AKC Gazette January 2005

A “White” Paper

For the first time since 1994, the members of the American Boxer Club have voted a change in the Code of Ethics, set forth as a guideline “to protect and advance the interests of Boxers.” By a narrow 2/3 majority of those voting, the COE has been altered to reflect a new attitude towards the white boxers born in the litters of ABC members.

Far from a rarity, the white boxer is rather common when breeders are seeking ‘flashy’ puppies (flash=white markings on fawns or brindles). Breeding flash to flash produces, on statistical average, about 20-25% white or predominantly white puppies. For many years the American Boxer Club unofficially recommended euthanasia for these animals. It was feared that they might be bred, and alter color patterns, as well as beget a higher incidence of deafness in white offspring. AKC registration of a white boxer by an ABC member was grounds for expulsion from the club.

Breeders have been increasingly reluctant to euthanize healthy puppies just because they are disqualified from conformation events under the breed Standard. At the same time, whether bred by ABC members or not, white adult boxers, always registerable with the AKC, have succeeded in Obedience and Agility rings, and have proven to be healthy and desirable pets. In some strains, deafness is a problem, but the majority of white puppies hear as well as their fawn and brindle siblings. If a problem occurs it is apparent at a very early age, before a puppy is placed in a pet home. And even a deaf puppy, while a challenge, can be taught to respond to hand signals.

The COE changes now reflect the availability of AKC Limited Registration-- the white puppy will be allowed to be so registered by ABC members. Though he will never be bred, and must be placed with a spay/neuter contract, he will be able to participate in AKC Performance events without having to go through the cumbersome procedure of attaining an ILP number. In addition, ABC member breeders will, for the first time, be allowed to sell these puppies for an amount to equal the cost of raising them. The 1994 COE had allowed for the placing of white pups in pet homes, but at no charge.

And so, the white boxer has finally come into his own. He now takes his place as an officially recognized and accepted member of ABC society— still a controversial status, but one that many breeders think is long overdue.

Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264