Although merle is not accepted in the AKC sponsored conformation rings, it is accepted in the AKC sponsored obedience rings.  The color is certainly "recognized" by AKC as a color or it would not appear as a color option on the application form for the registration of a puppy with the AKC.

Merits of breeding merles are debated by many.  Some breeders cull merle puppies and some do not.  Breeders in some countries will support breeding a merle over breeding a boston black or mantle.

This is some of my own observations.  One is that the merle has been very valuable in harlequin breeding.  If you look at the pedigrees of many an imposing harlequin, you will see  merles in the pedigree.  Merles are said to be the true harlequins. Another thing is that I have noticed that some people are mistakenly referring to merles as "blue merles".  That is not a term we use with Great Danes.  It is simply "merle."  Actually there is nothing simple about them except, they are "simply wonderful".
Melody

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Updated January 11, 2000