25/01/2026
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Merle Does NOT Belong in Poodles — And Here’s Why
At Epic Quest, we breed Poodles responsibly, with health, temperament, and breed integrity as our top priorities. That’s why I need to say this clearly: merle does not belong in Poodles.
Merle is not a naturally occurring Poodle color or pattern. To produce it, outcrossing had to occur, meaning genes from another breed were introduced. That gene does not disappear. It permanently alters the Poodle gene pool. Preservation breeding isn’t about trends or aesthetics, it’s about keeping the breed healthy, predictable, and true to its history.
There’s also a serious scientific reason for caution: the merle gene affects pigment, and pigment is tied to eye and ear development. Even carefully managed merle breeding carries risks, including vision and hearing issues, and cryptic or atypical merles can sneak in unexpectedly. DNA tests don’t change biology.
Yes, individual merle dogs can be healthy, well-tempered, and loved. But anecdotal success does not excuse altering the breed. Loving a Poodle isn’t just about enjoying one dog: it’s about respecting the breed as a whole.
Poodles have a wide range of naturally occurring, historically correct colors and patterns. Introducing foreign genes for “novelty” does not enhance the breed; it dilutes it.
At Epic Quest, we are committed to responsible breeding that honors the Poodle’s genetics, health, and heritage. This is not negotiable.
Picture below made over at Desert Rain Poodles.