Double Merle puppies?

[MissSuzie]

Originally Posted by Kisetsu

Also, if it's not too much, may I ask how you came about your double merle? Was s/he a rescue? If so, why did you decide to make them a part of your family? What are some questions that should be asked of potential adopters of these puppies if they do happen to have some 'disabilities'?

I adopted Cooper from a Sheltie rescue. I actually went to see another dog, but they also wanted me to meet Cooper. He stole my heart INSTANTLY and I was so afraid no one would want him. I didn't want him going from foster home to foster home because no one was willing to take on a disabled dog. I just couldn't say no. I will say that he doesn't have any idea he is disabled. He's a happy, very loving dog. But people who adopt double merles need to know that training a blind and/or deaf dog is different than training a sighted dog who can hear as well. They will need to do some research. It also depends on the extent of the disabilities.

As another member mentioned, the eyes can be deformed and have a cloudy type coating. This is how Cooper's left eye is. I'm posting a picture that will show you. I tested his hearing by using a website that sold dog whistles. They had a button to listen to each whistle. I tested them all with Cooper laying on the floor in front of me. He didn't react to most, but I clicked on one and he popped right up. So I know he has some hearing. The rescue actually said I was a good mom for him because my voice is higher. He can hear higher pitched sounds the best.

[mbfrench]

Originally Posted by Kisetsu

Hello. I need some input on something from some Sheltie experts.
I don't really know too much about Shelties... however, my aunt has two of them... a boy and a girl... who she planned on breeding. She did 'some' research on the breed, but not enough.

Anyways, I was interested in adopting an Australian Shepherd at one time, and did some research and I know about the dangers of merle-merle breeding. The first dog my aunt got was what she claimed to be a Sable female. However, she had one blue eye, which I thought was strange. As far as I've seen, only Shelties that are merle have blue eyes. I asked her about it and she said that her female was definitely a Sable, that there was only blue merles. So I did a bit of research myself and found out that there is such a thing as a Sable merle. I told my aunt, but she still insisted that the breeder told her she was Sable.
Then she got the male later, who is either a Bi-blue or a Blue merle. I haven't seen him, I just know he is blue.

Well, she finally bred them, and 5 puppies were born last night. From the photo she sent me, 2 look to be bi-blue/blue merle, and 1 a bi-black. Unfortunately, I believe the other two are double merles. One looks almost completely white, and the other looks like a piebald (not sure what you would call it as a sheltie... I've seen Color headed white, but there isn't a whole lot of color on the head).

I know the picture is kinda blurry, but what do you all think? If these two puppies are Double Merles, at what age can you determine if there are any sight/hearing problems? And what I'm worried about most of all is if these puppies do suffer from sight/hearing problems, how is she to go about finding the right home for them? Will rescues take them in? Should that be her first option, to look for a rescue to place these puppies?


***Note: I don't support breeding of animals like this. If it was my way, both of her dogs would have been spayed and neutered at the appropriate age. I'm simply asking for advice from someone who might be able to help. I know my aunt, and she won't seek the proper advice. I'm afraid that she'll give these puppies to the first person who feels sorry for them, then realize they're more trouble then they're worth.

Anyways, here is a link to the picture (hopefully it'll work)
http://i.imgur.com/FRYbf.jpg

*EDIT*
She emailed some better pictures of the puppies that I'm adding.
http://i.imgur.com/9Cu7Z.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/u6rW9.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/v60tQ.jpg

Come on~~~
I can't even look at the pictures without getting really pissed. I know you did not breed the two dogs,but WHY on earth would she even think it would be ok.

To me,they look DM. I pray they are ok. This is not a good way to start my day off by seeing these pictures.

I am am owner of a DM,as many know here. mia is deaf & blind. It can be determined by at least 6-8 weeks if the pups are indeed with issues.

So not happy about this outcome. Do keep me informed of the progress of this litter.I will keep checking as I can.

[mbfrench]

Originally Posted by ClantyreSheltie

I will answer the questions in order:

1. Yes, those are double merles.
2. Your aunt needs to have them BAER tested and eye checked around 7 weeks, which she probably won't bother to do.
3. As far as I am concerned those are her puppies. She is now their permanent home. She brought them into this world, she is responsible for them. She couldn't be bothered to learn even the first thing about color/pattern inheritance, so she can bear the consequences. It is not rescues job to deal with her ignorance. Rescue has their own set of problems.

I hope that your aunt at least learns something from this experience, I would hate for the lives of these puppies to be lived for no reason.

My exact thoughts.And if i hear of these pups being surrended to rescue,and the aunt not taking responsibility I will be extremely upset.

For the sake of a photo,here is Mia. She is deaf & completely blind. In one eye,there is an iris & pupil,but it floats up & about in the socket.The other eye,there is only soft tissue. She is light sensitive in that eye which has floating pupil. Her sockets are severely deformed. A Baer test was done on her,and she is completely deaf.
She came to us at nearly 5 months,very thin & frail. today she is a healthy & well adjusted almost 2yr. old.

i agree with others,you are thier advocate,right now. i pray your aunt does not cull them,or euthanize.These pups did not ask for a life of darkness. Just breaks our hearts to see this.But again,Brian & I will not turn our backs if you need help or guidance. I will PM you our phone number.
I am sorry if I sounded so harse,but it is just something that hits close to home,as well as others of owners of double dilutes.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...14017157_n.jpg

[Kisetsu]

I just want to thank each and everyone of you!
Again, I don't have the time to type up much of a reply here, and I apologize. I wish I had the time to thank each and every one of you personally. I've read everything that you all have posted, and printed the information out to reference.

My next goal is to do the following:
- Research on Shelties in general. I'm sure that being deaf/blind doesn't affect those Sheltie personalities, and I'm sure there are other things that potential adopters will need to be aware of about the breed.
- Look up information on dogs with hearing/sight problems, and what people should expect when it comes to training and care.
- Find a good community with people who own deaf/blind dogs that is active and friendly, as a support for the people who will, I hope, adopt these puppies.
- I've already found a good, active and friendly Sheltie forum!

I'm sure there will be other things that I will think of. My plan is to find some good information and resources for any potential adopters to get them started. I'm thinking of making a sort of... flyer or pamphlet with information and websites and such that my Aunt can give to people interested in the puppies, so that they can be informed on the responsibilities these puppies will require of them. My biggest fear is that someone will feel sorry for these puppies and will take one home with them, WITHOUT doing their homework, and they will find out taking care of that puppy is more than they can handle, and that they will end up in a shelter, scared and alone.....

I'm going to visit my cousin (my aunt's oldest daughter) in the beginning of May, just before the puppies will be 7 weeks old, and I'll get to see them for myself, and hopefully get to spend some one on one time with my Aunt educating her on what I've learned. Life keeps me busy, but I'm going to try my best to do what I can for those puppies.

I'll try and keep you all updated with any news that I get!

Also, I was going to edit my original post to take out the pictures, since I know they can be a bit upsetting.... unfortunately, I don't see edit buttons for my posts. If anyone knows how I can get in to edit the post, I will certainly take the pictures down.

[Kisetsu]

I also wanted to add, that I know that these puppies can live happy and wonderful lives, as some of you have pointed out. Unfortunately, it's finding someone that is willing to take them into their homes and give them their time and love that will be the obstacle in all of this.

MissSuzie and mbfrench, you have done something that I know MANY people would never have the courage to do. I especially thank you both for replying to this thread, as I know it must be tough for you both.

[MissSuzie]

Originally Posted by Kisetsu

I also wanted to add, that I know that these puppies can live happy and wonderful lives, as some of you have pointed out. Unfortunately, it's finding someone that is willing to take them into their homes and give them their time and love that will be the obstacle in all of this.

MissSuzie and mbfrench, you have done something that I know MANY people would never have the courage to do. I especially thank you both for replying to this thread, as I know it must be tough for you both.

I'm praying your Aunt will find wonderful forever homes for each of the doggies. Thank you for gathering the information needed for potential owners to make informed decisions. These pups are lucky to have you as their advocate. Keep us informed as things move forward.

[Sharon7]

The puppies are lucky that you are willing to be so involved in what is not a pleasant situation. It's always tricky dealing with family. But please persist, I beg you. I fear for what kind of a life they will have otherwise.

Thanks for your concern and involvement and in trying to educate your Aunt. Good luck and keep us updated.