The White Boxer
FACTS AND MYTHS
There are many myths about white Boxers. Many tend to think that white Boxers are less than other Boxers. The reality is that white Boxers are very similar to their colored counterparts. They do not have any more health problems than a fawn or brindle Boxer and they have the same intelligence, spunk, vigor and eagerness to please that characterizes the Breed.
MYTH
White Boxers are rare
FACT
White Boxers are not rare. 25% of all Boxers are white. In fact, some of the first foundation dogs for the Breed were white. White Boxers were accepted for registration and breeding by the German club up to 1925. They were banned then because the club viewed the Boxer as a guard dog and white Boxers were unacceptable for that work. Any physical issues believed to be related to the white gene were not found until much later. Since white Boxers do not conform to the Breed Standard of the American Boxer Club and the American Kennel Club, it is unethical to breed a white Boxer.
MYTH
White Boxers develop more health problems than other Boxers.
FACT
No clinical evidence has been recorded showing the white Boxer at a higher risk for health problems. Boxers are prone to various health issues including cancer, thyroid and cardiomyopathy. These illnesses are distributed across the Breed as a whole and there is no evidence that white Boxers are more at risk. The only consideration for the white Boxer is a risk of sunburn, as is the case with other Breeds which are white.
MYTH
White Boxers are deaf and therefore not trainable
FACT
There is a higher incidence of deafness in a white Boxer. Approximately 18% of white Boxers. It is known that deafness results when the cells of the skin lining the ear canals lack pigment. 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
White Boxers are albinos
FACT
White Boxers are not albinos. An Albino refers to a dog without any pigment. White Boxers are simply born with white hair. Many white Boxers have black spots on their nose and various locations on their body. Some are born with fawn or brindle patches.
MYTH
White Boxers act differently then their colored counterparts
FACT
Coat color on a Boxer does not affect a Boxer's personality. White Boxers exhibit the same characteristics as fawns and brindles.
MYTH
White Boxers cannot be registered
FACT
White Boxers can have a limited registry with the American Kennel Club. However, they cannot be shown in the conformation ring, but they can be shown in obedience and agility.