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Merle

Mixed Ancestry

“He was an over the counter stray found by someone with his sister. His original name was Kermitt and we named him Merle. He had poor health and really bad mange, but now he is very healthy and happy. Merle loves to sniff around, go on walks, play tug of war, he has a very loud bark/howl. He is so friendly with all other humans and dogs. He like to nip his Momma's bottom from time to time to make her laugh. He is so very loyal and smart. He could do all expected tricks at 4 months old.”

This dog has been viewed and been given 2 wags

Genetic Breed Result

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Staffordshire Terrier

Staffordshire Terriers, sometimes referred to as "pit bull" type, are intelligent and trainable dogs. They can have a lot of energy and are often great canine athletes!

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Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is an exceptionally loving dog whose primary function is to protect sheep, goats, livestock, people, children, grass, flowers, the moon, lawn furniture, etc., from any real or imaginary predators that may intrude on your personal space. They have a strong build and an amazing thick white coat that exudes elegance and majesty. They make a great family dog because of their intelligence and steady temperament.

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Coonhound

Coonhounds are amazing hunting dogs that were a great help to early American settlers. With proper training they can make good companions and family dogs. It is hard to say no to those huge floppy ears!

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Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever was bred for hunting and excelled in retrieving game after it was shot down. Known for its gentle disposition and loyalty, the Labrador Retriever has become a favorite of families and breeders alike.

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German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are confident, courageous dogs with a keen sense of smell and notable intelligence. These are active working dogs who excel at many canine sports and tasks -- they are true utility dogs! Their versatility combined with their loyal companionship has them consistently listed as one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

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Dogs Like Merle

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Discover dogs who share a similar breed mix to Merle. A higher score means the two dogs have more of their breed mix in common. A score of 100% means they share the exact same breed mix!

Click or tap on a pic to learn more about each dog and see an in-depth comparison of their DNA, breeds, and more.

DNA Breed Origins

Breed colors:
Staffordshire Terrier
Great Pyrenees
Coonhound
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog

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Here’s what Merle’s family tree may have looked like.
Merle
Family Tree From Embark PARENTS GRANDPARENTS GREAT GRANDPARENTS Staffordshire Terrier / Coonhound mix Labrador Retriever mix Staffordshire Terrier Coonhound Labrador Retriever Great Pyrenees / German Shepherd Dog mix Staffordshire Terrier Staffordshire Terrier Coonhound Coonhound Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Dog
While there may be other possible configurations of his family’s relationships, this is the most likely family tree to explain Merle’s breed mix.
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Traits

Explore the genetics behind your dog’s appearance and size.

Base Coat Color

Base Coat Color

Coat Color Modifiers

Coat Color Modifiers

Other Coat Traits

Other Coat Traits

Other Body Features

Other Body Features

Body Size

Body Size

Performance

Performance

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Through Merle’s mitochondrial DNA we can trace his mother’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

C2

Haplotype

C3/14

Map

C2

Merle’s Haplogroup

C2 is a very old female lineage found more commonly among English Setters, English Bulldogs, and American Eskimo Dogs. We also see C2 in village dogs in South Asia. Rather than having a few characteristic breeds representing this lineage particularly well, it is present in a few uncommon individuals of many different breeds. Unlike some European breed lineages that have seen skyrocketing popularity along the path to the modern dogs we see today, C2 tends to reflect the deep history of man's best friend.

C3/14

Merle’s Haplotype

Part of the C2 haplogroup, this common haplotype occurs most often in English Setters, Cairn Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, and village dogs in Peru, Fiji, and across Africa.

You can often find his haplogroup in the lovable English Bulldog.

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Through Merle’s Y-chromosome we can trace his father’s ancestry back to where dogs and people first became friends. This map helps you visualize the routes that his ancestors took to your home. Their story is described below the map.

Haplogroup

A1a

Haplotype

H1a.18

Map

A1a

Merle’s Haplogroup

Some of the wolves that became the original dogs in Central Asia around 15,000 years ago came from this long and distinguished line of male dogs. After domestication, they followed their humans from Asia to Europe and then didn't stop there. They took root in Europe, eventually becoming the dogs that founded the Vizsla breed 1,000 years ago. The Vizsla is a Central European hunting dog, and all male Vizslas descend from this line. During the Age of Exploration, like their owners, these pooches went by the philosophy, "Have sail, will travel!" From the windy plains of Patagonia to the snug and homey towns of the American Midwest, the beaches of a Pacific paradise, and the broad expanse of the Australian outback, these dogs followed their masters to the outposts of empires. Whether through good fortune or superior genetics, dogs from the A1a lineage traveled the globe and took root across the world. Now you find village dogs from this line frolicking on Polynesian beaches, hanging out in villages across the Americas, and scavenging throughout Old World settlements. You can also find this "prince of patrilineages" in breeds as different as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Border Collies, Scottish Terriers, and Irish Wolfhounds. No male wolf line has been as successful as the A1a line!

H1a.18

Merle’s Haplotype

Part of the large A1a haplogroup, this haplotype occurs in village dogs in Turkey. Among breeds, it is most commonly seen in German Shorthaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and English Bulldog.

Dogs with A1a lineage travelled during European Colonial times.

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