Boxers are no rookies to the Hollywood of dog land. This famous breed comes in many fascinating colors, but one of the most controversial ones is the white Boxer. Despite their elegant charm, Boxer dogs with white color are often frowned upon.
White Boxers were alienated for a long time because they were thought to be genetic anomalies. Many people believed that they were a result of albinism in Boxer dogs. This myth, among others, made them undesirable.
Due to misinformation in the past, white Boxers continue to be affected by a lot of misconceptions. If you wish to learn the truth about these dogs, this article will help you. Let’s begin!
What Is a White Boxer? Are White Boxers Purebred?
A white Boxer is a purebred Boxer dog with a white-colored coat. They have been the target of controversy in the breeding world for many years. Their white coats are associated with many health issues. However, they remain to be the sweetest and most loyal dogs.
The neat coat of the white Boxer is truly an eye-catcher. They are not a separate breed of Boxers nor are they considered albino dogs.
They are just a unique color variation with some slight differences from other colored Boxers.
White Boxer vs. Albino Boxer: Are White Boxers Albino?
A common misconception about white Boxer dogs is that they are albino. However, there are a couple of differences between the two.
Although it’s very hard to distinguish at first glance, a white Boxer will have dark pigmentation on some key areas including the eye rims, nose, paw pads, and lips.
Here is a photo of an albino Boxer with eyes of different colors:
Because they can’t produce any pigment, albino Boxers will have “pink eyes” which means that the skin around their eyes is pinkish instead of black.
They also develop blue eyes or any lighter eye color. Unlike white Boxers, you won’t observe any colored patches or markings on their skin.
It’s also been found that albino dogs are at higher risk of having eye and skin cancer. Because of this, all albino Boxers need special care for sun protection.
Are White Boxers Rare?
Another popular belief about white Boxers is that they are rare. However, statistics show that around 20 to 25 percent of Boxers are born white.
However, the sad fact remains that many of these white dogs are euthanized because of their color.
Many breeders are convinced that Boxer puppies born with white coats are less competitive than fawn or brindle Boxers.
They are also not favored by the American Boxer Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) which is also a primary reason why they are not the first choice of dog owners.
White Boxer Appearance: What Does a White Boxer Dog Look Like?
All white Boxer dogs have the same physical attributes as a regular-colored Boxer.
The only distinction they have is their white coat that can be pure white like the photo above or predominantly white with color patches around the eyes and ears.
They should not be mistaken with check Boxers that show around 50% body pigmentation.
Here is a photo of a white Boxer with a fawn eye patch playing with a fawn Boxer:
If the white coloration doesn’t cover more than a third of their coats, they are not considered a white Boxer.
Their coat should also be short, shiny, and staying close to the skin. Despite their short fur, white Boxers are still moderate shedders.
White Boxers are medium to large dogs that can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and grow around 21 to 25 inches in height.
You can expect them to have muscular bodies with broad chests that become more developed as they become adult dogs.
Another notable feature of white Boxers is their large heads. Their ears can either be erect or flopped down to the sides. Others have them cropped. All white Boxer dogs also have underbites and blunt muzzles.
White Boxer Coat Color Genetics: How Is a White Boxer Bred?
Color genetics can explain how a Boxer can produce white puppies. The combined genes of the mother dog (dam) and father dog (sire) determine what coat color their litter will have.
The degree of white fur that a Boxer pup can have depends on the number of plain genes (S) or a white spotting gene (Sw) it inherits.
If the puppy has two copies of the S gene, the amount of white color is limited to the chest and toes.
When it inherits one copy of the S gene and one copy of the Sw gene, the dog will have more prominent white markings on the muzzle, neck, and legs.
Lastly, when the Boxer puppy has two pairs of Sw gene or the extreme white spotting gene, they are considered “flashy Boxers.” A flashy Boxer has white as their main coat color with some red, fawn, or brindle patches.
Do White Boxer Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Boxers born with white coats usually remain white until they are old. However, if they have dark markings or patches on their face or body, these will likely fade out in adulthood.
Several factors can affect how your white Boxer’s coat can change over time. These include age, nutrition, skin diseases, medicine intake, and exposure to sunlight. Some may even change without prior conditions.
If you notice signs of discomfort, hair loss, and irritation accompanied by color change, consult your veterinarian.
To see the transformation of a white Boxer puppy from eight weeks to a year old, watch this video:
white boxer puppy<a href="https://youtu.be/R03wgz9rGdY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FR03wgz9rGdY%2F0.jpg" alt="white boxer puppy" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
White Boxer Kennel Club Recognition: Can White Boxer Dogs Be AKC Registered?
White Boxers can be registered at the American Kennel Club (AKC) and even compete in agility and obedience events. However, they are not eligible to join the conformation show ring.
AKC Standards require that at least ⅔ of the body must have brindle or fawn patterns. They also do not allow the registration of puppies born to an already registered white Boxer.
Unlike other Boxers, white Boxer dogs don’t meet the American Boxer Club’s standard. Fawn and brindle are the only recognized Boxer colors.
Kennel clubs outside the United States also have their restrictions with the registration of white Boxers.
Like the American Boxer Club, the German Boxer Club disqualifies dogs with white hair due to their reputation as war dogs.
Because of this, breeders don’t purposefully breed them and also kill white puppies since they don’t fit any breed standard.
White Boxer Temperament and Personality: Are White Boxers Good Family Dogs?
A white Boxer has the same temperament as its fawn and brindle counterparts. They are playful, sociable, alert, energetic, and fearless guard dogs. These traits combined make them perfect family pets.
As puppies, you can expect high energy and extreme playfulness. As they grow up, they begin to calm down and become the loyal companions that they are.
Since they are very friendly dogs, they easily get along with everybody, including other pets. This is a result of socialization that should be done during puppyhood.
Frequent walks outside and interacting at a dog park can help them be familiarized with different dogs, humans, and other stimuli.
White Boxers can also display stubbornness when handled too loosely. Since they are very sensitive, Boxers tend to sulk and shut down when commanded angrily. They should be led in an encouraging way instead of being bullied around.
White Boxer Lifespan and Health Issues: Do White Boxers Have More Health Problems?
Like other Boxers, white Boxer dogs are expected to live between 10 and 12 years.
However, some dogs have to deal with mild to life-threatening health problems over time. Age, nutrition, genetics, and environment directly affect the overall health of a white Boxer.
Here are some of the health issues Boxers with white coats can have:
Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic defect common to large dogs that causes the malformation of the hip joint as they grow up. A white Boxer puppy aged four months can already show signs of hip dysplasia which includes lameness, decreased mobility, and pain in the joint area.
Deafness: White Boxers and all predominantly white dogs are also at risk of deafness caused by the lack of pigment cells in the inner ear. This also results in the loss of sensory hair cells. Due to having extremely diluted pigmentation, a white dog is inclined to be born deaf in one ear. If the ear canal stays closed after 10 to 12 days of being born, the dog will likely be deaf.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This is a progressive disease that affects a dog’s spinal cord. Degenerative myelopathy is common to older white Boxers who can experience difficulty in movement, especially when walking. Physical therapy is recommended to preserve muscle mass.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A white Boxer with chronic kidney disease has an impaired ability to filter waste in the blood. You may notice your dog drinking a lot of water and urinating more frequently. In severe cases, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depression may occur.
Sunburn: White pups are more prone to have sunburn than colored Boxers. Owners should apply a generous amount of canine sunscreen to prevent UV sun rays from penetrating the skin. Limiting sun exposure to 30 minutes a day can also help protect their skin.
Cancer: White Boxers develop cancer more frequently than standard dogs. Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer that targets a dog’s lymphatic system, making the body form abnormal white blood cells. Like cancers in humans, it is treated by chemotherapy.
If you want to have a healthy dog, you should ensure that your white Boxer puppy is not predisposed to the diseases mentioned in this section.
Choose a breeder that offers genetic testing and health screening for all their Boxer dogs.
How Much Does a White Boxer Dog Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
If you want to own a white Boxer puppy, be ready to cash out $800 to $2,800 to a reputable breeder. For champion bloodlines, the price range increases to $3,000 to $3,500 per puppy.
Rescue groups and shelters dedicated to rehoming all Boxer colors charge around $150 to $500 depending on the dog’s age. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing from a breeder.
The expenses begin to increase once you are scheduled to bring home your new pet. Essential items like dog food, cage, bed, toys, and grooming tools should be readily available for your pup.
The table below shows the average cost of the initial expenses of a white Boxer:
It can be overwhelming to immediately spend $324 on your white Boxer after getting them.
However, this amount is nothing compared to the lifelong companionship and memories you will share. Besides, there are countless ways to cut down the cost without sacrificing the needs of your pet.
Places to Find White Boxer Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Most breeders offer Boxer puppies in a variety of colors. However, searching for a white Boxer-friendly breeder can be quite challenging.
To ease you off the hassle of finding one, I’ve compiled a list of trustworthy breeders you can reach to.
Here are some Boxer breeders in the United States that offer the white color variation:
Dunnford Boxers – This is a breeder that supports the breeding of white Boxers. They highly encourage people to stop believing in the myths surrounding this color and start appreciating the dogs as they are. They also provide full access to their dogs’ pedigree and health information.
Gentry Boxers – This is another breeder that supports the breeding of white Boxer dogs. They are qualified for the AKC Breeder of Merit program which proves that they have high-quality breeding practices. All of their puppies are also given a raw food diet instead of store-bought kibble.
Black Dymond Boxers – This is a California-based breeder that produces show-quality dogs and family companions. All of their puppies are trained to be familiarized with people, sounds, and other stimuli. They also provide a health guarantee for genetic birth defects.
If you want a full list of Boxer breeders, you can check out our picks for the best Boxer breeders.
For those on a stricter budget, you can reach out to the following Boxer rescue organizations:
Adopt A Boxer Rescue (AABR) – This is a hands-on rescue group that rehomes Boxer dogs, including white variations. They also strive to inform the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of neutering and spaying. They have been serving various states since 2004.
The Boxer Rescue – This is a foster-based rescue based in Massachusetts. They mostly rescue starved, neglected, abused, injured, and sick Boxers of all types and colors. Adoption fees range from $150 to $450.
Boxer Lovers Rescue – This is another rescue that helps Boxers from shelters and those surrendered by their owners. Potential puppies for adoption are vaccinated, dewormed, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.
If you haven’t found your white Boxer from this list, you should check out our choices for the best Boxer rescues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are White Boxers Deaf and Blind?
Although they are highly susceptible to be deaf and blind, not all white dogs develop these conditions. If your white Boxer develops deafness, learning sign language for training and communication is advised.
Blindness is also common but further studies are needed to prove the link between this condition and their white coat color.
Do White Boxers Shed a Lot?
Boxers with white fur tend to shed more than those with brindle or fawn hair. Thus, they need to be groomed more frequently. During shedding season, they also need to be groomed daily or every other day.
Are White Boxers Hypoallergenic?
Since they are moderate to heavy shedders, white Boxers are not considered hypoallergenic.
They have a single, tight-fitting coat that needs to be groomed regularly. Aside from hair dander, allergy sufferers can also be affected by their frequent drooling and fur licking.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a White Boxer Dog?
White Boxers are beautiful dogs that may have special needs. Because of their color, they are predisposed to some health conditions.
However, this can easily be prevented by purchasing from a credible breeder and prioritizing their health.
If you are the type of person that doesn’t discriminate based on a dog’s color, then a white Boxer dog is the perfect furry friend for you.
In the end, a white Boxer is never inferior to their colored siblings. It all boils down to how you will raise and care for them.
There are many misconceptions surrounding this coat color but one thing’s for sure — they deserved to be loved just like any other colored dog.
Comments