Blue Doberman Pinscher: Everything You Didn’t Know, And More

When it comes to protection, there are just a few breeds that can compete with a Doberman Pinscher. They are noble-looking and fierce, but also gentle pups that are extremely good at their job.

They can come in various coat colors. One of them happens to be blue, and this is the color that we are going to focus on today. So, what about the blue Doberman Pinscher?

If you immediately thought of sky-blue Dobermans, well… I hate to break it to you, but they don’t look like that at all.

In the next couple of lines, we are going to introduce you to the wonderful blue Doberman Pinscher breed, their appearance, and the most important traits that you must know.

So, if you are interested in meeting this beautiful guard dog, keep on reading and let yourself be amazed by this amazing pup.

What Is A Blue Doberman Pinscher?

A blue Doberman Pinscher is simply a coat color variation of the standard black with rust markings. This blue color is the result of a recessive color dilution gene, which causes dilution of the standard coat color, making them less pigmented and appearing bluish.

In reality, these dogs are not blue in the full sense of this word, but rather a kind of gray-colored, which is why many people also refer to them as gray, silver, or even purple Dobermans.

In Europe, these blue-colored Dobermans are not part of the normal breed standard; however, in America, they are one of the four standard colors. The standard Doberman colors are black and rust (also called black and tan), red and rust, blue, and the fawn Doberman (also called isabella).

Seeing that they are accepted by the American Kennel Club as one of the standard colors, these dogs are able to compete in all standard AKC competitions, such as conformation, obedience, agility, and much more.

Are Blue Dobermans Purebred?

There is a lot of misconception about blue Dobermans not being purebred dogs because of their unusual appearance and different coat color; however, they are indeed purebred.

The only different thing about them is their coat color, which is not the result of crossbreeding, but a recessive gene causing a dilution.

Blue Doberman Genetics

We have already mentioned that the blue color in this Doberman is a result of a recessive gene causing a variety in pigmentation, but how exactly do they develop the blue color?

The color of the puppy is determined by the color genetics of the parents. Each parent carries a certain gene that will, in the end, determine the coat color of their offspring.

Besides the dominant colors (black and red), the parents can also be carriers of the dilution gene. In order for a Blue Doberman to come into existence, there should be two copies of the dilution gene.

This means that both the sire and the dam need to be carriers of this gene for a puppy to have this diluted form. The blue Doberman is the dilution of the black Doberman color, while the fawn (isabella) Doberman is the dilution of the red Doberman color.

In the past, these “diluted forms” were considered undesirable and not accepted; however, today, they are a normal occurrence, fully accepted, and it is possible to register them or compete in various areas of dog sports.

Are Blue Dobermans Rare?

According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, 8% to 15% of all Dobermans are blue Dobermans. This is only an estimated number as it is impossible to know exactly how many blue Dobermans are out there.

So, are they rare? Well, according to these numbers, they are considered to be one of the rarest color variations out there, but it all depends on your location and the selection of breeders.

However, this color is definitely not as rare as the isabella Doberman or white Doberman (albino), which are considered to be the rarest of all Doberman colors.

Some breeders are discouraged from breeding these blue Dobies as they can have some health issues, so it can be a bit difficult to find a reputable breeder in your area.

That being said, you should be extremely careful of some breeding facilities that charge more for their puppies, stating that they have a rare-colored one. While they are somewhat rare, they are not that rare to have such a high price.

Blue Doberman Syndrome

Photo from: @khloethedobie

Blue Doberman Syndrome (also called Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA), Blue Balding Syndrome, and Color Mutant Alopecia) is a major health concern in the blue Doberman breed. It doesn’t affect all blue Dobermans, but it is very common.

The DPCA estimates that nearly 50% to 90% of blue Dobermans will develop this hair and skin condition at some point in their life, so there is a high probability that your Doberman will also have it.

What Is Blue Doberman Syndrome?

This is a hereditary condition that usually affects dogs with a diluted gene. The term “alopecia” is a medical name for hair loss, while “color dilution” refers to a color dilution gene that causes the blue coat color.

This condition affects the hair follicle on the dog’s coat and causes an abnormal distribution of melanin in the hair shaft, which leads to thinning of the hair and patchy hair loss. It usually affects only the diluted part of the coat, while rust/tan areas may actually be unaffected.

Symptoms

Blue Doberman puppies are not born with this syndrome, but they usually start showing some signs of this disease between six weeks and three years of age. More often than not, this condition starts developing when the puppies are in their new home and not with the breeder.

Usually, the earlier the symptoms appear, the worse the case will be. Blue Doberman Syndrome is usually more common in darker-colored blue Dobermans than in lighter ones.

Besides the evident thinning of the hair and permanent hair loss, the early signs of this syndrome include brittle hair that tends to break easily, skin problems in the form of dry and flaky skin, itchiness, bacterial infections, and canine acne.

Dogs that are affected by this condition may be prone to sunburns, and in some severe cases, blue Dobermans may have low energy levels.

Treatment

Regarding treatment, unfortunately, as of today, there is still no cure for this condition as the hair loss is permanent. In the case of secondary skin infections, there are some things that can be done to manage the discomfort and possible itchiness.

For some severe cases, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help with the skin issues. Other than that, you can start using organic shampoos or some ointments to rehydrate the skin and help with the itchiness.

Supplementation in the form of Vitamin A and essential fatty acids may also be helpful; however, we recommend consulting a vet before you start any diet. Melanin supplements and a nutritional diet have also proved to be beneficial.

The good thing is that apart from permanent hair loss and some discomfort, this condition does not affect the overall health of the dog. Remember to always provide your Dobie with lots of love and care, protect him from the sun and cold, and he should be able to enjoy a happy life.

The Blue Doberman Pinscher: Important Traits

Photo from: @khloethedobie

The blue Doberman Pinscher is definitely a unique-looking dog whose beautiful blue-gray coat attracts the attention of many people.

However, these Doberman dogs are not just blue-colored dogs – they have many other qualities that simply have to be mentioned.

So, let’s see together what blue Doberman Pinschers are and what they look like!

History Of The Breed

Dobermans are truly fascinating dogs that originated in Germany. They were initially bred by a tax collector named Herr Karl Louis Dobermann in 1890, who needed a fearless dog to protect him while he went about his business.

These dogs have several names. In Europe and Germany, they are known as simply Dobermanns (with a double ‘n’), while in Canada and the U.S., the breed is officially recognized as the Doberman Pinscher.

They also have several other names, such as “The Tax Collector’s Dog”, “Dobies” or “Dobby”. They were officially recognized by the AKC in 1908.

Unfortunately, no one knows the precise Doberman breeding lineage as Herr Dobermann didn’t record his breeding process.

So, while nobody knows exactly how they came to be, it is speculated that the combination of Rottweiler, German Terrier, Weimaraner, English Greyhound, Great Dane, and German Shepherd was used in the breeding process.

There are three variations of the breed: the American Doberman, the European Doberman, and the Warlock Doberman.

Recommended: European Vs. American Doberman – Know The Difference

Physical Characteristics

When it comes to appearance, the Blue Doberman is a very elegant-looking and sleek dog with a muscular and athletic build. They are quite known for their powerful and upright form, which is very impressive.

They have a long, wedge-shaped head, sometimes cropped ears, and a docked tail. Having their tails docked and their ears cropped was a practice in the past for working dogs; however, over the years, this has become considered cruel and unethical, and it is even banned in some countries.

So now, fortunately, you will see more Dobies with uncropped ears, meaning that finally, this practice is being left in the past.

They have short and silky fur that is, of course, blue-gray colored. They typically have a bluish-gray or flesh-colored nose, lips, and eye rims, along with, of course, tan/rust patches on their coat.

According to the Doberman growth chart, there are some slight differences in the size between male and female Dobies.

A male blue Doberman, when fully grown up, will weigh (on average) 70 to 90 pounds, and be 26 to 28 inches tall. A female blue Doberman will typically weigh 55 to 85 pounds, and be 24 to 26 inches tall.

Temperament

Unfortunately, this dog breed has an ungrateful reputation for being dangerous, but the truth is quite different. They are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that, with proper training and early socialization, can be affectionate and trusted companions.

Due to their guarding instincts, they are alert and protective pups that will guard those who they consider family with all their power. Strong and powerful on the one hand, and friendly and affectionate on the other — the best of both worlds.

They are extremely loyal, and sometimes they are even compared to “velcro dogs” due to their habit of making a strong bond with their owner.

Related: My Dog Won’t Leave My Side: How To Deal With A Clingy Dog

Are Blue Dobermans Good With Children?

Actually, yes… Blue Dobermans are really good with children, and they can make excellent family pets. They are sociable, good-natured, and loyal, and they will be affectionate and gentle even with children.

As long as they are properly trained and socialized, there shouldn’t be any problems, and everyone should get along well together. Of course, the kids should also be taught to respect the dog, and how to behave properly around them.

Dobermans are playful and loving; however, if the kids are not taught proper dog manners and play too roughly, the dog may lash out at them, which is why both parties should be “trained”.

Although they are pretty good with a bit older children, we still can’t forget that these pups are large and highly energetic dogs that may not understand that their behavior is a bit rough for really small children, so there should always be a dose of concern.

But, we must emphasize that this is the case with any other larger breed, and not just Dobermans.

Health

The blue Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Although they may have genetic issues, such as Blue Doberman Syndrome that we have mentioned above, with careful breeding and upbringing, they can still be healthy and happy pups that live a good decade, if not more.

However, just like any other dog breed, they can develop some other health issues other than CDA, so let’s mention the most common health problems that a Doberman owner must be aware of:

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy – This is a heart muscle disease that causes the heart chambers to expand, which then may lead to respiratory issues and heart failure.

• Von Willebrand’s Disease – This is a hereditary bleeding disorder that is caused by a mutant gene, and it often shows no symptoms, so in order to know if your Doberman has it, he/she needs to undergo genetic testing.

• Wobbler Syndrome – This is a cervical spine disease that causes neck pain, weakness, and wobbly gait, and sometimes it even makes dogs unable to walk on their own.

• Hip Dysplasia – This is a hereditary disease that causes loosening of the hip joints, which can result in dysfunction, pain, arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.

• Hypothyroidism – This is an abnormality of the thyroid gland, which can lead to unexplained weight gain, skin issues, behavioral changes, and low energy.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This is a genetic disease that affects the cells in the eyes, and it can lead to progressive blindness over the years.

Training Requirements

Dobermans were originally bred to be protection dogs, so they were not exactly pets from the beginning. However, these dogs are very intelligent and adaptable, which means that they are easy to train.

Due to their guard dog instincts, they definitely need some obedience training. They will usually start barking at unknown people or at strangers that they think pose a threat; however, with early socialization, this can be easily fixed.

It is important to start the socialization of your dog as soon as possible. Try to get him exposed to different people, animals, children, situations, and noises, so he can get used to them from an early age.

With their obedient and eager-to-please nature, training should be a piece of cake. Nonetheless, you need to be firm, assertive, determined, and consistent with your training practice.

Positive reinforcement, non-aggressive commands, and clear instructions are the way to go, and what will give you the best results. Once your dog turns eight weeks, you can start with potty training.

What About Separation Anxiety?

Blue Dobermans (or Dobermans, in general) are prone to developing separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. With separation anxiety usually comes boredom and destructive behavior like barking, chewing, or causing a ruckus.

Usually, adult dogs can handle eight hours of being left alone, while puppies can only take four hours. They will start barking or howling as soon as they are not happy.

Crate training is especially important with this kind of behavior, but also you need to take into consideration the emotional needs of the dog.

If you are not able to provide them with enough care and attention, then these are not the right dogs for you no matter how much you try to train them.

Recommended: How To Keep A Dog Entertained While At Work: 19 Tips & Tricks

Exercise Needs

Blue Dobermans are highly energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise. For this breed, at least two hours of daily exercise is recommended.

Physical activity is absolutely necessary to keep this dog happy and healthy. They enjoy going for walks, to dog parks, on hikes, or simply a playtime session in the yard.

If you are not an active person, or if this kind of energetic dog with a lot of exercise needs doesn’t fit well into your lifestyle, maybe it would be better to reconsider your decision to get this puppy.

These pups also require a lot of space, preferably a house with a yard or a garden where they can run, play, and burn energy, so this is also something that should be taken into consideration.

Dietary Needs

Dobies are large, active dogs that usually require a little bit more food than most other dogs. An adult blue Doberman should be fed two times a day, with four to seven cups of dry dog food for males, and three to 6.5 cups for females.

A blue Doberman puppy should be fed three to four times a day, with 1.5 cups of puppy food per portion. When deciding on how much to feed your puppy or adult dog, it is important to follow a Doberman feeding chart to make sure they are receiving an appropriate amount of food.

A healthy diet is especially important for Blue Dobermans since they can suffer from certain health problems. Therefore, it is very important to feed them high-quality dog food, and provide them with nutrition full of fatty acids and vitamins.

Grooming And Care

Blue Dobermans have short hair, and they are moderate shedders; however, they are not considered hypoallergenic. They are relatively easy to groom, but since they can have potential skin conditions, they do require careful grooming habits.

Brushing

Your blue Doberman’s coat needs to be brushed weekly. Try using a gentle grooming mitt or a good undercoat tool that will safely remove the fur, but not hurt your pup.

If you need some help with choosing which one to pick, check out the 12 best brushes for Doberman Pinschers.

Bathing

These dogs don’t require bathing often – only when needed or approximately every six weeks. Their coat consists of natural oils that can be stripped down if bathed too much. When bathing, try to use gentle and nourishing dog-safe shampoos that are recommended for dogs with skin problems.

Other Care Needs

For other grooming needs, we can highlight ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, teeth brushing to prevent gum disease, and nail trimming.

Nails should be trimmed as much as (and when) needed, and teeth should be brushed at least two to three times a week. Ears should be cleaned at least once a month.

For those who would like to know more, we recommend reading the article, “how much do Dobermans shed?”, to find out the answers to all FAQs about Doberman shedding!

The Cost

The cost of the blue Doberman can vary from breeder to breeder, and it is also dependent on many factors such as location, health, age, breeding ethics, etc.

The research on blue Doberman prices has shown that on average, people are spending around $800 for a blue Doberman puppy. However, there are also some reputable breeders that will charge the same price as any other colored Doberman, which is $1,500 to $2,500.

Additional expenses of owning a dog, like food, vet visits, toys, and some other essentials is expected to be $300 per month, more or less.

Related: 11 Best Toys For Doberman Pinschers: What’s Fun And What’s Not

One thing to keep in mind — be careful when choosing a breeder – make sure to look specifically for responsible and ethical breeders, especially when it comes to blue Dobermans since they are susceptible to health problems.

Be aware of those breeders who try to sell a puppy for a much-inflated price, claiming that they are extremely rare and high in demand. This is usually a sign of a less reputable breeder who is trying to make a profit.

The Pros And Cons Of Owning A Blue Doberman

Photo from: @khloethedobie

As with any breed, there are pros and cons to owning a blue Doberman. It is up to you whether you are going to focus on the cons or be fascinated by the actual wonderful characteristics of this breed.

The pros of owning a blue-colored Doberman include:

• a beautiful and unique coat color

• a protective and obedient nature

• loyalty and affection

• adaptability and trainability

• excellent behavior towards children

The cons of owning a blue-colored Doberman include:

• health issues connected to the blue coat color

• high exercise needs

• separation anxiety

• not fit for first-time owners

• dangerous reputation

Where Do You Find A Blue Doberman?

If you are looking to buy a blue Doberman puppy, a good source of reputable breeders is the AKC Marketplace as they only work with breeders who practice healthy and ethical breeding programs.

A good option is also the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, which has a list of reputable breeders across America, as well as a list of Doberman rescue organizations.

Additionally, we recommend checking out some of our lists of Doberman breeders and rescues:

• The 20 Best Doberman Breeders In The U.S. You Never Knew Existed!

• 4 Great Doberman Breeders In The UK: Where To Buy Your Dobe

• 10 Best Doberman Rescues for Adoption: Places to Adopt Doberman Pinschers

Final Thoughts

Blue Dobermans are truly a sight to see. With their beautiful bluish coat color, fierce looks, and powerful structure, they sure do attract the attention of many people.

Although they sometimes have a bad reputation, these dogs are actually wonderful family pets, loyal and affectionate, that will protect you from any danger. You can definitely feel safe with them around.

A great protector on one side, and a loving companion on the other, combined, make a great companion that everyone could wish for.

What do you think about these beautiful dogs?

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