Even though everyone is accustomed to seeing Dobermans with the black and rust color, some dogs from this breed have less-typical coat patterns. One of these variations is a Doberman with a coat that, at least, appears to be all black.
How typical is an all black Doberman?
Dobermans with coat colors that appear all black are rare, but their exact numbers are unknown because they are outside the breed standard. Even though they have an unusual type of beauty, many breeders avoid them.
This video discusses this Doberman variety. You will learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of these dogs. Read on to learn more about these unique Dobies and what to expect.
Are All Black Dobermans Actually Black Dogs?
According to Paw Leaks, the color of your Doberman’s coat can have an impact on its health. Although lack is the most popular coat variety for Dobermans, it is accompanied by rust-colored markings.
A common misconception is that all black Dobermans have entirely black coats. Light rust or tan markings are present on most of these dogs.
Dobermans who appear to be all black may not be purebred Dobies or may have been the product of inbreeding.
Some crosses between Dobermans and other dogs with solid black coats can result in dogs that appear to be Doberman Pinschers with entirely black coats.
Depending on the other breed, such dogs may have a very close resemblance to a purebred.
Dobies crossed with Mastiffs or Great Danes may have this type of appearance yet will be substantially larger than their purebred counterparts.
German Shepherds crossed with Dobermans may have erect ears, but a longer, thicker coat will be a giveaway.
When you give a Doberman that looks all black a closer look, you may be able to spot the signature rust or tan markings. Above the eyes, the muzzle, and the legs are feet are good places to look. You may also check the chest, throat, and under-tail areas.
Why Should Breeders Avoid Breeding Black Dobermans?
Although an all black Doberman may seem like a rare find for dog owners, they are avoided by breeders for valid reasons. These dogs do not conform to the breed standard for the AKC, CKC, or UKC, making them disqualified from shows.
Dobermans Den refers to all black Dobermans as melanistic Dobermans. These dogs have a genetic mutation that causes the coat to look different than it should.
Although these Dobermans lack the types of health issues commonly seen in white Dobermans, they are somewhat more likely to have been the product of inbreeding. The reason inbreeding is likely is because many see all black Dobermans as rare.
These dogs are rare, relatively speaking, but this does not mean that intentional breeding is a good idea. Many owners who buy dogs because they are considered rare are more concerned with the novelty of the dog than its wellbeing.
Because cross-breeding is also a possibility, these dogs may have inherited health issues from the other breed or breeds involved. Coping with unknown health conditions is a situation that many owners prefer to avoid.
There are ethical breeders who will breed Dobermans of this color as pets, working dogs, or service dogs.
Most of these dogs have the temperament that helps make Dobermans such a popular breed, making most excellent choices for pets.
Do Some Think That All Black Dobermans Should Be Recognized?
Pete Decker highlights the uniquely sleek appearance that all black coats give Dobermans. The Doberman is universally considered a beautiful dog.
However, these dogs and their offspring are excluded from conformation shows. Although they have the personality traits and working instincts found in other Dobermans, breed and kennel clubs disagree. A litter of black Dobies will not have shows in its future.
Many ethical breeders and black Doberman owners disagree and would like to see these dogs given a place in the show ring.
One fact commonly cited is that ethical breeders avoid inbreeding and test their dogs for genetic issues.
Although the breed standard is unlikely to change to recognize all black Dobermans very soon, many owners and breeders hope that this will be a reality someday.
Owners are very enthusiastic about these dogs and want to see them given due attention.
How Do Genetics Impact Doberman Coat Colors?
Jackson’s Kennel finds that solid black Dobermans are not a true rarity, so much as they have different genetics at work than other types of Dobermans.
There are three types of mutations that can cause this coat color. Two of these mutations are due to either dominant or recessive genes for black coats. The rarest of the mutations that can cause this color mask the markings.
When a dog has one parent who carries a black gene, they may inherit a coat that gives the appearance of being entirely black.
Depending on the genetic background of the parents, at least some of their puppies may inherit these coat colors.
Genetic mutations vary considerably from a difference in coat color. One of the things that make a difference in genetic mutations is that they enable animals to survive better in the wild.
A black coat without variations makes an animal harder to spot.
Domestic dogs also benefit from some genetic mutations. Black Dobermans synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight better than many other dogs. Some of the other benefits that come with this coat color include a healthier immune system and lower stress levels.
Hearing the term “genetic mutation” makes some people pause. Despite the role that mutations play in science fiction plots, they are relatively harmless in and of themselves. Some mutations cause health issues, while others are useful adaptations.
What Are the Allowed Coat Colors for Purebred Dobermans?
According to Gentle Doberman, most Dobermans are black and rust or red and rust in color.
However, there are two other coat colors recognized by the AKC. One is blue and rest, and the other is known as fawn or Isabella.
Both of these colors provide unique looks and most of the dogs with these coat colors have the same great Dobie traits.
Blue Dobermans share much in common with the Dobermans who appear entirely black but have a diluted gene.
Their color is in high demand, yet they share qualifications for competition in dog shows with black and rust or red and rust dogs.
Fawn or Isabella Dobermans have lighter coats that a similar to those of a Weimaraner, with the rust markings typical of Dobermans. The markings on these dogs are a little diluted in comparison to those with other coat colors.
There are white Dobermans who have either a white or light cream-colored coat. These dogs have come into being as a result of inbreeding. White Dobermans have been known to have serious health issues, as well as behavior issues.
Although many consider white Dobermans beautiful, the health and behavior issues that they may have makes them ineligible for the show ring. Breeding these dogs is also a potential problem because of the health issues they may have.
Even though there are many coat color variations for Dobermans like all black Dobermans, most will have the personality that Dobie fans enjoy. When a dog is not eligible as a show dog, it can be just as great a companion as any other dog.
Should You Consider Getting a Black Doberman?
According to Pet Health Network, Dobermans have unfortunately been the victim of too many negative stereotypes.
However, this negativity should not be a deterrent against getting one of these dogs. Some of the reputations that these dogs have come from having been used for military and police work. A few have aggression issues with other dogs.
Most Dobermans behavior problems are the product of poor breeding, poor socialization, and training, or a combination of these. Behavioral issues are relatively easily addressed when owners are willing to make the effort.
If you want to bring a black Doberman into your family, you have access to a few options.
A reputable breeder will increase your chances of getting a dog with purebred parents. Shelters and rescues may also have black Dobermans.
Breeders who are concerned with producing high-quality dogs as pets will avoid knowingly breeding dogs with health problems.
Even if the puppies are not eligible for the show ring, many breeders will test for health issues, anyway.
Doberman Pinschers are susceptible to health issues that include hip dysplasia and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Choosing a breeder well will help increase your chances of finding a dog that is free from these types of health concerns.
Although availability in shelters and rescues may vary depending on the location, you may find Dobermans in these settings.
Some black Dobermans might be labeled as mixes by animal control officers or shelter staff, so look through listings carefully.
Doberman rescues may have Dobies of different colors available. When you get a dog from a rescue, it is likely to have received the necessary vetting and lived in a foster home. These dogs will be better-adjusted in most cases.
Adding an all black Doberman to your family can be a smart choice all around. Dobermans are some of the most popular dogs for good reason.