Doberman Pinscher Doberman Pinscher is a very popular dog breed, renowned specifically for their short coat of black and tan. However, the coat can be be found in tan and red however, a white Doberman isn’t something that many of us have seen.
If we do see the White Doberman it’s due to albinism, which is a disorder that is caused by a deficiency the production of melanin. Because melanin is responsible for the color of a dog’s eye, nose and even hair. The dog’s appearance won’t be the expected color when they are born. Although their hair is white, it’s not common for their eyes to have colored differently.
Why do there exist white Dobermans?
In other breeds, white is acknowledged coat color. It’s due to genetics which results in certain gene sequences leading to specific colors. But it is the case that the Doberman Pinscher is not a breed that has genes that show the white coat color except if they carry the gene that causes albinism. It is the same for any other breed of dog. It is a recessive, inherited disorder that means both parents have to be carriers of the gene that causes albinism for it to manifest.
In particular, the reason for dog albinism is an issue with the metabolic pathway that converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin through the enzyme tyrosinase, which is disrupted. Beyond an appearance of physical, no differences between an albino Doberman Pincher’s features. We’ll show you the kind of needs to be taken care of below.
Are all Dobermans white albinos?
Yes. The answer is yes, as Doberman Pinschers don’t have the genes that allow their owners to have white dogs with no albinism. Unfortunately, regardless of albinism, the white Doberman Pinschers are not accepted in dog shows because they do not conform to the standard for the breed. If you own white dogs of a different breed and believe they might be albino check out our article, which asks what is the likelihood that my dog is to be considered an albino?
The Doberman Pinscher albino’s characteristics
In spite of the differences in color regardless of the color difference, regardless of the color difference, Albino Doberman has identical physical characteristics to the traditional Dobermann. These are the following characteristics:
- Large size: weighs 30-40kg (88-110 pounds) and height of 60-70cm (23.6-27.5″) when measured at the withers.
- Stylized Morphology
- Harmonious proportions: nearly equal to how long you are, rear and front legs articulated at an equal angle the chest depth is related to the length of limbs
- Ears that are pointed
- Fine tail
- Short shiny hair
- Albino Doberman pinscher eyes and nose are not pigmented which makes eyes appear transparent blue, while the nose appears pink
In terms of temperament, Doberman Pinschers are temperamentally suited. Doberman Pinscher has a very strong personality. They are highly intelligent robust, tough and resolute. They are known for being dangerous dogs however this only happens in the event of mistreatment. This is why they require skilled and experienced dog owners with the patience and experience to teach and train them appropriately. If this is the case, with good socialization, they will be great companions.
Albino Doberman Pinscher care
In general, the fundamental care for albino Doberman is comparable to the care for any other kind or Doberman breed that doesn’t have this particular genetic characteristic. The general guidelines for care comprise:
- Maintaining a good oral and dental hygiene is essential to avoid ear diseases and dental issues like Otitis or gum disease as well as.
- Deworming routinely to avoid parasite-related diseases.
- Vaccination to avoid the major canine-related infectious diseases.
- Bathing and brushing as needed.
- Regular checkups with the vet for health monitoring.
- A healthy, balanced diet that assures that they receive all of their essential nutrients at the right levels.
Care for the skin of albino Doberman pinschers
One particular requirement for Dobermans with albino markings, just like any albino dog requires special attention to their skin. Because of the absence in melanin-based pigmentation, the white Dobermans are at higher risk of developing skin cancers like melanomas. The reason is that the skin pigmented with pigment creates a shield against sun’s UV radiation. Without it, they’re vulnerable to skin cancers in dogs.
Albino Doberman pinschers also experience eyestrain because of the absence of color inside their eyes. In these situations it is possible to wear special sunglasses designed that are specifically designed for albino dogs in order to block the majority of sunlight. These are typically only required when in direct sunlight.
In general, in order to decrease the possibility of skin problems in albino Dobermans, we need to adopt some of the steps:
- Do not go outside in the peak hours of sunshine, i.e. 12 pm to 5 pm during the summer. It is recommended to go for walks in the morning or at the dusk.
- Avoid exposure to the sun for prolonged durations. To avoid this, place them shaded when they can.
- Apply a sunscreen to protect the skin from radiation.
- Make sure you use a specific shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin when bathing.
Albino Doberman Pinscher Health Problems
While the lifespan that one who is an Albino Doberman ranges between 10 and 13 years old, however, they are at higher risk of certain illnesses that could reduce the lifespan of this group. Alongside skin cancer, Albino Dobermans are more susceptible to:
- Von Willebrand disease is a blood clotting disorder due to a hereditary deficiency of the von Willebrand factor vital for the function of platelets. White Dobermans suffering from this disorder tend to be extremely bleeding after operations or injuries. They also suffer from regular bleeding from the gums, the nose, or the digestive tract. We can observe when we have blood in their stool.
- Wobbler’s syndrome It is a typical disease of the breed where the spinal cord is compressed. This is caused by an inadvertent malformation of the spinal canal, or an instability of vertebrae in the neck region. In the end, Dobermans with albino dobermans who are affected suffer stiff necks and wobble while walking. They could even be disabled if the condition progresses.
- Gastric twist as a large breed of dog with a chest that is deep they are more susceptible to consuming too fast and eating too much food. This could cause digestive tract becoming twisted, which can cause obstruction and preventing movement. The caudal vena cava may be strangled, which means blood can’t properly flow back into the heart. The heart’s pressure is reduced and the dog is in shock, and can become fatal if it is not addressed immediately.
- Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of the retina, in which the photoreceptors (rods as well as cones) are eliminated. Dogs begin to suffer from night blindness that when the issue gets worse and becomes more severe, can lead to total blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: Endocrine disorders occur in the event of a decrease in thyroid hormones T3 as well as T4. They are involved in many aspects of the body, and are required for all cell to process. This implies that the heart and the other systems are not functioning properly which causes a myriad of symptoms for affected Dobermans. Read our article to learn about the symptoms of hypothyroidism among dogs..
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition in the cardiac muscle, in which it weakens and becomes extended. The ventricles contract and the heart becomes unable to pump blood into the body. This could result in heart failure.
- Narcolepsy A sleeping illness where dogs suffering from it experience an extreme amount of drowsiness or sudden bouts of rest at any time during the day.