PWD BUNGLE (Deafness risk) Further alarming 'news' from America, Finland & Holland on a new trend of dogs - ROAN - HARLEQUIN - MERLE. These dogs - white parti colours with or without ticking - like Dalmatians, Setters and some sheep dogs - can carry the same predisposition to eye and ear anomalies, including DEAFNESS (degeneration of the inner ear). DEAFNESS - goes undetected DEAFNESS - occurs either partial or complete DEAFNESS - dogs only slightly affected can hand on a greater degree of deafness to their offspring WARNING…..   Black & tan, black & brindle, brindle, double coat and now roan, harlequin and Merle (not typical of PWDs) is the result of miss mating performed in the past and still now-a-days… it should be obvious that experiments are and will jeopardize the future of our wonderful and precious breed - The Portuguese Water Dog.   Dalmatian puppies and other 'white parti colour' are born white.