Dangers of White Boxers
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.
About the Author
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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