What is a Lethal White dog?
A pup born from a merle-to-merle mating that has inherited two merle genes
They are more correctly known as 'homozygous' or 'double merle' dogs
'Lethal White' does not refer to lethal genetic that will not allow the pups to live (as I believe it can do in horses) but that these pups are often culled at birth.
Science(y)-bit ...
Genes in a nutshell:
SO . . .
A merle gene (M) is an epistatic gene that has an effect on other colour genes
Only a merle parent can produce a merle pup
A merle (M) mating to any other colour is likely to produce merle pups in the litter
Breeding merle to merle is the only 100% statistical way of obtaining an all merle litter
That's when the problems start . . .
If the resulting merle pup carries two merle genes (MM) then there is a high probability of it having serious medical problems
Genes in a nutshell:
- a merle colour gene is dominant (M)
- a solid colour is regressive (m)
- a solid colour pup will have an (mm) combination
- a pup with the (Mm) heterozgous (meaning mixed) gene will be a merle
- but a pup with the (MM) homozygous (meaning like) gene will be a Lethal White
SO . . .
A merle gene (M) is an epistatic gene that has an effect on other colour genes
Only a merle parent can produce a merle pup
A merle (M) mating to any other colour is likely to produce merle pups in the litter
Breeding merle to merle is the only 100% statistical way of obtaining an all merle litter
That's when the problems start . . .
If the resulting merle pup carries two merle genes (MM) then there is a high probability of it having serious medical problems
- a double-merle dog is mostly white often with fewer merle markings
- it is likely to be deaf
- blind or visually impaired
- suffer form microopthalmia (undeveloped eyeballs) (small eye syndrome)
- or it could be born with both (deaf and blind)
- possibly have no tear ducts
- and it is more likely to have siezures
Lethal Whites in the Misfits Gang
Teija joined in 2006 (RIP 2011)
Then Berezi in 2008 (RIP 2016)
And Kashi arrived in 2011
Ali-katz came along in 2013
And baby Soli blasted through ours lives far too quickly in 2016 (RIP little-one - 8mths old)
Then Berezi in 2008 (RIP 2016)
And Kashi arrived in 2011
Ali-katz came along in 2013
And baby Soli blasted through ours lives far too quickly in 2016 (RIP little-one - 8mths old)
Since Teija lodged herself in our hearts we have fostered and helped rehome many double merle dogs and those with disabilities and behaviour problems for West Yorkshire Dog Rescue.
Copyright © 2007 L Montgomery (All Rights Reserved)