Dilute Doberman
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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. Dilute is not a defect, rather a natural color variation. 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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Dilutes are important to the breed's genetic diversity and image. The dilute colors are produced much less often than reds or blacks. A dilute is not necessarily a rare color, more it is about the genetics involved. Fawns make up about 6% of the Doberman dilute population and blues about 12-15% of the Doberman dilution population, according to the DPCA. The Doberman Diversity Project states dilutes make up only 6-8% of the entire population.
What Makes a Dilute?
The origin of the dilution gene is uncertain. Many speculate the Weimaraner may have had some influence in the foundation stock to create the Doberman. Weimaraners are solely dilute blues. All carry dd. The dilution gene responsible for the blue coat may or may not have come from the Weimaraner. Other breeds such as the German Pinscher and the Manchester Terrier carry dilute and were definitively used in the formation of the Doberman. These dogs also carry additional genes (E and K lotus) that suppress their top black or red coat color exposing the red or tan points as a uniform, solid coat color. Those genetics have been a part of the Doberman breed for a while and occasionally appear in a litter. Usually, it's incidental and the breeder was not intending to produce a recessive red. (Though, there are breeders who do breed for off standard colors and coat variations.) This coat color is called a "clear red", "stag red" or "recessive red". Those Dobermans are very much still Dobermans. It's another version of the genetics dance! The recessive reds can be a dilute by genetics. Keep in mind, there are several genes responsible for coat color, length, patterns and variations.
The origin of the dilution gene is uncertain. Many speculate the Weimaraner may have had some influence in the foundation stock to create the Doberman. Weimaraners are solely dilute blues. All carry dd. The dilution gene responsible for the blue coat may or may not have come from the Weimaraner. Other breeds such as the German Pinscher and the Manchester Terrier carry dilute and were definitively used in the formation of the Doberman. These dogs also carry additional genes (E and K lotus) that suppress their top black or red coat color exposing the red or tan points as a uniform, solid coat color. Those genetics have been a part of the Doberman breed for a while and occasionally appear in a litter. Usually, it's incidental and the breeder was not intending to produce a recessive red. (Though, there are breeders who do breed for off standard colors and coat variations.) This coat color is called a "clear red", "stag red" or "recessive red". Those Dobermans are very much still Dobermans. It's another version of the genetics dance! The recessive reds can be a dilute by genetics. Keep in mind, there are several genes responsible for coat color, length, patterns and variations.
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Dilutes have fully expressed coat colors and are not "suppressing" their color in any way. We say "dilute" as a descriptive term only. Dilutes are a natural color variation. "Because the mutations responsible for the dilution phenotype are recessive, a dog can carry one of the two dilution variants and still express a normal coat color." - www.animalgenetics.us/canine/canine-color/DLocus.asp
There are 3 variants of the D lotus. Any 2 combo of the 3 can produce a dilute coat. "Two copies of any of the three dilution variants, or any combination of two of these variants, are necessary to lighten the color. The d1 mutation is known to cause a reduction in the amount of full-length protein product, thus producing less pigment. The effect of the d2 mutation on the resultant protein is unknown, although in the homozygous state it dilutes color. The phenotype produced by two copies of the d3 variant is unknown, but this mutation is predicted to shorten the MLPH protein and likely disrupt function. Dogs that are compound heterozygotes d1/d2, d2/d3, or d1/d3 have a dilute phenotype." - vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/dilute-dog For Doberman right now all you really need to know is there is a B lotus and a D lotus. All dogs are born either black or red genetically speaking, via the B lotus. A "B" is needed to make a dog black. Two "b"s are needed for a dog to be red. To make a dilute coat is a bit complex. The D Lotus is responsible for turning a black coat to blue and a red coat to fawn, so long as the right genetics line up. To produce a dilute both parents must carry at least one "d" on the D Lotus. A Dd is a dilute carrier and will either be black or red. A dd is a dilute and will turn the coat of a red dog to a fawn and of a black dog to a blue. |
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A BbDD is a black dog who carries red but not for dilute and can not produce dilutes. A BBdd is the dilute of black and is a blue coat. A bbDd is a red dog who does not carry for dilute and can not produce dilutes. A bbdd is a dilute of red and is a fawn coat. A BBDd is a black dog that carries for dilute and can, bred to the right dog, produce dilutes. A bbDd is a red dog that carries dilute and can, bred to the right dog, produce dilutes. You can breed a black dog to a red dog and get a rainbow litter; a rainbow litter is the term for a litter of all colors: black, red, blue and fawn. Only dilutes and dilute carriers can produce dilutes. If a dilute or dilute carrier is bred to a dog without a "d" you will only get blacks and/or reds.
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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 red). A "BB" means a dog is dominant black and does not carry 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 but will never be a dilute. A "dd" means a dog is dilute.
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If a dilute or a dilute carrier has the genetic testing results, the conformation, the temperament and the overall health to benefit a breeding program and to help preserve the breed it shouldn't be excluded from being bred. These dogs have valuable potential to the gene pool and to the breed's future. If the DPCA accepts them as standard so should all responsible breeders. Good dogs are everywhere!
A Worthy Champion
Today's show world is slowly coming around to accepting dilutes. Many, many dilutes have won titles. They are a strong presence in the breed, though comprising only <20% of the whole population.
"The rarity of seeing these colors in the ring is due in part to the difficulties in keeping them in good coat. Barbara Russell, who sort of specialized in dilutes, specifically blues, had blue Dobermans that generally had good coats she states that was that even with good blue coats she had problems and keeping blues in show condition as far as coats went was a full time job.
There are definitely some judges who aren’t fond of the dilutes and a few that wouldn’t put one up under any circumstances. In the ’60s it was harder for reds to win than blacks…I think that is about where the dilute situation in the ring is now…it’s harder to win with a dilute but not impossible if the dog is a good specimen of a Doberman."
Today's show world is slowly coming around to accepting dilutes. Many, many dilutes have won titles. They are a strong presence in the breed, though comprising only <20% of the whole population.
"The rarity of seeing these colors in the ring is due in part to the difficulties in keeping them in good coat. Barbara Russell, who sort of specialized in dilutes, specifically blues, had blue Dobermans that generally had good coats she states that was that even with good blue coats she had problems and keeping blues in show condition as far as coats went was a full time job.
There are definitely some judges who aren’t fond of the dilutes and a few that wouldn’t put one up under any circumstances. In the ’60s it was harder for reds to win than blacks…I think that is about where the dilute situation in the ring is now…it’s harder to win with a dilute but not impossible if the dog is a good specimen of a Doberman."
NOTE: All pictures of dilute champions; I do not own. They are for reference only.
Coat Dilution Alopecia "Blue Doberman Syndrome"
The largest issue that dilutes can have is a form of permanent hair loss called Coat Dilution Alopecia (aka CDA, and sometimes called The Blue Doberman Syndrome or Blue Dog Syndrome). The Doberman Diversity Project is currently studying the cause of CDA, besides it's D lotus connection (https://www.dobermandiversityproject.org/report-cda-status.html). CDA is a hereditary condition found in many breeds, but seems to plague the blue Doberman more so. Studies are limited, but a few studies have been done on the subject: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-3164.1990.tb00089.x, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24422037_Color_dilution_alopecia_in_a_blue_Doberman_pinscher_crossbreed, https://dpca.org/breeded/color-dilution-alopecia/.
The largest issue that dilutes can have is a form of permanent hair loss called Coat Dilution Alopecia (aka CDA, and sometimes called The Blue Doberman Syndrome or Blue Dog Syndrome). The Doberman Diversity Project is currently studying the cause of CDA, besides it's D lotus connection (https://www.dobermandiversityproject.org/report-cda-status.html). CDA is a hereditary condition found in many breeds, but seems to plague the blue Doberman more so. Studies are limited, but a few studies have been done on the subject: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-3164.1990.tb00089.x, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/24422037_Color_dilution_alopecia_in_a_blue_Doberman_pinscher_crossbreed, https://dpca.org/breeded/color-dilution-alopecia/.
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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 other types of alopecia, but due to other mechanisms at play. Not every dilute will develop CDA. CDA often comes on gradually by the time the dog is 6 months to 3 yrs old. 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. |
https://dogdiscoveries.com/dog-hackles/
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| dilute_doberman.pdf |
A Gene Test?: YES - There are ongoing studies to the cause of CDA showing MLPH (dl) may be causative for CDA. This is still far from proven but inital research is promising. The change is found as dl on the MLPH gene and is a third allele on the D locus. It is autosomal recessive. A dog with dd is considered normal/clear of CDA risk, a dog with ddl is considered a carrier or mildly affected by CDA, and a dog with dldl is considered affected or high risk for CDA. A dark/standard coat color Ddl would be a CDA carrier.
study details and info: https://vitomalia.com/en-us/blogs/news/hundegesundheit-dilute-gen-color-dilution-alopecia-cda-beim-hund-blue-line
UC Davis gene test: testing for d1, d2 and d3 (dl) - https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/dilute-dog
study details and info: https://vitomalia.com/en-us/blogs/news/hundegesundheit-dilute-gen-color-dilution-alopecia-cda-beim-hund-blue-line
UC Davis gene test: testing for d1, d2 and d3 (dl) - https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/dilute-dog
What About Whites?
The white Doberman is NOT a dilute nor is in the same genetic category. The gene responsible for the "white"/"cream" Doberman is SLC45A2 gene, which causes a recessive form of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) . It is a deletion gene; it's missing genetic material on the chromosomes. One gene deletion is a carrier status and is not affected for OCA. Two gene deletions is positive for OCA. The D lotus is not a a deletion. Dilutes still express full coat color. SLC45A2 deletes a section of the gene and "deletes" the coding for the melanin/pigment turning the dog a variety from a diluted, dusty white to a bright snowy white. Another major difference between whites and dilutes is whites have characteristic structural and autoimmune abnormalities associated with their genetic condition, dilutes do not. Dilutes can develop a benign skin condition called Coat Dilution Alopecia, but alopecia disorders are a common occurrence in canines and not limited strictly to dilute dogs. CDA is solely due to the structure of the dilute hair follicle but the dog is left otherwise healthy and happy with a normal lifespan and quality of life. There are many abnormalities seen in the white Dobermans, the most striking is their eyes; "significant iridal stromal thinning", "mean intraocular pressure values were 14.0±3.4 mmHg", "photophobia outdoors in full sunlight", "Occasionally iridociliary cysts (4/20 vs 0/20) and incipient cortical cataracts (4/20 vs 1/20)", and other notable difference in white Dobermans was "careful examination of the skin revealed a significantly increased prevalence of tumors (12/20 vs 1/20)". The white Dobermans are genetic fault and the sole result of poor breeding practices. Dilutes are a naturally occurring color variation of a color-expressing coat without any poor quality of life side-effects.
Educational Links:
https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Health-Problems-in-Blue-Dobermans
https://www.animalgenetics.us/canine/canine-color/DLocus.asp
https://www.animaldermatology.com/newsletter/429/Derm-Digest-august-2010
https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2156-6-34
https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2156-6-34/figures/4
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352017000601503
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0092127
https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Health-Problems-in-Blue-Dobermans
https://www.animalgenetics.us/canine/canine-color/DLocus.asp
https://www.animaldermatology.com/newsletter/429/Derm-Digest-august-2010
https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2156-6-34
https://bmcgenet.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2156-6-34/figures/4
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-09352017000601503
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0092127