Blue Doberman Facts

The blue Doberman pinscher is recognized by the American Kennel Club, along with the colors of black, red and fawn. The Doberman is a breed that is thought to have originated in Germany around 1900. It is a sleek, muscular, medium-sized dog with a short, hard coat. The AKC recognized the breed in 1908.

  1. Temperament

    • The coat color of Doberman pinschers may differ, but color has no bearing on the temperament of dogs of this breed. Dobermans are intelligent, highly trainable, watchful, obedient, fearless, affectionate and loyal.

    Dilution Gene

    • Black is one of the most common colors of Doberman pinschers. If two black-colored Doberman parents also carry what is called a dilution gene, the puppy will be blue instead of black, according to the Gentle Doberman website. Since the dilution gene is recessive, if only one parent has the gene, the puppy will be black.

    Hair Problems

    • A blue Doberman has a coat that looks bluish gray. The melanocytes, melanin-containing cells that impart color, are distributed irregularly on the hair shaft. This is in contrast to the even distribution on the hair shaft of a black Doberman. In addition, ingrown hairs and bacterial infections are more common in the Blues because their hair is softer and has a harder time growing up through the skin. Blues often have thinner coats and can suffer from a cosmetic condition called Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA.

    Color Dilution Alopecia

    • CDA is an unsightly but not dangerous problem. It is an abnormality of the hair follicles that can result in thinning and balding that starts when the dog is anywhere from 1 to 3 years old. The problem typically starts along the sides or the top of the dog and spreads down the back. Despite this, the dog will stay healthy, according to the Canada's Guide to Dogs website. Hair loss will vary in different dogs, and not all Blues get CDA.

    Additional Information

    • It is important to note that a thinning coat and hair loss can also be symptoms of hypothyroidism, which is a common problem in this breed and one unrelated to the dilution gene. Have a vet test for hypothyroidism to rule out an underactive thyroid, which can affect a dog's health.