Merle Australian Labradoodles

Merle Labradoodles are truly one-of-a-kind. Their unique, marbled coats range from soft blues to rich chocolates — and no two patterns are ever identical. In this post, we’ll break down what makes the merle pattern so special, explore the most common merle color variations in Australian Labradoodles, and share real-life examples from our very own Doodles of Oz puppies.

What is a Merle Australian Labradoodle?

A merle Labradoodle is not a separate breed — it’s a Labradoodle (often an Australian Labradoodle) that carries the merle gene, which creates a beautiful mottled or patchy pattern in the coat. This pattern can appear in a variety of base colors, such as chocolate, red, or black.

The merle gene affects pigment distribution, resulting in lighter and darker patches that can give the coat a “painted” or “marbled” effect. Many merle Labradoodles also have unique features like blue or partially blue eyes.

📌 Fun fact: Merle is a pattern, not a color. This means a blue merle and a chocolate merle both have the same type of gene expression — just on different colored coats.

Merle Australian Labradoodle Color Variations (With Photo Examples)

Blue Merle Australian Labradoodles

Blue merle Labradoodles have a gray or silver base coat with darker black mottling. This striking pattern often gives them a “smoky” appearance, especially in wavy fleece coats.

Chocolate Merle Australian Labradoodles

Chocolate merle Labradoodles feature a rich brown base coat with lighter chocolate, tan, or cream marbling. The warm tones make them a favorite for those who prefer earthy, cozy colors.

Phantom & Tri Merle Australian Labradoodles

Phantom merle Labradoodles combine the merle pattern with phantom markings — tan points on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest, and legs. This creates a layered, eye-catching look.

Red (Hidden) Merle Australian Labradoodles

Red merles have a reddish or caramel and in most cases there are no visable merle markings on their coat. One of the biggest tells (without genetic testing) that a red doodle is merle is if they have blue eyes.

FAQs About Merle Australian Labradoodles

Are merle Australian Labradoodles rare?
Yes — the merle pattern is less common, which makes these puppies highly sought after.

Do merle coats change as puppies grow?
They can! Some merle Labradoodles will have subtle shifts in shade as they mature.

Can two merle Australian Labradoodles be bred together?
Ethically, no. Two merles of any breed should never be bred together. Breeding two merles can result in “double merle” puppies, which can have health risks such as hearing or vision impairments. Responsible breeders avoid this pairing.

In Conclusion

At Doodles of Oz, we occasionally have merle Australian Labradoodle puppies in a variety of stunning colors and coat types. If you’ve fallen in love with the merle look, check our Available Puppies page or contact us to learn more about upcoming litters.