About white boxers
There are many misconceptions regarding white Boxers. On this page, we have gathered some information to try to clarify and explain a little bit about these misconceptions.
The white boxer is neither rare or unusual. Approximately 25% of all Boxers are born white, due to the history and genetics of the Boxer.
White Boxers are not albinos nor are they some sort of genetic mutation. Most have pigmentation on their skin showing up as muted gray spots on the body or markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coats. All have pigment in their eyes.
The white coat color is recessive, therefore, both parents must be carriers of the gene that creates white offspring.
The official Boxer breed standard classifies "white" Boxers as a disqualification in the show ring. However, they can compete in obedience. They can also be registered with the Canadian or American Kennel Club, but only on a limited registration ( non-breeding agreement ). White Boxers should be spayed/neutered and can only be sold as pets. Although they will never be seen in the conformation ring, they make wonderful pets and posess the same temperament and personnality as colored Boxers; they are simply white instead of colored.
There seems to be a higher incidence of deafness in white Boxers, either unilaterally or bilaterally, however, no health studies have ever been made regarding this issue in white Boxers nor any other health issue.
Regarding deafness, the genetic basis of white in Boxers would be the same as in the Dalmatian. Therefore, the cause of deafness associated with the white color would be the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear; generally speaking, the more pigment in the coat, the lower the risk of deafness. However, all predominently white dogs are at risk of being deaf ( hence the issue of deafness in some dogs of certain breeds such as the Dalmatian ). Note that not all deafness is attributed to the absence of pigment cells; it can also be caused by environmental factors. Extensive studies on deafness have only been done on Dalmatians, with the results extrapolated to Boxers.
Some white Boxers with very little pigment in their skin can sunburn more easily.
Aside from the higher risk for deafness, the white Boxer has the same genetic potential for health or disease as his colored brothers and sisters. There is no evidence to support that white Boxers develop more health problems than colored Boxers.
Bits and pieces of the history on the white Boxer controversy
The original breed standard read "White, while not sought after as a basic color, is permissible," and "Color is of least importance, even if the basic color is white, although in animals of equal qualifications the one with the least white would be preferred ".
Breed wardens in Germany in the early days would allow breeders to keep only a limited number of puppies from large litters. Breeders would have to decide which puppies to keep and which to cull. Frau Stockman talks about this in her book "My Life With Boxers". " No bitch should be allowed more than six puppies...Yes, there are bitches that seem none the worse for raising eight or nine puppies. But that is exploiting the mother...The experienced breeder first culls the weaklings. Then the mismarked next. Puppies with too much white and excessively light coats should not be kept."
During the wars, white coated Boxers were unsuited for police work as the dog would be too visible at night. Therefore, culling the white puppies would help to have more food rations available for the puppies who would be used as breeding stock and working dogs.
In 1938, Philip Stockman ( Frau Stockman's husband ) and John Wagner wrote the revision of the standard which disqualifies whites ( any Boxer with white markings covering more than 1/3 of the body ).
When the American Boxer Club Breeder's Code Of Ethics was created, the sale, registration and placement of white Boxers was forbidden. Breeders were forced to either cull the puppies or keep them all. In 1985, the Code was changed, allowing for placement of white puppies. However, it is not until 2004 that they could be sold or registered.
It is interesting to note that studies on the possible health problems of white Boxers have yet to be undertaken and that all that is being said about white Boxers is actually not based on statistical evidence. Some of it may be true, some of it may be false, however, until extensive research is performed, the white Boxer stigma will remain.
Also worth noting, the CKC and AKC breed standards mention that white markings on a Boxer can be very attractive. These same "flashy" Boxers are carriers of the recessive gene for white coat color. It can be deduced then, that one cannot ignore that white Boxers are a part of the equation with regards to the Boxer breed and although undesirable as show/breeding prospects, can have a place as a wonderful companion.
