THE WHITE BOXER

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Image: Poppy & Lilly Sired By Robbie

I thought that it would be nice to dedicate a page regarding the white boxer, mainly because the number of boxer breeders seem to over look them, and the ideal type should be red or brindle with symmetrical white markings on the face and legs and that anything over 25% of white on the body is unacceptable….ok, but they are still boxers after all….are they not?? Majority of boxer litters that are born contain one or more white puppies, especially if the sire & dam are both flashy (with white markings on the face, legs and chest). To some breeders this is undesirable to rear these babies, so usually they are put to sleep as soon as they are born. It really must be their fault to be born white, will they not find the loving and caring homes like the Red or Brindle puppies? I think that they will, they are after all still a boxer dog despite their colouring.

We hear the same old stories that if you have a white boxer he will be deaf, blind or die early. It is fair to say that of all the white boxers that are born 18% are born deaf, may be in one or both ears. They can grow up to lead a happy and contented life just like any other boxer dog. We have never had a white puppy thankfully that we have bred that has been deaf, or blind.
We also have found them very good homes and still recieve photos of some of the oldies on a regular basis, still living a happy and contented life.

Image: Lilly relaxing, One of Robbies Puppies

Unfortunately, the White Boxer has been the cause of much controversy among breeders and owners for quite some time. We hope the information in this article will be of help to you....

One of the first Boxers was White
Ch Blanca Von Abgertor In 1895

Image: One of the first ever Boxers was white

MYTH 1
White Boxers are rare.

FACT
Approximately 25% of all Boxers are born white. In fact, some of the first foundation dogs for the Boxer breed were white. Since White Boxers do not conform to the breed standard of the UK Boxer Club and the Kennel Club, many are euthanized by breeders.

MYTH 2
White Boxers develop more health problems and are sicker than other Boxers.

FACT
Because a Boxer is white does not mean that it is going to be unhealthy. No clinical evidence has been recorded showing the White Boxer at higher risk for health problems.

MYTH 3
All White Boxers are deaf and are not trainable.

FACT
Although there is a higher incidence of deafness when a Boxer is white (approximately 18% of whites), not all are deaf. Deaf Boxers can be trained using a variety of methods including hand signals, sign language, flashlights and more. Training any Boxer, hearing or deaf, requires time, patience and understanding.

MYTH 4
White Boxers are "mean".

FACT
White Boxers are not "mean". Coat color on a Boxer does not affect a Boxer's personality. White Boxers exhibit the same endearing personality traits as their darker counterparts.

MYTH 5
White Boxers are albinos.

FACT
White Boxers are not albinos. Albino dogs do not have any pigment. White Boxers are simply born with white hair.

MYTH 6
White Boxers cannot be registered.

FACT
White Boxers can be registered with the Kennel Club. However, they can not been shown in the show ring, but they can be shown in obedience.