Border Collie Colors: A Guide to Coats, Patterns, and Genetics

Border Collie dogs come in more than 20 different coat color combinations. The most common colors are black and white, red and white, and tricolor. However, Border Collies can also appear in blue merle, sable, lilac, brindle, slate, and Australian red. Because the breed standard accepts nearly all colors, Border Collies have one of the most diverse coat palettes of any herding breed

Key Takeaways

• Border Collies come in more than 20 coat colors and patterns, ranging from the classic black and white to rarer variations like lilac, brindle, and sable.
• The most common colors are black & white, red & white, and blue merle, which together make up a large percentage of the breed population.
• Rare colors such as lilac, brindle, and seal occur in less than 1% of the breed, making them highly sought after but sometimes misunderstood.
• Coat color is determined by genetics, including key gene loci like B (black/brown pigment), D (dilution), E (red masking), and M (merle pattern).
• Merle patterns require responsible breeding practices, because breeding two merle dogs can produce “double-merle” puppies with a high risk of blindness or deafness.
• Rare or dilute colors may have additional care considerations, such as sun sensitivity or color dilution alopecia (CDA) in some dogs.
• Coat color does not affect temperament, intelligence, or working ability, which depend on genetics, training, and lineage rather than pigment.
• Responsible breeders prioritize health testing and temperament over coat color, avoiding unethical practices that market “rare colors” at inflated prices.

While these colors are stunning, it is crucial to remember that Border Collies are working dogs first. Their job is to run, focus, and herd. As a result, appearance is not the most important factor. As the Border Collie Society of America states, “Color is one of the first noticeable things about a dog… however, color is usually quite low on the list of priorities for the majority of breeders behind the pup’s overall health, temperament, and conformation.”

According to the Official Standard of the Border Collie, almost all colors are accepted. However, understanding the genetics, grooming needs, and health implications of these coats is vital for any potential owner. In this guide, we will dive deep into the amazing world of Border Collie coats, separating visual beauty from biological necessity.

How Many Colors Do Border Collies Come In?

Border Collie dogs can appear in more than 20 coat color combinations, including black and white, red and white, blue merle, sable, lilac, brindle, and Australian red.

The Most Common Border Collie Colors

Color Variety	Visual Identification	Nose & Paw Pigment	Key Distinctions
Black & White	Jet-black body with white blaze, collar, chest, and tail tip.	Solid Black	The classic Irish Spotting pattern found in films like Babe
Tricolor	Black and white base with rust/tan markings on eyebrows, cheeks, and legs.	Black	Tan eyebrows create an expressive, inquisitive look.
Red / Chocolate	Deep liver to milk chocolate brown.	Brown or Liver (Never Black)	Often features amber or green eyes; wolf-like appearance.

These are the coats you are most likely to see at the dog park or agility trials. They are classic, functional, and beautiful.

Black and White Border Collie

This is the most famous look, popularized by films such as Babe. The classic Border Collie black and white coat usually features a jet-black body that glistens in the sun.

Visual Identification:
Classic Black & White Border Collies display the traditional “Irish Spotting” pattern:

• White blaze on face
• White collar
• White chest
• White forelegs
• White tail tip]

Key Markings:
• White blaze (face stripe)
• White collar (neck)
• White chest
• White forelegs
• White tail tip (shepherd’s lantern)

Deaf Border Collies had higher rates of merle coat pigmentation, blue iris pigment, and excess white on the head than normal hearing Border Collies (all P < .001).” The generalized logistic regression highlighted “excess white on the head (prevalence of 36.3%, upper 95% confidence limit of 55.3%).

Platt S, Freeman J, di Stefani A, Wieczorek L, Henley W. “Prevalence of Unilateral and Bilateral Deafness in Border Collies and Association with Phenotype.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2006;20(6):1355-1362.

PubMed abstract, Full text via Wiley

🐾 Pigmentation Checklist:
For true Black & White Border Collies:
• Nose: Solid black (no brown or pink)
• Paw pads: Solid black
• Eye rims: Solid black
• Lips: Solid black

⚠️ Important Note: Any pink or brown pigment suggests the dog may be a chocolate carrier (b/b) or dilute (d/d).

In working Border Collie lines, the classic black-and-white pattern is favored because the high contrast makes dogs easier to spot against sheep and in varying conditions, aiding shepherds during herding

source BC Boards

Tricolor Border Collie

The border collie tricolor variety is genetically similar to the black and white dog but carries a modifier gene for tan points.

Visual Identification:
Tricolor Border Collies have a classic black-and-white base with distinct tan markings:

At a distance: Appear black and white
Up close: Reveal rust/tan markings in key areas:
• Above the eyes (eyebrows)
• On the cheeks
• On the legs (between black and white fur)

🐾 Pigmentation Checklist:

Key identifier: Tricolor Border Collies must have black pigment in these areas (unlike chocolate/red varieties):

Aesthetic Appeal:
The tan eyebrows create a distinctive facial expression:
• Expressive, inquisitive look
• Enhanced facial mobility (appears more “communicative”)
• Contrasting colors highlight eye movements

Why It Matters: The tan markings make the dog’s facial expressions more readable, enhancing the “working dog” communication with handlers.

Red and Chocolate Border Collie

Sometimes people call this the chocolate border collie. In this coat, the black pigment is completely replaced by brown.

Visual Identification:
Chocolate/Red Border Collies display a rich, warm coat spectrum:
• Deep liver → milk chocolate range

🐾 Pigmentation Checklist:
Key identifier: Chocolate/Red Border Collies never have black pigment:
• Nose: Brown or liver (never black)
• Paw pads: Brown or liver (never black)
• Eye rims: Brown (never black)
• Lips: Brown (never black)

⚠️ Critical Note: If nose/pads show any black, it’s likely a sun-bleached black & white – not true chocolate.

Eye Color Characteristics:
Red/Chocolate Border Collies often have striking, light-colored eyes:
[Color swatches: Amber • Yellow • Green • Hazel]
“A red Border Collie often has lighter eyes – usually amber, yellow, or green – making for a striking, wolf-like appearance.”

In the Border Collie breed, what many people call brown is officially called red or chocolate. Genetically, these dogs carry two recessive brown genes (bb), which replace black pigment with a warm liver or chocolate color

Rare and Unique Border Collie Colors: Finding the Rarest

Rare Color	Visual Appearance	The Science (Genetics)	Unique Identifier
Blue / Slate	Smoky gray, similar to slate rock or cloudy sky.	Diluted Black gene.	Puppies are born dark and lighten with maturity; nose is slate gray.
Lilac	Silver-dove gray, fawn, or lavender hue.	Double Dilution (Chocolate + Blue).	A rare combination creating a warm, ethereal look with light eyes.
Sable	Tan/Cream roots with black or dark brown tips.	Tip color differs from root color.	Creates a shaded, textured, or overlaid effect on the coat.
Australian Red (ee)	Deep fox-red to pale gold/cream.	Recessive Red (Masks all dark pigment).	No black hairs anywhere, including whiskers and nose.

If you want a dog that stands out, you might be looking for the rarest border collie color. These dogs are harder to find, but their colors are naturally occurring in the breed.

Some of the rarest Border Collie coat colors include lilac, brindle, and slate blue. Lilac occurs when a dog inherits both the brown gene and the dilution gene, creating a soft lavender-gray appearance

Blue and Slate Merle Border Collie

When we say blue, we don’t mean ocean blue. A blue border collie (or slate merle border collie is a diluted black.

The Science:
The dilution gene (d/d) affects black pigment by:
• Causing pigment granules to spread unevenly
• Creating a smoky gray appearance
• Turning what would be black into slate or charcoal tones

Genetic notation: d/d at the D locus

Visual Identification:
Blue/Slate Border Collies resemble:
• Slate rock or cloudy sky in color
• Dark at birth → lightens to gray by 8-12 weeks
• Slate gray nose (never solid black)

“The dog looks like the color of a slate rock or a cloudy sky.”

💡 Pro Tip: If a black puppy has a grayish nose at birth, it’s likely a blue/slate in disguise!

Lilac Border Collie

A lilac border collie is quite rare and highly sought after. This color is a “double dilution.”

The Science:
Lilac Border Collies carry both recessive genes:
• Chocolate (brown) gene (b/b)
• Dilution (blue) gene (d/d)
This double dilution creates the unique lilac coloration.

Visual Identification:
Lilac Border Collies display a soft, ethereal coat that appears:
• Silver-dove gray or warm light fawn in standard lighting
• Subtle purple/lavender hue under golden-hour or shaded light
• Very light eyes (pale amber, green, or hazel)
“Imagine a watercolor wash of lavender and cream – that’s the lilac Border Collie.”

Can You Breed a Lilac Border Collie With a Blue Border Collie?

Breeding two dilute Border Collie dogs (such as lilac and blue) is possible, but responsible breeders focus on genetic health testing first. More importantly, breeders must avoid pairing two merle dogs, which can produce double-merle puppies with serious health problems.

Sable Border Collie

The sable border collie has a very interesting, textured coat appearance.

Visual Identification:
Sable Border Collies have banded hairs with:
• Tan/cream roots
• Black/dark brown tips
Key feature: “The individual hairs are different colors at the root than at the tip.”

The Sable Effect:
Creates a shaded, overlaid appearance where the dog looks like:
• A mix of tan, black, and brown simultaneously
• A “frosted” or sun-kissed texture
• Darker on top, lighter underneath
“This creates a shaded or overlaid effect, making the dog look like a mix of tan, black, and brown all at once.”

Do Border Collie Puppies Change Color as They Grow?

Many Border Collie puppies change color as they mature. For example, sable puppies are often born very dark and lighten over the first few months. Red puppies may also appear beige or cream before their final coat color develops.

💡 Pro Tip: Sable puppies often appear very dark at birth and “clear” to their true shaded color as they mature.

Australian Red and ee Red Border Collie

The ee red border collie (often called Australian Red or Gold) is distinct from the chocolate/red collie mentioned earlier.

Visual Identification:
Australian Red Border Collies display a spectrum of warm hues: deep fox-red → rust → apricot → pale cream → golden yellow.

Key Difference:
Unlike chocolate/red Border Collies, Australian Reds (ee) have:
• Zero black hairs anywhere (coat, nose, whiskers, or paw pads)
• Recessive red pigment (e/e) that masks all dark colors
• Pink/flesh-toned noses (never black or brown)

⚠️ Pro Tip: Check the whiskers! Even one black whisker means it’s not a true ee Red.

Border Collie Color Chart

Color	Pattern	Rarity
Black & White	Irish spotting	Very common
Tricolor	Tan points	Common
Red & White	Solid brown pigment	Common
Blue Merle	Merle pattern	Uncommon
Lilac	Double dilution	Rare
Sable	Shaded coat	Rare
Brindle	Stripe pattern	Very rare

The Science of Border Collie Color Genetics: Genotype Chart

Understanding the genetics can help you identify what you are looking at. While you don’t need to be a scientist to own a dog, knowing these codes helps when looking at breeder health charts.

Color Phenotype	Genotype Code	Explanation
Black & White	B- D- E-	Dominant Black gene (B) is present. No dilution.
Red / Chocolate	bb D- E-	Two recessive brown genes (bb) turn black pigment to brown.
Blue / Slate	B- dd E-	Dominant Black (B) is diluted by two recessive dilute genes (dd).
Lilac	bb dd E-	Double Dilution: Two brown genes (bb) AND two dilute genes (dd).
Australian Red	— — ee	Two recessive red genes (ee) mask all other colors (black or brown).
Merle	M/m	One dominant Merle gene (M) creates the patch patterns.

Strategic Note: Breeders often list these codes (e.g., “The dam is bb dd”) on their websites. Knowing that bb dd equals Lilac helps you verify the puppy’s identity.

Understanding Coat Patterns (It’s Not Just Color!)

The color is the paint, but the pattern is how it is splashed on the canvas.

The Merle Pattern and Double Merle Genetics

The merle pattern creates a patchy or marbled look. You might see a blue merle border collie or a red merle. This pattern is fascinating but genetically complex.

Dr. Sheila Schmutz, an expert in genetics, explains: “The merle gene is not a color gene; in fact, it produces no pigment at all… The merle gene turns some parts of a black coat to grey by not allowing the black color to come through completely.” You can learn more about this at her site on Dog Coat Color Genetics.

The problem is that not all merles are obvious, such as ‘hidden’ merle and ‘cryptic merle.’ […] That’s why it’s essential to DNA test before you breed any dog from a breed or family known to produce merle. A DNA test can tell you if your dog has zero, one, or two M alleles.

Source: AKC article “What Makes the Merle in Dog Coats? The Science Behind It”

Spotted and Ticked Patterns

Some dogs have “ticking.” These are small freckles or spots of color that appear on the white parts of the legs or face. Ticking usually isn’t visible at birth but develops as the puppy grows over the first few weeks.

Coat Feature	Issue / Risk	Maintenance Advice
White Fur Areas	Porous texture; prone to staining.	Requires extra cleaning for mud/grass stains on legs and chest.
Darker Coats	High visibility of shed undercoat.	Dead gray fluff is highly visible on furniture; requires regular deshedding.
Light / Dilute Colors	Low pigmentation (Pinker skin).	High Sunburn Risk:Apply dog-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) to nose bridge to prevent Solar Dermatitis.

Can Border Collies Have Three Colors?

Yes. Many Border Collie dogs are tricolor, meaning they have three distinct coat colors: black, white, and tan. The tan markings usually appear above the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the legs.

While color is genetic, the texture of the coat can sometimes vary, though it is mostly determined by whether the dog is Rough Coated (long hair) or Smooth Coated (short hair). However, there are nuances related to color

A mating between two merle dogs should be strictly avoided […] Since cryptic merle animals have a normal appearance, a DNA test is required to detect the presence of the cryptic merle gene. One way to prevent this unwanted scenario is to request a M Locus DNA Test for breeding animals to ensure that the ‘normal’ parent does not carry the mutated gene (cryptic merle) despite its normal appearance.”

LabGenVet (veterinary genetics laboratory) “Dog Genetic Profile – Merle” (explains risks and prevention in breeds like Border Collies).

Border Collie Coat Care: Color-Specific Considerations

1. White Fur Texture & Staining

• Issue: White coat areas (legs, chest) are more porous/softer than colored patches, making them prone to stains (mud, grass, food).
• Solution:
  • Rinse paws/chest after outdoor play.
  • Use a damp cloth for quick clean-ups.
  • For tough stains, see our Grooming Tips for Active Dogs guide.

2. Double Coat Maintenance (All Colors!)

Border Collies have a double coat (dense undercoat + weather-resistant topcoat) and shed heavily (blow coat) twice a year.

Coat Color	Shedding Visibility	Watch Out For
Darker Coats	Light gray/white fluff stands out	Visible on dark furniture/clothing.
(Black, Chocolate)
Lighter Coats	Pale/golden fluff blends in	Highly visible on dark clothing.
(Lilac, Australian Red, Cream)

Pro Grooming Routine:

• Brush: 2–3x/week (daily during shedding season).
• Bathe: Every 6–8 weeks with deshedding shampoo.
• Dry: Use a high-velocity dryer to remove loose undercoat.

3. Sun Sensitivity (Light Pigment Care)

Dogs with white faces or dilute colors (Lilac, Blue, Australian Red) often have:

• Pink/mottled noses
• Lighter skin
• Reduced melanin protection → higher sunburn risk.

Sun Protection Protocol:

Time/Condition	Action
Peak UV (10 AM–4 PM)	Limit sun exposure; seek shade.
Outdoor Activities	Apply dog-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) to nose, ears, and belly.
Product Selection	Use zinc-free, pet-formulated sunscreen (human sunscreen can be toxic!).
Post-Sun Care	Check for redness; soothe with pet-safe aloe vera.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Sunburn:

• Red, warm, or peeling skin (nose/ears).
• Squinting or pawing at eyes.
• Reluctance to go outside in bright light.

💡 Pro Tip:

“Dogs with dilute colors (Lilac, Blue, ee Red) need daily sunscreen—even on cloudy days!”

Veterinary dermatologists warn that dogs with unpigmented skin are at high risk for Solar Dermatitis and even squamous cell carcinoma. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises owners to apply sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher to unpigmented nasal bridges to prevent these lesions.

@seanthesheepman Replying to @Mr D dose the coat of a border collie matter when it comes to herding #fyp #bordercollie #dog #edutok #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – Sean the sheepman

Important Health Warnings: The Double Merle

Border collie color genetics are interesting, but they can also be dangerous if breeders are not careful. This is the most serious part of picking a puppy and requires your full attention.

What Is a Double Merle?

A Double Merle Border Collie occurs when two merle dogs are bred together (e.g., a Blue Merle male × Red Merle female).

Why Is This Dangerous?

• This is called merle-to-merle breeding—and it is genetically irresponsible.
• Result: Puppies inherit two copies of the merle gene (M/M), leading to severe health defects.

Key Risks of Double Merles (M/M):
✅ 25% chance per litter of producing a Double Merle puppy.
✅ High risk of:

• Deafness (30–80% likelihood).
• Blindness (microphthalmia, colobomas).
• Sun sensitivity (skin cancer, poor healing).
• Neurological issues (balance problems).

🚫 Ethical Breeding Rule:

“Reputable breeders never pair two merles (M/m × M/m). Always breed a merle (M/m) with a non-merle (m/m) to avoid Double Merle risks.”

According to data from the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (2023), there is a 25% probability of puppies being double merle (MM) in these litters. These puppies often lack pigment almost entirely, leading to too much white, and are sometimes referred to as a lethal white border collie.

Health Risks of Double Merles: Deafness and Pigment

Are White Border Collies Deaf?

If they are Double Merles (M/M), the answer is often yes.

Why?
Double Merles lack pigment cells (melanocytes) in their inner ears. These cells are critical for the function of cilia—the fine hairs in the cochlea that detect sound. Without pigment, cilia atrophy and die, leading to permanent deafness.

Key Facts:

• Deafness Risk by Genotype:
  • m/m (non-merle): ~1–2% (baseline risk).
  • M/m (heterozygous merle): <5% (low risk if bred responsibly).
  • M/M (Double Merle): 30–80% (high risk of unilateral or bilateral deafness).
• Deafness Types:
  • Unilateral (one ear) – harder to detect.
  • Bilateral (both ears) – requires BAER testing to confirm.

Science Behind It:
The merle gene (M locus) disrupts melanocyte migration during embryonic development. In Double Merles (M/M), pigment cells fail to reach the inner ear, causing congenital deafness.

⚠️ Critical Note:

“Not all white Border Collies are deaf—but all Double Merles are at high risk. BAER testing is the only way to confirm hearing status.”

A study published in Tierärztliche Praxis (2006) found a 54.6% hearing loss rate in double merle dogs. Additionally, many suffer from microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes) or misshaped pupils (starburst pupils). This causes a difficult life for the dog, which is why supporting safe breeding practices is non-negotiable.

How to Find Reputable Breeders for Rare Colors

Because colors like Lilac and Slate are trendy, they attract “greeders”—unethical breeders focused on profit over health. If you are searching for a specific color, follow these rules to avoid puppy mills:

🚩 Red Flags vs. ✅ Ethical Practices: Choosing a Border Collie Breeder

1. Avoid “Rare” Price Hikes

❌ Red Flag:
Charging $3,000 for a Lilac but only $1,500 for Black & White.

✅ Ethical Practice:

• Same pricing for all puppies in a litter, regardless of color.
• Cost is based on bloodline quality, health testing, and working potential—not coat color.

2. Health Before Color

❌ Red Flag:
No health clearances (e.g., hips, eyes, hearing) or unwillingness to share results.

✅ Ethical Practice:

• Demand proof of:
  • OFA or PennHIP (hips).
  • CERF/OFA (eyes).
  • BAER (hearing).
• Remember: A stunning Lilac coat means nothing if the dog develops hip dysplasia at age 2.

3. Waitlists Are Normal (And a Good Sign!)

❌ Red Flag:

• “Puppies always available” (suggests a puppy mill).
• Guarantees rare colors on demand.

✅ Ethical Practice:

• Breeders prioritize structure, temperament, and health—color is secondary.
• Be prepared to wait 6–12+ months for a well-bred puppy. Color is a “happy accident,” not a guarantee.

4. Meet the Parents (Non-Negotiable!)

❌ Red Flag:

• Refuses to show parents (in person or via video).
• No genetic test results for merle (M locus).

✅ Ethical Practice:

• Verify neither parent is merle (to avoid Double Merle risks).
• Observe parent temperaments—are they confident, stable, and well-socialized?
• Check living conditions: Clean, spacious, and enriched (not a puppy mill).

💡 Critical Note:

If a breeder won’t let you meet the dam or avoids discussing the sire’s health, walk away – this is a major red flag.

The Ethical Breeder Checklist

(What to Look for When Choosing a Border Collie Breeder)

✅ Must-Have	🚩 Red Flags	🔍 Verify Before Committing
🧬 DNA Tests	Charges extra for “rare” colors	M Locus (Merle)
– M (Merle)	No health clearances	B Locus (Brown/Chocolate)
– B (Brown/Chocolate)	Puppies always available	D Locus (Dilution)
– D (Dilution)	Won’t show parent health records	OFA Hips & Elbows
Health Screenings	Pressures for quick deposit	CERF Eye Exam
– OFA/PennHIP (Hips)	No lifetime support	BAER Hearing Test
– CERF/OFA (Eyes)	Breeds merle × merle	Parent Temperament
– BAER (Hearing)		Living Conditions
Lifetime Support
– Takes back dogs
– Offers training help
Fair Pricing
– Same cost for all colors in a litter

💡 Pro Tip:
A breeder who prioritizes color over health is a red flag. Ethical breeders focus on temperament, working ability, and genetic soundness—not coat trends.

Other Health Facts You Should Know

Color isn’t the only thing that matters for health. Here are some other stats to keep in mind.

The MDR1 Gene Mutation

Border Collies can be affected by Border Collie Collapse (BCC) and the MDR1 gene mutation, which causes sensitivity to certain medications (e.g., Ivermectin in heartworm preventatives).

Key Facts:

• Rarity: The MDR1 mutation is uncommon in Border Collies, affecting only 1–4.8% of the breed (Washington State University, 2022).
• Testing: Genetic testing can identify carriers to avoid adverse drug reactions.

🔗 Learn More:
Border Collie Collapse and MDR1 Testing (UC Davis)

Life Expectancy

Border Collies are generally very healthy dogs. According to the UK Kennel Club (2024),
they boast a life expectancy of 13.1 years—slightly higher than the average for purebred dogs (12.7 years).

For more details on breed standards, visit:
🔗 The Royal Kennel Club Breed Standard (UK)

Glossary & Key Terms

Conformation:

The physical structure and build of a dog as compared to the established breed standard.

Irish Spotting:

A standard coat pattern characterized by symmetrical white markings on the face, neck, chest, legs, and tail tip.

Dilution Gene:

A genetic trait that lightens the base pigment of a coat, turning black to slate or brown to lilac.

Phenotype:

The observable physical characteristics of an animal, such as its visible coat color, distinct from its internal genetic code.

Genotype:

The specific genetic makeup of an organism, represented by letter codes, which determines traits that may or may not be visible.

Solar Dermatitis:

A skin condition caused by excessive sun exposure, resulting in inflammation or sores on unpigmented or hairless areas.

Double Merle:

A potentially risky genetic combination resulting from breeding two merle dogs, often leading to vision and hearing defects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Dog Based on Border Collie Colors

Border Collies are amazing dogs, whether they are black, blue, or red. While it is fun to pick a favorite color, remember to check for health testing (eyes, hips, and hearing) first. A healthy dog with a great temperament will always be more beautiful than a dog with a rare coat but poor health.

When searching for your next companion, prioritize a breeder who understands the genetics we’ve discussed here. By doing so, you ensure your dog lives a long, happy life chasing balls, frisbees, or sheep—regardless of the color they are wearing while they do it.

As the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS)—the original governing body for working Border Collies – states in its rules: “The Society does not have a breed standard… Brains before beauty is the mantra.” This highlights that for true working lines, performance always supersedes coat pigment.

Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, the geneticist who led the team that mapped the merle gene, explains the mechanism more precisely: “The merle phenotype is governed by a SINE insertion in the SILV (now PMEL) gene.” This insertion disrupts the cell’s ability to produce pigment, creating the characteristic mottled pattern (Clark et al., PNAS 2006).

According to Dr. George Strain of Louisiana State University, the leading authority on canine deafness, the risk is quantifiable: his study of 153 merle dogs found that 10% of Double Merles were unilaterally deaf and 15% were bilaterally deaf, compared to just 0.9% for single merles.

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