Albino Dobermans are originally bred as guard dogs. The term Albino doesn’t refer to the white coloration in a dog’s coat but the albinism that is responsible. An Albino Doberman has less genes that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for the hair color and skin. Albino Dobermans bear an entirely white coat and pink eyes since they lack pigmentation. They are prone to several health issues due to adverse mutations, and are more reserved than their colored cousins. Also, these dogs are harder to train with their average intelligence.
Table of Contents
Albino Doberman Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Family-friendly
Prone to several health issues
Loyal
High grooming needs
Albino Doberman Basic Information
Name: Albino Doberman
Height: Male – 26 to 28 inches, female – 24 to 26 inches.
Weight: Male – 75 to 100 pounds and female – 60 to 90 pounds.
Albino Dobermans are compactly built muscular dogs with pale white skin and a pinkish tint. They suffer from the genetic mutation known as tyrosinase-negative. As a result, they lack the pigments that give color to the canines. There is a common notion that the defect results from a recessive gene that an Albino Doberman inherited from its parent. This is why some Albinos are predisposed to health conditions like deafness.
Albino doesn’t relate to the white color in a canine’s coat but to puppies suffering from albinism. Following are his physical features:
Head: They bear a blunt-shaped head that widens towards ears resembling white Dobermans.
Eyes: Albino Dobermans have pink-colored blood vessels that make their eyes look pink. This is an appropriate sign that they aren’t White Dobermans.
Ears: Their ears are often cropped erect, just like other Dobermans.
Neck: Their neck is muscular.
Body: They bear a compact, powerful, muscular physique with a fine tail.
Chest: They bear a broad chest with a well-carved fore chest.
Coat: Their coat is smooth, short, white, with a pink tinge.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium
Pet-friendly
Low
Stranger -friendly
Low
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
Medium
Good to new owners
Medium
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold-tolerance
Low
Heat-tolerance
Low
Albino Doberman Temperament
Generally, Albino Dobermans would not bear a well-balanced disposition. Unlike their other color counterparts, they will need the training to be well-mannered dogs. However, one can not expect high success rates. So many breeders suggest choosing standard colored puppies over Albinos since they are much easier to train and maintain.
Albino Doberman Training
Albino Dobermans are intelligent. They would always be eager to please their owners. Thus it makes it easy to train with reward-based training, and consistency is the key to training these dogs. You can also seek professional help to train your dog to be a well-mannered dog in the eyes of society.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
High
Intelligence
High
Mouthiness tendencies
High
Barking and Howling tendencies
Low
Prey drive
High
Wanderlust tendencies
Low
Albino Doberman Exercise Needs
Albino Doberman is bigger than other breeds and will require an agile owner who can match their energy and exercise needs. You can provide him with reward-based training, crate training, and a brisk routine walk. However, the owner should be wary of the protective nature as it can sniff out any danger on its way.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium
Exercise needs
Medium
Intensity
Medium
Playfulness
High
Albino Doberman Grooming
Your Albino Doberman’s grooming needs are the same as his Doberman cousins. The grooming requirements include:
Regular deworming is required to avoid parasitic illness
Vaccination to prevent canine infectious diseases
Brushing their coats and bathing them when required.
In general, to prevent the risk of skin issues in Albinos, we should take some precautions as instructed:
Avoid taking them outside during excessive sunlight: 12 to 5 pm during summers. Either take your Albino Dobermans during dawn or dusk.
Always keep them in the shade wherever possible.
Apply sunscreen that protects them from radiation.
Use a shampoo that is gentle on their skin while bathing.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
High
Drooling tendency
Medium
Amount of shedding
Medium
Albino Doberman Health
Albino Dobermans live up to 10 – 13 years. However, we cannot predict the exact life span of these Doberman varieties. Albino Dobermans are susceptible to certain diseases and health problems listed below.
Health Overview
Overall health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium
Size
High
Von Willebrand’s Disease: The most prevalent hereditary bleeding problem in dogs is Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD). It’s caused by a lack of a specific protein that helps platelets (blood cells that aid with clotting) adhere together and form clots to close damaged blood arteries. Von Willebrand factor is the name of the missing protein (VWF).
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Many eye infections involve the retina’s slow deterioration. In the initial phases, puppies become night-blind. As it progresses, they lose their eyesight during the daytime as well. However, most canines slowly adapt to their slight or complete sight loss as long as their home surroundings remain the same.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, a life-threatening disease that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Dobermans, especially if fed one large meal a day, eat fast, drink large volumes of water after dinner, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is swollen due to pressure with gas or air and then twists. The dog cannot vomit to get rid of the excessive air in their stomach, and the average remit of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure falls, and the dog goes into shock. Without prompt medical attention, the dog can expire. Suspect bloat if your dog has a swollen abdomen, is drooling excessively, and is retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, lethargic, depressed, and weak with a rapid heart rate. It’s crucial to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Hypothyroidism: This disease affects thyroid glands. Symptoms include seizure, obesity, lethargy, hair loss, and dark patches on the skin. Changes in diet and medications can be helpful.
Wobblers Syndrome is a hereditary disorder and causes spinal cord compression or malformation in the spinal canal. Symptoms include neck pain and paralysis of the Legs.
Cardiomyopathy: The muscles in the heart become weak and thin. Symptoms include widening of the heart chambers, an abnormally large heart, and heart failure. This condition can be treated by fluid therapy, supply of oxygen, and medications.
Narcolepsy: This neurological disorder affects the brain’s regulation of wake-sleep patterns. A dog with narcolepsy may suddenly feel sleepy and fall asleep. Research is underway to find a suitable treatment.
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects most Dobermans. Albinos become sensitive to sunlight and lack melanin pigment. The common signs of this condition are extreme scratching, loss of hair, and dry patches. You can control this by not exposing your Doberman to the sun’s rays for a longer time. You can also make them wear bodysuits, shirts, hats, etc. when you take them out for a walk. Symptoms include white with pink skin and nose, blue or light eyes. In extreme cases, it can cause cancer. Therefore, it is recommended and advisable not to breed Albino Dogs.
Photophobia: The clear irises of the Albino Doberman are sensitive to light. They do not have enough pigmentation required to screen the light entering their eyes, and therefore they can go blind if they are exposed to excessive brightness. Even minimum lighting affects their visual accuracy, depth perception, and binocular vision. You can make them wear goggles to protect their eyes from excess sunlight. It will also help them from retinal damage.
Sunburn: Albino Dobermans are prone to sunburn if exposed to the sun for an extended time. One of the typical signs of this skin condition is the excessive, unusual pinkish tint on their coat. Therefore, making them wear clothes and applying sunscreen is vital.
Skin Cancer: Albino Dobermans are highly susceptible to skin cancer or melanoma. This can be a serious concern since it can spread to your canine’s other organs.
Tumors are more prevalent in Albino Dobermans. The usual kinds that affect your canines are mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment depends on the tumor’s location and type that affects your canine’s body.
Deafness: It is a hereditary defect and is associated with their coat color. There is no cure for this congenital illness. Thus, most Albinos remain deaf for the rest of their lives.
Neurological Issues: Albino Dobermans are melanin deficient. Their brain function also gets affected due to lack of specific receptors.
Albino Doberman Diet and Nutrition
Your Albino Doberman needs quality dog food that provides all the nutrients required to keep him healthy and hearty. To keep their skin healthy, you can also include some supplements rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.
Adding an Albino Doberman to Your Family
Albino Doberman Living Condition
Albino Doberman is prone to many health issues. So, it is necessary to always go for regular veterinary checkups. In addition, they can not tolerate hot weather conditions. Hence, do not leave them alone in the lawn for an extended time.
Things to Remember Before Adding An Albino Doberman to Your Family
It is always better to buy Albino Dobermans from reputable breeders who conduct health tests. Thus the pet parents will get to know which disease your pup may carry.
Many standard color Dobermans suffer from skin issues due to color dilution alopecia. This implies that sensitive skin is not limited to White or Albino Dobermans.
Since The Canine Registry Foundation has registered many Albino Dobermans, they may not suffer congenital eye issues. However, they do not address the areas of the eyes affected by a gene mutation.
Reports say that these dogs are susceptible to several health conditions.
Only devoted pet parents can care for these dogs as it requires a great effort to take care of them appropriately. You will have to spend more: both money and time.
The cost of an Albino Doberman Puppy is $800 – $2500
