Lov my boxer
Boxer Pal
I have read several things online that white boxer are more common to health issues than any other color boxer. Is this true & what are their health risk if so?
what are the true facts about white boxers and health issues?
- Thread starter Lov my boxer
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It is certainly true that white boxers are more prone to being deaf than coloured boxers (up to 20% versus about 2%). But if a white boxer is going to be deaf because he is white, he WILL be deaf by the time he is 8 weeks old (actually, usually by about 3 weeks), so its hardly an unknown. And deafness in dogs isn't a great handicap anyway.
Other than that though, I don't believe there is any evidence to show that they're any more prone to health issues than their coloured counterparts. Certainly, in over 10 years online, this forum's members have not found it to be the case.
The only other issue I could say is more likely is sunburn (since white isn't a colour, but actually lack of normal pigment in the skin/hair). And sunburn in dogs can - as for humans - lead to problems such as skin cancer, which in turn can spread to being other cancers. I don't really count this as a decided health problem though, as it is entirely preventable by owners
All it takes is a little sunblock and common sense about the sun (and in any case, also applies to coloured boxers with white markings, which are equally susceptible to burning and the possible consequences of that).
Other than that though, I don't believe there is any evidence to show that they're any more prone to health issues than their coloured counterparts. Certainly, in over 10 years online, this forum's members have not found it to be the case.
The only other issue I could say is more likely is sunburn (since white isn't a colour, but actually lack of normal pigment in the skin/hair). And sunburn in dogs can - as for humans - lead to problems such as skin cancer, which in turn can spread to being other cancers. I don't really count this as a decided health problem though, as it is entirely preventable by owners
All it takes is a little sunblock and common sense about the sun (and in any case, also applies to coloured boxers with white markings, which are equally susceptible to burning and the possible consequences of that).
BxrMommieNAZ
Boxer Insane
No it is not true. Statistically speaking they have no more health issues than their colored counter parts. The only "issue" is that they have a higher incidence of being deaf however this is the case with any all white dog. But I also don't really consider that a health problem. By way of cancer, hypothyroidism, hip displasia, etc they do not have any increased chances beyond simply being a Boxer.
Here are some good links:
White Boxers
Link removed by Moderator. Only approved rescue groups can have their links posted anywhere on this site and there is a list of approved rescue groups in the general rescue forum. Please review that before posting unauthorised links anywhere else on Boxerworld.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/do...more-health-problems-then-fawns-brindles.html
I have a white male, he is hearing, his only health issue at this time (he is 2 years old) is that he has severe food allergies and moderate environmental allergies, however many fawn and brindle Boxers have the same issues so I don't really think it has anything to do with him being white. I do personally believe that whites have more sensitive skin in general than their colored counter parts HOWEVER this is only my personal opinion and aside from a veterinary dermatologist saying the same thing I do not have any written proof to that.
Here are some good links:
White Boxers
Link removed by Moderator. Only approved rescue groups can have their links posted anywhere on this site and there is a list of approved rescue groups in the general rescue forum. Please review that before posting unauthorised links anywhere else on Boxerworld.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/do...more-health-problems-then-fawns-brindles.html
I have a white male, he is hearing, his only health issue at this time (he is 2 years old) is that he has severe food allergies and moderate environmental allergies, however many fawn and brindle Boxers have the same issues so I don't really think it has anything to do with him being white. I do personally believe that whites have more sensitive skin in general than their colored counter parts HOWEVER this is only my personal opinion and aside from a veterinary dermatologist saying the same thing I do not have any written proof to that.
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Lov my boxer
Boxer Pal
I'm really glad that you mentioned that if they were going to be deaf they would be by 3-8 weeks. My little girl is 9 weeks old. I have whistled for her while we were outside and she responds very well. She seems to be able to hear without any problems.
It is certainly true that white boxers are more prone to being deaf than coloured boxers (up to 20% versus about 2%). But if a white boxer is going to be deaf because he is white, he WILL be deaf by the time he is 8 weeks old (actually, usually by about 3 weeks), so its hardly an unknown. And deafness in dogs isn't a great handicap anyway.
Other than that though, I don't believe there is any evidence to show that they're any more prone to health issues than their coloured counterparts. Certainly, in over 10 years online, this forum's members have not found it to be the case.
The only other issue I could say is more likely is sunburn (since white isn't a colour, but actually lack of normal pigment in the skin/hair). And sunburn in dogs can - as for humans - lead to problems such as skin cancer, which in turn can spread to being other cancers. I don't really count this as a decided health problem though, as it is entirely preventable by owners
TwoDogs
Boxer Insane
Actually, that's not true. Breeds in which white color is associated with deafness are usually an expression of piebald, merle, or recessive genes. Breeds like the Samoyed, Bichon, Pyreneese, Maltese, Poodle, Westies, and others, in which white color is not an expression of any of these traits do not exhibit a higher incidence of deafness just because they are white.
BxrMommieNAZ
Boxer Insane
Yeah sorry I had edited that but guess it didn't edit. Brain was thinking faster than I was typing orignally, but the edit must not have gone through.
sriley
Completely Boxer Crazy
Thank you
After the recent loss of my flashy brindle boy, Buddy, I couldn't stand not having a boxer in the house. The void Buddy left in our home and our lives was unbearable. As of this past Saturday, my husband and I are the proud new owners of a beautiful white boxer we've named Chief. As with all boxers, he's absolutely adorable and has been such a joy over the last two days. I, too, had heard about all of the "alleged health issues" with white boxers, but have done enough research to know that most of what the uneducated folk say in terms of white boxer health problems is completely false. In fact, the health of a white boxer warrants no more concern on an owner's behalf than he or she would give to their fawn or brindle counterparts.
Great question and great answers. As a new white boxer mommy, it's always comforting to get credible information from knowledgeable people. Thank you!
Oh, and I'm happy to report that my boy is 10 weeks old and his hearing is perfect
After the recent loss of my flashy brindle boy, Buddy, I couldn't stand not having a boxer in the house. The void Buddy left in our home and our lives was unbearable. As of this past Saturday, my husband and I are the proud new owners of a beautiful white boxer we've named Chief. As with all boxers, he's absolutely adorable and has been such a joy over the last two days. I, too, had heard about all of the "alleged health issues" with white boxers, but have done enough research to know that most of what the uneducated folk say in terms of white boxer health problems is completely false. In fact, the health of a white boxer warrants no more concern on an owner's behalf than he or she would give to their fawn or brindle counterparts.
Great question and great answers. As a new white boxer mommy, it's always comforting to get credible information from knowledgeable people. Thank you!
Oh, and I'm happy to report that my boy is 10 weeks old and his hearing is perfect
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