ALX4 Bernedoodles & Blue-Eye Genetics
Discover the genetics behind blue-eyed Bernedoodles. The ALX4-associated DNA variant can influence blue eye color independently of merle, although blue eyes are never guaranteed.
At O'Hearon's Amazing Puppies, our future breeding plans include Hank, a genetically tested, non-merle Bernedoodle with one confirmed copy of the ALX4-associated duplication. Our focus is on health, temperament, structure, and carefully planned pairings.
Meet Hank: Our Confirmed ALX4 Bernedoodle
Hank is a multigen Bernedoodle with one confirmed copy of the ALX4 blue eye variant, reported by Embark as NDup. He is not merle at the M locus, making his genetics especially useful for explaining the difference between ALX4 influenced blue eyes and merle associated blue eyes.
What Is ALX4 Blue Eye Genetics?
ALX4 is a gene involved in development, and researchers have identified a DNA duplication near the ALX4 gene that is strongly associated with blue eyes and heterochromia in dogs. This variant can occur independently of the merle gene, which is why some non merle dogs can still have blue or partially blue eyes.
Dogs with one or more copies of the ALX4 associated duplication are more likely to have at least one blue eye, but the trait is not guaranteed. Some carriers may have one blue eye, two blue eyes, partial blue coloring, or even brown eyes while still being able to pass the variant to their offspring.
Why ALX4 Matters in Our Bernedoodle Breeding Program
At O’Hearon’s Amazing Puppies, ALX4 is one part of a much bigger breeding picture. We are interested in the possibility of blue or partially blue eyes, especially in traditional tri and non merle Bernedoodles, but appearance is never our only priority.
Every pairing is planned around health, temperament, structure, coat quality, genetic diversity, size, and overall compatibility. Our goal is to thoughtfully incorporate ALX4 into future Bernedoodle generations while continuing to produce well rounded family companions with predictable, carefully considered genetics.
What ALX4 Can and Cannot Tell Us About Bernedoodles
The ALX4 associated duplication can increase the likelihood of blue or partially blue eyes, but it does not guarantee them. Expression can vary even within the same litter, and some dogs may carry the variant without displaying blue eyes at all. ALX4 does not determine a Bernedoodle’s overall coat color, temperament, structure, size, or health.
ALX4 is separate from the merle gene. A dog can carry the ALX4 associated blue eye variant without being merle, and ALX4 status should be considered alongside the dog’s complete color genetics when planning a pairing. Merle genetics still require separate, responsible management.
Hank is mm, meaning he is non merle. His confirmed ALX4 result gives us an opportunity to study and thoughtfully incorporate ALX4 influenced blue eye genetics while continuing to prioritize health, temperament, structure, coat quality, and overall compatibility in every pairing.
Eye color and coat pattern are separate traits. Learn more about traditional and merle Tricolor Bernedoodles and how their markings can vary.
Hank’s Confirmed ALX4 Result
Hank’s Embark testing reports one copy of the blue eye associated duplication near ALX4, shown as NDup. His merle result is mm, meaning he is non merle. Together, these results document that Hank carries the ALX4 associated variant independently of merle coat genetics.
ALX4 can influence the likelihood of blue or partially blue eyes, but it does not guarantee eye color. Hank’s complete genetics, health testing, temperament, structure, and compatibility with each female will all be considered before future pairings are planned.
ALX4 Result
NDup • One Copy
Merle Result
mm • Non Merle
DNA Testing
Embark
ALX4 Bernedoodle FAQ
Can a non merle Bernedoodle have blue eyes?
Yes. A Bernedoodle can carry the ALX4 associated blue eye variant without being merle. Blue or partially blue eyes can occur independently of a merle coat pattern.
Is ALX4 the same as merle?
No. ALX4 and merle involve different areas of the genome. A dog can carry ALX4 and be non merle.
Does ALX4 guarantee blue eyes?
No. ALX4 is associated with an increased likelihood of blue or partially blue eyes, but expression can vary. Some carriers may still have brown eyes.
What does Hank’s ALX4 result mean?
Hank’s Embark result reports one copy of the ALX4 associated variant, shown as NDup. His merle result is mm, meaning he is non merle.
Future ALX4 Bernedoodle Pairings at OAP
ALX4 is part of our long term vision for thoughtfully planned Bernedoodle pairings, including future traditional tri and non merle blue eye possibilities. As our program develops, every pairing will continue to be selected first for health, temperament, structure, coat quality, genetic diversity, size, and overall compatibility.
ALX4 is one genetic trait we may thoughtfully incorporate into future generations, but it will never be the sole reason for choosing a pairing.
*Blue eyes and specific colors are not guaranteed.
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