-behaved canine companion to your family? If so, the Merle Goldendoodle may be the fur baby for you and your family.
Perhaps you may have also heard about the Blue Merle Goldendoodle and want to know more about this designer dog. Well, you’ve landed on the right page.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about both the Merle Goldendoodle and the Blue Merle Goldendoodle, including best care practices, health issues, lifespan, temperament, grooming requirements for curly and straight hair, training, dietary needs, and more.
Let’s first start with a quick brief overview of the Merle Goldendoodle followed by their history and physical appearance.
Table of Contents
Merle Goldendoodle: a brief overview
There are several ways to produce Merle Goldendoodles. You can breed a Golden Retriever with a Merle Poodle or breed a regular Goldendoodle with a Merle Poodle or Merle Goldendoodle.
Hereâs a chart to make it easier to understand:
Golden Retrievers come in limited color options, and you can only pick from shades of golden.
With the Poodle, you have a lot more variety. They come in blue, cream, black, brown, red, grey, fawn, white, apricot, chocolate, lavender, cafĂŠ au lait, and Merle.
Unlike some rare coat colors and patterns, Merle is not a recessive trait, and you can produce Merle puppies as long as one parent has the gene. Letâs learn more about this wonderful pooch.
What is a Merle Goldendoodle?
A Merle Goldendoodle gets her appearance from the Merle gene. This gene causes irregular dilution on the pupâs coat, giving her a gorgeous marbled pattern. Merle is semi-dominant, meaning a puppy only needs one Merle parent to exhibit it.
As for the Goldendoodle, Merle markings come from the Poodle parent as Golden Retrievers are never merle. Merle isnât a standard Poodle color either, and Merle Poodles arenât considered purebred. That means a Merle Goldendoodle may have other canines in his DNA.
Related Article: Merle Poodle (Complete Guide)
Merle Goldendoodle history
Goldendoodles havenât been around for a long time. They first appeared in the late 1960s and became a hit with pet owners.
Since theyâre crossbred canines, they donât adhere to breed standards that restrict color options. That means breeders can experiment with color genetics and produce unique pups. The Merle Goldendoodle is one such special pup.
Merle Goldendoodles are bred using Golden Retrievers and Merle Poodles. Breeders can also produce them by partnering Merle Poodles with regular Goldendoodles.
However, itâs worth noting that only one of the parents should be Merle. Breeding two Merles can lead to congenital issues in the offspring.
Various Merle Goldendoodle colors
Merle is a pigment modifier. The gene can alter the way a color expresses itself on the pup. Letâs look at the different coat colors of Merle Goldendoodles.
What is a Blue Merle Goldendoodle?
Merle Goldendoodles come in two colors: Blue and chocolate/red. When the Merle gene dilutes a black coat, we get a blue Merle Goldendoodle. Blue Merle is a rare and popular coat for Goldendoodles.
CHECK OUT: Black Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
Doodle experts believe the Blue Merle gene came from partnering Poodles with natural Merle breeds such as the Shetland Sheepdog, Australian Shepherd, or the Border Collie.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle Blue Merle has a black, grey, and white marbled coat. The gene affects the black pigment all over the pupâs body â even their eyes, nose, paw pads, and eye rims are blue.
DON’T MISS: White Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
Blue Merle F1b Goldendoodle
The âbâ stands for backcross and shows that an F1 Goldendoodle was crossed back with a purebred Poodle. The size of the F1b pup depends on the Poodle parent.
For example, partnering a Goldendoodle with a mini Merle Poodle gives a Blue Merle F1b mini Goldendoodle.
Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle
Similar to how Blue Merle happens when Merle dilutes a black coat, we get a red or chocolate Merle Goldendoodle when Merle dilutes a chocolate coat. The nose, paw pads, eye rims, and lips of Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles are also chocolate brown.
Read also: Chocolate Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
Red Merle Goldendoodle
Red Merle and Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles are two names of the same Goldendoodle. These pups have a reddish-brown coat that appears randomly faded.
Merle Phantom Goldendoodle
The Merle gene may not always express itself, and your Merle Goldendoodle may look like a regular Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles that carry the Merle gene but donât have a Merle coat are called Merle Phantom Goldendoodles.
SEE ALSO: Phantom Poodle (Complete Guide)
Merle Parti Goldendoodle
Parti Goldendoodles are white with patches of a solid color. In the case of the Merle Parti Goldendoodle, the patches have a Merle pattern instead of solid color.
Check out: Parti Poodle (Complete Guide)
Merle Goldendoodle size, height, and weight
Merle Goldendoodles come in multiple sizes, and you can buy whatever body type suits your living arrangement or preference. Here are all the Merle Goldendoodle sizes:
- Standard.
- Medium.
- Mini.
- Toy.
Full Grown Merle Goldendoodle
A full-grown Merle Goldendoodleâs size depends on the size of his parents. Hereâs how big they generally get:
| Merle Goldendoodle Size | |
| Size group | Small to medium-large |
| Height | 11-24 inches |
| Weight | 15-75 pounds |
Standard Merle Goldendoodle
Standard Merle Goldendoodles are the largest and heaviest of the bunch. These dogs are best suited for homes with large open spaces.
| Standard Merle Goldendoodle | |
| Size group | Medium-large |
| Height | 21-24 inches |
| Weight | 45-75 pounds |
Medium Merle Goldendoodle
Medium Merle Goldendoodles sit between the standard and miniature sizes.
| Medium Merle Goldendoodle | |
| Size group | Medium |
| Height | 16-20 inches |
| Weight | 30-45 pounds |
Merle Mini Goldendoodle
The Merle Goldendoodle Mini and toy sizes are immensely popular due to their small living space needs. Hereâs how big your Mini Merle Goldendoodle usually gets:
| Mini Goldendoodle Merle | |
| Size group | Small |
| Height | 12-15 inches |
| Weight | 15-30 pounds |
Toy Merle Goldendoodle
Toy is the smallest category of Merle Goldendoodles. This is how big they get:
| Merle Toy Goldendoodle | |
| Size group | Small |
| Height | ~11 inches |
| Weight | Under 15 pounds |
You may be interested in: Teacup Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
Full Grown Blue Merle Goldendoodle
Blue Merle Goldendoodles come in the same size categories as regular Goldendoodles. Hereâs a table showing their size range:
| Blue Merle Goldendoodle Size | |
| Size group | Small to medium-large |
| Height | 11-24 inches |
| Weight | 15-75 pounds |
Blue Merle Mini Goldendoodle
The Mini Blue Merle Goldendoodle is famous for her adorable looks and convenient size. Blue Merle Goldendoodle Mini and toy Goldendoodles are ideal pets for apartment dwellers.
| Mini Goldendoodle Blue Merle | |
| Size group | Small |
| Height | 12-15 inches |
| Weight | 15-30 pounds |
Merle Goldendoodle physical appearance
Aside from the lovely coat pattern, Merle Goldendoodles are like any other Goldendoodle. Theyâre small to medium-sized canines with kind eyes and innocent faces. They come in straight, wavy, and curly coat types, of which the curly and wavy coats are the most popular for their hypoallergenic qualities.
Fun Fact: It is possible for Goldendoodles to have straight hair. But how does a Goldendoodle get its straight coat? Check out Straight Hair Goldendoodle (Complete Guide) to find out the 3 factors that contribute to this physical trait. You don’t want to miss this!
Merle Goldendoodle grooming and cleaning
Although these pups are non-shedding, Merle Goldendoodles are high-maintenance breeds that require regular grooming to get rid of loose fur and mats.
They also need haircuts when their coats grow too big. While you can do most of the grooming at home by yourself, itâs a wise decision to take a trip to a professional dog groomer every few months.
Hereâs their grooming and cleaning frequency:
Coat brushing
- Once or twice a week for straight coats.
- Daily for wavy and curly coats.
Bathing
- Every 15 days for wavy and curly coats.
- Every two months for straight coats.
Ear cleaning
- Weekly.
Tooth cleaning
- Daily or every other day.
Handy Hint: When it comes to choosing the Best Dog Toothpaste for your canine companion, always go with one that is specially designed for dogs. They should be vet-approved and animal-approved.
Haircutting
- As needed.
Nail trimming
- Monthly.
Handy Hint: While nail trimming is one of the most essential grooming routines for dogs, oftentimes it’s something that both dogs and their owners dread. Some dogs just hate the sound of the nail clippers. Thankfully, with the whisper-quiet motor of the Dog Nail Grinder, many dogs do not mind getting their nails trimmed.
Are Merle Goldendoodles hypoallergenic?
Yes, Merle Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic dogs. That’s because Merle Goldendoodles with curly and wavy hair are non-shedding breeds. They also produce less dander and drool minimally, making them ideal for people allergic to canines.
Are Merle Goldendoodles recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
No, Merle Goldendoodles are not recognized by the AKC.
Different generations of Merle Goldendoodles
Merle Goldendoodles are often bred over multiple generations to enhance their physical and temperamental qualities. Here are some Merle Goldendoodle generations.
Note that only one parent is selected to be Merle to prevent double Merle offspring in each case.
F1 Merle Goldendoodle
F1 stands for first-generation. These Merle Goldendoodles descend from a purebred Golden Retriever and a Merle Poodle.
F1b Merle Goldendoodle
F1b means first-generation backcross. Theyâre made by crossing an F1 Goldendoodle back with a Poodle.
F1bb Merle Goldendoodle
F1bb means double backcross. Theyâre made by crossing an F1b Merle Goldendoodle back with a Poodle.
F2 Merle Goldendoodle
F2 Merle Goldendoodles are second-generation Goldendoodles. These pups are made by crossing two F1 Goldendoodles.
F2b Merle Goldendoodle
F2b stands for second-generation backcross. Theyâre made by crossing an F2 Goldendoodle back with a Poodle or crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with an F1b Goldendoodle.
RELATED: F2B Goldendoodle (Complete Guide)
F3 Merle Goldendoodle
These are multigenerational Merle Goldendoodles that may carry any ratio of parentage.
Merle Goldendoodle temperament and personality
Merle Goldendoodles are naturally well-behaved canines. Their calm and easy-going temperament makes them ideal for any household. Here are some of their prominent personality traits.
Friendly with people
Whether itâs your family members, visitors, or strangers, your Merle Goldendoodle will see them as friends. This pup is naturally affectionate towards humans.
Gets along with pets
The Merle Goldendoodleâs friendliness isnât limited to humans; they get along quite well with other pets. If you have a cat, puppy, or any other furry family member at home, theyâll be safe around your Merle Goldendoodle.
Independent
Unlike some canines, Merle Goldendoodles donât get separation anxiety easily. You can leave your fur buddy alone for a while without worrying about her destructive side coming out.
Energetic
Your Merle Goldendoodle will have no problem playing with you or your kids all day. These pups are energetic and like all sorts of games.
Do Merle Goldendoodles make good family dogs?
Merle Goldendoodles are excellent family pets. They have the energy to keep up with playful children, and they always keep their composure. Theyâre also pretty friendly with other pets.
Merle Goldendoodle exercise requirement
Merle Goldendoodles should go for a long walk every day. If you have playful kids at home, your Merle Goldendoodle will get plenty of activity just playing with them.
Merle Goldendoodle proper training
Merle Goldendoodles are very well-behaved pets, but basic training is still necessary. With patience, love, and the right training technique, you can teach your Merle Goldendoodle all the basic mannerisms without any issues.
Merle Goldendoodle food and diet
Merle Goldendoodles should get a protein-rich diet with plenty of fibrous carbs and fewer fats. A good brand of dry kibble will suit your pet just fine. Feed them several times a day instead of all at once to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
Read also: Can Dogs Eat Steak?
Merle Goldendoodle health issues
Although Goldendoodles are a pretty healthy breed, Merle Goldendoodles have a higher chance of inheriting congenital disabilities. Here are some health issues owners should be wary of.
1. Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air and flips, making your pet unable to breathe. Bloat is also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV and dogs that have this require immediate medical attention.
You may be interested in: How to Get Your Dog to Eat When Sick
2. Congenital deafness
The Merle gene can lead to partial or total deafness. This hearing loss is usually on the same side as the Merle pattern.
3. Color dilution alopecia
Color dilution alopecia is a skin disease that makes your pooch lose fur and experience bald patches on the Merle parts of her body.
Related Article: Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? (9 Top Reasons + What To Do)
4. Cushingâs disease
Cushingâs disease is a hormonal disorder that affects the adrenal glands and causes weight gain, skin conditions, and a weakened immune system.
5. Blindness
Merle Goldendoodles are sometimes born with missing or non-functioning eyes. Even properly formed eyes may lose vision over time if theyâre blue.
Read also: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
Merle Goldendoodle lifespan
Merle Goldendoodles can live for about 10 to 15 years with good care.
Merle Goldendoodle price
Due to their high demand, Merle Goldendoodles can cost $2,000 to $3,500.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle price
The Blue Merle Goldendoodle cost is around $3,000 to $3,500. Thatâs due to the blue colorâs rarity.
Merle Goldendoodle breeder
If youâre looking to get a Merle Goldendoodle puppy, we strongly advised that you visit the breeders in person. Reputable breeders provide their breeding history, health clearances, vaccination record, and fitness guarantees.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle breeders
If youâre looking to get a Blue Merle Goldendoodle, look for responsible breeders instead of cheap ones. They should have years of experience with breeding and have their puppiesâ health history available and ready to show you.
Merle Goldendoodle puppies
Goldendoodle Merle puppies can sometimes carry congenital deafness and blindness, so make sure you inspect them before purchasing. These issues are common among double Merles, so always go to an ethical breeder to get a Merle puppy.
Merle Goldendoodle puppies for sale
Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle puppies for sale
You can find healthy chocolate Merle Goldendoodle pups at Eagle Cross Kennels.
Merle Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale
Check out Back Road Soul Puppies for their lovely, healthy mini Merle Goldendoodle pups.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle puppies
Blue Merle Goldendoodle puppies are rarer than chocolate Merle as blue is a much novel Goldendoodle color.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle puppies for sale
McKenzieâs Doodles have the ideal Blue Merle Goldendoodle puppy for you to take home.
Blue Merle Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale
Check out Poodles2Doodles for adorable Blue Merle Goldendoodle puppies in mini size.
Merle Goldendoodle for sale
Merle Mini Goldendoodle for sale
Knight Golden Doodles have adorable mini Merle Goldendoodles available.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle for sale
Blue Merle Goldendoodle for sale near me
Check out canine search engines like Buckeye Puppies, Greenfield Puppies, and Lancaster Puppies to find Blue Merle Goldendoodles at reasonable prices.
Blue Merle Mini Goldendoodle for sale near me
Websites like Buckeye Puppies, Greenfield Puppies, and Lancaster Puppies are good starting points to look for Blue Merle Mini Goldendoodles.
Blue Merle Goldendoodle Ohio
You can find healthy blue Merle Goldendoodles at Keepsake Doodles, Ohio.
Is the Merle Goldendoodle right for me?
Merle Goldendoodles are healthy, playful, and well-behaved canines that fit any family and lifestyle. As a bonus, theyâre also hypoallergenic. They come in multiple sizes, and you can pick the one that suits your lifestyle.
Related Questions
Merle Goldendoodles can cost between $2,000 to $3,500 due to their immense popularity. If you prefer a Blue Merle Goldendoodle, then it can cost anywhere around $3,000 to $3,500. The price of the Blue Merle Goldendoodle is higher than that of a Merle Goldendoodle because the Blue color is rarer.
Although Merle is rare, itâs a semi-dominant gene and isnât too difficult to reproduce.
Rare colors like blue, grey, and silver and patterns like particolored and phantom are the most expensive among Goldendoodles.
Yes, Blue Merle Goldendoodles can swim. In fact, Goldendoodles of all colors are natural swimmers and love playing in the water.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6940824/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/color-dilution-alopecia-in-dogs
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
