There are many genes involved in breeding good and healthy dogs. Dog breeders – good ones – work hard on figuring out how to make use of these biological components in order to give the world exceptional pets. However, as with much science, and sometimes when those involved have less than good intentions, the end result of intentional breeding can be dogs with serious problems.
The merle gene is one genetic component that is known to contribute to supporting positive, enjoyable breeding outcomes. Unfortunately, there is also such a thing as too much of a good thing. When that happens – when two dogs with a merle gene are mated – it is possible that the resulting litter includes some or a number of double merle puppies. A good number of DMs can end up with various physical or medical challenges. And way too many of them can have minor or extreme vision and hearing conditions.
A predominate double merle set of problems includes the birth of puppies who cannot see or who cannot hear … or both. Our dog Yakoo is one of these outcomes. Yakoo has smaller than normal eyeballs – resulting in his third eyelid being continuously closed – as well as other optic nerve malfunctions. He basically cannot see but apparently does detect variations in light intensities. He knows when headlights approach him when we walk at night, and he sometimes looks toward the television when
DOGtor Yakoo's DEAFBLIND STORY 