What Is a Harlequin Doodle? Understanding Merle Length, Coat Genetics & the White-Factor
Stokeshire Merle Allele Size Interpretation
| Allele Nomenclature and SINE Insertion Size (bp) |
Merle Phenotype Group | Phenotype Summary |
|---|---|---|
| No insertion (m) | Non-merle | No merle, wild-type. |
| M200–246 | Cryptic | Most cases are non-merle but in rare cases may have very small merle patch(es) or subtle color anomalies. |
| M247–264 | Atypical | Most cases show a significant shift from normal coat color often giving a diluted color, show reddish undertones, or have an otherwise atypical merle appearance. |
| M265–269 | Classic | Most cases show classic merle with a significant amount of merle color and patterning although some cases may only show a minimal amount of merle. |
| M270–280 | Harlequin | Most cases display patches of multiple shades of the same or different colors without white (tweed) or with white (harlequin) and is often referred to as patchwork. |
What Is a Harlequin Doodle
If you’ve ever spotted a doodle with crisp white fur accented by dramatic black or gray patches, chances are you were admiring a Harlequin Doodle. These eye-catching pups are inspired by the harlequin coat patterns seen in Great Danes, but their look is uniquely their own, thanks to a blend of merle coat genetics, Poodle influence, and sometimes white spotting genes.
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we celebrate the beauty of Harlequin Doodles while ensuring every puppy is as healthy, happy, and unique as the families they join. If you’re intrigued by this stunning coat pattern and curious about what makes Harlequin Doodles so special, you’re in for a treat. Below, we’ll break down their coat genetics, the importance of merle length, how to care for these dazzling doodles, and why they make marvelous companions.
The Science Behind the Coat
More Than Just a Coat Pattern
The hallmark of a Harlequin Doodle’s unique look is their merle coat pattern. The merle gene (also known as the M locus) dilutes certain pigments in a dog’s coat, creating patches that appear marbled or mottled. This can result in stunning coats with contrasting colors, sometimes accompanied by captivating blue or multicolored eyes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of merle genetics:
One copy of the merle gene (M/m) creates the classic merle pattern and is considered safe for breeding.
Two copies of the merle gene (M/M) can lead to a double merle, which is often predominantly white and may have vision or hearing challenges.
At Stokeshire, we take breeding responsibly to heart, ensuring that each pairing avoids creating double merles while celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of the merle gene.
Why Merle Length Matters
Not all merles are created equal! The length of the merle allele determines how pronounced a dog’s merle pattern will appear. Here’s how it works:
Long Merle Alleles produce the classic merle look, with visible marbling and diluted patches of color.
Short Merle Alleles result in cryptic or minimal merle, with faint or nearly invisible patterning.
Now, when you introduce Poodles into the mix and their signature long, curly coats? Things get interesting. Curly coats can obscure the visibility of even long merle alleles, creating a subtler appearance. But when merle genes pair with white spotting or coat-length genetics, that’s when Harlequin magic happens, yielding dogs with high-contrast white coats and striking patches that stand out.
Harlequin vs. Classic Merle
True harlequin coloring is influenced by a separate gene (H locus) found most notably in Great Danes. However, in doodles, harlequin-style coats are a product of carefully curated genetics:
Long merle alleles (M⁺)
White spotting genes (S locus)
Poodle-influenced long or curly coats
This combination can create breathtaking pups with coats predominantly white, accented by bold black, gray, or chocolate patches. These patterns are not only stunning but also a testament to responsible, intentional breeding.
Beyond the Coat Genetics
Why Harlequin Doodles Are Low-Shedding Wonders
Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Harlequin Doodles typically have low- to non-shedding coats, making them ideal for families dealing with allergies. Their coats are more than just hypoallergenic; they are also wavy to curly in texture, giving them a signature look and a delightfully soft touch.
At Stokeshire, we genetically test for coat furnishing (F/F) and shedding genes (MC5R) to ensure every pup inherits these allergy-friendly traits. These intentional efforts mean fewer stray hairs on your furniture and more stress-free snuggles.
Temperament That Steals Hearts
A Harlequin Doodle isn’t just about aesthetics. These dogs are known for their warm, loyal personalities and gentle temperaments. Whether they’re serving as a therapy dog, surprising you with their intelligence in training, or simply wagging their tail by your side, every Harlequin Doodle brings joy and companionship into the household.
Caring for Harlequin Doodles
Grooming Cheat Sheet
While their low-shedding coats are a perk, Harlequin Doodles do require consistent grooming to maintain their gorgeous appearance:
Brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting.
Trims every 6–8 weeks to keep their coats manageable.
Routine cleaning of white patches to avoid staining, especially around tear ducts and paws.
Ear and paw checks to remove any debris hidden in their lighter coats.
When properly groomed, your Harlequin Doodle will keep turning heads every time you step out together.
What to Ask Breeders
If you’re considering adding a Harlequin Doodle to your family, it’s essential to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health and genetic soundness alongside beauty. Here are questions to guide your search:
Has the puppy’s merle gene length been tested?
Do you avoid breeding two merles to prevent double merles?
What tests do you perform for coat type, curl, and shedding probability?
Are white spotting genetics factored into your breeding program?
Can you provide references or reviews from previous families?
At Stokeshire, we’re proud to answer all these questions and more. Transparency and trust are at the heart of what we do.
Has the puppy’s merle gene length been tested?
Yes! When applicable, we test for merle allele length using Paw Print Genetics or Embark, allowing us to identify whether a puppy carries a cryptic, atypical, classic, or harlequin merle gene. This ensures that we pair our breeding dogs responsibly and avoid visual surprises or unintentional double merles.
Do you avoid breeding two merles to prevent double merles?
Absolutely. At Stokeshire, we never breed two merle carriers together—regardless of their visible coat. This avoids the risk of producing double merle puppies, which are at increased risk for vision and hearing impairments. Responsible pairing is foundational to our program.
What tests do you perform for coat type, curl, and shedding probability?
We use full genetic panels via EmbarkVet to test for:
Furnishing (F/F or F/IC) – affects beard/eyebrow expression
Curl (C/C, C/T, or T/T) – indicates coat texture
Shedding (MC5R, RSPO2, KRT71, etc.) – helps predict hypoallergenic potential
This helps us guide families looking for low-shedding or therapy-grade coats and informs which puppies may be better suited for allergy-prone homes.
Are white spotting genetics factored into your breeding program?
Yes. We assess white spotting genes (MITF, S-locus, etc.) and track expression in our program. This helps us better understand which puppies may carry for tuxedo, abstract, parti, or Irish spotting patterns and plan future pairings with consistency and intention.
Can you provide references or reviews from previous families?
We’re happy to! You can view verified reviews on our Google listing, Facebook page, or right on our website. We also have multiple families who are happy to chat or share their experience—just let us know and we can connect you.
A Living Masterpiece
Harlequin Doodles are a beautiful union of science and artistry. Their striking coat patterns, hypoallergenic qualities, and lovable personalities make them a dream companion for families and individuals alike. At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we take pride in creating pups that aren’t just visually stunning but also healthy, happy, and ready to enrich the lives of their forever families.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Harlequin Bernedoodle, Australian Mountain Doodle, or another dazzling doodle variety, our upcoming litters are sure to impress. Every puppy undergoes genetic testing for optimal health and clarity, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way as you welcome your newest family member.
References:
Animal Genetics. (n.d.). Merle – Coat pattern test. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://animalgenetics.com/dog-tests/canine-pattern-tests/10-mlocus/
Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute. (n.d.). Understanding merle and the science behind it. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.ashgi.org/understanding-merle-and-the-science-behind-it
Dailypaws. (n.d.). Bernedoodle dog breed information & characteristics. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/bernedoodle
DogTime. (n.d.). Golden Mountain Doodle Dog Breed Information. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/golden-mountain-doodle
Oh My Dog! (2024, February). What is the double merle gene? Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://ohmydogblog.com/2024/02/double-merle-gene/
Stokeshire Designer Doodles. (n.d.). Coat genetics in Poodles. Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://www.wisconsindesignerdoodles.com/coat-genetics-in-poodles
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. (n.d.). Merle (M Locus). Retrieved June 10, 2025, from https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/merle