History of Merle in other breeds. To say that it just happened in Chihuahuas is impossible. The breeds we see today that come in the merle pattern got it from somewhere. I have researched on the net and have to thank these other breeders for supplying such great info. If you would like links to any of these sites, just email me and I will happy to send them to you.
Merle Sheltie----Collie
Merle Border Collie----Collie
Merle Australian Shepard----Collie
Merle Australian Cattle Dog----Collie
Merle Welsh Corgi----Dachshund
Merle Great Dane----dated way back when crossed with many different breeds for hunting purposes
I am still researching the Dachshund to find out where they got the pattern. which is called Dapple.
With that, the Chihuahua had to be bred to something else for the merle pattern to appear. History says the Techichi , the early chihuahuas, might have been bred to a Mexican hairless. The Mexican hairless standard for colors are, whole colour dogs and dark shades are preferred. The colours range from black to blackish gray, slate gray, dark gray, reddish, liver, bronze to golden yellow. Particolours occur, including white patches. It didn't get the merle from them.
I have emailed a few Canid conservationists to find out when this pattern was first seen. I did come across something interesting. The African Wild Dog has a very unique color pattern of its own. I will post all findings here.
