Merle does have a history and was only removed from consideration from the ADBA and UKC in 2005. Merle is just as pure as any other. The ADBA and UKC have caused much confusion on this topic but even the ADBA now admits Merle does have a history with possible evidence all the way back to the 1930's. The reason people believe they are not pure is due to the changes in standard in 2005 and the lack of knowledge of the older and original standards not because they are actually impure. Previous to 2005 merle was accepted. The reasons that were given for removal were poor health, not wanting to promote fad and the "perception" of impurity. All three reason have been proven false.
All the same reason for pulling the Merle from registration could also be applied to the blue. If you have Colby's book you will notice NO blue. In a discussion with Colby he has told us that blue is not original to the breed. Also no bullie style. No blue nose either. The fact is, is that the breed as all breeds have developed over time and at some point in the past were not pure either.
At this point it only acts to divide the Pit Bull community to continue on with conversations and false allegations of impurity and only gives those who claim the Pit Bull is not a pure breed credence for their statements and thus advances the cause of breeed specific legislation. If the industry was to go back to the standard of when Pit Bulls were first being registered this would decimate the bred as a whole as practically every pedigree today of any real depth when investigated will have atleast one blue, blue nose, bullie or Merle in it somewhere if you look hard enough. Does the Pit Bull community wish to really go down that road. There are more important battles to fight.
In reagrds to white this is a standrad the UKC uses due to perceived health issues. Genetically white is prone to health issues not so much because of the white but how it reacts with other genetic components such as albinism.
At the APBR we feel changing standards and standards not based on any scientific evidence only act as a divide in the Pit Bull community. As long as the Pit Bull community is divided our enemies will continue to have a hold on us and the breed.
In regards to health it is important to understand when breeding one should understand their Pit as best possible and then breed in a way that builds in a positive direction. By using a little bit of discression in breeding many health effects can be overcome. While this statement may not appeal to some the number one way to achieve a healthier breed is by limiting or eliminating inbreeding as this alone accounts for more health issues than any other and this is one that through simple avoidance can have the greatest and fastest positive impact for the breed.