WHITE BOXER FACTS

The Proposal

Read the FULL proposal before you vote!

The Proposal, In Full

Below is the full proposal that was sent to the ABC Board. They chose to not include most of it with the ballot, as is their option, but we feel it is important to have the full proposal available to those who are interested in making an informed decision.

Cover Letter to be Sent with Ballot

From:   American Boxer Club Board of Directors
To:       Members and Member Clubs of the American Boxer Club
Re:       Proposed Revisions to the Code of Ethics, 2023

The ABC Board has received a written petition to amend the ABC Code of Ethics. Per our Bylaws, the proposed changes are being sent to the membership for a  vote <<with the recommendation for adoption/rejection/no recommendation>> [Board to provide  their recommendation, if any].

The majority of changes in this revision involve removing the prohibition against using white Boxers in breeding programs, if bred to plain Boxers. The changes of substance are noted in the Summary of Changes.

Note from the petitioners:
The American Boxer Club Code of Ethics currently eliminates 20-25% of the Boxer population from breeding based solely on coat color. After a century of this prohibition, however, we know that aside from a slightly increased chance of deafness, white Boxers have the same potential for structure, health, and temperament as their fawn and brindle littermates. Genetic research has confirmed that the gene that causes white markings in Boxers is the same as that found in Bull Terriers, where the incidence of deafness related to two copies of the white marking gene is well-established. This white marking gene is the same whether it was contributed by a white parent or a flashy parent. The American Boxer Club recently sponsored an education program from a geneticist who clearly stated that breeding whites to plains will not increase the incidence of deafness in the breed.

Given that a white Boxer bred to a plain Boxer will create 100% flashy puppies, thereby contributing no additional incidence of deafness, we call on the American Boxer Club to revise its Code of Ethics to allow the sale, full registration, and breeding of white Boxers when done judiciously and in accordance with the revised Code of Ethics rules.

 The process of presenting this proposed revision has taken many months and benefited from the input of many people. We appreciate the commitment that we know is required to review such a document, and we thank you in advance for taking the time to read it and vote. Your vote is ultimately the most important contribution to this project. For more information on various aspects regarding breeding white Boxers, please visit www.whiteboxerfacts.com

Summary of Changes

Article 1, Breeding:

  • Item 2: Added deafness as a recommended screening test to encourage BAER testing of any white Boxers used in breeding programs.
  • Item 4: Deleted language that dogs offered at stud should be free of disqualifying faults, to allow dogs with more than 1/3 white markings to be used at stud.
  • Item 5: Deleted language that bitches accepted for stud service should be free of disqualifying faults, to allow bitches with more than 1/3 white markings to be accepted for stud service.
  • Item 7: Added to require that Boxers with more than 1/3 white markings are bred only to plain Boxers. Recommends DNA testing in cases where there may be a question whether or not a dog has a copy of the Sw gene.
  • Item 8: Renumbered due to addition of Item 7 (housekeeping only).

  Article III, Registration:

  • Item 2c: Deleted special recommendation for limited registration of puppies of a color not allowed by the breed standard. Non-breeding puppies are covered by items 2a and 2b.

 Article IV, Sales: 

  • Item 1: Added stipulation that puppies or adults may not be sold to pet stores or commercial kennels (moved from Article V, Item 5).
  • Items 2-10: Renumbered due to addition of Item 1 (housekeeping only).
  • Item 2: Consolidated note and explanation of when registration papers may be withheld. (Housekeeping.)
  • Item 3: Changed recommendation to keep puppies until 7 weeks to 8 weeks, based on current science, legislation, and other breed club COEs. Added note about state and local laws to item rather than as a footnote.
  • Item 4: Changed “Purchasers should be urged to spay or neuter all pets” to “Purchasers should be provided with information on the risks and benefits of spay or neuter for all pet puppies”. This change acknowledges the volumes of research that show many increased health risks associated with sterilization, especially in younger dogs. Breeders can utilize non-breeding agreements or spay/neuter contracts but should provide buyers with both the pros and cons of the surgery and make their own determination of the age at which, or if, the surgery should be performed.
  • Item 7: Added note that pet puppies should be sold on non-breeding contracts.
  • Note*: Deleted and moved to Item 3 for clarity and conciseness.

 Article V, Infractions:

  • Renamed to “Implementation” as specific infractions have been removed.
  • Deleted statement regarding Standard disqualifications since they are no longer relevant to infractions. Deleted Items 1-4 since they are no longer infractions.
  • Item 5: Deleted and moved to Article IV, Item 1.
  • Added language emphasizing the commitment to the breed encompassed by the Code of Ethics, and that violations of the Code would be prejudicial to the best interests of the breed and the club. Retained language identifying the Bylaws procedure for dealing with violations of the Code of Ethics.

Proposed COE Amendments

Blue/underlined text is ADDED
Red/struck-through text is REMOVED

American Boxer Club, Inc.
CODE OF ETHICS

This CODE OF ETHICS is set forth to protect, advance the interests of, and improve the Boxer breed; to maintain sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and events; and to promote a respect for people and dogs. American Boxer Club members are to adhere to these canons when breeding, buying, selling or competing with and exhibiting their Boxers.

Members of the American Boxer Club will conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred dogs and on Boxers in particular, regardless of the location or circumstances.

AKC Rules and Regulations and THE AMERICAN BOXER CLUB BY-LAWS should be known and adhered to at all times. It is important to know the current Standard of the Breed.

 ARTICLE I
Breeding

  1. Breed only with the intention of improving the breed.
  2. Breeders should encourage the certifying of hips, blood testing for thyroid function, and screening for heart defects, degenerative myelopathy, deafness, and other abnormalities that would affect the health of their dogs or the offspring of same, in conjunction with the current Health & Research Committee recommendations.
  3. Breed healthy, sound, typey dogs that display sound temperament and qualities and are free of severe faults.
  4. Dogs offered at stud should be in good health. They should be free from Canine Brucellosis and other communicable diseases as well as disqualifying genetic faults. A written Stud Contract is essential. Monorchids are not considered breeding stock.
  5. Bitches accepted for stud service should be at least eighteen months of age, in good health, and free from communicable diseases as well as disqualifying genetic faults. A bitch must be accompanied by a current veterinarian’s certificate stating that she is free of Canine Brucellosis. It is the responsibility of the stud dog owner to properly provide for all visiting bitches’ safety and security. Each bitch must be bred only to the stud dog specified by her owner. A change of stud dog is only permitted with the express consent of the owner of the bitch and should be included as an amendment to the Stud Contract.
  6. Bitches should be bred only after the ages of eighteen months and should not whelp more than twice in any three consecutive estrus cycles.
  7. Boxers with more than 1/3 white markings shall be bred only to plain Boxers. DNA testing at the S locus is recommended in situations where the genetic makeup of the dog is not clear.
  8. Breeders will keep accurate breeding records, registration papers, pedigrees and contracts.

ARTICLE II
Maintenance

  1. Tail docking and removal of dew claws are appropriate for the breed; ears may be cropped or uncropped. Any surgical procedures are to be performed humanely. Corrective cosmetic surgery will not be performed on Boxers. When such corrective surgery becomes a necessity, the dog will no longer be exhibited, if such alteration is not in accordance with stated AKC policies.
  2. Members of The American Boxer Club will maintain their Boxers’ condition, health and quarters in a manner that is above reproach.

ARTICLE III
Registration

There are two ways to register puppies for the first time with the AKC registration application.

  1. Full Registration
    Boxers who are sound, healthy, typey, considered to be of breeding quality, and who  are free of disqualifying faults under the Standard of the Breed may be provided with full registration.
  2. Limited Registration
    American Boxer Club Members are encouraged to provide limited registration for the following:
    1. Boxers being purchased only as registered companion pets.
    2. Boxers that are not considered sound, or not of breeding quality, including monorchids.
    3. Boxers of any color not allowed by the standard

Buyers should be informed, where limited AKC registration is involved, that any get of their Boxer will be ineligible for AKC registration. The breeder of the dog can cancel the limited registration, should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Providing limited registration is a voluntary action; alternatively, registration papers can be withheld entirely, and the buyer can apply to the AKC for a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL).

ARTICLE IV
Sales

  1. American Boxer Club members may not sell, consign or dispose of a puppy or an adult Boxer to a pet shop, chain of pet shops or any commercial kennel for resale.
  2. All sales of puppies and adults should include:
    1. AKC registration application papers
    2. Signed Bill of Sale
    3. An accurate three generation pedigree
    4. ABC Brochure and/or copy of the Standard of the Breed
    5. Health record including shots given, diet and care information

    Note: Registration papers may be withheld at the time of the sale in such cases of prior agreement in writing, such as a spay/neuter agreement, Breeding/Lease agreement, or other similar contracted agreement which would delay transfer of ownership until completion of contract.

    Example: Spay/neuter agreement, Breeding/Lease agreement or other similar contracted agreement, which would delay transfer of ownership until completion of contract.

     

  3. If possible, puppies should remain in their litter environment until at least 7 8 weeks of age (*see Note below). Some areas have laws regarding age of puppies at sale; check your local and state regulations.
  4. Purchasers should be urged to provided with information regarding the risks and benefits of spay or neuter for all pets pet puppies.
  5. Misleading or untruthful statements must not be used in the selling or advertising of puppies. Misrepresentation of American Boxer Club awards, AKC, and/or foreign titles must be carefully avoided.
  6. American Boxer Club Members will at all times strive to be accurate and honest to the best of their ability in appraising the quality of Boxers being offered for sale or placement with reference to the Standard of the Breed.
  7. All contracts must be clear and complete with any and all conditions stated. A signed copy must be provided to each party involved. Pet puppies should be sold on non-breeding contracts.
  8. During the life of any Boxer sold or placed, the breeder should endeavor to help the owner in every reasonable way.
  9. Prospective buyers should be screened on their desire and ultimate intent for each Boxer. Their interest and ability to provide a safe, adequate and loving home should be determined. Fenced yards and crates should be recommended.
  10. American Boxer Club members and member clubs will help educate the public on the Standard of the Breed and care of the Boxer in areas where they are qualified.

*Note: Some states have laws that puppies cannot be separated from their mothers until 8 weeks of age. Check your local and state regulations.

ARTICLE V
Infractions Implementation

The Boxer Standard defines the following disqualifications: “Boxers that are any color other than fawn or brindle. Boxers with a total of white markings exceeding one-third of the entire coat.”

The following infractions are considered to be actions contrary to the best interest of the breed and/or the American Boxer Club:

  1. Full registration with the American Kennel Club of a Boxer of any color not allowed by the Standard adopted for the breed by the American Boxer Club, approved by the American Kennel Club and in force at the time of the Infraction.
  2. Providing an application for full registration with the American Kennel Club of a Boxer of any color not allowed by the Standard.
  3. Signing an application for registration with the American Kennel Club of a litter whose sire and/or dam are of a color not allowed by the Standard.
  4. Selling or consigning for resale a Boxer whose sire and/or dam are of a color not allowed by the Standard.
  5. Selling, consigning or disposing of a puppy or an adult Boxer to a pet shop, chain of pet shops or any commercial kennel for resale.

Members shall bear in mind that a Code of Ethics is more than a set of rules; it is a commitment to a high standard of practice in owning and breeding and that adherence to the spirit of the Code is as important as adherence to its law.

 Violations of the Code of Ethics shall be considered contrary to the best interest of the breed and/or the American Boxer Club. Charges may be brought against a member or a member club for such violations, as defined in Article VIII, Section 2 of the By-Laws of the American Boxer Club.

 

View the proposal in PDF format

 

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