Everything You Need to Know About White Boxers

Whether you’re thinking about adopting a white-coated Boxer, already have one in your life, or are simply interested in knowing more, there’s a lot to learn about these distinctive dogs. These pups have gotten a bad rap due to historical breeding practices, and they’re still trying to shake off that unwanted reputation. From genetics and health to temperament and care requirements, let’s break down the real facts about white Boxer dogs. 

Facts about white Boxer dogs

• White Boxers are not albino: Albino animals lack pigment or have significantly less pigment, including in their skin and eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, still have patches of skin pigment, dark eyes, and dark (or partially dark) noses. White Boxers do not risk getting the health conditions associated with albinism.

• White Boxers are not all deaf: Although deafness is more prevalent in white Boxers than in Boxers of other coat colors, the majority of them can still hear. 

• White Boxers need more sun protection: Since it’s common for white-coated Boxers to have patches of unpigmented skin, including around their eyes and on their noses, it’s important to pay extra attention to sun protection. For these sun-sensitive pups, make sure to stock up on sunscreen formulated for your canine companion.

• White Boxers have the same loving, playful temperaments: Due to the tragic history of culling (or euthanizing) white-coated Boxers, some people mistakenly believe they are undesirable or have poor temperaments. However, these pups are just as likely to be sweet, playful, loving, and wonderful companions as their fawn or brindle-colored counterparts.

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White Boxer coat color

Although white Boxers are often thought to be rare, 20 to 25 percent of all Boxers are actually born with predominantly white coats. This results from having two copies of the extreme piebald variant of the MITF gene. This variant, which controls pigment distribution, is responsible for their stark, white coat and pink patches of unpigmented skin. In contrast, Boxer dogs with only one copy of the extreme piebald variant will often have white patches on their chests or feet.

Even though their coat color can make them distinct, white Boxers are not a variation of the Boxer breed. Still, although the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepts white Boxers for limited-pedigree registration, they are not accepted for showing in conformation events, because Boxers must have a coat that is two-thirds fawn or brindle to fit the breed’s coat standards. They can still be registered for breed performance events such as agility.

Lindsey Boccia / Stocksy/

History of the Boxer breed colors

The presence of white Boxers is as old as their fawn and brindle-colored counterparts. These beloved pups originated in Germany in the late 1800s as descendants of the English Bulldog and the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct dog bred to hunt large game. In the earlier generations of the breed, white coats were particularly common. 

However, over time, breeders began to prioritize the fawn and brindle colors because clients tended to favor these colors, as concern grew over potential health conditions, including deafness, associated with all-white coats. In 1938, the AKC revised its Boxer breed standard to disqualify from registration any Boxer featuring a coat with more than one-third white markings. 

Tragically, this led to the widespread practice of breeders killing white-coated pups at birth because they didn’t meet show standards and became associated with undesirability. This culling practice finally became less prominent in the 1980s, when the AKC Breeder’s Code of Ethics was revised to allow registered breeders to sell white Boxer puppies, even though there were still restrictions on breeding them. In 2005, the AKC allowed the limited registration of white Boxers, further reducing the practice of culling them. 

Health of white Boxers 

There’s a common misconception that white Boxers are significantly more at risk of health conditions than brindle or fawn-colored Boxers. The truth is that they generally share the same predispositions to certain health conditions as the rest of the breed, although they do face a higher risk of deafness and sunburn. 

Deafness

White Boxers, like other dogs who may have all-white coats, such as Australian Shepherds and American Bulldogs, can be born deaf. That’s because the same pigment cells that color their coat (called melanocytes) also help the inner ear’s cochlea develop properly. Less pigment, in this case, can mean a higher chance of hearing issues.

The exact percentage of white Boxers born deaf in one or both ears is not currently known, although estimates range from 18 to 20 percent. The majority of those cases are unilaterally deaf, meaning they can still hear out of one ear. It’s estimated that fewer than four percent are entirely deaf, based on studies of similar breeds such as the Bulldog. If you suspect your white Boxer may have reduced or absent hearing, you can request a brainstem auditory evoked response test (BAER) from a veterinary neurologist. 

Caring for a deaf Boxer

If you have a deaf dog, you can use hand signals, flashing lights, and create floor vibrations with your feet to get their attention and communicate with them. Studies support the theory that dogs tend to respond better to visual signals over vocal cues, so you’ll probably have great success teaching your deaf dog hand cues. Remember to use plenty of positive reinforcement to make training enjoyable and motivating for your pup. 

Set up a comfortable, safe environment for your deaf, white Boxer. Because your dog can’t hear the danger of an approaching car or other hazards, it’s crucial to make sure your fenced-in yard is escape-proof or that your pup only goes outside on a leash or long line. You should also slowly and incrementally desensitize them to being woken up by touch, so they’re less prone to startle if you need to rouse them from sleep. Make sure all family members use the same hand signals for consistency of communication. 

Skin sensitivity

White Boxers are at a greater risk of getting sunburned and may be at a greater risk of developing skin cancer as a result of that. Use sunscreen that is dog-safe and SPF 30 or higher on particularly vulnerable areas, such as around their noses, bellies, ears, and inner thighs. Apply this sunscreen about 20 minutes prior to taking your pup outside, and reapply every two to four hours.

Although some people believe white Boxers are more prone to skin allergies, studies show they generally have the same risk as other Boxers.

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Other health issues

In a study on Boxer health, researchers found that the most common health issues in the breed were ear infections, gum mass, eye ulcers, and dental disease, regardless of the Boxer’s color. The following are other health issues that can affect all Boxers. 

• Cancers: Boxers are at an increased risk of several types of cancers, including mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. They may also face an increased risk of osteosarcoma and skin hemangiosarcoma. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve their chances of survival and recovery from several of these conditions. 

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: DCM is a serious condition characterized by an enlarged heart with reduced pumping ability. It causes a build-up of fatty scar tissue and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. DCM is one of the most common heart conditions in dogs, especially large breeds.

• Boxer arrhythmia: Boxer arrhythmia, or arrhythmogenic right-ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), affects the heart muscle, causing irregular heart rhythms. It can result in fainting, collapse, and even sudden death. This condition is usually treated with antiarrhythmic medications, through symptom management, and by limiting strenuous exercise. 

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GVD): Due to their deep-set chests, Boxers are particularly susceptible to developing GVD. This is a serious and potentially fatal condition in which a dog’s stomach bloats and then twists, preventing blood supply to vital organs. Surgery is typically needed to save the dog’s life once the stomach twists. 

• Hypothyroidism: This is a common (and typically genetically acquired) disorder of the endocrine system. Here, a Boxer’s thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which affects the dog’s metabolism. Treatment for this issue usually calls for thyroid hormone supplementation. 

• Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCL disease): Boxers are predisposed to this condition that damages the cranial cruciate ligament, which is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint. CCL disease leads to weakness over time, making the CCL more prone to tearing or rupturing. Surgery may be required to stabilize the knee joint and reduce pain. A treatment plan will often include medication, physical therapy, and dietary management.

Pixel-Shot / AdobeStock/

Temperament of white Boxers 

Boxers are often high-energy, playful, and adventurous. A well-socialized white Boxer is just as likely to exhibit these traits, too. While a history of culling may have negatively impacted perceptions of the white Boxer, the truth is that these dogs are no less loving than their colorfully coated counterparts. 

Because these big dogs are energetic and social, Boxers need plenty of opportunities for exercise, companionship, and enrichment. As with all Boxers, these working dogs may become destructive or develop behavioral issues if their needs aren’t consistently met. Boxers tend to adore their families and are endearingly notorious for being oversized lapdogs. 

Adopting a white Boxer

If you’re interested in adopting a Boxer, it’s important to know that these pups tend to thrive in high-activity and social homes where they can be part of the family and go on regular adventures and outings. 

They do especially well in homes with spacious yards or daily access to dog parks or nature trails. Boxers are also quite intelligent, so adopters should be prepared to offer plenty of mental enrichment, such as nose-work games, to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. 

To adopt a white Boxer, reach out to Boxer-specific rescues, all-breed dog rescues, and animal shelters. You can also check out Adopt a Pet’s easy-to-use search function, which will show you all the adoptable white Boxers near you. 

Commonly asked questions

Are white Boxers purebred?

Yes, white Boxers are purebred dogs, even though they are only eligible for limited registration through the American Kennel Club (AKC).

What do you call a white Boxer dog?

White Boxer dogs don’t have any special names. They’re the same breed as fawn and brindle-coated Boxers. 

Are white Boxers more prone to health issues than other Boxers?

No, overall, white Boxers are not more prone to health issues in comparison to other Boxer dogs. Despite having a higher risk of sunburn and congenital deafness, they tend to have the same health risks as fawn and brindle Boxers. 

Are white Boxers recognized by major dog-breed registries?

Yes, white Boxers are recognized by major dog breed registries, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, the AKC only offers them a limited registration, which prevents the dog’s offspring from becoming eligible for registration. 

How rare are white Boxer dogs?

White Boxer dogs are not rare — about 25 percent of Boxers are born with white coats. 

References

Frsc, S. C. P. D. (2016, June 29). When verbal commands are pitted against hand signals which do dogs respond to? Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201606/are-voice-commands-or-hand-signals-more-effective-for-dogs.

Llera, Ryan, and Ernest Ward. “Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs.” Vca_corporate, 2019, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm-in-dogs--indepth.

O’Neill, D G, et al. “Demography, Common Disorders and Mortality of Boxer Dogs under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK.” Canine Medicine and Genetics, vol. 10, no. 1, 1 June 2023, doi.org/10.1186/s40575-023-00129-w.

Piebald/White spotting (S locus) | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. (n.d.). vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/piebald-dog.

What to expect: BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing » Small Animal Hospital » College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida. (n.d.). smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/neurology/baer.