Merle

[RealPitBull]

Information on this color which is NOT acceptable but unfortunately promoted as a 'rare' color:

From the UKC standard:

"Color

Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for merle.

Disqualification: Merle "

www.apbtconformation.com/merle.htm

www.adbadog.com/p_pdetails.asp?fspid=73&pg=73

[bubsy]

Interesting, I'm seeing more and more merle Pit Bulls being advertised for sale lately.

[RealPitBull]

Yeah, unfortunately there are tons of unscrupulous people out there preying on people who don't know any better. I am very pleased that the registries have stepped up in response to all these charlatans and have very plainly stated that merle is NOT acceptable.

[tombaughspits]

There are still a few people out there that will lie about the color to get them registered. I think this is a very good thread, especially if we get a few members that are just starting with APBTs and don't know about the merles.

[RealPitBull]

Yup, if you do a google search for merle Pit Bull, you get tons of ads.

[emilys]

ADBA's position is.. weird.
The issue isn't that the merle gene is linked to defects. The issue is that it is IMPOSSIBLE for a purebred APBT to carry the merle gene.
Merle "APBTs" aren't APBTs.. they are mutts.
But then, the ADBA never did care about clean pedigrees. It's all about "the work".

[pitpupmom]

They wont register any dogs with the merle gene. So these new designer dogs won't be allowed to be ADBA. Thankfully I know my breeder and he wouldn't add some of these dogs to his lines. My uncle never did either. So they did say they were looking into investigating this. Odie is Adba registered, as were my uncles pits and he also registered with UKC. My uncle when I told him I was getting a pit asked if he was to be ADBA registered and I told him yes. My breeder and uncle both like the AdBA for their dogs and actually met alot of the good breeders at ADBA shows such as Bert Sorrell.

[tombaughspits]

You know if I was into "game" bred dogs I would deff go with Sorrell dogs!! :clap: Was actually looking at his web site a few minutes ago lol.