The merle gene can produce some very striking patterns so why does the Siberian Husky Club of America not want the merle gene introduced into our breed? First, from the vast photographic history of the breed there is no evidence that merle purebred Siberian Huskies existed or exist. Since the merle gene is dominant it could not have been “hidden” for all these years. By understanding these facts it is obvious that merle Siberians could only be produced by impure breeding, whether intentional or not. Second the genes that are involved in determining pigmentation and coloring also have significant effects on the development of eyesight and hearing. Dogs with just one merle gene do not seem to have major problems in this regard - but there is some evidence that even these dogs may be affected but just to a lesser degree that may be difficult to determine without specialized testing - but when two merle dogs are bred together there is a 25% chance that they will produce a double merle dog (“lethal white” or “double dilutes” are misnomers) – a dog that has two copies of the merle gene. The health consequences of double merle puppies vary from mild to severe and will not be apparent until the puppies are two weeks of age or older. Some puppies may be born deaf, some born blind and some born deaf and blind. Vision problems cover a wide variety of problems up to and including total blindness, small eyes or missing eyes altogether. Other eye conditions seen include eccentric pupils (also known as “dropped” pupil), underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the iris so it is not able to function properly (often these dogs will squint in bright sunlight), and irregularly shaped (“starburst”) pupils. Other eye disorders are also possible. These health concerns may necessitate the need to euthanize a 2 week old or older, puppy. The severity of these health issues CANNOT be predicted ahead of time!

Coat Color Identification Guidelines & Statement on "Merle" Patterning in Siberians
SHCA's Policy Statement on Merle Siberian Huskies
The Board of Directors of the Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc. recognizes that the Breed Standard for Siberian Huskies states “All colors from black to pure white are allowed. A variety of markings on the head is common, including many striking patterns not found in other breeds.” However it is our strong belief that “merle” markings (and the genetic health issues that are associated with the merle gene) are not genetically possible in the purebred Siberian Husky gene pool. Therefore, it is our belief that a Siberian Husky exhibiting merle patterning is the result of impure breeding. As such, the Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc strongly discourages anyone from purchasing or breeding a merle Siberian Husky.