​White vs. Albino:  
         White is a color pigment.  You can see it in Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, etc.  White dogs have color pigment in their brown eyes, dark skin, black nose, dark toenails, etc.  The AKC Doberman breed standard allows up to 1/2 inch of white marking on the chest.  A few Dobermans may also have white toes.  As Dobermans age they may develop white hairs on the face, feet or on scars.  White markings are not part of the albino gene.
​          Albino is the genetic lack of color pigment on the entire body.  You can see it in Albino horses and dogs.  They have no color in their hair, skin, nose, eyes, hooves or toenails.   

​                                Albino gene test:  All Clear and Carrier Dobermans are colored Dobermans because they do not have albino dna.
​                                             All Dobermans with Affected gene results are albino and appear "white" from a distance. 
                                                        
                                                                "Z” Doberman Facts as of 5-27-2017

1. In 1976 the first known albino Doberman is born from AKC registered black and rust parents. She is AKC registered as Padula's Queen Sheba # WE166747. Sheba had 11 black and rust littermates.
2. In 1976 there is no test for albino genetics. An unknown percentage of Sheba's colored siblings, cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles would have carried some albino genetics.  Current genetic science indicates that both of her parents carried the albino gene to create her.
3. In the 1980's the Doberman Pinscher Club of America studies albino Dobermans and observes that they are sensitive to sunlight- prone to sunlight related skin damage like cancers and tumors. The albino Dobermans involved also became defensive fear biters as sunlight glare progressively damaged their sight.
4. In 1998 at the request of the DPCA the AKC starts adding the letter “Z” to the registration numbers of the descendants of Sheba. But the “Z” is not added to the descendants of Sheba's colored family members.
5. The AKC allows the breeding registration of albino Dobermans and the breeding of albino Dobermans.  The AKC allows them in obedience and performance competitions.  The UKC does not give breeding registrations to albinos but does allow them in obedience and performance competitions.  The UKC issues it's own registration numbers and breeding registrations to colored Dobermans.  The UKC does not use registration numbers to track any Doberman bloodline or color. 
6. In 1998 there is no genetic test for albino genes.
7. In 2013 the discovery of the albino gene in dogs (not just one dog breed) is announced.
8. The Vetgen website reports that only about 20% of colored “Z” Dobermans in their database carry albino genetics.
9. TODAY the Vetgen website offers albino gene testing for $65 per Doberman.
   
   
   

                                                   So what is the status of the “Z” registration numbers today?

1. The Z will continue to identify color and albino AKC Dobermans who are descended from Sheba.
2. The Z is not used and has never been used to track the AKC descendants of Sheba's colored family members, some of which carried the albino genetics.
3. There are now many AKC registered Albino Dobermans with normal numbers that do not include the Z.
4. There are now many AKC colored Dobermans with normal registration numbers who have produced albino puppies.
5. You can verify 3 and 4 by looking at the registration numbers in the pedigrees of Dobermans on websites of white/albino Doberman kennels. You can verify those pedigrees by downloading research pedigrees from the AKC website store.
6. Only some of the colored Z Dobermans actually carry albino genetics.
7. When a colored Doberman with a normal AKC registration number produces an albino- that colored parent's registration number is not changed.
8. When an albino is born into a litter with a normal AKC litter number that albino puppy's AKC registration number will not be changed to include "Z" when it is registered as an albino.
9. ​When a colored Z Doberman tests genetically negative or genetically clear of the albino gene it's Z registration # is not changed to a normal #.
10. The AKC allows breeding registrations of albino Dobermans and colored Dobermans who produce albino puppies. 
    The UKC policy has not changed.
11. The “Z” continues to track all AKC registered descendants of the first known albino Sheba. It still does not track descendants of her colored family members. It still does not track the color of Dobermans.
12. The “Z” is not an accurate indication of albino genetics, but still used extensively for advertising. Posting the results of albino dna tests would be much more accurate.
13. The only way to identify which colored Dobermans carry albino genetics is with genetic testing, unless that colored Doberman has produced an albino puppy.
14. ​When a colored Z Doberman is tested and completely free of, or clear of the albino gene it's registration number will not be changed to a normal number because it is still descended from Sheba which was and continues to be the intent of the Z registration number.​

                                         So what is the status of Albino/White Dobermans today?

         The genetics have not changed. They are still as sunlight sensitive as albino horses, albino humans and albinos born in any other normally colored species. Albinos have an increased risk of sunburn, skin cancer, skin tumors, snow blindness, sun glare blindness, and other sunlight sensitivity conditions.
Cardio genes, von Willebrand genes, thyroid genes, hip dysplasia genes, internal cancers, personality, instincts, etc., are not connected to the albino gene in Dobermans.

If you are considering adding an albino horse, dog, or any other species to your family please research how much care they will need to stay comfortable in your particular environment. And please consider how much of your time and energy they may need before you get into “a sinking ship” situation.




All facts are verifiable through the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, the American Kennel Club, Vetgen, and other websites. My opinion- I care about the long term health of my beloved breeds. I hope anyone who has an animal with any health issues does what they can to keep the animal happy and pain free. My favorite animal label is "happy and healthy".   I do not choose to hate “Z” Dobermans because of their pedigree. Their pedigree is not their fault. I do not choose to hate humans if they descend from famous “undesirables”. Your pedigree isn't your fault either!

​                                                       I plan my breedings and stud services to avoid producing albinos or any other dog that I would expect to physically or emotionally suffer. 
                                                                                 I worry about albinos being able to find homes that can keep them healthy, happy and pain free.