Have you ever seen a boxer dog before? It is likely you have but did not know what they were called. Boxer dogs are usually medium sized, rather stout and its coat is gleaming, smooth and short. Most boxer dogs have a fawn or brindle colored coat, many of them without some sort of markings. Do not be surprised if you find a boxer dog that has white patches on its belly and its paws. Colorations such as this earned them the reference name "flashy".
When one-third of the boxer's coat is white, they are called white boxer dogs. Even though white boxers make up to 20 to 25 percent of the boxer population, they are not considered to be albinos. Genetically, white boxer dogs have a fawn or brindle coat. Yet, there is so much white flecked out on the coat that it overrides the other colorations. This is the reason for their name. White boxer pups can suffer from the same ailments that Caucasian humans endure. It is imperative to know this before you purchase a white boxer dog/puppy.
White boxer pups can get sunburns at a higher risk than those dogs that have a fawn or brindle color coat. They are also susceptible to getting skin cancer. The gene called piebald is the culprit for sensorineural deafness that is present at birth for these white boxer puppies. It occurs because of inner ear pigmentation shortage. This can also lead to damage in the auditory nerve cells. Reports indicate that over 18 percent of white boxer dogs are born deaf in one or both ears.
In the past, white boxer puppies were often killed. However, times have changed and breeders would rather place the white puppies in people's homes that want a boxer pet under the agreement they the puppy would be neutered. Boxer clubs do not allow these dogs to compete in conformation shows. However, they can participate in non-conformation (agility and obedience) competitions. No matter the color of the coat, they are equal to the fawn and brindle boxers in every way.
White boxer dogs are not immune to other common ailments the fawn and brindle coat color dogs can get. You already know they can develop skin cancer. They can also get other types of cancer, have heart problems which include caridomyopathy. They are still susceptible to AS (SAS), hypothyroidism, degenerative myelopathy and hip dysplasia. White boxer dogs can get other genetic conditions such as allergies, intestinal problems and gastric dilatation. White boxer dogs are also badly affected with entropion when it occurs. Entropion is a defect of the eyelid and is can be corrected with surgery.
Some boxers can be inflicted with a disorder in which spine fusion occurs. It is called spondylosis deformans. Reputable breeders can and will screen boxer dogs for any genetics disorders including this debilitating one. Find a reputable dealer to do business with... if it is only for this reason.
Jason Rusch is a Boxer Dog owner and enthusiast that has guided many Boxer owners through the essential steps of training and caring for their Boxer. To find out more about what it takes to train your boxer puppies properly, take a look at http://www.boxerdogessentials.com/blog
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