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Merle

Page history last edited by PBworks 15 years, 9 months ago

Merle

Description

Merle is not a color in and of itself; it is simple spots of darker color that expresses on Mink-based rat colors. It expresses better the lighter the main body color of the rat is, and best on babies. As a rat ages, most merle spots will lighten or disappear entirely. Breeders who are breeding for this expression do best to breed the lightest Pearl possible, and only breed from adults who have best maintained their spots and the darkness of them. The spots may actually be closer to "patches" or "splash-spots" rather than nicely defined "dots."

Genetics

The genetics of Merle are debated and not scientifically described. What seems clear is that, like Pearl, it will only express on American/USA Mink-based rats - UK Mink and Pearl does not Merle. It has been noticed on almost every Mink dilute, including Platinum, Havana, and Dove, but spots tend to grow out in the first baby moult on all but Pearl.

Standards

AFRMA

"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed evenly throughout the entire lighter background color so as to resemble a merle dog. The splash-spots should be numerous and distinct. Splash-spots will be less prominent on a non-silvered background color. Eye color to correspond to the body color."

RSA

"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark splash-spots distributed throughout the entire lighter background color so as to resemble a merle dog. The splash-spots should be numerous and distinct."

RatsPacNW

"Merle color spots/splotches on a lighter base coat. Usually seen as pearl merles and silvered minks/lilacs. Merle may be seen on solid or any standardized marked rat.

Fault: marked toes

DQ: blaze, stripes"

URS

"Merle rats may be shown in any recognized mink-based color. The unique feature is a pattern of dark spots distributed evenly over the entire lighter background color. The spots should be numerous and distinct and will be less prominent on a non-silvered background."