Steel blue Dobermans are a unique and striking variation of the breed, characterized by their distinctive coat color. This color is the result of a specific genetic combination that affects the production of melanin.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the steel blue color as a standard for the breed. According to the AKC breed standard, the steel blue coat should be a "steel blue color with a black mask."
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Steel Blue Doberman Colors
The steel blue Doberman is not just a rare color, it's also a beautiful one.
Steel blue Dobermans are often referred to as grey Dobermans, silver Dobermans, or even blue-grey Dobermans.
Their hairs are kind of a gray color, which is the result of a recessive color dilution gene.
This dilution gene dilutes the pigmentation that would have otherwise gone into the black coats, resulting in a grey or silver kind of look to the fur.
Steel blue Dobermans typically have bluish-grey lavender or flesh-colored noses, lips, and iris along with all the standard rust-colored markings that any other Doberman has.
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They are not part of the normal breed standard for European Dobermans as set by the FCI, but here in America, they are one of the four standard colors for Dobermans.
The blue Doberman can compete in conformation shows and all the other standard competitions that the AKC puts on.
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Doberman Varieties and Standards
There are actually three different types of Doberman Pinschers, including the American and European varieties. The American Doberman is sleeker and more streamlined, while the European is a more muscular dog with a deep chest and thicker bone structure.
The two main variants of the Doberman are the American and the European, with the American being more suited to the show ring and life as a companion dog, and the European being more of a working breed. With its determination and drive, the European version excels in search and rescue roles and is favored as a military and police dog.
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The blue Doberman is one of the four standard colors for Dobermans in the US, and can compete in conformation shows and other standard competitions. They were genetically set up to be standard black and rust-colored Dobermans, but have a recessive color dilution gene that creates a grey or silver look to the fur.
Doberman Pinscher Standards
The Doberman Pinscher is a breed with a rich history and diverse characteristics. The American and European Doberman are the two main variants, with the American being sleeker and more streamlined, and the European being more muscular with a deep chest and thicker bone structure.
The European Doberman is more suited to working roles, such as search and rescue, and is often favored as a military and police dog due to its determination and drive. The American Doberman, on the other hand, excels in the show ring and as a companion dog.
About 8-15% of Dobermans are blue, a relatively uncommon but striking color. Blue Dobermans are often referred to as grey, silver, steel blue, or blue-grey Dobermans.
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The standard colors for Dobermans in the US include black and rust, red and rust, blue, and fawn or Isabella. Blue Dobermans can compete in conformation shows and other standard competitions, thanks to their status as one of the four standard colors.
Blue Dobermans have a recessive color dilution gene that reduces the pigmentation in their coats, resulting in a grey or silver appearance. They typically have bluish-grey, lavender, or flesh-colored noses, lips, and iris, along with the standard rust-colored markings.
Blue Doberman Price
The blue Doberman price can vary significantly depending on the breeder and the dog's quality. On average, people are spending between $400 to $800 on blue Doberman puppies.
Some reputable breeders charge the same price as other Dobermans, which is around $1500 to $2500. However, others may charge lower prices, ranging from $15 to $25.
A blue Doberman's price is generally lower than that of other Doberman colors. This is because they were once discouraged from breeding due to being considered a mutated version of the Doberman.
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Blue Doberman Information
Only about 8 to 15 percent of Dobermans are blue Dobermans, making them relatively rare.
Blue Dobermans are often referred to as grey, silver, or steel blue Dobermans due to their gray-colored coats.
These dogs are one of the four standard colors recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US.
The blue Doberman's unique color is caused by a recessive color dilution gene inherited from their parents.
This gene dilutes the pigmentation that would normally produce a solid black coat, resulting in a gray or silver appearance.
Blue Dobermans typically have bluish-grey, lavender, or flesh-colored noses, lips, and iris, along with standard rust-colored markings.
They can compete in conformation shows and other standard competitions, unlike some other less common Doberman colors.
The Doberman Pinscher Club of America estimates that 8 to 15 percent of Dobermans are blue Dobermans, but the exact numbers are unknown.
Blue Dobermans were once heavily discouraged from breeding due to being seen as a mutated version of the Doberman.
However, they are now widely accepted as part of the standard colors in the US and can be found in the show ring.
Sources
- All the Colors and Types of the Doberman Pinscher (dobermanplanet.com)
- Doberman Colors - Common & Rare Colors & Patterns (spiritdogtraining.com)
- 5 Doberman Colors And The One To Avoid (dobermansden.com)
- 10 Common Doberman Colors (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- All About Blue Doberman - Dobietime.com (dobietime.com)
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