Merle Pomeranian Dogs — Facts, Genetics, and Health insights

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Last Updated on 06/12/2025 by Denise Leo. Post first published on November 7, 2025.

Pomeranians are adored for their fluffy coats, playful personalities, and big-dog confidence in a tiny package. But there’s much more to this charming breed than meets the eye. One of the most talked-about and visually striking varieties is the Merle Pomeranian.

The Merle Pomeranian is known for its beautiful marbled coat pattern and distinctive eye colours — features that often make them seem rare or extra special. Yet, behind that dazzling appearance lies a fascinating genetic story and some important facts that every Pomeranian lover should be aware of.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Merle Pomeranians different from other colours, how the merle gene works, or whether this pattern affects their health, read on to discover the truth about this eye-catching variation of the beloved Pomeranian breed.

What Makes the Merle Pomeranian Unique?

The Merle Pomeranian is instantly recognizable thanks to its marbled coat pattern and striking blue or mixed-colored eyes. The pattern gives the impression of light and dark swirls across the coat, creating an almost painted appearance.

While this coloring is visually stunning, it’s more than just a cosmetic trait—it’s the result of a specific gene known as the merle gene, which affects pigment distribution in both coat and eyes.

What is a Merle Pomeranian?

Merle is a color pattern that affects the dog’s coat, skin, and eye coloring. A merle Pomeranian will usually have areas of the coat displaying a mottled or speckled appearance.

The merle gene produces blotchy areas of color in a dog’s coat, can affect skin coloring on the nose and paw pads, and can produce blue or odd-colored eyes.

Merle is a color combination pattern in dogs’ coats. It is a solid base color (usually red/brown or black) with lighter blue/gray or reddish patches, which gives a mottled or uneven speckled effect.

The merle gene coat color pattern can appear on any base-colored Pomeranian. The merle pattern is usually clearer on a darker-colored Pomeranian.

Merle is a dominant gene. Dogs displaying the merle pattern must have one merle parent.

Regardless of whether the merle appears on a Pomeranian’s entire coat or just a small part, the merle part will be mottled or speckled in appearance. In some dogs, the merle markings may not always be visible.

The merle gene also affects eye and skin colors. For example, the eyes can be medium to light brown and have indigo specks; a dark, shining sapphire; or a stunning pale blue.

Paw pads and noses frequently have a unique black and pink speckled pattern.

Although most breeds that can have merle coats also typically have white markings (such as around the neck, under the belly, and so on), and often tan points (typically between the white and the darker parts of the coat), these are separate colors from the merle; some dogs do appear completely merle with no white or tan markings.

Merle Pomeranian Price and Availability

The Merle Pomeranian is considered a rare and high-priced variation of the breed. Prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, pedigree, colour intensity, and geographic location. Because merle is not an officially recognised colour under the ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council) breed standard, Merle Pomeranians are relatively uncommon in Australia, which can drive prices significantly higher.

In Australia, the cost of a Merle Pomeranian puppy typically starts from around $6,000 and can increase substantially depending on demand and appearance. In contrast, in countries where the colour is accepted — such as the United States, where the American Kennel Club (AKC) permits merle registration — prices generally begin at around $2,000 USD for puppies.

Prospective buyers should always proceed with caution: a higher price does not always indicate better quality. Because Merle Pomeranians are often bred for their unusual coloring, it’s essential to verify the breeder’s ethics, registration status, and genetic health testing before making any purchase.

Choosing a reputable, preservation-focused breeder ensures you bring home a healthy, well-bred companion rather than supporting irresponsible breeding practices.

History of the Merle Pomeranian Dog

Newcomers to the world of Pomeranians should also be aware that the Merle Pomeranian is a relatively recent addition to the breed.

While most of the familiar colours seen today — such as orange, sable, and cream — were introduced during the late 1800s and early 1900s, this occurred before the Pomeranian stud book was officially closed. During that earlier period, breeders could still register new bloodlines that helped refine size, coat, and colour under Queen Victoria’s influence, when she imported famous dogs like Marco from the Continent.

In contrast, the Merle gene entered the Pomeranian population much later — in the 1990s — when the stud book was already closed, meaning that no new outside bloodlines could be added. The introduction of merle, therefore, could only have occurred through crossbreeding with other merle-coated breeds, rather than within the pure Pomeranian gene pool.

The Pomeranian, as a dog breed, was still in its early stages of development. In the very early 1800s, the rainbow of Pomeranian colors available today was not yet present.

From the Sportsman’s Cabinet, published 1803:

“this breed is termed the Pomeranian or Wolf-dog”

William Taplin “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”.

The Pomeranian color is referred to as:

“mostly of a pale yellow or cream colour, and lightest in the lower parts; some are white, a few black, and others, but very rarely, spotted.”

William Taplin “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”.

Many long-term and preservation-focused Pomeranian breeders have voiced serious concerns about the sudden appearance of Merle Pomeranians within the breed. For decades, the merle pattern was completely absent from authentic Pomeranian bloodlines — making its recent rise both unexpected and controversial among experienced breeders and geneticists.

The science behind this concern is straightforward: the merle pattern is controlled by a dominant gene. This means that a dog cannot “carry” the merle gene silently for generations — it must have at least one merle parent to express the pattern. In other words, the gene cannot simply appear out of nowhere within a purebred Pomeranian line.

This fact has led many experts to conclude that the merle gene entered the Pomeranian gene pool through crossbreeding with other merle-coated breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs or other small merle dogs. As a result, questions about genetic purity, health risks, and ethical breeding practices continue to surround merle Pomeranians today.

Responsible breeders and breed clubs urge anyone considering breeding or purchasing a merle Pomeranian to educate themselves about the genetics involved and to prioritise health and integrity over unusual coat colour.

Merle Pomeranian Colors

The Merle Pomeranian is admired for its unique, marbled appearance — a mosaic of light and dark patches across the coat. The merle gene doesn’t create a color by itself; instead, it modifies existing pigment, diluting black, chocolate, red, or orange shades in irregular patterns. The result is a wide variety of eye-catching colour combinations and intensity levels.

Common Merle Pomeranian Color Variations

Merle Pomeranians come in many stunning shades, including:

• Orange Merle Pomeranian
• Chocolate Merle Pomeranian (also known as Brown Merle)
• Beaver Merle Pomeranian (a diluted form of chocolate)
• Red Merle Pomeranian
• Blue Merle Pomeranian
• Lavender Merle Pomeranian (very rare and visually striking)

There are also Merle Parti Pomeranians, such as the Chocolate Merle Parti or Tri-Merle Pomeranian, where the merle pattern appears over a white background.

While some of these color combinations are popular among pet owners, it’s important to remember that merle is not recognized in many official breed standards, including those of Dogs Australia (ANKC), FCI, and the Kennel Club (UK)

Genetics of the Merle Pomeranian

The Merle Pomeranian owes its distinctive marbled coat pattern to a single gene known as the merle gene, which is located on the M locus of the canine genome. This gene acts as a dominant modifier — it doesn’t create colour itself, but it alters how existing pigment is distributed across the coat, skin, and even the eyes.

The result is the characteristic mottled or patchy appearance that makes merle dogs so visually striking. Every Pomeranian can carry one of three possible genetic combinations (genotypes) for this gene:

MM – Double Merle

A double merle Pomeranian inherits the merle gene from both parents. While these puppies can sometimes have unusually light or mostly white coats, the genetic consequences are often severe.
Because the merle gene affects pigment in multiple parts of the body — including the eyes and inner ear — double merle (MM) dogs have a very high risk of being deaf, blind, or both, and may suffer from other ocular defects such as microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or lack of tapetum (the reflective layer behind the retina).

For ethical and health reasons, breeding two merle dogs together is strongly discouraged by veterinarians, geneticists, and responsible breeders alike.
No reputable breeder should ever intentionally produce a double-merle litter.

Mm – Single Merle

A single merle (Mm) Pomeranian has one merle parent and one non-merle parent.
This is the only safe genetic combination for producing merle-coated dogs, as it results in the desired mottled pattern without the extreme health risks seen in double merles.

These dogs typically show the classic marbling effect — patches of diluted colour mixed with areas of solid pigment. The extent and intensity of the merle pattern can vary greatly from dog to dog, depending on other coat colour genes at play (such as sable, orange, black, chocolate, or parti).

For breeders wishing to include merle in their programs, a single merle to non-merle mating (Mm × mm) is considered the only ethical and genetically responsible pairing.

mm – Non-Merle

A non-merle (mm) Pomeranian does not carry the merle gene at all. These dogs display solid or patterned coats determined by other colour genes — for example, orange, black, cream, or parti — but they will never produce merle puppies unless bred to a merle partner.

Non-merle Pomeranians are genetically stable for colour inheritance and are essential for maintaining healthy breeding lines when used with a single merle (Mm) mate.

Why Understanding Merle Genetics Matters

Because the merle gene is dominant, it cannot skip generations or appear unexpectedly in a litter unless one of the parents is a carrier of the gene.

To protect the health and future of the breed, reputable breeders perform DNA testing for the M locus before any planned mating. This ensures that hidden or “cryptic merles” — dogs that visually appear solid but still carry the gene — are identified before breeding decisions are made.

Understanding merle genetics isn’t just about colour — it’s about preserving the integrity, health, and type of the Pomeranian breed for generations to come.

How the Merle Gene Alters Pigment

The merle gene lightens or “dilutes” the pigment in a dog’s coat, nose, paw pads, and even eyes.
Examples include:

• Black → becomes Blue Merle (black with bluish-grey patches)
• Chocolate → becomes Chocolate Merle
• Beaver (diluted chocolate) → becomes Beaver Merle
• Black & Tan → becomes Blue Merle & Tan
• Chocolate & Tan → becomes Chocolate Merle & Tan
• Sable → may produce a Sable Merle, though this pattern is often hidden (known as a Phantom Merle)

In parti-colored Pomeranians, the merle effect appears only in the coloured patches, not the white areas. On lighter base coats such as cream, orange, or red, the merle pattern may be faint or almost invisible.

Blue Merle Pomeranians

A Blue Merle Pomeranian is a black dog whose coat has been partially diluted by the merle gene, resulting in a unique coat pattern. The base remains black, while the merle pattern creates patches of silvery grey or blue. When combined with tan or parti markings, these dogs can display intricate, high-contrast coat patterns.

The merle gene also frequently affects the eyes and skin pigment, which is why some Blue Merle Pomeranians have striking blue or odd-coloured eyes, and mottled pink-and-black paw pads or noses.

Merle with Other Patterns

Merle can combine with other coat patterns, creating even more diversity:

• Blue Merle & Tan – A mix of blue merle markings with tan points and sometimes white trim (common in breeds like Shelties and Collies).
• Merle & Tan (no white) – A merle dog with tan points but without white markings.
• Merle Parti Pomeranian – Merle marbling appearing within the coloured patches of a parti coat.

However, brindle merle or liver merle combinations are not accepted in most breed standards and are typically considered undesirable in responsible breeding programs.

Breeding Merle Pomeranians Responsibly

Because merle is a dominant gene, a puppy must inherit it from at least one parent. To produce merle puppies safely, a breeder must pair one merle Pomeranian (Mm) with one non-merle (mm). This combination statistically yields a 50% chance of merle puppies and a 50% chance of non-merle puppies.

Never Breed Merle to Merle

Breeding two merle Pomeranians together (Mm × Mm) is extremely dangerous.
This pairing can result in 25% double merle (MM) offspring, many of which are born deaf, blind, or with severe eye defects. The white puppies often seen in such litters are the result of excessive pigment loss caused by two copies of the merle gene.

Ethical breeders and geneticists strongly recommend against any merle-to-merle breeding under all circumstances.

Colours to Avoid in Merle Breeding

To prevent genetic confusion or “hidden” merle carriers, the following practices are not recommended:

• Breeding merle with cream, white, or extreme piebald parti-coloured Pomeranians.
• Breeding merle with sable Pomeranians, as the merle pattern may be hidden and produce phantom merles that appear solid sable but still carry the gene.
• Breeding black merles indiscriminately can also result in the production of hidden or defective patterns if they are paired with incorrect genetic combinations.

A phantom merle can easily be mistaken for a non-merle and, if bred to another merle, could result in double-merle puppies with health issues.

Recommended Breeding Combinations

For breeders wishing to work with the merle pattern responsibly, the safest colour combinations include:

• Black × Merle (Mm × mm)
• Chocolate × Merle (Mm × mm)
• Blue × Merle (Mm × mm)
• Parti (dark-coloured) × Merle

These combinations maintain the desired pattern while minimizing risk.

Merle Pomeranian Color Genetics Chart

Base Coat Color (Before Merle)	Resulting Color (With Merle Gene)	Description / Appearance	Notes for Breeders
Black	Blue Merle	Black coat diluted to a slate or bluish-grey marbled with darker patches; may have blue or mixed eyes.	Classic merle appearance; best contrast and pattern visibility.
Chocolate (Brown)	Chocolate Merle	Warm cocoa-brown base with lighter tan and beige patches; nose and paw pads may be mottled pink and brown.	Also called Brown Merle; visually rich.
Beaver (Diluted Chocolate)	Beaver Merle	Light silver-brown or champagne tone with pale cream mottling.	Very soft marbling; pattern may appear faint.
Red / Orange	Red Merle / Orange Merle	Subtle cream or pale apricot mottling over orange or red base; can appear lightly speckled or almost solid.	Merle visibility reduced on lighter shades.
Blue (Dilute Black)	Blue Merle	Pale bluish-grey coat with darker patches; pattern resembles a cloudy sky effect.	Eye colour is is often blue or “cracked” (two tones).
Sable	Sable Merle (Phantom Merle)	Pattern often hidden within sable shading; merle effect faint or invisible.	Risk of hidden (cryptic) merle—avoid breeding sable × merle.
Black & Tan	Blue Merle & Tan	Blue merle body with tan markings on face, chest, and legs.	Similar to “blue merle tri” pattern seen in Shelties.
Chocolate & Tan	Chocolate Merle & Tan	Chocolate merle marbling with tan points and occasional white markings.	Attractive pattern but must follow ethical breeding pairings.
Parti (White with Colored Patches)	Merle Parti	Merle appears only in the coloured patches — not in white areas.	Can produce stunning contrast; avoid pairing with extreme white piebalds.
Cream / White	Cream Merle / White Merle	Very faint or invisible pattern; may appear as solid cream or white.	Avoid using cream or white in merle breeding — pattern difficult to identify and risky.
Lavender (Diluted Chocolate Blue)	Lavender Merle	Rare pale lilac coat with soft pink or silver patches; nose often pinkish-brown.	One of the rarest and most delicate merle expressions.

Quick Facts for Breeders

• Merle modifies dark pigment (black or brown) most visibly.
• Light base colours (orange, cream, white) show minimal or hidden marbling.
• Merle can alter the pigment in the eyes, nose, and paw pads, creating blue or mottled tones.
• Always DNA test for the merle gene (M locus) before breeding — hidden carriers (phantom merles) can produce double-merle puppies.
• Never breed merle to merle — double-merle offspring are at high risk for deafness and blindness.

Breeding Merle to Merle Pomeranians

When two Merle Pomeranians are bred together, the expected genetic outcome follows predictable ratios: approximately 50% Merle, 25% solid-coloured (non-merle), and 25% double merle (often appearing very light or white). The white or mostly white puppies produced from these matings are at extreme risk of being both deaf and blind due to the compounding effect of the merle gene.

Genetically, merle is a heterozygous expression (Mm) of an incompletely dominant gene. When two merle dogs (Mm × Mm) are mated, one in four puppies (MM) will inherit a double dose of the merle gene, resulting in a “double dilute” coat.

Unfortunately, these double-merle Pomeranian puppies have a high likelihood of suffering from severe eye abnormalities, including microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), and congenital deafness caused by pigment loss in the inner ear.

Experienced and ethical merle Pomeranian breeders avoid this risk entirely by breeding a single merle Pomeranian (Mm) with a non-merle Pomeranian (mm). This safe and responsible combination produces both merle and non-merle puppies without endangering the litter’s health or genetic integrity.

Merle Gene Facts

• Location: Found on the M locus — controls the merle coat pattern.
• Type: Incomplete dominant gene — partially dilutes pigment.
• Genetic Codes:
  • mm – Non-merle (no pattern)
  • Mm – Merle (mottled coat, blue or mixed eyes)
  • MM – Double merle (high risk of blindness & deafness)
• Key Rule: Merle cannot skip generations — at least one parent must be merle.
• Breeding Tip: Only mate one merle (Mm) to a non-merle (mm) for healthy puppies.
• Essential Tool: Always perform DNA testing for the M locus before breeding to ensure accurate results.

Merle Pomeranian Breeding Outcomes

Understanding how the merle gene is inherited helps breeders avoid producing double-merle puppies, which are at high risk for serious health problems.
Below is a simplified chart showing the genetic results and risk levels for different breeding combinations:

Breeding Outcome Chart:

Parent 1	Parent 2	Result	Health Risk
Non-Merle (mm)	Non-Merle (mm)	All solid color	All solid colors
Merle (Mm)	Non-Merle (mm	50 % Merle / 50 % Non-Merle	🟡 RECOMMENDED
Merle (Mm)	Merle (Mm)	25 % Double Merle → Deaf/Blind Risk	🔴 DANGEROUS
Double Merle (MM)	Any	Severe health defects	❌ NEVER BREED

Key Facts to Remember:

• 🧬 Dominant gene: The Merle pattern can’t skip generations.
• 🐶 Testing matters: Always DNA test for the M locus.
• ❤️ Health first: Never sacrifice soundness or temperament for colour.
• 🌟 Preserve the breed: Ethical breeding protects future Pomeranians.

Why This Knowledge Matters:

Understanding merle inheritance isn’t just for breeders — it’s essential for anyone purchasing a merle Pomeranian.

Buyers should always ask for proof that:

• Only one parent carries the merle gene, and
• Both parents have undergone DNA testing and a veterinary health check.

Knowledge of genetics helps preserve the health, beauty, and authenticity of the Pomeranian breed for future generations.

Health Problems Associated With the Merle Gene

A Pomeranian blue merle Breeder and owners of merle puppies need to be aware of the following health issues associated with this color pattern.

Health Issues Associated with the Merle Gene

Deafness:

The link between merle coloration and deafness is well-documented across multiple dog breeds.
In merle dogs, the same pigment cells (melanocytes) that determine coat colour are also responsible for normal function in the inner ear.

When these pigment-producing cells are absent or damaged due to the merle gene’s diluting effect, the inner ear structures fail to develop properly, resulting in congenital sensorineural deafness.

This condition is most common in double-merle (MM) dogs but can also occur in single-merle (Mm) individuals. The degree of hearing loss can vary from partial deafness in one ear (unilateral) to complete deafness in both ears (bilateral).

Eye Defects:

Veterinary ophthalmologic studies dating back to 1971 have consistently shown that dogs carrying two copies of the merle gene suffer from a range of ocular abnormalities.

In one long-term study examining the eye structures of merle-patterned dogs:

• Non-merle (mm) dogs showed no eye abnormalities.
• Single-merle (Mm) dogs sometimes exhibited mild eye changes.
• Double-merle (MM) dogs consistently demonstrated significant eye malformations.

These abnormalities can range from minor vision impairment to complete blindness in severe cases.

Conclusion: The Beauty and Responsibility of the Merle Pomeranian

It’s easy to fall in love at first sight with a Merle Pomeranian — their sparkling eyes, marbled coats, and lively personalities make them truly unforgettable. For those who adore Pomeranians and are seeking a unique companion, the merle pattern certainly adds visual appeal and individuality.

However, it’s important to remember that the merle colour pattern is relatively new to the Pomeranian breed. Many experts believe it was introduced through historical crossbreeding with merle-coated breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs or other Spitz types. While their origins may be debated, one thing is undeniable — Merle Pomeranians, like all Poms, thrive on love, attention, and companionship.

Despite their popularity, it’s worth noting that the merle pattern is not officially recognised in most kennel clubs around the world, including the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and the UK Kennel Club. Only the American Kennel Club (AKC) currently accepts merle as a registered Pomeranian colour pattern.

Due to their rarity and striking appearance, Merle Pomeranian puppies can be expensive, typically ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 USD in the United States, and often higher in countries like Australia, where the breed standard does not accept this color variation.

Before purchasing or adopting, take time to research the breeder carefully. Ensure that both parents have undergone DNA testing and health checks, and confirm that only one parent carries the merle gene. This not only protects the well-being of future puppies but also supports ethical breeding practices that preserve the Pomeranian’s true quality and charm.

Playful, curious, and endlessly affectionate, Pomeranians make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike, whether merle or traditional in colour, a well-bred Pom will fill your life with joy, laughter, and unconditional love — proof that good things truly do come in small, fluffy packages.

Authored by Denise Leo, a highly respected Pomeranian breeder with decades of experience, in collaboration with Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq, our in-house veterinary consultant.
Dr. Mushtaq earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences in 2019 and completed an MSc (Hons.) in Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in 2021. His advanced knowledge of genetics and canine health greatly enriches our work and supports the scientific accuracy of our publications.

Copyright Pomeranian.org. All Rights Reserved.

Photos on this page are courtesy of Blue Merle Pomeranian breeders, Cyndi Wallen, Pinecrest and Alane Levinsohn.

References and Further Reading:
Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
Official English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard , 2017.
Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
Harmer, Hilary “Dogs and How to Breed Them” John Gifford Ltd 1975.
Lambert, Gloria “Merles” unpublished paper 2004.
Onstott, Kyle revised by Philip Onstott “The New Art of Breeding Better Dogs” Howell Book House Inc. 1978. 
Stockman, Mike in Trevor Turner Ed. “Veterinary Notes for Dog Owners” Popular Dogs 1990.
Strain G. in Gloria Lambert “Merles” unpublished paper 2004.
Whitney, Leon F. How To Breed Dogs” Howell Book House Inc. 1971.
Willis, Malcolm B. “Genetics of the Dog” HF & G Witherby Ltd 1989.
Taplin, William. “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”. 1803.

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