BOXBERRY BOXERS                 

Dr. Cattanach is a geneticist by profession, with a specialty in the cause and analysis of genetic defects. He is a well respected breeder & exhibitor of Boxers in the UK under the Steynmere prefix established in 1949.

In a series of articles on Dr Cattanach's website http://www.steynmere.com/GENETICS.html  - the creation of naturally short tailed (bobtail) Boxers as carried out over a series of generations is documented.

To answer the question on the possibility of Corgi characteristics reappearing in progeny, Dr Cattanach undertook a "double up" mating with a dog and bitch that were both only four generations removed from the Corgi. The four puppies were all short backed, had decent heads with obvious Boxer chins. None showed any trace of the short legs and longer coat type of the Corgi. The matings taking place in Australia now are eight or more generations away from the Corgi and have less than 0.5% Corgi in their pedigree, the only gene being transferred is the Bobtail.

Bobtail Boxers can now be found in the UK, Europe, America and Australia, and have competed successfully in the show ring with both long tailed and docked dogs. However, whether the inherited short tail will be accepted by breeders here remains to be seen. The disadvantage of the tail gene used is that it will not breed true, there will only be a percentage of puppies in a litter with Bobtails. 

 Are Bobtail Boxers pure?

Ben Gantner - Biologist

There is such a thing as "genetic purity" in a functional sense in biology. It simply means that an animal is homozygous at all alleles (animals have two copies of each gene, one maternal, and one paternal, "purity" here would mean having two of the same copy for each gene), and has a breeding parter with the same genetic makeup. It is the product of *extreme* inbreeding, meaning sibling to sibling over many, many generations.

Many research strains of mice are "genetically pure" in this sense, and this is probably the only appropriate sense of the term. The animals exhibit a great many abnormalities as a result however, such as tendencies for cancer, autoimmunity, as well as growth or behavioral defects as a result of this lack of genetic diversity.
 

What is generally referred to as 'genetic purity' when talking about dogs or cats or crops would be better referred to as an attempt to achieve "phenotypic purity". Phenotypes are the physical or behavioral characteristics that result from a given genome. Animal or plant breeders tend to employ inbreeding to get or maintain a phenotype they like for any number of reasons. Animals that successfully "breed true" maintain the phenotype of interest. Inbreeding over generations to enhance this will both decrease genetic diversity and also increase the rates of heritable diseases.

The Genetic equations used in plant production to determine the percentage of genetic purity were used to determine at what generation the bobtail boxer was genetically pure - enabling it to be registered as a pure breed at the 4th generation.

 What is the Genetic strength of the single Corgi bred in to gain the bobtail gene?

Many Australian bobtails are now around 16 generations away from the single cross done some two and a half decades ago. A 16 generation pedigree contains 131,000 dogs odd, of which the corgi contributes as one of the 131,070 dogs within that 16 generations the remaining 131,069 are boxers from the the original founding breeds which were crossed to create the breed.

General Facts and Information regarding Bobtail Boxers.
 

• The average number of Bobtail puppies born in a litter where one parent is from 'pure' lines and the other is a Heterozygous Bobtail (ie born with a short tail) is 50%. This increases slightly to approx 60% when one parent has a long tail (from a Bobtail mating) and the other is a Heterozygous Bobtail. The percentage increases to approx 70% Bobtails in a litter when both parents are Heterozygous Bobtails. All these averages are calculated over a lifetime of breedings.
• The gene used to create Bobtail Boxers does not breed true, meaning even if both the sire and dam are Heterozygous Bobtails there will still be a percentage of long tailed puppies in a litter. We feel that the most important aspect a breeder should take into consideration regarding a proposed such breeding (Heterozygous Bobtail x Heterozygous Bobtail) is if it could improve the quality of their lines (conformation, temperament & health) and not the fact that there could be a slightly higher percentage of Bobtails conceived in such a litter.
• The Lethal Bobtail gene - Studies have established that the Homozygous Bobtail is a lethal condition. When two Heterozygous Bobtails are bred together the resulting Homozygous puppies are never born, they die and are then reabsorbed early during the dams' pregnancy.
• A long tailed Boxer from Bobtail lines (ie a Boxer with either one or both of its parents being a Heterozygous Bobtail) does NOT carry the Bobtail gene and will NOT produce Bobtails unless it is mated to a Heterozygous Bobtail.
• A Bobtail Boxer does NOT have any additional health problems not already seen in 'pure' lines.
• Gene Identification - there is a DNA test that identifies if the bobtail gene is present, or if a dog has been docked.
• The Bobtail gene is not for everyone, and we believe every breeder SHOULD have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE the direction for their own breeding program.

DEFINITIONS

• Bobtail - born with a short tail
• Heterozygous - Single dose gene
• Homozygous - Double dose gene

Following is information about our Bobtail lines 

            Dahlina's Lexus            

Introducing Elmo Van Sapho's Hoeve (Imp Blg) HT0 CC DMN- "Elmo"

Elmo is a beautifully bred male from Belgium. More information about Elmo including his studs and litters can be viewed on his own page in the Our Dogs link on this site. Elmo's head is featured at the top of this page (at 22 months of age) along with his Bobtail daughter Australian Champion Boxberry Sweet Surrender CCD "Zoe" at 5 months, his standing shot above this text is at 11 months. His sire's photo Dahlina's Lexus is above Elmo's stacked photo either side. Elmo's sire "Lexus" can also be viewed in more detail on his owner's website Urkabustaiz Boxers at http://www.geocities.com/n_moscoso/ 

Elmo was our first male Bobtail, he arrived in Australia in February 2006 at 10 months of age, after having to complete his importing requirements in Belgium. His pedigree contains some of the best Europe has to offer including Atibox Champion, World Champion, European Champion, Junior Atibox Champion, International Champion, German Champion, Italian Champion, Austrian Champion, Hungarian Champion, Sch H1 Teck Del Colle Dell'Infinito (Italy) and Atibox Champion, World Champion, European Champion, International Champion, Spanish Champion, Sch  H1 Tenor De Loermo (Spain) to name just a few.

Elmo is a 7th generation Bobtail he carries the red gene and comes from fully health tested lines.

As a stud Elmo will bring to our kennel some genetic diversity, which as any wise breeder knows will help to improve the health, fertility, vigour and longevity of their offspring, as well as the Bobtail gene. Elmo has sired 15 litters thus far producing 96 puppies of which 45 have been Bobtails, equalling 47% Bobtails - which is just under the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines. We are extremely pleased with the results, Elmo is consistently producing puppies which have lovely typical Boxer heads with correct muzzle proportions, beautiful eyes, expressions, lip placement and mouths - which can be seen in the photo's below of his progeny.  We feel Elmo has offered a lot to the breed, not just his Bobtail.

Elmo has produced two Australian Champions thus far from limited matings - Aust Ch Boxberry Sweet Surrender CCD "Zoe" - who can be viewed elsewhere on this site, & Aust Ch Imoen Im So Soxy "Seven". Elmo has 3 more offspring who are well on their way to their Australian Championships.

Elmo is owned by the Boxberry partnership of Mrs Janet Halliday & Mrs Susan Badman, with the help of our mother

Mrs Valerie Leeson THANKS MUM.

 Introducing Steynmere Had To Be You (Imp UK) HT0 - "Meg".

Meg arrived in Australia in August 2005. She is pictured above at 17 months.

Aside from being a lovely girl, Meg has a natural, inherited short tail (Bobtail). She is the product of a breeding project undertaken by her breeder British geneticist Dr. Bruce Cattanach.

Meg was our first Boxer from this extraordinary strain. She is line bred to Eng Ch Faerdorn Fineas Fogg and Eng Ch Tyegarth Famous Grouse. Her sire is Steynmere Just Is who is by "Oscar" - Eng Ch Surfstone Hot Property JW. Oscar is also the sire of our "Jamie" - Australian Grand Champion Belvurn Too Hot T'Handle (Imp UK). Meg is a 7th generation Bobtail, she can be viewed on Our Past Boxers page.

Meg is a litter brother of Steynmere Had It All SOM "Monty" owned by the partnership Traxx, Tonup & Rostesha Boxers. Monty is the sire of the first Australian Champion Bobtail, the first Best In Show Specialty & the first Best In Show All Breeds Boxer in the world.

Meg had 2 litters, producing 9 puppies of which 5 were Bobtails, equalling 55% Bobtails - which is just over the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines.

Meg has been retired from our breeding program after producing two beautiful litters and she will spend the rest of her days with her co-owners Jason & Jacqui Baumgarten.

Meg is owned by the Looje prefix which is owned by Darryl & Janet Halliday & Jason & Jacqui Baumgarten.  

Sadly Meg passed away in 2012 - Rest In Peace Biter xox

 Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry Wish Upona Star HT0 AC - "Bagel"

Although Bagel is not a Bobtail she is from the first Bobtail litter born in Australia, she can be viewed on Our Past Boxers page.

    

     

Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry Sweet Surrender CCD HT0 AC DMA - "Zoe"

 

Sire: Elmo Van Sapho's Hoeve (Imp Blg) HT0 CC DMN

Dam: Boxberry Tomb Raider

 

Zoe was from Elmo's second litter in Australia, she can be viewed on Our Girls page.

Zoe is an 8th generation Bobtail and her photos above were at 11 months. Zoe is the first Champion for her sire Elmo, and was first Bobtail in the world to be awarded a Best In Group (Group 1st), she also created more history recently by becoming the first Bobtail with an Obedience Title. Zoe has done very well at both All Breeds & Specialty shows under local and international judges.

 

Zoe has had 3 litters thus far producing 15 puppies of which 7 have been Bobtails, equalling 47% Bobtails - which is just under the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines.

 

 

 

 

  

    

  

Introducing Boxberry Grace Kelly HT0 - "Gracie"

 

Sire: Elmo Van Sapho's Hoeve (Imp Blg) HT0 CC DMN

Dam: Boxberry Totally Hot HT0

 

Gracie was from Elmo's third litter in Australia, she can be viewed on Our Boxers page.

Gracie is an 8th generation Bobtail and her photos above were at 2 years.

 

Gracie had 1 litter, producing 5 puppies of which 3 were Bobtails, equalling 60% Bobtails - which is just over the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines.

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Introducing Boxberry Be Loved - "Rasmus"

 

Sire: Elmo Van Sapho's Hoeve (Imp Blg) HT0 CC DMN

Dam: Boxberry Totally Hot HT0

 

Rasmus was from Elmo's third litter in Australia, he is a litter brother of Gracie pictured above.

Rasmus is an 8th generation Bobtail and his photo above was at 12 months (Head) & 14 months (Stacked).

 

 

 

 

     

 

    

      

Introducing Boxberry The Ringer HT0 AC DMN - "Geoffy"

  

Sire: Boxberry Red Rascal HT0 CC

Dam: Boxberry HiFive AC

 

Geoffy is from Elmo's third litter of Grandchildren in Australia, and he will be the third Bobtail campaigned by our kennel. 

Geoffy is a 9th generation Bobtail and his photos above were at 18 months he can also be viewed on Our Boys page.

 

 Geoffy has sired 2 litters thus far producing 17 puppies of which 10 have been Bobtails, equalling 59% Bobtails - which is just over the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines.

  

 

 

 

 

 

       

Introducing Boxberry Good Golly Miss Molly - "Molly"

  

Sire: Boxberry Crazy Scarecrow

Dam: Mopsland Shes Dynamite

 

Molly is from Elmo's fourth litter of Grandchildren in Australia, and she is owned and exhibited by Kylie of Roxbud Boxers in South Australia, she is the second Boxberry Bobtail to be exhibited in that state. 

Molly is a 9th generation Bobtail and her photo's above were at 9 weeks & 5 months she can also be viewed on Roxbud Boxers website.

 

 

        

Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry Never Surrender - "Saboo"

  

Sire: Aust Supreme Ch The Fonejacker At Surfstone (Imp UK) HT1 CC DMN

Dam: Ch Boxberry Sweet Surrender CCD HT0 AC DMA

 

Saboo is from Elmo's fifth litter of Grandchildren in Australia, and he will be the fifth Boxberry Bobtail campaigned. Saboo is owned and exhibited by Kylie of Roxbud Boxers in South Australia, and he is the first Boxberry Bobtail to be exhibited in that state. 

Saboo is a 9th generation Bobtail and his photo's above were at 8 weeks & 12 months, he can also be viewed on Roxbud Boxers Website.

 

Saboo has produced 2 litters thus far, producing 8 puppies of which 5 were Bobtails, equalling 63% Bobtails - which is over the expected percentage of 50% Bobtails expected in matings of Bobtail x 'Pure' lines.

 

 

 

 

 

    

  

Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry Lucky Star CC DMN - "Rango"

 

Sire: Aust Supreme Ch The Fonejacker At Surfstone (Imp UK) HT1 CC DMN

Dam:  Boxberry Mega Star HT0 CC

 

Rango is a 9th generation Bobtail, her photo's above were at 15 months. She has done very well in the show ring gaining her title with ease at 15 months of age. Rango is the second Bobtail Champion we have bred.

 

 

 

 

    

 

Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry What A Surprise HT1 DMN - "Flash"

 

Sire: Aust Supreme Ch The Fonejacker At Surfstone (Imp UK) HT1 CC DMN

Dam:  Boxberry Tater Tot HT0

 

Flash is a 9th generation Bobtail, her photo's above were at 6 months. Flash is doing very well in the ring, having already received Challenge's over older titled competition.

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

Introducing Boxberry Junior Burger  - "Jedda"

 

Sire: Aust Supreme Ch The Fonejacker At Surfstone (Imp UK) HT1 CC DMN

Dam:  Ch Boxberry Sweet Surrender CCD HT0 AC DMA 

 

Junior is a 9th generation Bobtail, her photo's above were at 6 weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Introducing Australian Champion Boxberry Don't Give Up - "Boo"

  

Sire: Ch Boxberry Never Surrender

Dam: Boxberry Radio Star

 

 

Boo is a 10th generation Bobtail and her photo's above were at 7 months, Boo is doing very well in the show ring to date currently the Top Boxer Puppy in NSW (Dogzonline pointscore 18/6/15) Boo gained her Australian Championship at 10 months of age.

 

 

 

 

We would like to thank the following people:

• Dr. Bruce Cattanach of Steynmere Boxers for entrusting us with Meg and for creating this extraordinary strain of Boxers.

• Ingmar Sioen & Mariette Poppe of Van Sapho's Hoeve Boxers for entrusting Elmo to us.

• Mrs Valerie Leeson, (Janet & Susan's mother) for without her continuos support none of this would be possible.

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