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Health, Longevity, Vigor, Athleticism
A pure breed of dog is created by severely inbreeding
for certain traits, so that offspring are predictably consistent. For
example, Dobermans have lost the genetic diversity to create a puppy
with a long coat like a German Shepherd.
Within a breed, show champions are typically created by
further inbreeding and linebreeding. With close breeding the litter
may have one or two pups with better overall conformation than the parents.
The rest of the litter will typically be considered "pet quality".
By repeatedly working with the pick of the litter, a breeder may be
able to produce litters which more reliably have the desired traits.
In general, the show world succumbs to pressure to breed
to champions. This constantly decreases genetic diversity among show
dogs and tends to "fix" recessive genetic diseases. (See "What
went wrong?") However the best breeders are aware of this and
attempt to compensate for it.
Closebreeding is a skill that some breeders wield with
impressive precision. Yet some consequences of the reduction in genetic
diversity stand out:
- Champions and non-champions die prematurely of recessive genetic diseases
that used to be rare in the breed.
- Pups are put down because of serious genetic problems as the breeder
works toward a champion.
- The average life expectancy of the breed slowly but inexorably declines.
When health is not the primary or secondary goal a breeder
is effectively breeding against health.
In the 1950s, the Doberman was known as a healthy, vital
breed, without serious and widespread genetic problems. The expected
life span was about 15 years. However, the breed became extremely popular
in the U.S. in the 1970s. Under the eye of the AKC, a few decades of
breeding for conformation and of volume breeding riddled this once robust
breed with numerous serious genetic problems.
Prominent Doberman show-world personalities publicly express
a preference for currently fashionable traits, even if the resulting
dogs have only a 6 year life span. The existence and causes of premature
death of show champions is rarely discussed with outsiders, but it has
recently become not uncommon for champion Dobermans to die between five
and seven years of age.
But it's not just breeders who are primarily working toward
current fashions who have weakened the breed. Breeders who breed
any male and female on hand without regard to health can
also be fixing genetic problems in the breed. Such breeders may be uninformed
or simply view testing as an unnecessary expense that may deliver unwelcome
news. From the usual non-show point of view, testing just doesn't make
business sense unless demanded by customers.
To make things even worse, excessive attention appears
to have been paid to some diseases while others have been virtually
ignored. Availability and promotion of certain tests may focus undue
attention on a disease, similar to the old joke about
a man looking for his car keys under a streetlight although that's not
where he dropped them "because the light is better there."
Also, certain diseases may be de-emphasized because they are common
in studs which many breeders want to include in their lines.
Before reading too much into the aggregated results, one
should consider the overall accuracy of the tests, the number of
tests performed on the breed, and the significance of the condition being tested. For example, as of May, 2008, OFA had
published the results their new "Baer
Hearing Test" for the Doberman. Based on the results so far, 50% of the Dobermans
they've tested failed. Sounds serious, doesn't it?
However, only two Dobermans had been tested! And since hearing problems are not a common concern
for Dobes, it's likely that only the owners of dogs suspected of having hearing problems
were interested in paying for the test. Because of the small number of tests
performed and how the test subjects were likely chosen, there shouldn't
be any concern over OFA's 50% failure rate for Dobermans on this test.
In the Doberman the most common genetic concerns are:
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Genetic Disease |
Comments |
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Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Most
common form of canine Heart Disease
DCM
can result in sudden death as early as 2 years of age.
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Very High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Very High (may be most affected breed)
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DCM
is generally accepted as the single most serious threat to Doberman
longevity.
The
two existing tests for DCM do not predict predisposition toward
developing DCM, but only indicate degree of progression. 1)
A trained vet uses a stethoscope to listen for irregularities
in the heart beat. This is the test used by the OFA.
2) The more rigorous ultrasound test collects precise measurements
to determine ratios which indicate the heart's structural health.
Both tests result in false negatives and false positives, and
annual re-testing is recommended.
OFA
Statistics: The Doberman is the 22nd most affected breed out
of 76 breeds tested. The OFA reports a 99% healthy rate for
all Doberman hearts tested. In our opinion this is a seriously
underreporting of DCM in Dobermans. The OFA database shows only
about 490 tests on Dobermans as of 2008.
The
extensive literature on humans indicates that roughly 70% of
heart disease may be environmental, rather than genetic. Well
known human environmental factors may include nutrition, excess
weight, smoking, etc.
From
this research and from the similar unpredictability of transmission
in canines it appears reasonable that canine hearts are also
damaged by certain environmental factors.
Preventative
nutritional supplementation is gaining acceptance.
In
the absence of a good predictive test, breeders must carefully
examine the pedigrees to identify health risks, and also take
advantage of the limited testing that is available. |
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Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) also known as Bloat
Can
result in shock, sudden death
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Very High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
High |
Heavy
exercise with a stomach full of food or water can cause a twisting
of the dog's stomach, trapping gas. Gas formation then accelerates.
Death
typically occurs extremely rapidly unless the dog is rushed
to a vet. The vet may be unable to save the dog. Even if initial
treatment is successful the dog may die of complications or
require ongoing treatment.
Elevating
food and water dishes, feeding smaller more frequent meals,
and avoiding heavy exercise after eating are all recommended.
In
the absence of a good predictive test, breeders must carefully
examine the pedigrees to identify health risks, and also take
advantage of the limited testing that is available.
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Hypothyroidism also known as Low Thyroid Function
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Typically Medium, potentially High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
High |
Low
Thyroid Function usually becomes noticeable in dogs 4 years
and older, though in extreme cases it will appear early enough
to stunt a puppy's growth.
OFA
Statistics: The Doberman ranks 24th most affected breed out
of 74 breeds tested. The OFA reports a 75% healthy rate for
all Dobermans tested. The OFA database shows only about 700
Dobermans tested as of 2008.
MSU
Statistics: The Doberman ranks 50th most affected breed out
of 140 breeds tested. MSU reports a 86% healthy rate for all
Dobermans tested.
It
commonly starts out as simple lethargy and poor resistance to
infections. Hair and skin diseases and weight gain are common.
Also possible are muscular weakness, nerve problems and constipation
or other digestive tract problems.
Hormone
treatment is available.
Other
health problems can become more serious without treatment.
Opinions
differ as to heritability. |
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Cervical
Vertebral Instability (CVI) also known as Wobbler syndrome
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Medium
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CVI
is a degenerative disease of the neck vertebra in which pressure
occurs on the spinal cord either through vertebral misalignment
or through a narrowing of the spinal cord canal.
Onset
is typically at middle age, but can be as early as two.
Symptoms
usually beginning the back legs with weakening, loss of coordination,
loss of range of motion and dragging of toes.
There
is no predictive testing available, but some success has been
seen with surgical remediation.
In
the absence of a good predictive test, breeders must carefully
examine the pedigrees to identify health risks, and also take
advantage of the limited testing that is available. |
| Cancer
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Medium |
As
in humans, cancer does not appear to be limited to genetic causes.
Though
there does appear to be some heritability, it is likely that
a number of other factors such as nutrition and exercise. Numerous
other environmental factors, for example lawn chemicals, are
suspected.
In
the absence of a good predictive test, breeders must carefully
examine the pedigrees to identify health risks, and also take
advantage of the limited testing that is available.
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Hip Dysplasia, also elbow
Health
impact in Dobermans:
High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Medium |
In
Dysplasia, loose-fitting joints cause premature and excessive
wear of the cartilage, possibly leading to osteoarthritis that
can progress to completely incapacitate the dog. The resulting
inflammation and painful loss of proper joint lubrication of
arthritis can begin as early as one year of age.
OFA
Statistics: The Doberman ranks 115th most affected breed out
of 150 breeds tested. The OFA reports a 76% healthy rate for
all Dobermans tested. According to OFA records, Doberman hip
problems may be far less common today than in 1980. The OFA
database shows over 13,000 tests on Dobermans as of 2008.
Dysplasia
in dogs is believed to be polygenetic and roughly 60% of cases
are thought to be due to genetics. This roughly parallels our
current medical estimates for people.
Research
concluded in 2007 indicates that for larger breeds, including
Dobermans, a daily dose of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
can reduce the chance of joint damage. This includes dogs of
any age, dogs with tight hips and dogs that don't yet have dysplasia
or osteoarthritis. This supplementation can also be expected
to facilitate some repair of any existing cartilage damage,
reducing osteoarthritis.
Due
to the pain of using joints and especially of extending damaged
and inflamed joints, symptoms include problems rising, climbing
stairs, odd gaits while running or even walking, using rear
legs together while running.
Testing
involves x-raying joints to determine the laxity of the fit
of the ball and socket. Re-testing is not required for laxity,
though the owner of a dog with loose hips may want to retest
to learn about the advancement of dysplasia or osteoarthritis.
Unfortunately,
our predictive science is weak in this area. Almost half of
all hip problems occur in dogs that don't have loose hips, some
dogs with loose hips never develop problems, and offspring of
dogs with tight hips can have loose hips, and vice-versa.
Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA), most commonly known test for
Hip Dysplasia. The test can't be performed until after 2 years
of age.
OFA Hip Dysplasia rating system has 7 gradients, the top 3 are
acceptable for breeding; the bottom 4 should not be bred.
According
to OFA records, the Doberman breed is about 6% dysplastic and
ranks in bottom quartile at 115th out of 150 breeds tested.
PennHIP:
another test that attempts more precise, objective X-rays, but
is not as widely known by breeders or pet owners. Can be performed
as early as 16 weeks.
Elbow
Dysplasia: a much less common problem for the Doberman. OFA
rates the Doberman breed as 98.5% free of Elbow Dysplasia, and
78th out of 92 breeds tested.
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Von
Willebrand's Disease (vWD) also known as Hemophilia or Bleeding
Disease
Can
result in excessive internal or external bleeding, can complicate
surgery requiring expensive transfusions, can result in death
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Low to Medium
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Extremely High (most affected breed by far) |
vWD
is genetically determined poor coagulation that may be life-threatening:
excessive bleeding may occur after surgery or from a small cut
or the dog may bleed to death from spontaneous external or internal
bleeding from the nose, gums, digestive or urinary tracts. Bleeding
into the joints will cause symptoms similar to those of arthritis
which could be incorrectly diagnosed.
Fortunately,
inexpensive genetic testing is available: see vetGen.
Since the test is genetic, a single test is adequate for the
life of the dog. This allows conscientious breeders to breed
puppies that are free from this terrible disease.
vetGen
publishes a summary
of its test results by breed which list the Doberman as the
most affected breed. In fact the rate of affected Dobermans
is greater than the next 4 breeds combined. Also across vetGen's
tests, the percentage of "Affected" and "Carrier"
pups in the general Doberman population is the same as a litter
from two "Carrier" parents: 75%. This is an extremely
serious problem for our breed!
Perhaps
because of its prevalence among champions, the significance
of vWD has been greatly downplayed in the Doberman world. Champions
are, in conventional show thinking, the most desirable dogs
for breeding purposes. No matter where you buy your Doberman,
please insist on a Vwd Clear dog.
The
different genetic possibilities for a dog:
* Dogs with 2 healthy genes are called "Clear", have
normal levels of Von Willebrand's Factor (vWF), and can only
transmit healthy genes to offspring.
* Dogs with 1 healthy and 1 vWD gene are called "Carriers"
[more accurately called "half affected"] , they have
reduced but typically adequate vWF, though the actual reduction
in vWF depends on the location of the gene splice and varies
from day to day. Carriers can be expected to transmit a vWD
gene to half of their offspring
* Dogs with 2 vWD genes are called "affected" and
have doubly reduced vWF levels, though the actual reduction
in vWF depends on the location of the gene splices and varies
from day to day. Affected dogs will transmit a vWD gene to all
of their offspring.
vWD
is a "splice error" which means that both affected
and carrier dogs have a wide possible range of vWF, all of which
will be lower than that of clear dogs.
Dobermans
are beset by type 1 vWD. A bleeding disease would seem to be
a contradiction of the active, guarding function for which the
Doberman was bred. |
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Albinism
also known as Z Factor, also incorrectly known as white Doberman
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Medium
Frequency
in Dobermans:
rising, but easy to avoid |
The
Doberman Pinscher Club of America strongly advocates against
breeding albino, "White" or "Z" Factor Dobermans.
The AKC still registers albino Dobermans, but starts their registration
number with a "WZ".
Though
presented as a rare color to uneducated pet buyers, albinism
in Dobermans is a genetic mutation: the dogs simply lack pigment.
This causes them to have light blue eyes and pink skin: nose,
lips, toe pads, etc. Their light-colored eyes are sensitive
to light, which is a weakness in a working breed. Albino dogs
are, of course, at a greater risk of sunburn and even skin cancer.
For
a more thorough treatment of albino or White Dobermans, visit
The DPCA's
statement on the issue. |
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PHTVL/PHPV
- Impaired vision potentially leading to blindness
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Medium to High
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Low |
PHTVL
/ PHPV (persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis / persistent
hyperplastic primary vitreous)
Small
spots of the embryonic vascular system do not fade. If they
multiply they result in an accumulation of plaque and eventual
blindness.
May
affect one or both eyes. |
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Head
Bobbing Syndrome
possible new disease
Health
impact
in Dobermans:
Low
Frequency
in Dobermans:
Low |
Dog
bobs head up and down or side to side for a few minutes or longer
and then stops. Refocusing the dog tends to stop the episode.
Cause:
uncertain.
Heritability:
uncertain.
In
the absence of a good predictive test, breeders must carefully
examine the pedigrees to identify health risks, and also take
advantage of the limited testing that is available. |
Our focus on health allows us to offer
The Five Star Doberman health
guarantee.
Additional notes:
Outbreeding: Five Star Dobermans
carefully selects and balances the strengths and weaknesses of dogs
and their lines with the goal of producing better active-family Dobermans that
will be healthy, athletic and long-lived. We do this because breeding
for anything but a healthy dog will tend to produce unhealthy dogs.
For the genetic benefits, we usually outbreed.
Outbreeding tends to produce a genetically
stronger dog by covering recessive genetic weaknesses. But the conformation
of an obtrude litter tends to be less predictable and somewhat inferior
to that of the parents. In other words, you generally get what you breed
for: health or conformation.
We only breed health tested dogs
of excellent temperament. We don't focus rigorously on the physical
traits of the extremely narrow Doberman Breed
Standards or on traits that are currently in fashion in the Doberman
show world, though we do value attractive conformation.
Other factors besides the diseases listed above can shorten a dog's
life span. For example, within a breed, oversized dogs tend toward a
shorter life span. To avoid this unnecessary risk, we at Five Star Dobermans
breed to fall within Doberman height and weight standards.
If you haven't already, for a highly readable explanation
of how the breeders can unintentionally harm their breed, please see
"What Went Wrong?"
Athleticism and agility: The Doberman is an incredibly athletic
breed. Within the Doberman breed, European Dobermans tend to be preferred
over American Dobermans for protection and working sports because they
are more powerful. They have deeper and broader chests and more muscular
back legs, from which all working motion starts. Five Star Dobermans
tends to include European bloodlines for a more powerful, athletic and
spirited Doberman.
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