The White/Albino Doberman

The first albino Doberman was born in 1976 and since, there has been a lot of debate over these animals. With these debates a lot of wrong information and myths have been put out there about them.

The albino Doberman is believed to not really be albino at all. Their fur is a pale tan or a cream color and only the normally “rust colored” parts are white. Their eyes are also not red or pink but blue. Due to the color of their fur and their eyes, many have said they are not actually albino.

Another strange but popular myth is that albino animals are unable to reproduce. However, the opposite is true. Albino Dobermans, and any other albino animals for that matter, are very much able to reproduce just as good as “normal” animals can.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) warns that Dobermans with blue eyes, pink skin, nose and pads, are “ALBINO’S” and should not be breed, and the trait not be proliferated or propagated. Albino is a “Deleterious Genetic Mutation” and carries with it many traits that are harmful and not conducive to proper Doberman temperament and health.

It is important to note, that there is no dog breed in which albinism is considered to be desirable. As a result of this, some breeders often euthanize albino/white pups. A more common approach is of course spading and neutering.

Albinism can also affect the health of the animals. There may be defects of organs such as the kidneys and it may also affect clotting ability along with affecting the immune system and liver, among a host of other potential health issues.

Albino Dobermans do not have as long of a lifespan as normal Dobermans. The White Doberman Club (WDC) has started a Longevity Program comparable to that run by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA). Though, the WDC has chosen to honor Longevity Certificates to any dog who reaches seven years of age, the DPCA awards its certificates to dogs reaching tens years or older.