White pups

Question
QUESTION: My boxer had puppies in Sunday the 18th, she hsd 2 white females.  I did not think she would since her mother was brindle and the father of the pups does not have much white.  I know this can come from generations back.  If the pups turn out to be deaf what should be done with them if no one wants them?  Is there an orgination that would take them (one or both if they turn out deaf)?  Should I not breed her any more due too her having white pups?  I only planned to breed her 2 to 3 more times and she is almost 2 years old now.

ANSWER: Kimberly,

First off, you shouldn't breed a bitch until she is at minimum 2 years old.

Yours is younger because you said "almost 2 years old."

Do not breed her again-- not only because of the white puppies, but because 1 breeding is enough on any dog.

"IF" you do breed her again--  highly and strongly recommend a different sire, and don't breed her until she is at least 3 years old now.

It takes a good year for her body to get back to normal, etc. Breeding her any sooner would be a high risk pregnancy, chances increase for sick or deformed, (even stillbirth) puppies, and lack of milk production where she couldn't feed them.

Now that you know these facts, I can explain the white pups.

It's a lack of color pigmentation to the fur coat, and not albino. Both parents carried the white gene- that is why I suggest you breed her to a different sire that is proven. Ask to see pictures of his previous puppies to be sure none were white.

Sometimes white pups are not born deaf- but become deaf a little later.

talk to them, see if they look in your direction- make a loud noise, like a whistle, or beating a pot with a big spoon, something to get them to startle or look toward the sound.

But that depends on their age too. They are only 4 days old, so they can not hear yet anyway. Their eyes are ears are shut. Their eyes will open in a week to two weeks but they can not "see" nor focus yet.

Their ears will "open" to sounds a little later.

So do not attempt any sound recognition until they are 2-3 weeks old.

If any a deaf- and take them to your vet anyway; they need tails docked and shots and worming, and of course a health check-up.... ask the vet to help you determine their seeing and hearing abilities....

If some or both are deaf, advertise they are deaf- some people don't care and open their hearts to dogs with disabilities...

There is "dog" sign language that is easy to learn and teach your dog, like "no" down" sit" "love" "come here" "lay down" etc. etc. and deaf dogs are as smart as hearing dogs- no different.

If by chance you can not sell or find a wonderful home for the "deaf" puppies (if they are deaf) then call your local Boxer Rescue in your area- they will take the deaf puppies are re-home them to people that will love them and care for them with their other dogs and family.

Google "white deaf Boxers" and learn all about them-- and Google "hand signing for deaf dogs" etc.

The more you educate yourself now, the easier it will be to find good homes for them.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Allot of what you told me I already know, dogs have been my passion for a very long time.  I have done allot of web search on them and Newcastle Boxers is a very good site and has a chart on coloring but is a little difficult to understand.  You should take a look at this site, it is very interesting.  
 
The only boxer rescue here in my area is the worst rescue I have ever dealt with and refuse to give my pups to them.

I will take your suggestion and try another sire the next time (in 2-3 years)and if she has white ones I will spay her.
I will do my very best to find them all good homes.

Answer
Hopefully they will not be deaf. Not all white Boxers are, so I will be positive for you.

Remember, if they are, or do become deaf, advertise them as special, because there are special people out there that want to care for dogs with a disability.

The only difference in a deaf dog and a hearing dog, it signing. And that is easy.

Take a look at this site (and pass it on to the new owners, should they, or one, be deaf)....

http://www.deafdogs.org/training/signs.php

(DDEAF-Deaf Dog Education Action Fund)