Blue Merle Pomeranian: Info, Genetics, Health & Facts

Have you ever heard of the blue merle Pomeranian? This rare and unique Pomeranian color pattern has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Despite their unique appearance, blue merle Pomeranians share all the same amazing traits as their common-colored counterparts. Through and through, it is the same lovable pooch but with a rather interesting appearance. 

In this guide, we’ll learn everything about the blue merle Pomeranian. From its appearance and genetics to its lifespan and health, it’s all here! 

So whether you’re a new owner of a blue merle Pomeranian or simply curious about this fascinating breed, keep reading to learn more!

What Is a Blue Merle Pomeranian?

The blue merle Pomeranian is a purebred Pom that carries the merle genetic pattern. Its most notable feature is the mottled patches of colors on top of its solid coat. Merle Poms can also exhibit speckled patterns on their paw pads and noses. Usually, these dogs also sport blue eyes.

Aside from the blue merle, the Pomeranian breed can also exhibit other merle colors, such as red merle, chocolate merle, and white merle. The difference among these merle colors lies in their base coat. 

The blue merle has a solid blue base coat. Compared to widely known Pomeranian coat colors, the blue merle is relatively new, but it is not a result of mixing the breed with another. 

One interesting thing to know about merle Poms is that two merle Poms should not be bred together. This practice is highly discouraged due to its health implications for the resulting litter.

Are Blue Merle Pomeranians Rare?

The blue merle Pomeranian is an exceedingly rare pooch. This coat color is not recognized by many kennel clubs, just like the lavender hue.

Moreover, the blue merle Pomeranian is extremely difficult to breed. Not only is its genetics a bit tricky, but breeding this pooch comes with a hefty price tag as well.

For starters, a regular Pomeranian costs between $1,500 and $5,000. To successfully breed a blue merle, breeders would have to run DNA checks on their Poms to find the merle gene.

Breeders have to do this many times just to find a pooch that carries the merle genetic pattern.

They would then have to pair this pooch with a suitable partner and hope that the litter results in blue merles. Sadly, even if breeders find suitable dogs to pair, it does not guarantee blue merle Pomeranians. 

From a business perspective, it is pretty easy to see that blue merles are almost impractical to breed. All in all, these obstacles result in the scarce population of the blue merle Pom. 

However, this does not mean that all merles are rare. In fact, the merle pattern is pretty common — Poms can carry this gene even if it is not physically observed.

Blue Merle Pomeranian Appearance

The blue merle Pom is a toy-sized dog with a solid base coat that looks slightly greyish. This pooch sports patches of color on its coat, which gives it its eye-catching appearance.

Other telltale features of the blue merle Pom whether they are males or females are the speckled nose and paws. This pup may also have either full or partially blue eyes.

Usually, merle patches have jagged edges that look as if a spot of hair is torn away from the coat. However, this characteristic is difficult to spot in Pomeranians due to their long coats. 

Speaking of coat length, blue merle Poms have long coats. Their fur is straight, fine, and slightly silky. 

The coat of the Pomeranian sits tight near their necks and heads, but slight feathering is visible on their forelegs and tails.

Some blue merle Poms will have darker base coats than others. As a result, these pups will appear bluer. 

On the other hand, other blue merle Pomeranians have greyish coats that almost look white or silver. 

Size-wise, these pups measure 5 to 14 inches in height and weigh between two and seven pounds. They’re toy-sized so you have to be cautious in feeding them.

Overall, the coat color of a blue merle Pomeranian is the only thing that sets it apart from other Poms. As expected, these dogs are as jolly and as well-spirited as other Pomeranian dogs.

Blue Merle Pomeranian Coat Color Genetics

Merle is a pattern in dogs that is caused by a particular locus known as the M-locus. The M-locus can either be “m” or “M” — the former is recessive while the latter is dominant. 

A Pomeranian called a “blue merle” has a blue coat color and carries the “M” allele of the M-locus. 

The M-locus is responsible for diluting random patches of a dog’s coat and sometimes even a dog’s nose and paw pads. 

One thing to know about the merle locus is that it only affects the eumelanin pigmentation. Simply put, only dogs that have black, liver, white, or blue coats can be merles.

While blue merle Poms are highly regarded for their unique look, many pet lovers go against having merle Poms. Their reason is that merle is associated with blindness, deafness, sun sensitivity, and eye defects. 

To some degree, these claims are all true; however, these health risks are only significantly higher in the so-called double merles. 

A double merle is the offspring of two heterozygous merles. This is also why two merles should not be mixed.

Unfortunately, the merle locus can be recessive. This means some Pomeranians may carry this gene even if they do not manifest a merle pattern. 

In other words, there is always the risk of accidentally breeding double merles. One way to safely breed blue merle Pomeranian puppies is by mixing a merle with a non-merle. 

The only downside to this method is that the chances of getting a blue merle are very slim.

Do Blue Merle Pomeranian Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

Yes, the color of a blue merle Pomeranian puppy will change as it grows. In fact, this change is not exclusive to blue merles. All Pomeranian colors will go through a color change!

This coat color change in Poms occurs when the puppy fur is replaced by the adult fur. This transitional period lasts a few months or sometimes even a few years.

Interestingly, Pomeranian breeders call this stage the “Pomeranian uglies.” Pomeranian uglies are also called the “puppy transition stage” by other pet lovers. 

Watch this video to see how a blue merle Pom changes its coat color as it ages:

As evident in the video, the Pom has a fairly light coat in its puppy years. But as it grew older, the bluish tone became a bit darker and more pronounced. You will also notice slight tanning of the fur near the muzzle and paws. 

Unfortunately, the Pomeranian uglies are not the same for all blue merle Poms. Some Poms will go from a darker shade of blue to a lighter shade. 

Meanwhile, others that have greyish coats from birth may develop shades of blue as they age. 

Usually, an experienced breeder will be able to tell precisely what a blue merle Pom will look like once it is fully grown. These breeders factor in the color of the parents and the starting coat color of the pup. 

The Pomeranian uglies often end once the dog reaches two to three years old. By this time, your Pom’s coat color should be in its final form. Its eyes will have also reached their final color at around this age.

Can Blue Merle Pomeranians Be AKC Registered? 

Yes, the blue merle Pomeranian can be registered as an AKC purebred. Luckily, the peculiar coats of these pups are not subject to disqualification. However, there’s a catch. 

According to the official AKC breed standards of the Pomeranian, all Pom colors must be judged on an equal basis. Simply put, coat color does not really play a role in your dog’s eligibility for AKC recognition.

There are 24 standard coat colors for the Pomeranian. These recognized colors include merles such as the chocolate merle and blue merle.

The problem is that Poms with light blue eyes, blue marbled eyes, or blue-flecked eyes are deemed disqualified by the AKC. 

Unfortunately, as you have learned in the previous sections, these eye colors are often observed in a blue merle Pom.

So does this mean that you should skip the AKC registration for your blue merle? Well, not really. As long as your blue merle does not have blue eyes, you can still shoot your shot!

If you plan on signing your pet up in AKC events such as dog shows and agility races, your dog must be AKC-registered. 

However, if your blue merle is not AKC-registered, you still have the option to join events hosted by other kennels.

Blue Merle Pomeranian Temperament and Personality

The blue Pomeranian, just like its other colored cousins, is a loving dog that is known for being jolly and easy-going. Many people admire this breed for its curiosity, intelligence, and affectionate nature. 

However, while they may seem like the perfect lap dog, they are not suitable for everyone. 

If you want a dog that is silent most of the time, the blue merle Pom is not for you. This pooch is a very vocal dog that likes expressing its feelings. 

Much like other Pomeranians, blue merle Poms require constant attention. These dogs will bark whenever they want to play or cuddle with you.

Moreover, blue merle Poms are not recommended for people who have toddlers in their household. Young children tend to be overly playful with Poms, and Poms may snap if they’re not in the mood to play. 

However, if you have older kids, your blue merle Pom will do just fine as a family pet. You just have to make sure that your child knows how to treat your pooch right. 

As for pets, blue merle Poms are generally good companions. This is especially true if they are raised alongside your other pets.

All in all, the blue merle Pomeranian is a fantastic family companion. Unless a vocal pup is one of your pet peeves or you have babies in your household, chances are, you’ll be happy with a Pom!

Blue Merle Pomeranian Lifespan and Health Issues

With a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years, the blue merle Pomeranian is a dog with a pretty long life. 

Despite being linked to an increased likelihood of deafness and blindness, merle Poms are still considered above average in terms of health.

However, there are still a couple of health problems to look out for when it comes to a blue merle Pom. Below are some common health issues of blue merle Pomeranians:

• Cataracts: Compared to other Poms, blue merles are at a higher risk of eye problems. Among the most common ones are cataracts. Cataracts occur when the vision of a dog develops a cloud-like substance. This eye condition is often linked to age and genetics. 
• Epilepsy: Canine idiopathic epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is common across all the Pomeranian colors. This issue is characterized by brief seizures that occur spontaneously. Unfortunately, epilepsy in Poms is not curable. This issue, however, can be managed through medication.
• Heartworm Disease: Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that affects the heart of a dog. It occurs when foot-long worms accumulate inside the blood vessel, which impedes the heart’s normal operation. One way to prevent your dog from having this disease is through preventive treatment.
• Collapsed Trachea: Tracheal collapse is another common health issue in blue merle Poms. Unfortunately, the cause of this condition is unknown; however, its symptoms are pretty easy to spot. A dog experiencing tracheal collapse may exhibit wheezing, difficulty breathing, and gagging.

Fortunately, all of these health issues are manageable. But as always, it is still best to prevent them from developing in the first place. One thing you can do to help your Pom stay healthy is to regularly take it to the vet. 

How Much Does a Blue Merle Pomeranian Cost? Puppy Price & Expenses

Most merle Pomeranians cost below $2,000. However, because of its rarity, the blue merle is usually priced higher at around $2,500 to $3,000. 

Similarly, a blue merle from a champion lineage will easily set you back upwards of $3,500. Needless to say, blue merles cost more than the average Pomeranian dog. Regular Poms sell for around $500 to $2,000 from reputable breeders. 

Aside from the outright cost of the blue merle Pomeranian, you should also prepare for these initial expenses:

Note that the expenses above are just estimates. The total cost can increase if you also get pet insurance and avail of certain services such as dog walking, professional grooming, etc.

Places to Find Blue Merle Pomeranian Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Blue merle Pomeranians are quite rare, which means that finding one can be a bit of a treasure hunt. You might have to look around a bit before you come across one of these exceptional dogs.

Here are some reputable breeders where you can find blue merle Pomeranian puppies for sale:

• WolfPack Poms – WolfPack Poms is a breeder located in South Florida. If you’re looking for AKC-recognized champion line Pomeranians, this is the breeder to check out. Every dog from WolfPack Poms is guaranteed free from health issues and genetic defects.
• 10,000 Lakes Pomeranians – 10,000 Lakes Pomeranians is a reputable breeder located in Minnesota. This breeder owns a 125-acre riverfront property where their Poms roam around and play.
• Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website where breeders post listings of their litter. This site has thousands of Pomeranian puppies from hundreds of trusted breeders. Be sure to utilize the search filters to make it easier for you to browse blue merle Poms! 

Adoption is also a very viable option when getting a blue merle Pom. It will help you save a ton of money while also helping save a dog’s life in the process. Just be warned that blue merle Poms are hard to find!

Here are some places where you can find blue merle Pomeranians for adoption:

• Pampered Poms Rescue (PPR) – Established in 2010, PPR has more than a decade of experience rehabilitating abandoned Pomeranians. They have been the primary rescue for Poms in Kansas and nearby areas for quite a while now. You may visit their website if you wish to adopt a Pom from them.
• Southern California Pomeranian Rescue (SCPR) – SCPR is a non-profit rescue organization that fosters Pomeranian dogs. For folks residing in places near Southern California, this is the best place to look for blue merle Poms!
• Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is an adoption website where aspiring pet parents can browse an extensive catalog of pets. Using this service, you can get in touch with rescues and shelters from all over the country. This source is one of the easiest ways to find a blue merle Pomeranian for adoption!

Furthermore, you may also check out Pomeranian groups on Facebook and Reddit. Often, you will find helpful information from these online communities. 

Dog Name Ideas for Blue Merle Pomeranian

Wondering what to name your blue merle Pomeranian? Here are a few cool names you might want to consider!

• Twilight
• Blue
• Sky
• Mist
• Stitch
• Tidal
• Levi
• Berry
• Bell
• Jack
• Habor
• Blu
• Cloud
• Smurf
• Sapphire
• Rain
• Tiffany
• River
• Iris
• Diver
• Vapor
• Blizzard
• Dodger
• Marine
• Jay
• Lake
• Jean
• Rapid
• Stitch
• Polar
• Frost

Initially, your dog may not respond to the name you choose. But with consistent calls, they’ll learn to love and appreciate the name you’ve given them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Blue Merle Pomeranians Have Blue Eyes?

Due to their coat color genetics, blue merle Pomeranians are known to retain their blue eyes. 

However, not all blue merle Poms have blue eyes. Some develop different eye colors, such as green, hazel, dark brown, and black.

What Is the Rarest Color of Pomeranian?

The rarest color of the Pomeranian is the tri-color. As the name suggests, tri-colored Poms have three different colors on their coats. 

These colorations usually appear on their paws, bib, belly, tail, muzzles, and patches on the body. 

Among tri-colored Poms, the Pom with lavender, tan, and white color combination is believed to be the rarest. Another rare tri-colored Pom is the one with a black, white, and cream combination.

Are Merle Pomeranians Worth More?

Yes. Merle Pomeranians are worth more since they’re more difficult to produce than other color variations. Some merle Pomeranians even cost $6,000 and above.

Final Thoughts

The blue merle Pomeranian is a fantastic dog that will do well in most households. Aside from their unique-looking coat and some potential health issues, these dogs are just like other Poms — they’re awesome!

If you want a lap dog with an easy-going temperament and lively energy, the blue merle Pom is the pet for you. 

But if you can’t stand a dog that barks a lot at times and needs constant attention, you should probably look elsewhere. 

What are your thoughts about the blue merle Pomeranian? Let us know in the comments below!