Do Dobermans Come in Different Colors?
Dobermans are very beautiful dogs but when people think of them, they only think of one kind of coat pattern.
Most people can think of the black and brown coat color pattern, but many different breeds of dogs come in many different patterns.
Do Dobermans Come in Different Colors?
Dobermans come in different color patterns. There are 9 known colors of Dobermans, but there are only 4 common colors. Some different color patterns come with different health problems, so it is important that the breeder you get your Doberman from is reputable.
Again, there are 9 different colors that a Doberman can be. Some of these colors are a combination of different colors.
The Different Colors That Dobermans Can Be Are:
- Black and rust (or black and brown, the most commonly thought of color)
- Red and rust
- Fawn or Isabella
- Blue
- White
- Albino
- Pure black
- Blue and rust
- Fawn and rust
Many of these possibilities are combinations and a few of these colors are pretty rare.
You are most likely to find black and rust, red and rust, pure black, or a white Doberman before a blue or Isabella Doberman.
What Color is the Rarest Doberman?
The rarest color of Doberman is the albino Doberman.
This is due to the genetic mutation that has to occur in order for the Doberman to be albino.
While appearance-wise, they are very similar to white or crème Dobermans, albino Dobermans have specific markings and eye colors that let you know that they are albino.
Albino Dobermans have very pale eyes, eyelashes, and a pink tinge to their coat instead of a crème tinge.
This is all due to the absence of melanin that they have.
This genetic mutation comes with some complications such as strong sun sensitivity to both their eyes and their skin.
There also might be some neurological impacts that the albino mutation has on Dobermans.
With albinism, Dobermans can have untypical behavior than Dobermans without the mutation.
Albino Dobermans aren’t officially classified as a type of Doberman color pattern because it is a genetic condition that does negatively impact the dog’s health.
Breeders don’t try to breed albino Dobermans due to the health impacts that the mutation has leading to this type of breed being rare.
Are Blue Dobermans Very Rare?
Blue Dobermans are rarer than the average black and rust Doberman, but they aren’t as rare as many might think.
The blue hue of these dogs’ coats comes from being a diluted shade of black.
In coats, the color black comes from a really dark shade of blue.
When a coat isn’t as dark, the coat can look lighter with a blue-gray hue.
How this happens is that there is a gene in these dogs that inhibits the pigmentation gene from fully working.
This creates less pigmentation which makes the seemingly black fur diluted and look blue.
There are two types of blue coats that a Doberman can have.
Solid blue Dobermans are the rarer type and therefore aren’t classified as an official Doberman color.
However, blue and rust (or blue with tan markings) are slightly more common, and they are classified as official color patterns.
What Doberman Colors Come with Health Problems?
There are some colors of Doberman that are controversial because of the health problems that they come with.
We’ve already discussed the health implications of the albino Doberman, but that isn’t the only kind of Doberman that shows health problems.
The Fawn or Isabella Doberman
While fawn Dobermans are beautiful with their beige coats that have a slight lilac tinge, they face a lot of health issues.
These dogs get their color patterns due to the gene that gives Dobermans their reddish color not working.
The gene Melanophilin is responsible for the dilution of the red gene.
The Dobermans that become fawn Dobermans were supposed to be red.
However, the red genes are completely diluted, and they look beige or lilac instead.
Fawn Doberman has a 75% chance of developing color dilution alopecia. This is a genetic condition that causes the fur on dogs to thin and bald.
In some cases, the impact of color dilution alopecia can cause itchy and flakey skin.
Severe cases can cause Dobermans to lose all of their fur by the time they are 3 years old.
Due to their light colors, they can also experience some light sensitivity.
Blue Dobermans
Once again, the colors of Dobermans that are caused by genetic mutations are more likely to experience health complications throughout their life.
Blue Dobermans are also very likely to develop color dilution alopecia.
The rate of blue Dobermans suffering from this condition is higher than fawn Dobermans at 93%.
They can also face health issues from breeding complications.
When breeders irresponsibly try to breed colors that are known for health issues and have little genetic variation, this causes health complications from repeated inbreeding.
Blue Dobermans can have more aggressive personalities with poor temperaments.
Finding a good breeder who can navigate around the common health issues that these Dobermans face is important if you are set on having a rare color dog.
White Doberman
While albino Doberman get their lack of color from their own genetic mutation, white Doberman get their lack of color from leucism.
This causes a partial loss of pigmentation, which makes some people call white Doberman partially albino.
One big difference in the physical features of white and albino Dobermans is that white Doberman still have bright blue eyes while albino Dobermans have very pale pink eyes.
Since white Doberman aren’t at a complete loss of pigmentation, they still have pigment in their eyes.
White Dobermans are known to be more aggressive than normal colored Dobermans.
They also face a variety of skin and eye problems due to the partial lack of pigmentation they face.
White Dobermans are sensitive to the light, and this can cause frustration and aggression.
This light sensitivity causes poor eyesight in white Dobermans.
Pure Black Dobermans
While this kind of Doberman doesn’t have any specific health issues, they are in this section due to their coats causing them danger at night.
The pure black coats that these Doberman have makes them great at night hunting because they turn almost invisible.
However, this invisibility is very dangerous if you take your Doberman out on night walks.
Pure black Dobermans are the most likely to get hit by a car because the drivers can’t see them in the dark.
Have your black Doberman wear a light-up color, harness, or vest to make them more visible at night.
What is the History of Dobermans?
Many dogs have their origins being hunting dogs or working dogs.
This is not the case for Dobermans.
These dogs were first bred in order to keep tax collectors safe back when collectors went door to door.
The first Dobermans were bred in order to look tough and aggressive so that no one would think of attacking a tax collector.
The Doberman name came from the creator Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann who was the first person to breed the first Doberman.
Over time, the need for tax collectors diminished as other tax methods became popular.
In response, Dobermans became general guard dogs and watchdogs for different purposes.
Their tough and aggressive behavior makes them good protects and therefore good guard dogs.
Dobermans are still used as guard dogs today, but there are many families who have a Doberman as a kind and loving pet.
They also began being used in dog shows in 1897 where they became very popular very quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Doberman breed has a very rich history filled with strength and dogs shows.
While not every color is recognized, Doberman comes in 9 different colors.
A variety of these colors come from different gene mutations such as a complete lack of pigmentation or a specific color gene losing pigmentation.
Many of these colors face a variety of health issues, most of them involving their eyesight and their skin health.
Some of these health complications are worse than others, but these complications have made some of the kinds of Doberman controversial.
Even though there are health problems, each color of Doberman is beautiful in its own way and should be loved and appreciated all the same.
Some of these colors are very rare and therefore are more expensive to buy, but some owners strive to have the most striking dogs.
It is important to learn how to properly take care of your Doberman and any health issues it may face.
Especially if you get a rarer type of Doberman, be prepared to take proper care and have regular vet treatments in order to keep your dog happy and healthy.
With proper care, each Doberman can have a kind and loving home.
Keep in mind that some of these Dobermans can be more aggressive and aren’t suited for family life, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t still make great pets.
