What genes create a lilac merle American Bully?

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A lilac merle American Bully exhibits a unique coat color resulting from the interplay of specific genetic factors.​

Genetic Components of the Lilac Coat Color

The lilac hue in American Bullies is a product of the combined influence of two recessive dilution genes:​
Blue Dilution (d/d): This gene lightens the black pigment (eumelanin) to a blue or gray shade.​
Chocolate Dilution (b/b): This gene alters the black pigment to a brown or liver color.​

When both these recessive genes are present (d/d and b/b), they interact to produce the distinctive lilac coloration, characterized by a pale, silver-brown coat. For a puppy to inherit this color, both parents must carry and pass on these recessive genes. ​


Genetic Basis of the Merle Pattern

The merle pattern is governed by the M locus, specifically the PMEL gene. This gene causes a mottled appearance in the coat, with patches of diluted color interspersed with the dog's base color. Merle is an autosomal incomplete dominant trait, meaning only one copy of the merle allele (M/m) is necessary to display the pattern. However, dogs with two copies (M/M), known as double merles, are at a higher risk for health issues, including hearing and vision impairments. ​

Combining Lilac and Merle Traits

A lilac merle American Bully possesses both the dilution genes (d/d and b/b) for the lilac color and the merle allele (M/m) for the merle pattern. This combination results in a pale, silver-brown coat with irregular patches of lighter and darker shades, creating the lilac merle appearance.​

Health Considerations

Breeding merle-patterned dogs requires caution due to potential health risks:​
Double Merle Risk: Breeding two merle dogs can produce double merle offspring (M/M), which have a higher likelihood of deafness and blindness. ​
Breed Standards: In some bully breeds, the merle pattern is not recognized within breed standards, suggesting that merle-patterned dogs may have been introduced through crossbreeding with other breeds. ​
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Responsible breeding practices and genetic testing are essential to ensure the health and well-being of lilac merle American Bullies. Prospective breeders and owners should consult with veterinary geneticists and adhere to ethical breeding guidelines to minimize health risks associated with the merle gene.

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