Did you know that Dobermans come in four color combinations that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
According to Doberman Planet, there are two genes in the Doberman pertaining to color. A black gene and a color dilution gene mix to produce four color combinations recognized by the AKC:
- Black with rust markings
- Red with rust markings
- Blue with rust markings
- Fawn with rust markings
The blue Doberman is beautiful. Some would argue that's it even more attractive than the all-black color but you may run into some health issues.
PetHelpful explains how a blue Doberman gets its coat color:
"The blue Doberman coat color is the result of a gene that inhibits full pigmentation, which causes dilution. Therefore, instead of appearing black with rust markings, Dobermans with the dilution gene will appear blue with rust markings. According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, dilution is a recessive gene."
The blue coat color isn't very common.
Blue Doberman syndrome
Blue Doberman syndrome — also known as blue balding syndrome or Color Mutant Alopecia — is a condition that affects blue Dobermans, but it also affects other breeds that also have diluted coats.
Pet Helpful explains that puppies may not show signs of Blue Doberman syndrome at birth, but may begin to show signs after leaving a breeder's home and begin to grow in their new homes.
- Blue Doberman syndrome is a hereditary condition that tends to show up in dog breeds with diluted coats.
- The term alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. This condition is caused by a structural defect that causes the abnormal distribution of melatonin in the dog's hair shafts.
- Affected dogs develop hair loss over the diluted colored areas. The tan areas remain unaffected. The hair loss may start on the top line and then spread to the back.
Blue Doberman health and treatment
The skin condition and skin problem should absolutely be addressed by a vet. These health problems should be on your radar and if you have a blue Doberman puppy you should also talk about these health issues with reputable breeders. There are many Doberman colors to choose from.
What about treatment? Doberman owners should understand there is no definitive treatment and the hair loss may be permanent. Any secondary skin issues or skin infections can be resolved with antibiotics, so your vet will determine the best course of action.
In addition to the health problems found in all colors of Dobermans, you'll need to also be aware of cardiomyopathy and von Willebrands disease. The skin condition, Color Dilution Alopecia, that we've discussed above should be addressed by your vet, but also bring up von Willebrands as this is another health issue that Doberman owners need to have on their radar.
There are so many colors to choose from if you decide you don't want to live with a blue Doberman. A red Doberman is also a pretty coat color, and fawn dobies are also a wonderful option.
A black Doberman is the most common and these working dogs a wonderful addition to the family. These are great dogs! Owners of Doberman dogs love their breed. Other working dogs include Golden Retrievers, Weimaraners, and German Shepherd.
Have you ever seen a blue Doberman? Please leave in the comments!
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