Expert: Jannie Balliett - 10/6/2009

Question
Hi Jannie

My partner and really want to get a boxer pup.  We have found a breeder who is selling their purebreed pups, we want to get a white bitch, but after doing some research I see that white bitches are proned to deafness and blindness, can you confirm this? Also is it safe to use human sunblock while in the sun? Thanks!

Answer
Some white Boxers are born deaf and some blind- or both. Deafness is more common. The sex of the pup is irrelevant. One is not more prone than the other.

That doesn't mean the white pup you are looking at is either.

Have you played with the pup- called out to it and made noise to get his/her attention?

It is easily checked to find out if the pup is deaf.

Ask the breeder if you can take the pup to your vet for a wellness-check up and have your vet examine for any deafness or blindness and get his or her okay on the pup.

I wouldn't suggest breeding the white pup in the future- the Boxer Breed Association and AKA discourage against breeding whites.

Once your vet establishes the pup is a hearing pup and healthy- here is no reason not to go ahead and buy the pup.

Congratulations!