KC bans merle to merle breedings starting Jan 2013

[Laurelin]

I thought this was interesting although I'm confused as to why they say all dogs from merle x merle are unable to be registered and then they go on to mention shelties, beaucerons, and dachshunds specifically. Anyone understand what they mean by that? (I've bolded the lines confusing me)

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/4303/23/5/3

Merle to merle mating in dogs

Following a recommendation from the Dog Health Group, the General Committee has agreed that, with effect from 1st January 2013, the Kennel Club will no longer accept the registration of any puppies for any breed that are produced as a result of mating two merle (dapple) coloured parents together.

The merle mutation is a dominant mutation that causes the characteristic merle or dapple colour pattern in a number of breeds. It is also known that there can be associated health risks in those dogs that have the merle mutation.

Many breeds have lived with the merle gene in their population and have avoided merle to merle matings for many years. Some breeds have successfully requested formal banning of such matings and the Kennel Club will not now accept any litter for registration where both parents are merle for Shetland Sheepdogs, Dachshunds (all varieties) and Beaucerons (although these are called tricolour).

In the breeds where merle is proven to not occur naturally, the Kennel Club will not register any dogs that are merle coloured – these include Chihuahuas (Long and Smooth), Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers (Miniature). In addition, the Kennel Club will not register litters from Chihuahuas where one parent is merle coloured.

Merle patterning, patches of lighter colour appearing in the coat, is the result of the M gene in the dog. There are two alleles of this gene: MM (merle) and M+ (non-merle), with merle (MM) being dominant to non-merle (M+). In some breeds, the effect of the merle allele (MM) is termed ‘dapple’.

Unfortunately, the effects of the merle allele (MM) are not confined to coat patterning and we know that there can be an increased risk of impaired hearing and sight associated with it, particularly in dogs that are homozygous for MM (dogs that carry two copies of the MM allele).

Due to the associated health concerns, it is not believed that serious breeders would intentionally mate a merle to merle but the commencement of this restriction in January 2013 allows breeders time to readjust any planned breeding programmes.

I think this is a very good thing.

[JessLough]

I think it is saying that starting 2013 no litter for registration if the parents were merle to merle, but starting right now they won't accept those certain breeds? Maybe, I actually have no clue

[Laurelin]

Originally Posted by JessLough

I think it is saying that starting 2013 no litter for registration if the parents were merle to merle, but starting right now they won't accept those certain breeds? Maybe, I actually have no clue

That kind of makes sense. I really can't make heads or tails of those two lines.

[Lyzelle]

They've done this in some horse registries.

Basically, if you go on and breed a merle x merle litter anyway, they'll refuse registration for that litter. The dogs will go unregistered, and probably unable to do all the things registered dogs would be able to do....show, sire/whelp registered litters, etc.

I think it is a very good thing as well....as long as it is regulated. As far as I know, anyone can lie on registration papers, and they aren't forced to prove anything via DNA.

[BostonBanker]

Because it is part of the same sentence, I think they are saying that those three breeds have requested the ban of merle x merle before. It is poorly worded, but that is my take on it.

[BostonBanker]

Oh, wait. I get it. Those three breeds have successfully requested the ban. They are already banned, because they asked for it previously. All breeds will be subject to the ban as of the date listed.

[Laurelin]

Originally Posted by BostonBanker

Oh, wait. I get it. Those three breeds have successfully requested the ban. They are already banned, because they asked for it previously. All breeds will be subject to the ban as of the date listed.

Ohhhhhh! I get it now. That's a really badly worded sentence.

[SaraB]

Wonder if that applies to harl x harl breedings in Great Danes since they are genetically merle with a harlequin modifier.

[sassafras]

Yea, that's how I'm reading it... those individual breed clubs had already requested the same thing, and that's the only reason they're being mentioned individually.

I'm impressed that they aren't accepting registration at all for breeds where merle doesn't occur naturally. The sudden mysterious appearance of merle in all sorts of breeds makes me uncomfortable.

[Greenmagick]

Originally Posted by SaraB

Wonder if that applies to harl x harl breedings in Great Danes since they are genetically merle with a harlequin modifier.

That was my first thought too. HOnestly, I think it would be a good thing...also think they should add merle to accepted colors.