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Merle is a genetic mutation that affects black/dark pigmentation, eating away at it and diluting the color.

R=Recessive

D=Dominant

Base design before mutation

Phantom R Merle. A phantom merle is when there is no black/dark pigment for the merle gene to eat away at.

R is when one or more parents have the R gene. R merle is also known as Harlequin Merle, it's a gene that has excessive white that eats through the design, breaking up the merle.

Phantom D merle is when no black or dark pigment is on the palette for the merle gene to eat at.

D is when one or more parents have the D gene. D merle only affects black or dark pigment, causing it to dilute. D merle does not have white cutting through it like Harlequin.