These 7 Shelter Dogs Have The Most Beautiful Merle Coats & They’re Up For Adoption

Are you captivated by the beauty of spotted coats and find them irresistibly charming? Why not welcome a dog with spots into your home and gain a loyal companion? These seven stunning dogs are currently waiting in shelters, hoping for someone to appreciate their unique coat patterns and give them the loving homes they deserve.
Beyond their striking appearances, each of these dogs boasts a one-of-a-kind personality, eager to give unconditional love and receive it in return. From Great Danes to Pomeranians, there’s a perfect match for everyone—no matter your preferred breed. Take a look and discover which one of these adorable pups could become a cherished member of your family.
1. Sprocket: Blue Merle Australian Shepherd

Hi! My name is Sprocket and I am looking for a forever home. Me, a few of my lady friends, and a litter of my puppies are owners surrendered from a backyard breeder who has found herself in the position of having to take care of her grandkids and has found it too difficult to take care of them in addition to all of us. She contacted a local small rescue who contacted BCAA to see if they would be able to help some of us and they said yes!
I am what is known as a blue merle Australian Shepherd, weigh around 50lbs, and at around 2 years old am not expected to get any larger. I love getting attention from people; have done pretty good with the other dogs I have met although I do have somewhat of an alpha personality, and I have shown a little interest in the cats but so far haven’t shown any aggression towards them and can be called off easily. I have done really well in my crate without any accidents, barking or tearing up of my bedding but I would really prefer to be out with you. I am also pretty good on leash although may pull some in my excitement of being out and about. Learn More
2. Mya: 7-year-old Merle Pomeranian

Mya is a gorgeous merle pomeranian with striking mismatched eyes—one blue and one hazel—that perfectly complement her sweet personality. Rescued in less-than-ideal circumstances, Mya arrived with flea-ridden skin and in heat. Today, she’s blossomed into a happy, playful, and affectionate pup who’s ready to find her forever home.
Mya is patient, gentle, and full of love. She takes treats delicately from your hand, waits politely for her meals, and will happily snuggle with you after a long day. Her only request? That her future family be as devoted to her as she will be to them. Learn More
3. Sophia: 4-year-old Blue Merle Pomeranian

Meet Sophia, a stunning blue Merle female Pomeranian with a shy and timid nature, currently under the care of Dakota Dachshund Rescue. At 4 years and 10 months old, Sophia is embarking on a transformative journey from a breeding facility to becoming a cherished house pet.
Interested in giving Sophia a forever home? Begin by filling out the online adoption application. Visit dakotadachshundrescue.org, navigate to ‘Adoption Info’ via the bar on the left, and click on the computer screen image featuring our logo to access the form. Learn More
4. Tiny: 2-year-old Great Dane Catahoula Leopard Mix

Tiny may be a misnomer for this majestic 2-year-old weighing in at 100 pounds, but his personality is as big as his stature! Thanks to a generous donor, Tiny’s adoption fee is fully sponsored, meaning approved applicants can welcome him home at no cost. Known for his stunning merle coat and the affectionate “Dane lean,” Tiny initially greets with a deep bark but warms up quickly, often showing his excitement with enthusiastic jumps. Despite his large size, he’s a softie who thrives on human affection.
While Tiny has some anxiety in the shelter environment, he blossoms outside of it, demonstrating his good nature and trainability. He knows basic commands like come, sit, and stay, and he’s improving his leash skills. Tiny is perfect for a family with large breed experience and older children who can handle their zoomies and size. He’s also managing well with hip dysplasia, staying active and pain-free on a daily hip/joint supplement. Learn More
5. Marietta: Merle Australian Shepherd

Marietta, a young Australian Shepherd born on September 21, 2024, is on the lookout for a forever home that matches her lively spirit and zest for life. Weighing in at 18.8 pounds, this energetic pup has a future of medium build, expected to weigh around 30 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Her journey with us began as a rescue from a situation involving a double merle breeding, which can often lead to significant health issues, though fortunately, Marietta has no sight or hearing impairments. Learn More
6. Gemma: 4-year-old Great Dane

Meet Gemma, the stunning 4-year-old Great Dane mix who’s as precious and unique as her name! With her striking black and white speckled merle coat and mesmerizing eyes (one blue, one brown!), she’s sure to steal your heart. And those ears? They can perk up or fold over in the cutest way — she’s got a whole lot of personality packed into 82 pounds of love!
Gemma is a gentle giant with a medium energy level, making her the perfect companion for leisurely strolls through the park or lounging on the couch for a cozy nap. She’s house-trained, knows basic commands like “sit” (check out her video to see her in action!), and is always eager to show off how smart and affectionate she is. She gets along well with other dogs and loves to play with toys, though she’s also just as happy being goofy and affectionate with her favorite humans. Gemma is fantastic on a leash, though she is strong if she spots something intriguing (hello, prey drive!), so be ready for a tug when you’re out on walks if she sees other animals. Learn More
7. Azalea: 2-year-old Mixed Pit Bull Terrier

Meet Azalea, a 2-year-old, 55-pound cuddle bug with stunning blue eyes and a gorgeous double merle coat. This sweet, mostly deaf girl loves snuggling, following her humans around, and earning compliments wherever she goes.
Double Merle is a genetic condition that arises when a dog inherits two copies of the Merle gene—one from each parent. While the Merle gene is responsible for the stunning, dappled coat patterns or blue eyes that many find desirable, having two copies of this gene can lead to blindness, deafness, and severe health issues. Breeding two Merle dogs is unethical, yet some breeders prioritize profit over animal welfare. Raising awareness can help prevent unnecessary suffering in these vulnerable dogs.
Despite her hearing impairment, Azalea is super easy on leash, friendly with people and dogs, and enjoys gentle play and chase. She’s happiest as your constant companion, though she may do well with a calm, well-matched dog. She has shown some resource guarding of her people with other dogs and has a prey drive, so a cat-free home is best. Learn More