Do Chihuahuas come in merle pattern?

Yes, Chihuahuas can come in a merle pattern , but this is not recognized as part of the breed standard by major kennel clubs, such as the AKC. The merle pattern is characterized by a swirling mix of lighter and darker colors across the coat, often creating a marbled or dappled look.

Although merle Chihuahuas exist, the pattern is typically found in Chihuahuas crossbred with merle-patterned dogs. Some breeders may intentionally breed for a merle coat, but it’s worth noting that merle Chihuahuas can be prone to health issues, such as vision or hearing problems , particularly if both parents carry the merle gene.