ALERT !!! The FDA and AKC are now issuing warnings: Commercial/store bought "Grain Free" diets are highly suspect in causing MANY dog breeds and mixes to have an increase of heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and taurine deficiency- even in breeds that have never reported such heart failure before!! The modern processing of the potatoes and legumes used to replace grains may be the problem. There have been no reports of homemade raw and cooked grain free diets causing heart problems.
I give my dogs a raw chicken liver (taurine source) and a sardine canned in tomato sauce without spices (anti inflammatory, heart healthy food) every day.
To Learn More:
A number of laboratories offer genetic testing. You can find them listed on the OFA website (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). The OFA website also has a list of dogs whose results have been submitted for public display. You can also find statistics for how many of those results were normal or abnormal. The CHIC website (Canine Health Information Center) has a list of the diseases that the DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) has recommended for testing. There are some more Doberman breed websites that also have information about current Doberman issues. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for health testing results.
Please see the sample contract on the Doberman Puppies Now page for available health guarantees.
Genetic Testing:
Testing results are usually listed as:
Clear- completely clear of the problem genes. This dog does not have any of the genes that can cause the disease. This dog can not pass any of the genes to any offspring. But this does not mean the dog can suffer the same symptoms from a different cause! Heartworms can cause heart failure! Anyone can bleed to death if the wrong artery is cut!
Carrier- this dog carries some disease gene(s) that it's offspring may or may not inherit. This dog should not suffer the disease itself and this amount of genetic material should not cause any serious symptoms or suffering to this dog.
Understanding Carrier Genetics - Think of people with brown and blue eyes: If you have brown eyes but carry the gene for blue eyes you will never suffer from blue eye issues (like their sensitivity to bright lights), you will never develop blue eyes, your blue eye gene will never cause any symptoms what so ever. But your children might inherit the blue eye gene from you. You won't even know if you have the blue eye gene unless: you examine your pedigree, test for the gene, or examine your children or some combination there of.
Affected- this dog has enough genes to possibly be affected and might suffer the symptoms of the disease . It has inherited genes from both of its parents. With Doberman genetic disease test results Affected means that the Doberman might develop the disease. With some Collie gene tests Affected means the dog might develop symptoms or the disease. With some other Collie gene tests Affected means the dog will definitely develop the disease.
My Opinion of Genetic Testing:
It is a wonderful tool to that can help a breeding program. Tests can be as cheap as $35 or $200-$300 per dog or more. Some people are fortunate enough to start a breeding program with expensive, valuable and genetically clear stock. Like many others, my hobby has grown out of my love for my first dogs and I am breeding up and away from what diseases and faults I find in my stock. Some people believe that only clear breeding stock should be used but consider this: If we eliminated all of the dogs or horses or humans from the gene pool that had any health or genetic issues what-so-ever we might be left with maybe 20-30% of our breeding stock. Okay so the next few generations might be "perfectly healthy" but at what cost? Which strengths, instincts, personalities, talents, etc. would we no longer have? And after those first few generations- how many other problems would quickly develop from the lack of genetic diversity?
I am striving to decrease health issues while maintaining original instincts, good personalities, and well balanced structure that can be both beautiful and functional. What I consider to be a complete animal. The more you focus on one particular trait the easier it is for another to slip away before you realize it. There is a breed of horse with a "head class" in it's horse shows. People started to breed horses to win that class and lost much of their once strong and beautiful body structure. And that is only one of hundreds of examples that can be found in many breeds and species.
I give my dogs a raw chicken liver (taurine source) and a sardine canned in tomato sauce without spices (anti inflammatory, heart healthy food) every day.
To Learn More:
A number of laboratories offer genetic testing. You can find them listed on the OFA website (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). The OFA website also has a list of dogs whose results have been submitted for public display. You can also find statistics for how many of those results were normal or abnormal. The CHIC website (Canine Health Information Center) has a list of the diseases that the DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) has recommended for testing. There are some more Doberman breed websites that also have information about current Doberman issues. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page for health testing results.
Please see the sample contract on the Doberman Puppies Now page for available health guarantees.
Genetic Testing:
Testing results are usually listed as:
Clear- completely clear of the problem genes. This dog does not have any of the genes that can cause the disease. This dog can not pass any of the genes to any offspring. But this does not mean the dog can suffer the same symptoms from a different cause! Heartworms can cause heart failure! Anyone can bleed to death if the wrong artery is cut!
Carrier- this dog carries some disease gene(s) that it's offspring may or may not inherit. This dog should not suffer the disease itself and this amount of genetic material should not cause any serious symptoms or suffering to this dog.
Understanding Carrier Genetics - Think of people with brown and blue eyes: If you have brown eyes but carry the gene for blue eyes you will never suffer from blue eye issues (like their sensitivity to bright lights), you will never develop blue eyes, your blue eye gene will never cause any symptoms what so ever. But your children might inherit the blue eye gene from you. You won't even know if you have the blue eye gene unless: you examine your pedigree, test for the gene, or examine your children or some combination there of.
Affected- this dog has enough genes to possibly be affected and might suffer the symptoms of the disease . It has inherited genes from both of its parents. With Doberman genetic disease test results Affected means that the Doberman might develop the disease. With some Collie gene tests Affected means the dog might develop symptoms or the disease. With some other Collie gene tests Affected means the dog will definitely develop the disease.
My Opinion of Genetic Testing:
It is a wonderful tool to that can help a breeding program. Tests can be as cheap as $35 or $200-$300 per dog or more. Some people are fortunate enough to start a breeding program with expensive, valuable and genetically clear stock. Like many others, my hobby has grown out of my love for my first dogs and I am breeding up and away from what diseases and faults I find in my stock. Some people believe that only clear breeding stock should be used but consider this: If we eliminated all of the dogs or horses or humans from the gene pool that had any health or genetic issues what-so-ever we might be left with maybe 20-30% of our breeding stock. Okay so the next few generations might be "perfectly healthy" but at what cost? Which strengths, instincts, personalities, talents, etc. would we no longer have? And after those first few generations- how many other problems would quickly develop from the lack of genetic diversity?
I am striving to decrease health issues while maintaining original instincts, good personalities, and well balanced structure that can be both beautiful and functional. What I consider to be a complete animal. The more you focus on one particular trait the easier it is for another to slip away before you realize it. There is a breed of horse with a "head class" in it's horse shows. People started to breed horses to win that class and lost much of their once strong and beautiful body structure. And that is only one of hundreds of examples that can be found in many breeds and species.
Diseases that the DPCA has listed with CHIC:
Hip Dysplasia- 7% of the test results listed with the OFA have some degree of abnormal hip results. In this area it costs $300 a dog for OFA x-rays. I now only do them
on suspect dogs or when I have extra money. There is no gene test for hip or elbow dysplasia. The cause is a complex mix of genetics, diet and environment. A natural diet of meat and/or adding vitamin C to the diet has reduced the dysplasia risk for many dogs and puppies.
Thyroid- 24% of test results reported to the OFA are abnormal. It costs pennies a day to medicate a dog with an abnormal thyroid level. Symptoms of abnormal thyroid
levels are usually easy to see. There is no gene test for thyroid abnormalities. I only test the thyroid levels of suspect dogs.
vWB (von Willebrand's disease type 1- uncontrolled bleeding)- An estimated 30% are genetically affected, 20-25% are genetically clear and about half of Dobermans are genetic carriers. Genetically Affected dogs often survive their tail docking, dewclaw removal, ear cropping, spaying and neutering operations and giving birth to a litter of puppies without incident or even symptoms for their entire lives. It is usually more invasive or larger surgeries or serious injuries that induce serious bleeding. Getting hit by a car, or a mastectomy on a female where all of the breast tissue on one or both sides of the dog have triggered bleeding incidents before. Some Dobes will have sudden nose bleeds or a broken toenail that can be scary, but not fatal. A thorn in a foot pad or a scratch on the skin will not make the affected dog bleed to death. For planned surgeries veterinarian's can test the dog's clotting time and administer extra "clotting factor plasma or normal plasma", but emergencies rarely give you this option. In some cases extended clotting time where there is slow bleeding for more than a day have caused problems and even death. I suspect a dog whose health is compromised by other factors like a parasite load, poor nutrition or other health issues may also increase bleeding issues. Vetgen currently has a $95 genetic test for this disease. I am in the process of testing my adults, but puppies can be tested with cheek swabs at one day of age. In some cases I test puppies before they go home. But a litter of 10 can cost $1,000. Depending on the parents' dna some puppy results can be predicted without testing. Only a portion of genetically affected Dobes will actually develop symptoms or have a fatal bleeding incident. Predicting which genetically affected Dobes will have symptoms and which won't is not possible yet.
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) - The Doberman breed is not known for having eye problems. But any breed can develop eye issues. So far no eye problems have been displayed on the OFA website. I have my breeding stock CERF/OFA examined when I can but I have to travel to a dog show or a big city to get it done. I do not have Doberman puppy eyes examined unless I suspect that there is a problem. I believe Optigen has developed a PRA gene test for all breeds of dogs, but some breeds do not have genetic PRA.
Hip Dysplasia- 7% of the test results listed with the OFA have some degree of abnormal hip results. In this area it costs $300 a dog for OFA x-rays. I now only do them
on suspect dogs or when I have extra money. There is no gene test for hip or elbow dysplasia. The cause is a complex mix of genetics, diet and environment. A natural diet of meat and/or adding vitamin C to the diet has reduced the dysplasia risk for many dogs and puppies.
Thyroid- 24% of test results reported to the OFA are abnormal. It costs pennies a day to medicate a dog with an abnormal thyroid level. Symptoms of abnormal thyroid
levels are usually easy to see. There is no gene test for thyroid abnormalities. I only test the thyroid levels of suspect dogs.
vWB (von Willebrand's disease type 1- uncontrolled bleeding)- An estimated 30% are genetically affected, 20-25% are genetically clear and about half of Dobermans are genetic carriers. Genetically Affected dogs often survive their tail docking, dewclaw removal, ear cropping, spaying and neutering operations and giving birth to a litter of puppies without incident or even symptoms for their entire lives. It is usually more invasive or larger surgeries or serious injuries that induce serious bleeding. Getting hit by a car, or a mastectomy on a female where all of the breast tissue on one or both sides of the dog have triggered bleeding incidents before. Some Dobes will have sudden nose bleeds or a broken toenail that can be scary, but not fatal. A thorn in a foot pad or a scratch on the skin will not make the affected dog bleed to death. For planned surgeries veterinarian's can test the dog's clotting time and administer extra "clotting factor plasma or normal plasma", but emergencies rarely give you this option. In some cases extended clotting time where there is slow bleeding for more than a day have caused problems and even death. I suspect a dog whose health is compromised by other factors like a parasite load, poor nutrition or other health issues may also increase bleeding issues. Vetgen currently has a $95 genetic test for this disease. I am in the process of testing my adults, but puppies can be tested with cheek swabs at one day of age. In some cases I test puppies before they go home. But a litter of 10 can cost $1,000. Depending on the parents' dna some puppy results can be predicted without testing. Only a portion of genetically affected Dobes will actually develop symptoms or have a fatal bleeding incident. Predicting which genetically affected Dobes will have symptoms and which won't is not possible yet.
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) - The Doberman breed is not known for having eye problems. But any breed can develop eye issues. So far no eye problems have been displayed on the OFA website. I have my breeding stock CERF/OFA examined when I can but I have to travel to a dog show or a big city to get it done. I do not have Doberman puppy eyes examined unless I suspect that there is a problem. I believe Optigen has developed a PRA gene test for all breeds of dogs, but some breeds do not have genetic PRA.
Other health issues:
UPDATE- DCM (Dilated Cardio Myopathy)- A second cardio gene has been discovered and it can now be tested for. This might explain why some Dobermans affected by the first cardio gene never die from it. Of the genetically affected male Dobermans up to 75% will die of heart related problems. The males in this group have an average lifespan of 7 and 1/2 years, but reports of males having heart issues from 2 years old to 10 years old can be found. Sometimes there is a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity , fainting, coughing, weakness in the hind legs, or loss of stamina about 3 months before death. It is reported that once symptoms start there is no stopping the outcome. Other times it is a sudden heart attack without any warning signs. Of the genetically affected females an estimated 25% will die from heart related issues. Genetic carriers rarely have heart issues because of the gene. But remember there are a number of other issues that can affect heart health like heartworms, infections, bacteria, acquired injuries, allergic reactions, trauma, stress, nutrition, etc.
There are genetic tests for the DCM1 and the DCM2 gene. Please let know if you would like a puppy genetically tested. Sometimes the parents' test results can be used to predict puppy genes without testing.
DCM Updated: A gene testing lab reported that a Doberman who tested negative/completely clear of both DCM1 and DCM2 died of heart failure. No age, sex, diet, or other details were released. Yet there are also Dobermans that have affected levels of DCM1 and DCM2 genes living long healthy lives. There is clearly more research on genetics and triggers to be done.
Ideas: A heart healthy and anti inflammatory diet may help prevent or delay cardio issues. Each of my dogs get a whole sardine in tomato sauce (without spice!) in their meal every day. A high quality diet always helps overall health. The Dog Food Advisor.com website is my favorite for evaluating commercial diets. A balanced home made raw or cooked diet may be an answer. Years ago before gene testing I met a pair of 17 year old Dobermans in Wyoming who had home cooking their entire lives. Brushing your dog's teeth daily if possible will reduce the overall bacteria load of the body. Chewing on fresh raw bones, frozen meats and using teeth cleaning enzymes in the drinking water can clean teeth well.
As you read through Doberman history and development there is no mention of them having unusually short lifespans. Have the genetics bottlenecked? How much of our modern pollution, commercial pet foods, house hold cleaners, etc. wasn't present even 75 years ago. A large portion of it. Until gene or other testing is a reliable indicator many breeders (including me) are offering guarantees against cardiac failure within so many years.
Wobbler's Syndrome- may or may not be genetic, and/or growth and development related. There is currently no gene test for this. I have seen a pup develop this and successfully grow out of it with supplements and a chiropractor's help. This particular pup was a purchase that was later neutered and given away as a pet. After talking with the breeder a genuine injury was also a suspect in creating this particular pup's issue. I have not had any wobblers reported in my bloodlines.
Albino (White) Dobermans are genetic albinos not the color gene white. White is a color gene. Albino is a lack of any color pigment including a lack of white pigment.
Compare the white with colored skin of Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Pointers, etc. to the appearance of Albino Dobermans who have no pigment in their eyes or skin.
White markings on toes and chest are the white gene and NOT the albino gene. The AKC show standard allows up to 1/2 and inch of white marking on the chest.
You can learn more on the DPCA website, AKC website and other resources. Albinos may have other health and personality issues related to their condition.
Dobermans whose AKC number includes the letter "Z" are descended from the first albino that was born in the 1970's. There are many beautiful and healthy "Z" dogs
out there. There are also many albino Dobermans who do not have Z in their registration numbers. Please see my Z Dobe Facts page for more details.
Update: There is now a genetic test for albino genes from Vetgen and Optigen! Please visit their websites for details.
Dobermans with Affected albino gene test results are always albino "color". Dobermans with Carrier and Clear test results are always colored.
DM Degenerative Myelopathy - Causes paralysis in the the rear legs late in life, about 7 years old and older. There is a dna test for all breeds of dogs. The OFA reports that so far only 1% of tested Dobermans have the Affected amount of genes. Affected test results mean the Doberman might develop this disease, not that it will.
Blue and Fawn Dobermans - these colors have fewer hairs per square inch of skin than blacks and reds. There is also a large percentage of these dogs that have genetics that makes them loose so much hair by the age of 2-3 years that they are almost bald for the rest of their lives. When they live without hair they often need extra special care to keep their skin from suffering. Unfortunately there is not a genetic test developed for this "balding" yet. The best diagnosis is to simply look at 3 year olds in the bloodline to see if they still have their hair. Remember a female that looses hair while nursing a litter or within a few months of weaning a litter is normal (for many breeds) and females must be evaluated at least 6-9 months after weaning a litter. There is one beautifully coated male in my pedigrees. Blues and fawns listed as "Fully Coated" in my pedigrees have had their hair verified by me after their 3rd birthday. I have not been able to check up on my older pups yet. I will update when I can.
Bloat - Please research canine bloat (gastric torsion) on the internet. There are several ways to prevent it. It is a major (and extremely painful) killer of Dobermans, Collies, Pyrenees and many other breeds. And many cases can be prevented. There is no genetic test for bloat risk in my breeds.
UPDATE- DCM (Dilated Cardio Myopathy)- A second cardio gene has been discovered and it can now be tested for. This might explain why some Dobermans affected by the first cardio gene never die from it. Of the genetically affected male Dobermans up to 75% will die of heart related problems. The males in this group have an average lifespan of 7 and 1/2 years, but reports of males having heart issues from 2 years old to 10 years old can be found. Sometimes there is a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity , fainting, coughing, weakness in the hind legs, or loss of stamina about 3 months before death. It is reported that once symptoms start there is no stopping the outcome. Other times it is a sudden heart attack without any warning signs. Of the genetically affected females an estimated 25% will die from heart related issues. Genetic carriers rarely have heart issues because of the gene. But remember there are a number of other issues that can affect heart health like heartworms, infections, bacteria, acquired injuries, allergic reactions, trauma, stress, nutrition, etc.
There are genetic tests for the DCM1 and the DCM2 gene. Please let know if you would like a puppy genetically tested. Sometimes the parents' test results can be used to predict puppy genes without testing.
DCM Updated: A gene testing lab reported that a Doberman who tested negative/completely clear of both DCM1 and DCM2 died of heart failure. No age, sex, diet, or other details were released. Yet there are also Dobermans that have affected levels of DCM1 and DCM2 genes living long healthy lives. There is clearly more research on genetics and triggers to be done.
Ideas: A heart healthy and anti inflammatory diet may help prevent or delay cardio issues. Each of my dogs get a whole sardine in tomato sauce (without spice!) in their meal every day. A high quality diet always helps overall health. The Dog Food Advisor.com website is my favorite for evaluating commercial diets. A balanced home made raw or cooked diet may be an answer. Years ago before gene testing I met a pair of 17 year old Dobermans in Wyoming who had home cooking their entire lives. Brushing your dog's teeth daily if possible will reduce the overall bacteria load of the body. Chewing on fresh raw bones, frozen meats and using teeth cleaning enzymes in the drinking water can clean teeth well.
As you read through Doberman history and development there is no mention of them having unusually short lifespans. Have the genetics bottlenecked? How much of our modern pollution, commercial pet foods, house hold cleaners, etc. wasn't present even 75 years ago. A large portion of it. Until gene or other testing is a reliable indicator many breeders (including me) are offering guarantees against cardiac failure within so many years.
Wobbler's Syndrome- may or may not be genetic, and/or growth and development related. There is currently no gene test for this. I have seen a pup develop this and successfully grow out of it with supplements and a chiropractor's help. This particular pup was a purchase that was later neutered and given away as a pet. After talking with the breeder a genuine injury was also a suspect in creating this particular pup's issue. I have not had any wobblers reported in my bloodlines.
Albino (White) Dobermans are genetic albinos not the color gene white. White is a color gene. Albino is a lack of any color pigment including a lack of white pigment.
Compare the white with colored skin of Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Pointers, etc. to the appearance of Albino Dobermans who have no pigment in their eyes or skin.
White markings on toes and chest are the white gene and NOT the albino gene. The AKC show standard allows up to 1/2 and inch of white marking on the chest.
You can learn more on the DPCA website, AKC website and other resources. Albinos may have other health and personality issues related to their condition.
Dobermans whose AKC number includes the letter "Z" are descended from the first albino that was born in the 1970's. There are many beautiful and healthy "Z" dogs
out there. There are also many albino Dobermans who do not have Z in their registration numbers. Please see my Z Dobe Facts page for more details.
Update: There is now a genetic test for albino genes from Vetgen and Optigen! Please visit their websites for details.
Dobermans with Affected albino gene test results are always albino "color". Dobermans with Carrier and Clear test results are always colored.
DM Degenerative Myelopathy - Causes paralysis in the the rear legs late in life, about 7 years old and older. There is a dna test for all breeds of dogs. The OFA reports that so far only 1% of tested Dobermans have the Affected amount of genes. Affected test results mean the Doberman might develop this disease, not that it will.
Blue and Fawn Dobermans - these colors have fewer hairs per square inch of skin than blacks and reds. There is also a large percentage of these dogs that have genetics that makes them loose so much hair by the age of 2-3 years that they are almost bald for the rest of their lives. When they live without hair they often need extra special care to keep their skin from suffering. Unfortunately there is not a genetic test developed for this "balding" yet. The best diagnosis is to simply look at 3 year olds in the bloodline to see if they still have their hair. Remember a female that looses hair while nursing a litter or within a few months of weaning a litter is normal (for many breeds) and females must be evaluated at least 6-9 months after weaning a litter. There is one beautifully coated male in my pedigrees. Blues and fawns listed as "Fully Coated" in my pedigrees have had their hair verified by me after their 3rd birthday. I have not been able to check up on my older pups yet. I will update when I can.
Bloat - Please research canine bloat (gastric torsion) on the internet. There are several ways to prevent it. It is a major (and extremely painful) killer of Dobermans, Collies, Pyrenees and many other breeds. And many cases can be prevented. There is no genetic test for bloat risk in my breeds.
Health Tested Doberman puppies (offspring):
Litter Puppy Laboratory Results Reason for test
Prince's Morlav of Darkness x Iris 2013 3 black males Vetgen all 3 vWB carriers, not affected. breeder interest to choose a "keeper"
Litter Puppy Laboratory Results Reason for test
Prince's Morlav of Darkness x Iris 2013 3 black males Vetgen all 3 vWB carriers, not affected. breeder interest to choose a "keeper"