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.
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
