The albino Doberman is a breed of Doberman in which a genetic mutation called albinism has occurred. Specifically, what happens is the blockage of the metabolic pathway for melanin production, which means that these dogs have absence of pigmentation in their eyes, nose and skinThat's why they look like that, with a white coat, light eyes and a pink nose. They can commonly be referred to as "white Dobermans".
Continue reading this article on our site to learn everything about the Albino Doberman, characteristics and care, as well as the main he alth problems of the.
Why are there white Dobermans?
In Dobermans, as in other dog breeds, albinism is caused by genetic mutations that cause the absence or reduction of the pigment, called melanin, which gives color to the skin, eyes and hair. It is a recessive inherited disorder, which means that both parents need to carry the gene for albinism to occur.
Specifically, what happens is that in these individuals the metabolic pathway that transforms the amino acid tyrosine into melanin through the enzyme tyrosinase is interrupted. In any case, if we ignore the absence of color, which makes these Dobermans white and without pigment in the nose and eyes, these dogs have characteristics similar to those of non-albino Dobermans.
Are all white Dobermans albinos?
Yes. The answer to this question is affirmative, since, if it is not a consequence of albinism, light colored specimens are not born. In fact, the white coat of these dogs is not accepted in competitions or championships that require purity or pedigree.
Albino Doberman Characteristics
Regardless of the difference in color, the albino Doberman has the same physical characteristics as the standard Doberman. These features are as follows:
- Large size, with a weight between 30 and 40 kg and a height between 60 and 70 cm at the withers.
- Stylish Porte.
- Complex harmony, since the height is practically similar to the length of the body, the front and back limbs are articulated with equal angles and the depth of the chest matches the length of the limbs.
- Ears point up.
- Fine glue.
- Short shiny hair.
- In the case of the albino Doberman the eyes and nose lack pigment, being blue or light, while the nose is will appreciate pink.
Regarding temperament, keep in mind that, like any other Doberman breed, these dogs have a strong character, very forceful in the attack, resistant and intelligent For all these reasons, they require a keeper experienced in handling this type of animal. Well socialized and trained, they are fantastic life companions, very loyal and protective with their own.
Albino Doberman Care
In general, the basic care of the albino Doberman is similar to that of any other Doberman without this genetic characteristic. Thus, it is recommended:
- Maintaining good hygiene of teeth and ears to prevent ear diseases, such as otitis, and dental problems, such as periodontal disease or tartar.
- Routine deworming to prevent parasitic diseases.
- Vaccination to prevent the main canine infectious diseases.
- Brushing and Bathroom when needed.
- Routine checkups at the vet to monitor he alth.
- Feeding a Complete good quality diet that ensures you get all the nutrients at their proper levels.
White Doberman Skin Care
In addition to general care, albino Dobermans require some more special care than those without albinism, precisely due to this absence of pigment. Thus, the main risk that white Dobermans have is that of suffering from skin cancer, such as melanoma, as they do not present the protective barrier that pigmented skin and hair represent against the sun's ultraviolet rays.
They may also suffer eye discomfort when there is a lot of light due to their light eyes, and it may be necessary for us to get some special glasses to albino dogs to relieve a large percentage of solar radiation.
In general, to reduce the risk of skin problems in white Dobermans, we must take into account the following care:
- Avoid going outside during the hours of greatest radiation, which will be between 12 noon and 5 pm in summer. Therefore, it is best to walk it at dawn and dusk.
- Prevent your exposure to the sun for long periods of time. To do this keep it in the shade.
- Use a sun cream that protects you from radiation.
- Use a special shampoo for the bath for dogs with sensitive skin.
Albino Doberman He alth Problems
Although the life expectancy of a white Doberman is between 10 and 13 years of age, these specimens present, in addition to an increased risk of skin cancer, a predisposition to the following diseases:
- von Willebrand's disease: blood coagulation disease caused by an inherited deficiency of von Willebrand factor, essential for the functioning of the platelets. White Dobermans affected by this disease bleed excessively after injuries or operations and have bleeding from the nose, gums, or gastrointestinal tract.
- Wobbler's syndrome: is a disease characteristic of the breed in which there is compression of the spinal cord by a malformation of the spinal canal or an instability of the vertebrae of the cervical region. As a result, affected white Dobermans have neck pain and wobble when walking, which can lead to paralysis.
- Gastric dilatation-torsion: as a large, deep-chested breed, it tends to, after large meals, after exercising, etc.., your stomach dilates by filling with liquid, air or gas and twists, strangling itself and preventing the proper return of blood to the heart by compressing the caudal vena cava. This lowers cardiac pressure and the dog goes into shock and can die if not treated urgently.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: a disease characterized by the gradual degeneration of the retina in which photoreceptors (rods and cones) are gradually lost. Dogs initially suffer from night blindness which, as the problem progresses, becomes complete blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: endocrine disease in which there is a reduction in the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. These are involved in numerous functions of the body and are necessary for each of its cells, participating in metabolism, the heart and other systems, so a deficit causes a decrease in different functions, causing a multitude of clinical signs in affected Doberman Pinschers.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle in which it becomes weak and elongated, causing the ventricles to dilate and the heart cannot pump blood around the body, which can cause signs of heart failure.
- Narcolepsy: sleeping sickness in which affected dogs become extremely sleepy at any time or have sudden sleep attacks at any time of the day. day.
