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Blue Doberman – Everything You Need to Know

A Blue Doberman comes in an appealing grayish tint demanding pet parents’ attention. However, the coat color isn’t blue but the dilution of black coat color. The Blue Doberman coat results from a gene that hinders full pigmentation and causes dilution. Thus these dogs appear blue with rust markings instead of black. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America states that color dilution is but a recessive gene. Each Doberman bears a pair of color genes (black – B or red – b) with a couple of dilution factors genes (dd). When a black Doberman with BB or Bb has both dilution genes present(dd), it has a blue coat color.

Although the blue coat was considered an undesirable gene mutation, they are entirely accepted these days. Many blue and fawn Dobermans are registered and are seen in the show ring. Their coat has a light black shade, giving them a blue-grayish appearance. Thanks to their distinctive appearance, they catch the attention of many dog lovers, including those who are not a dog person. Unfortunately, Blue Dobermans are greatly predisposed to Color Dilution Alopecia. The frequency of this condition is 93% in Blue Dobermans. All major kennel clubs recognize this unique colored dog. Although they are fierce, they are the epitome of athleticism, friendship, and loyalty. So why should you wait? Go ahead and buy this adorable bundle of joy.

Blue Doberman Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Loyal and protectiveHigh exercise needs
Best family dogsDestructive when bored or left alone
Alert and obedientNot preferable for first-time pet parents

Blue Doberman Basic Information 

  • Name: Blue Doberman
  • Height: 24 – 28 inches 
  • Weight: 60 – 100 pounds
  • Coat: Short
  • Color: Blue
  • Energy: Medium
  • Activities: Agility, herding, conformation, obedience, rally, tracking
  • Group: Herding
  • Barking Level: Low
  • Shedding Level: Low
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Litter Size: 6 – 8 puppies
  • Life Span: 10 to 13 years
  • Other Names: Blue Doby, Doberman Pinschers, Dobies
  • Breed Recognition: American Kennel Club (AKC)

Doberman Vs. Blue Doberman – A Comparison

Features Doberman Pinscher  Blue Doberman 
Image 

 
Origin Germany  Germany
Height 22 to 26 inches  24 to 28 inches
Weight 50 to 90 pounds  60 to 100 pounds
Size Large  Large
Group Herding  Herding
Children CompatibilityHighHigh
Family CompatibilityHigh  High  
Pets Compatibility Low  Low  
Barking Level LowLow
Shedding Level LowLow
Hypoallergenic No  No  
Grooming Needs Low  Low  
Overall Health Medium to High  Medium to High  
Energy Medium  Medium  
Exercise Needs High  High  
Trainability High  High  
Activities Agility, Herding, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Tracking   Agility, Herding, Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Tracking   
Complication in breeding No  No
Litter Size 6 to 8 puppies  6 to 8 puppies
Lifespan 9 to 13 years  10 to 12 years 
Other Names Alsatian, Deutscher Schaeferhund  Blue Doby, Doberman Pinschers, Dobies

Blue Doberman Personality

A blue Doberman is a medium-sized purebred dog weighing between 60 and 100 pounds and standing from 24 to 28 inches tall. Their majestic, sturdy appearance makes them versatile for many physical activities.

Blue Doberman’s features are similar to their other colored cousins. They have blunt wedge-shaped heads, brown eyes, cropped ears, docked tails, and athletic bodies. Blue Dobermans have a coat with light markings above each eye on their long faces, muzzles, chest, legs, feet, and below their tails. In addition, their coats are short, dense, shiny, and sleek.

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

Blue Doberman Temperament

The temperament is identical in all the Dobermans, irrespective of their coat colors. So, you find Blue Dobermans that are obedient, loyal, agile, active, and safeguarding. A well-socialized Blue Doberman can gel with other animals and kids. However, their appearances are pretty deceptive. Though they give a fierce look, they are sweet and loving dogs. You can teach them some simple commands that are not recommended for first-time owners.

Blue Doberman Training

Blue Dobermans are very intelligent dog breeds that are easy to train. Do not punish them, for it may not work for this breed. Positive enforcements and appraisals can work well for Blue Dobermans. Since they are people pleasers, they obey your commands to score appraisals from you. They are adaptable to apartment living, provided they are taken for daily walks. A house with a fenced yard is the best place for these canines to exert their excess energy. Early leash training is highly recommended, along with basic crate and potty training. They make an appropriate guard dog for police, the military, and search and rescue services.

Trainability Overview  

Easy to train High
Intelligence High
Mouthiness tendencies High
Barking and Howling tendencies Low
Prey drive High
Wanderlust tendencies Low 

Blue Doberman Exercise Needs

The Blue Doberman is more prominent than other breeds and will require an agile owner who can match their energy and exercise needs. Blue Dobermans require lots of exercises to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. You will find your Blue Doberman’s energy dropping when your dog develops Color Dilution Alopecia or Blue Doberman Syndrome. 

Exercise Needs Overview

Energy level Medium
Exercise needs Medium
Intensity Medium
Playfulness High

Blue Doberman Grooming

Since Blue Dobermans are short-haired, they shed moderately. They don’t require much maintenance for grooming and would only need brushing once a week. They are not hypoallergenic. Pet parents must brush their Dobbie’s teeth, trim their nails, check their ears and eyes for dirt build-up and clean them.

Grooming Overview

Easy to groom High
Drooling tendency Medium
Amount of shedding Medium 

Blue Doberman Health

Generally, these canines live up to 10 – 12 years. However, we cannot predict the exact life span of these Doberman varieties. In addition, Blue 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: This disease is inherited 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.

Blue Doberman syndrome: Blue Doberman syndrome, also known as Color Mutant Alopecia, Color Dilution Alopecia, or Blue Balding Syndrome, is a hereditary skin disorder affecting hair follicles, leading to hair loss and skin infections. It is caused by the abnormal distribution of melatonin in the dog’s hair shafts. This syndrome is common in many other breeds with dilute coat colors.

Symptoms begin to appear between 4 months and 3 years, showing marks on the dog’s back. Your pet’s skin becomes dry and scaly, resulting in hair loss. Canine acne may also occur. Preventive measures include:

  • Using Organic shampoos and ointments
  • Dehydrating the skin
  • Providing fatty acids and Vitamin A supplements
  • The vet may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Blue Doberman Diet and Nutrition

Blue Dobermans will require high-quality dog food that is easily digestible. Feed three to four cups of kibble every day. In addition to this, you can supplement your Blue Doberman with multivitamins containing fish oil and omega – 3 fatty acids to enhance their skin health. 

Blue Doberman Living Condition

  • Blue Dobermans may be destructive and mischievous if left alone. 
  • They require high exercise needs.
  • Blue Dobermans are physically and mentally strong, so they are not suitable for first-time owners.
  • The Blue Doberman should not be left alone with children or walked off the leash.

Adding a Blue Doberman to Your Family 

Things to Remember Before Adding a Blue Doberman to Your Family

The Blue coat is an accepted standard color by AKC only for the American variety of Dobermans. This is a non-standard color for the European Dobermans and is disqualified in some international dog shows.

The cost of a Blue Doberman puppy is $1500 to $2500

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