Is that a doberman?

All the colors of a doberman

Did you know that there are multiple standard colors for the doberman breed? The most common doberman you see are the Black & Rust and the Red & Rust. However the AKC also recognizes other colors including Blue & Rust and Fawn (Isabella) & Rust.

You will note that the White doberman, otherwise known as the Albino doberman, and the Black doberman, or the melanistic doberman, are NOT colors recognized by the AKC. But that doesn't matter right? You're not planning on showing them in the ring. Unfortunately, please be cautious buying these dogs as they are often being sold as "rare" for their colors and the breeders are not practicing ethical breeding.

Fawn (Isabella) & Rust Doberman

Blue & Rust Doberman

Red & Rust Doberman

Black & Rust Doberman

Dogs you should avoid buying

Albino Doberman

In 1976, an albino puppy was produced from two black and rust dobermans due to a genetic mutation. The AKC registered the dog and allowed the "white" color to be considered a breed standard. As a result, the owner started breeding the female albino doberman, also known as Padula's Queen Sheba, in order to produce more albino puppies. She produced two albino puppies and was then bred to her own albino son. The albino dogs you see are all directly descended from Sheba and they suffer from genetic problems and significant health issues like skin cancer, light sensitivity, and terrible eyesight. Breeders should absolutely not be breeding these dogs. Please do not buy an albino doberman from backyard breeders and please spay/neuter your albino doberman if you have one.

Melanistic Doberman

The all black doberman does not have any rust markings, and this is also due to a genetic mutation. There is not enough information or research done on these dogs, but because there are not many of them, they have a higher chance of being inbred. If you buy a melanistic doberman, know that the breeder is not an ethical breeder as they are breeding dogs strictly for color. They might be breeding dogs with an unstable temperament, most likely inbred, and therefore might have more health issues than the average doberman. In addition, the dog might not be purebred as it could be mixed with another large black dog to achieve the look and the puppy is being passed off as 100% purebred.

Rescuing an Albino or Melanistic Doberman

If there are albinos or melanistic dobermans that you find in rescues or shelters, do not write them off solely because of their color! Assess their temperament first, see if their personalities will match well with your current family environment. They may be a better fit with your family than a different doberman in the color you prefer. Just understand that because of their genetics, there may be some additional factors to consider. All rescue animals deserve a second chance at finding a furever home.