WHITE BOXERS
When we started breeding and showing boxers in 1978, the ABC Code of Ethics stated that we were not allowed to "give, keep or sell a white boxer". So what was left? Implied execution. In fear of losing mmembership with an affiliated club, I euthanised a perfectly healthy white puppy, as was common in those days. I have never forgiven myself. It was an unfortunate act made by an unenlightened breeder, and I nearly lost my lunch. I never did it again.
From then forward, I hid my white babies and quietly gave them away to loving homes. Since that time, the ABC has acknowledged that white boxers should be "allowed to live", permitting them to have limited registration and to be shown in performance. We are missing a valuable component of the boxer gene pool, however, and Gentry Boxers strongly advocates the full inclusion of white boxers in conscientious breeding programs.
We believe that white boxers should be allowed in the conformation ring and into a carefully health screened breeding program. Many times, our best conformation puppy is white! The above puppy born in our nursery in 2012 is a beautiful example. Please support this cause by signing this petition to allow our white boxers equality with their colored siblings: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/change-abc-code-of-ethics.html
From then forward, I hid my white babies and quietly gave them away to loving homes. Since that time, the ABC has acknowledged that white boxers should be "allowed to live", permitting them to have limited registration and to be shown in performance. We are missing a valuable component of the boxer gene pool, however, and Gentry Boxers strongly advocates the full inclusion of white boxers in conscientious breeding programs.
We believe that white boxers should be allowed in the conformation ring and into a carefully health screened breeding program. Many times, our best conformation puppy is white! The above puppy born in our nursery in 2012 is a beautiful example. Please support this cause by signing this petition to allow our white boxers equality with their colored siblings: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/change-abc-code-of-ethics.html
Are white boxers more prone to health problems and deafness?
In 1991, a survey of a large group of white and colored boxers was conducted by small animal veterinarian and boxer breeder Cecilie Stromstadt of Norway. This survey is one of the only studies ever conducted in an effort to verify or disprove the many anecdotal stories of white boxers who have poor health. She found that white boxers, in general, tend to live longer and be in better health than their fawn and brindle siblings, and that they are not as often deaf as is believed. Click here to read her web site information on the study: http://home.online.no/~hennilu/English/Information/white/sld027.htm
Are white boxers rare?
White boxers are neither rare nor should they cost more than their fawn and brindle siblings. They are often born as a result of breeding two flashy dogs together (dogs with white mask/blaze, boots, and/or neck markings). To understand the inheritance of color in boxers, click here: http://home.online.no/~hennilu/English/Information/white/
Is it okay to breed white boxers?
As of the writing of this text, the American Boxer Club does not allow its members to breed white boxers. There is an ongoing debate in the breeding community about this issue, but over time, more and more breeders are moving to support the possibility of adding healthy white boxers into a conscientious breeding program. We have never been presented with solid evidence to support the ban on breeding white boxers other than sun sensitivity. In fact, those few who have dared to breed white boxers to classic (black faced) boxers have had amazing results with litters comprised of 100% flashy puppies.
Gentry Boxers does not encourage the use of unscreened white boxers (or any color of boxers) in a breeding program, but hopes that someday we will see the ABC relax their Code of Ethics to allow these amazing dogs to be bred and shown in conformation as they deserve.
Click here to see a litter of puppies whelped by a white boxer: http://www.minstrelboxers.com/Minstrel_Boxers/Myth-buster.html
Gentry Boxers does not encourage the use of unscreened white boxers (or any color of boxers) in a breeding program, but hopes that someday we will see the ABC relax their Code of Ethics to allow these amazing dogs to be bred and shown in conformation as they deserve.
Click here to see a litter of puppies whelped by a white boxer: http://www.minstrelboxers.com/Minstrel_Boxers/Myth-buster.html