The Doberman Pinscher is a stunning breed with a wide range of colors to choose from. Let's take a look at the different color variations and their rarity.
Red Doberman Pinschers are the rarest of all, making up only about 10% of the breed. They're a beautiful deep red color with a black mask.
Black Doberman Pinschers, on the other hand, are one of the most common colors and can be found in many different shades. Their coats can range from a glossy black to a more muted, blue-black color.
Blue Doberman Pinschers have a distinctive gray-blue coat and are relatively rare, making up about 15% of the breed. They're often considered one of the most beautiful colors due to their unique tone.
Check this out: Blue Steel Blue Doberman Puppies
Color Variations
The Doberman Pinscher color chart is quite fascinating, and it's interesting to see the different variations that exist. Black and rust is the most common color of Doberman, with 62% of voters choosing it as their favorite.
Related reading: Chocolate Color Lab
Doberman colors can be quite rare, and some are even more expensive than others. For example, white Dobermans are rare, but not as rare as albino Dobermans, which some experts doubt even exist.
If you're in the market for a Doberman, you should know that rare colors come with a price tag. A standard black and rust Doberman can cost between $400 and $2500, while a rare white Doberman can sell for up to $5000.
Here are the most popular Doberman colors, based on a survey conducted by Doberman's Den:
- Black/Tan = 62%
- Red = 24%
- Blue = 8%
- Fawn = 6%
Fawn (Isabella)
Fawn (Isabella) Dobermans are the least common of the four standard colors, but you can still find a fawn puppy with some patience. They are considered a breed standard only for the American Doberman.
Their color is technically a diluted red, which makes them appear a fawn color. This can also make them prone to color dilution alopecia, causing hair loss and dry or itchy skin.
For your interest: Doberman Pinscher Breed Standard
The price of a fawn Doberman puppy can vary greatly, ranging from $400 to $2500. Some breeders will give discounts on fawn Dobermans, while others will charge extra for them, claiming they're rare.
Here's a rough idea of what you can expect to pay for a fawn Doberman puppy:
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates, and the actual cost may vary depending on the breeder, location, and other factors.
What's Your Favorite Color?
The question of what's your favorite Doberman color is a great one! Black and tan is the clear winner, with 62% of the votes. This color combination is not only popular, but it's also a classic look for Dobermans.
Red Dobermans come in a close second, with 24% of the votes. This color is a beautiful addition to the breed, and it's easy to see why it's so well-loved.
Blue Dobermans are a bit of a surprise, but they're actually a bit more popular than fawn Dobermans, with 8% of the votes compared to fawn's 6%. Whatever color your Doberman is, remember they have short hair and are sensitive to cold temperatures.
Here are the favorite Doberman color voting results:
- Black/Tan = 62%
- Red = 24%
- Blue = 8%
- Fawn = 6%
It's worth noting that whatever color your Doberman is, they'll still appreciate a fun winter dog sweater to keep them warm!
Rarity and Popularity
The most popular Doberman color is black and rust, making up 62% of the votes in a survey conducted by Doberman's Den. This is likely due to its classic and timeless appearance.
Black and rust Dobermans are the most common color, but the rarest color is a matter of debate. Some argue that the cream or white Doberman is the least common, while others claim the pure black Doberman without rust markings is the rarest.
In general, solid-colored Dobermans are rare, especially those with a dilution gene present. This includes blue and fawn Dobermans, which are among the rarest.
Here's a list of the rarest Doberman colors, in order of their rarity:
- Melanistic Fawn – The rarest of all Doberman colors.
- Melanistic Blue – The second rarest color of Doberman.
- Melanistic Red – The third rarest color of Doberman.
- Melanistic Black – Rare due to a unique gene that causes excessive melanin production.
- White – Not a standard color, but still acknowledged as a Doberman color.
Most Popular Color
In the world of Doberman colors, black and rust is the clear winner. It's the most common color, making up 62% of the votes.
Red and rust Dobermans come in second, with 24% of the votes. This color combination is a close second, but still a far cry from the top spot.
Blue Dobermans are a bit more popular than fawn, with 8% of the votes compared to fawn's 6%. It's worth noting that these numbers are relatively small compared to the top two colors.
Most Expensive Color
The most expensive Doberman color is often a topic of interest for many dog enthusiasts. Rare colors like white and fawn can cost upwards of $5000.
A standard black and rust Doberman typically costs between $400 and $2500, but the price can vary depending on factors like show quality and age.
If you're looking to buy a Doberman, be aware that rare colors often come with a higher price tag. It's essential to consider the potential health risks associated with these colors, as mentioned in the article.
Here's a list of the most expensive Doberman colors, in order from rarest to most common:
- Melanistic Fawn – The Melanistic fawn Doberman is the rarest of all the Doberman colors known to exist.
- White – The white Doberman is the rarest of the five recognized colors of the Doberman Pinscher.
- Blue – Blue and fawn Dobermans are among the rarest ones.
Types and Forms
The Doberman Pinscher comes in a variety of colors, including black and tan, red, blue, fawn, and white. The most popular color is the traditional black and tan.
You can find Dobermans in different regions, such as Europe, Rumania, and the United States. Gerry Barnett's tan dog from Rumania is a great example of a Doberman from a different part of the world.
Explore further: Black and Tan Breeds of Dogs
Doberman owners may notice changes in their dog's coat color, like Gerry did with his 5.5-year-old dog. This can be a normal process, but it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
Here are the main Doberman colors recognized by kennel clubs:
- Black and tan
- Red
- Blue
- Fawn
- White (note: white Dobermans can be prone to health issues and should be carefully considered as pets)
Exists in 5 Different Forms
The Doberman is a versatile breed that exists in 5 different forms. These forms are determined by their unique coat colors, which can range from black to white.
The most common Doberman color is the black and tan, also known as black and rust or black and brown. This color combination is a result of a genetic combination that produces a shiny and sleek coat.
Red Dobermans are the next most widely seen color, with shades ranging from copper to dark chocolate. These dogs are often referred to as "chocolate Dobermans" due to their rich, brownish-red color.
Explore further: All Black Doberman Pinscher
Fawn and blue Dobermans are less common, but still beautiful and unique. Fawn Dobermans have a diluted red color, while blue Dobermans have a dilute of black, resulting in a gray or silver coat.
The rarest Doberman colors are melanistic black and melanistic red, which are caused by a genetic mutation that leads to an excess of melanin production. These dogs are often considered defects and are not accepted as a breed standard.
Here are the 5 different Doberman colors:
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Fawn
- White
These colors are not just a matter of aesthetics; they can also be indicative of a dog's health and potential breeding practices. For example, melanistic Dobermans are often the result of inbreeding, which can lead to health problems.
Related reading: Doberman Pinscher Diseases
Types Overview
There are five different colors of Doberman Pinschers, including black and tan, red, blue, fawn, and white. The white Doberman is a rare color that results from inbreeding and is considered a partial albino.
See what others are reading: Black and White Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers can also come in a variety of colors with rust markings, such as black and rust, red and rust, blue and rust, and fawn and rust. These colors are recognized by kennel clubs.
A rare color of Doberman Pinscher is the solid black, also known as melanistic black. This color is not approved or recognized by the AKC due to potential health problems.
The solid blue Doberman is another rare color that results from a combination of melanistic and dilution genes. This color is also not approved by the AKC and may be associated with health issues.
Here is a list of the recognized and standard Doberman colors:
- Black and rust
- Red and rust
- Blue and rust
- Fawn and rust
- White
It's essential to note that while these colors are recognized, some of them may be associated with health concerns, such as CDA in the case of solid blue Dobermans.
None
The black and rust Doberman is the most common color combination seen, with a puppy price estimated to be around $1500-$3500.
This color combination is known for its shiny, sleek coat, which is the traditional color most often depicted for this breed in movies and on television.
The AKC Registration Code for this color is 015, and it's recognized as a breed standard color by both the American and European Doberman registries.
Black and rust Dobermans can have issues with heat in the direct sun due to their black coat, although most dogs of this breed do not do well in extreme temperatures.
Common Dog Breeds
Let's take a look at some common dog breeds.
The Bulldog is a popular breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They can weigh up to 50 pounds and have a short, easy-to-maintain coat.
Poodles are highly intelligent and active dogs that require regular grooming to prevent matting. They come in a variety of sizes, including toy, miniature, and standard.
Labradors are friendly and outgoing dogs that excel in obedience and agility training. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing.
Additional reading: Doberman Pinscher Coat Colors
Chihuahuas are small, energetic dogs that are often kept as pets due to their compact size. They can weigh as little as 2 pounds and have a lifespan of up to 15 years.
Dachshunds are playful and loyal dogs that are well-suited for families with children. They have a short, smooth coat and come in a range of sizes, from toy to standard.
Coat Color and Health
The Doberman Pinscher comes in five different colors, but some coat colors are more prone to health issues than others. Deafness can be caused by a lack of pigment in the ear, and any skin without pigment will be more susceptible to sunburns.
Careful breeding practices can help prevent diseases like CDA, which is particularly common in blue Dobermans, affecting about 80% of them at some point in their lifetime.
While rare, Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia can occur in black Dobermans, but it's not as common as other health issues.
The 5 Coats
The Doberman comes in five different coat colors: black, red, blue, fawn, and white.
Black is the most common Doberman hair color, often paired with tan or rust markings.
Red Dobermans are a light brownish-red color and are sometimes called "chocolate Dobermans."
Fawn Dobermans are a diluted red color, also known as Isabella or cinnamon.
Blue Dobermans are a dilute of black, and are sometimes called gray or silver Dobermans.
Here are the 5 Doberman coat colors:
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Fawn
- White
All-black Dobermans, also known as melanistic Dobermans, are rare and should not be bred.
Coat Color Health Problems
Deafness can occur in dogs with a lack of pigment in their ears, making them more prone to sunburns on skin without pigment.
CDA, or color dilution alopecia, is particularly common in blue Dobermans, with an estimated 80% developing the condition at some point in their lifetime.
Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia can occur in black Dobermans, but it's not as common as CDA in blue Dobermans.
Most of these health issues can be prevented by careful breeding practices and removing dogs with health problems from the gene pool.
On a similar theme: Blue Rust Doberman
Markings and Patterns
The Doberman Pinscher's markings are a key part of their distinctive appearance. They have prominent rust-colored markings that are a traditional feature of the breed.
These markings can be found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, chest, and all four legs and feet. In addition, a small white patch on the chest is also common, but it should not exceed a half-inch square in size.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) specifies that the "tan" markings should be clearly defined and located on the muzzle, cheeks, and on top of each eyebrow. They should also appear on the throat, in two spots on the chest, between the ankles and toes, on feet, the inside of the hind thigh, forearms, and under the tail.
Here's a breakdown of the Doberman Pinscher's markings:
- American Dobermans: tan or rust-colored markings on muzzle, throat, chest, legs, and feet, with a white patch on the chest (optional)
- European Dobermans: darker rust-colored markings on muzzle, cheeks, eyebrows, throat, chest, legs, feet, and under the tail
It's worth noting that while a small white patch on the chest is allowed in American Dobermans, it's not part of the standard for European Dobermans.
American vs European
American Dobermans have some differences in colors compared to their European counterparts. European Dobermans typically have darker tan markings.
The FCI, which is a kennel club for European Dobermans, has specific standards for Doberman colors. According to the FCI, the standard colors are black and rust, and red and rust.
You won't see dilution genes in European Dobermans, as they're not allowed. The FCI is generally stricter in determining which dogs can be registered.
Here are the standard colors for European Dobermans, as recognized by the FCI:
- Black and rust
- Red and rust
Return
If you're considering bringing a blue and rust Doberman into your family, be aware that they can be a bit pricier than other colors, with prices ranging from $400 to $2500.
Their unique coloration is due to a genetic mutation that dilutes the black color, resulting in a gorgeous grayish-blue shade.
While some breeders may charge higher prices for these rare dogs, others may see them as less desirable and charge lower prices.
Recommended read: Steel Blue Doberman Colors
Unfortunately, blue and rust Dobermans are prone to color dilution alopecia (CDA), a genetic skin condition that can cause hair thinning, hair loss, or dry and itchy skin.
Despite their potential health concerns, many owners report that blue and rust Dobermans have the same fearless and loyal temperament as other Dobermans.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with blue and rust Dobermans:
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on the breeder and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 colors of Dobermans?
Doberman Pinschers come in four recognized colors: black, red, fawn, and blue. These colors are produced by reputable breeders without compromising the breed's health or temperament.
What are the AKC standard colors for Doberman?
The AKC recognizes four standard colors for Doberman Pinschers: black, blue, red, and fawn, each with rust markings. These classic colors are a hallmark of the breed's distinctive appearance.
Sources
- the AKC’s Doberman Pinscher information page (akc.org)
- The Albino Doberman Controversy by Caroline Coile, Ph.D (carolinecoile.com)
- AISBL FCI-Standard for the Dobermann (PDF) (fci.be)
- a “red” Doberman (bb) with both dilution genes present (dd) is a fawn Doberman (dobequest.org)
- on color rather than health (gentledoberman.com)
- According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) (dpca.org)
- albinism (pawprintgenetics.com)
- 5 Doberman Colors And The One To Avoid (dobermansden.com)
- A post shared by Union Black Iron Warrior (@melanistic_dobermann) (instagram.com)
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