The DPCA accepts 4 colors as standard: black, blue, red and fawn. Black and red coats are traditionally the "image" of the Doberman. The dilutes, fawns and blues, had been shunned for many years as inferior and lesser dogs due to misconceptions that they were less healthy. Thankfully, science has proven they are no less a Doberman in terms of structure and health than their black and red counterparts
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Examples of breeding pairings that will produce dilutes:
Examples of a few breeding pairings that won't produce dilutes:
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Genetics Snippet
In short a "B" means a dog will be black or blue. A "Bb" means the dog is black and carries the ability to make red puppies (carries for recessive red). A "BB" means a dog is dominant black and does not carry recessive red.. A "bb" means a dog will be red or fawn. A "DD" means a dog does not carry dilute and can never produce dilutes. A "Dd" means a dog carriers dilute. A "dd" means a dog is dilute.
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CDA is a concern, as nearly 90% of blues and 75% of fawns go on to develop it. Only blues and fawns develop can CDA. Reds and blacks can develop alopecia as well, but due to other mechanisms at play. Not every dilute will develop CDA. CDA often comes on gradually over the dog's lifetime. The hair may thin over the whole body or be limited to certain areas, like the back and sides. Interestingly, only the fawn or blue hairs will thin/fall out and the tan pointing will remain intact.
Though unsightly, CDA is benign, causing no further risk to health. The condition can easily be managed with vests or jackets when the weather is cold and with dog-specific sunscreen. The dogs adjust well and seem unbothered by their hair loss. Some dogs are more prone to develop staph infections so good grooming is essential. (Though, the breed in general is prone to staph infections.) Some may have more flaky and dry skin. Supplementing with biotin, fish oil, omegas and zinc can help maintain a healthy coat and moist skin. Lotion may be beneficial as well. |
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dilute_doberman.pdf | |
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