If you've ever come across an all-white Aussie, chances are they had double-merle genes. While dogs with merle coats are often considered desirable, it's important for potential owners to be aware of the risks associated with double-merle genes. This occurs when dogs inherit merle genes from both of their parents, resulting in the doubling of the merle effect in their pigment. Unfortunately, this can have severe consequences for their health.
Double-merle dogs, sometimes referred to as “lethal whites,” lack almost any pigment in their coats, skin, eyes, and ears. This can lead to serious issues with their sight and hearing and is more common in Australian Shepherds than in any other breed. It's worth noting that dogs can inherit the merle gene from just one merle parent, which is the responsible way of breeding merles. However, when two dogs carrying the gene are bred together, there is a 25% chance that their offspring will inherit the genes twice. While not every dog with these genes will have problems, the majority will go deaf or blind, or both.
When considering buying a merle puppy, it's crucial to inquire about the lineage of the dog. Breeding double-merle dogs should be avoided at all costs. Although the loss of sight and hearing may not be painful, it can be a frightening experience for dogs and may make them insecure and aggressive. Additionally, it increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
However, it's important to note that blind dogs, deaf dogs, and deafblind dogs can still live long and happy lives. Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and adaptability, making them well-suited for alternative training methods. So don't let sensory impairments discourage you from adopting a rescue double-merle!
Caring for a Double-Merle Mini Aussie
It's important to recognize the signs that an Aussie is losing their sight and/or hearing. Increased clumsiness, anxiety around nighttime and darkness, and a lack of reaction to words and sounds can all indicate sensory impairments. Veterinary examinations can easily diagnose these impairments, and owners can adapt by making their homes safer and teaching their dogs new methods of communication.
Blindness isn't too much of an issue for dogs at home since they are excellent at mapping out locations in their minds. If they can still hear, they can use the sounds of the home to navigate. Deafblind dogs, on the other hand, rely on texture to learn their way around. Consider investing in different rugs for different rooms to help them distinguish between spaces.
Extra care should be taken with furniture that has corners, trip hazards, and staircases. If you move to a new home, get new furniture, rearrange things, or go on vacation, it's essential to walk blind and deafblind dogs around the area on a lead first to make them aware of their surroundings. The same principle applies to outdoor locations.
The main safety concerns for dogs with sensory impairments are in the outside world, such as getting lost or crossing roads. To avoid these risks, stick to familiar locations on walks and keep your dog on a lead until they are familiar with new surroundings.
Unfriendly dogs can also pose a challenge, especially for deaf dogs who cannot hear you calling them away. Consider using alternative methods of communication, such as a vibrating collar. These collars activate at the touch of a button or through an app on your phone. You can train your dog to come to you or stop and sit down when they feel the vibration.
For deaf dogs, you can also teach them hand signals by making a signal and encouraging an action, such as tapping their hindquarters to sit down. Reward the desired behavior. Blind dogs can learn using verbal commands like most dogs, but for dogs that are both deaf and blind, touch signals are effective. Tap certain parts of their body to indicate what you want them to do, such as tapping the hindquarters for “sit,” the leg for “lie down,” or the shoulder for “stay.” Reward the correct behaviors with tactile praise and food. You can also teach deafblind dogs to anticipate activities through touch, such as a tap on the nose before mealtime or two taps on the shoulder before going for a walk.
HowPetCare will dig into this article, where you can find more valuable information about pet care. If you're considering getting a double-merle Mini Aussie or already have one, it's crucial to understand the unique challenges they may face and how to provide them with the best care possible.
FAQ
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Can double-merle Mini Aussies live long and happy lives?
- Yes, double-merle Mini Aussies can live long and happy lives despite their sensory impairments. With proper care and alternative training methods, they can thrive.
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What are the risks of breeding double-merle dogs?
- Breeding double-merle dogs can result in puppies with severe health issues, including deafness and blindness. It is important to avoid breeding double-merles to prevent these problems.
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How can I adapt my home for a blind or deafblind dog?
- You can make your home safer for a blind or deafblind dog by removing potential hazards and using different textures to help them navigate different rooms.
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How do I communicate with a deaf dog?
- Alternative methods of communication, such as hand signals or vibrating collars, can be used to communicate with deaf dogs effectively.
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Can blind dogs learn verbal commands?
- Yes, blind dogs can learn verbal commands like most dogs. However, for dogs that are both deaf and blind, touch signals may be more effective.
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What should I do to prevent accidents in the outside world?
- Stick to familiar locations on walks and keep your dog on a lead until they are familiar with new surroundings to prevent accidents.
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How can I protect my double-merle Mini Aussie from unfriendly dogs?
- Consider using a vibrating collar or alternative method of communication to call your dog away from unfriendly dogs.
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Are double-merle Mini Aussies more prone to accidents and injuries?
- Yes, double-merle Mini Aussies are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries due to their sensory impairments. It's important to take extra precautions to keep them safe.
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Can blind and deafblind dogs still learn new behaviors?
- Yes, blind and deafblind dogs can still learn new behaviors through alternative training methods, such as touch signals and tactile rewards.
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Should I consider adopting a rescue double-merle Mini Aussie?
- Yes, rescuing a double-merle Mini Aussie can provide them with a loving home and the care they need to live a fulfilling life.
Keys to take away
- Double-merle Mini Aussies inherit merle genes from both parents, resulting in potential health issues.
- Breeding double-merle dogs should be avoided to prevent these health problems.
- Blind and deafblind dogs can adapt well to their surroundings with proper care and training.
- Use alternative methods of communication, such as hand signals or vibrating collars, for deaf dogs.
- Tap into touch signals for blind and deafblind dogs.
- Take extra precautions in the outside world to keep blind and deafblind dogs safe.
- Consider adopting a rescue double-merle Mini Aussie and providing them with a loving home.
For more valuable information on pet care, visit HowPetCare.