The White Boxer Myths and Facts
"The chase" Photo by: Padraicyclops
The White Boxer is considered to be more susceptible to health problems.  There is no evidence that this true, but what is said is that the lower levels of melanin in White Boxers can led to increased levels of certain associated maladies; which would make the White Boxer more susceptible to sunburns and could possibly develop skin cancer due to decreased melanin protection. There are also increased levels of deafness (estimated at around 20%) and blindness, due to decreased levels of the necessary sensory cells.   
 

According to the American Boxer Club "Approximately twenty-five percent (and this is an estimation as exact records have not been maintained) of all Boxer puppies are either white or almost all white, making white puppies neither 'rare' nor 'unusual.'" Because of this limitation, white boxers do not meet the breed standard and are therefore frequently euthanized at birth. Many breeders feel that white Boxers are inferior to standard colored Boxers and have more health problems than those of standard colored boxers and therefore they areeasily dismissed. The American Boxer Club does  allow white Boxers to be registered with the AKC on limited privilege.

Many breeders have not adopted this same philosophy and still have by-laws calling for the euthanization of any white offspring. It is for this reason that there is much controversy over white Boxers with no end in sight.  There is however a positive sign t that an increasing number of breeders are electing to place their white boxers in rescues and homes rather than destroying them.    

MYTH  
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
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
All White Boxers are deaf and are not trainable.

FACT
Although there is a higher incidence of deafness when a Boxer is white (approximately 20% 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
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
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.


The White Boxer has been the target of many rumors and myths.  First of all, the White Boxer is not rare. About 25% of all Boxers are born white.  White Boxers are also not considered to be albino. An "albino" is defined by having no pigmentation anywhere. The White Boxer has "reduced" levels of pigment (melanin.) Colloquially, some extremely "white" dogs might be called "albino." Yet, scientifically-speaking, the "albino" dog would have "pink" eyes, while the "white" dog would have "colored" eyes. Another difference is that the White Boxer is the offspring of two White Boxer parents with "recessive" genes; while the trait of the "albino" is a mutation. The white coat is created when both parents are carriers of the gene that makes up the white coat. The offspring will inherit the white coat gene from both parents. 
The white boxer is the same as all of its siblings and possesses all of the same wonderful traits the fawn and brindle do; high energy, humorous personality and a spirit that makes this breed what it truly is; spectacular. 
"The Chase" Photography by:
Patrick McArdle
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