The White Doberman or Albinistic
Doberman has a genetic fault that masks the pigment of our four normal colors.
It is a recessive gene which, when expressed, greatly reduces the number of
pigment granules (melanocytes) in hair, skin and
eyes, This gives the appearance of a light cream based
coat with dead white markings. they always have
translucent blue eyes with pink noses, eye rims and foot pads, They are TYROSINASE
POSITIVE ALBINOS.
Geneticists and examining veterinarians have determined that these dogs suffer
from a deleterious form of partial albinism. The greatly reduced pigment in
skin and eyes causes marked photosensitivity (squint or shut eyes in sunlight)
and increased risk of solar skin damage including cancer. PHOTOSENSITIVITY
IS A HANDICAP FOR A WORKING BREED.
The original purpose of our breed was that of a working sentry dog to accompany
their mates on their rounds at night. White is readily seen, thereby
destroying the element of surprise and imperiling the dog's ability to do it's work.
Breeders of disqualified Dobermans would like to lead the public to believe that their dogs are MIRACULOUSLY FREE OF HEALTH PROBLEMS. Nothing could be further from the truth! They in fact have more health problems than the standard Doberman. They have used the distant bloodlines of ethical breeders in a desperate attempt to improve the temperament, health, and conformation of their poor quality animals. The original animals were indiscriminately inbred to Shebah (the first AKC registered "white" Doberman in 1979) solely for her unique color.
AKC has agreed to implement a tracking system using a "Z"
in the registration number thus helping breeders and buyers identify
carriers of the albinistic trait. This information
helps to segregate the gene pools by aiding in the identification of puppies,
stud dogs and brood bitches that are free of the deleterious gene.
If you are considering the purchase of a Doberman study the Blue
Registration Slip. Look at the
registration number. Look for a
"Z" identifying puppies that could potentially produce a litter
containing "WHITE."
As per AKC there will be a lag time of about 8 YEARS during which time
the affected puppies will be identified.
Courtesy DOBERMAN
PINSCHER CLUB OF
Courtesy
Check out what
people who have studied the White say. Be educated on the subject before purchase
any Doberman. Click here for more facts
about the White Doberman
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Copyright 1997 Jennie Wolfe. All rights reserved.