How to Care for a White Boxer Puppy

Approximately one-quarter of all boxer puppies have white coats, according the to American Boxer Club. Both sire and dam must carry the recessive gene that creates white puppies. The puppies of two white Boxers are always white. White is not an American Kennel Club accepted coat color, and there are many misconceptions about the health of white Boxer puppies. Because they cannot be registered for conformation, and because they have been thought for decades to have health problems, many white Boxer puppies are euthanized by breeders. Research by Boxer breeders has done much to dispel the misinformation about White boxer health.

Things You'll Need

• Dog sun lotion
• Puppy training manual

Instructions

1. Feed and exercise your white Boxer puppy the same way you would any other puppy. Consult with a dog trainer or your puppy's breeder for general care information. In almost every way, they will need the same type of care as any puppy. Puppy obedience classes give you and your white Boxer puppy an excellent start. Boxers are "keenly intelligent" and even-tempered, according to the American Boxer Club.

2. Apply dog sun lotion if your white boxer puppy is spending any length of time in the sun. White Boxer puppies are more susceptible to sunburn than Boxers with solid or brindle coats. Dog sun lotion can be purchased at dog supply stores.

3. Be alert to any signs of deafness in your white Boxer puppy. White Boxer puppies have a higher incidence of deafness, in either one or both ears, than other Boxers. According to the American Boxer Club, deafness in white Boxers is caused by the absence of pigment cells in the dog's inner ear. Deafness develops around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Train a deaf puppy with hand signals.

4. Watch your white Boxer puppy for vision problems or blindness. Some white Boxers suffer from blindness, says the American Boxer Club. A blind puppy needs specialized training, but can be a happy and loving pet. Veterinary guidance is recommended.

5. Spay or neuter your white Boxer puppy. White boxers, thought by many to be genetically mutated, disproportionately end up in shelters and humane societies. White Boxers will produce white puppies, contributing to the ongoing problem of homeless dogs.

Tips & Warnings

• White Boxers share the personality traits of Boxers in general: even-tempered, spirited, energetic, highly intelligent.

• All Boxers, not just white Boxers, can be prone to heart problems, epilepsy and hip dysplasia. They may also develop tumors more often than other breeds. Be careful to verify the health history of the dogs from your breeder of choice. Avoid pet store puppies, which may be the product of puppy mills and more likely to carry genetic defects.

References

• BoxerBuddies.org: White Boxer General Information
• KellysBoxers.com: Information on White Boxers
• ABoxerWorld.com: White Boxers: The Myths and the Facts

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• International White Boxer Club
• American Boxer Club