About Merle Breeding Safety
This website exists because science that remains in academic journals does not save puppies. My career has been dedicated to understanding coat colour genetics at the molecular level, but that understanding is meaningless if it does not reach the breeders who make daily decisions about which dogs to pair. Merle Breeding Safety represents my commitment to closing that gap between laboratory knowledge and kennel practice.
About Dr. Patricia Wells
I am a veterinary geneticist specialising in coat colour inheritance in domestic canids. My research career spans over 25 years, during which I have contributed to our understanding of how genetic variations produce the remarkable diversity of colours and patterns we see in dogs.
My professional background includes:
- DVM from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London
- PhD in Molecular Genetics from Cambridge University
- Research Fellowship at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket
- Consultant to breed health programmes for The Kennel Club, AKC, and multiple European registries
- Published researcher with papers in the Journal of Heredity, Animal Genetics, and Veterinary Dermatology
- Keynote speaker at international canine genetics conferences
My particular focus has been on the molecular mechanisms underlying pattern formation, including the PMEL17 mutations responsible for merle. This research has direct practical applications - understanding why certain genetic combinations produce health problems allows us to prevent them through informed breeding decisions.
Why This Resource Exists
Throughout my career, I have witnessed a troubling disconnect. In the laboratory, we have detailed knowledge of how the merle gene works, why double merles suffer health consequences, and how to identify carriers through genetic testing. Yet in the breeding community, this knowledge is often fragmented, misunderstood, or simply unknown.
I have examined double merle puppies whose blindness and deafness were entirely predictable and preventable. I have spoken with breeders who genuinely did not understand what they were doing wrong. I have seen testing protocols that would have prevented tragedy go unused because no one explained why they mattered.
This website is my attempt to change that pattern. Every article is written to translate complex genetic concepts into practical guidance that breeders can actually use. The science is rigorous - I do not simplify to the point of inaccuracy - but the presentation is accessible to anyone willing to learn.
Our Mission
- Science-based breeding - Decisions grounded in genetic evidence, not tradition or guesswork
- Universal testing - Every breeding animal tested regardless of appearance or pedigree
- Open education - Free access to accurate genetic information for all breeders
- Zero tolerance for double merle - No more preventable births of affected puppies
- Ethical practice - Animal welfare as the foundation of all breeding decisions
The Content on This Site
Every article on Merle Breeding Safety is grounded in peer-reviewed research and clinical experience. The information presented reflects the current scientific consensus on merle genetics, though I update content as new research emerges.
The site is organised to serve different needs:
- For new breeders - Start with The Merle Gene and Responsible Breeding Guide for foundational understanding
- For experienced breeders - SILV/PMEL17 Science and Allele Instability provide deeper genetic insight
- For puppy buyers - The Buyer's Guide helps you identify responsible breeders
- For specific breeds - Breed Guidelines and Harlequin Interaction address breed-specific concerns
Resources and Further Reading
For those wishing to explore canine genetics more deeply, I recommend:
- The Herding Gene - Comprehensive resources on herding breed genetics
- Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute - Excellent breed-specific genetic information
- The Kennel Club - UK registration policies and health testing resources
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - Health testing database and resources
A Personal Note
I chose to focus my career on coat colour genetics because these traits are visible and tangible - they help people connect genetic concepts to real outcomes they can observe. But the principles underlying safe merle breeding apply far more broadly. Genetic testing, informed decision-making, and prioritising animal welfare over aesthetic preferences are foundations of responsible breeding for any trait.
If the articles on this site help even one breeder avoid producing a double merle, if they convince even one puppy buyer to demand testing documentation, if they contribute even slightly to a culture of science-based breeding - then this work will have been worthwhile.
The knowledge to breed merle dogs safely exists. The testing is accessible and affordable. The only remaining variable is whether individual breeders choose to use these tools. I hope this site helps make that choice easier.
- Dr. Patricia Wells, DVM, PhD
Contact and Inquiries
For speaking engagements, breed club consultations, or research collaborations, please contact me through the appropriate breed club or registry channels. I am unable to provide individual breeding advice for specific dogs, but I hope the resources on this site address most common questions.