Happy Easter everyone! We hope you get to spend some time outside in the sunshine in the company of happy dogs!
The first albino Doberman appeared in 1976. All subsequent albinos have been the product of this individual female and a great deal of inbreeding between mothers and sons, brothers and sisters. In addition to the cream/white coats, pink noses and blue eyes, the genetic mix that produces albinism also produces health problems. Albinism isn’t just about color (or the lack of color), it affects the whole body. Albinos are photophobic (light sensitive) and are prone to skin cancers. Inbreeding can create temperament problems from shyness to viciousness. Albinos also lack what they call “breed type”, which are those characteristics that make Dobermans look more like Dobermans and less like Labradors: the long graceful neck, the straight legs, the narrow hips, the flat glossy coat. Some albinos have these characteristics, most do not. Riley is a good example of why there should be restrictions on breeding this recessive gene. He has severe photophobia, and his shyness and fear could be attributed to his genes. He has already had melanomas removed from his lips. And while he is a pretty dog, he is an ugly Doberman. He lacks the desirable breed standards of the graceful neck, wasp waist and glossy coat. To discourage this inbreeding, the albino Doberman isn’t approved through the American Kennel Club, so cannot be shown in the conformation ring. This has not stopped inbreeding for this color. Right now the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) is maintaining a “Z-list” of Dobermans known to carry the recessive gene for albinism. This allows ethical breeders to avoid breeding this mutation. That said, we think Riley is beautiful. However, we seldom get a good look at his eyes because they are either closed due to his severe photophobia, or the pupils are so dilated. I got a lucky shot this week. Riley’s pupils are constricted because he is outside in the sunshine AND his eyes are open. He’s peeking in his dog door trying to find a dance partner. I think his face is stunning, dirty nose and all. (If you love the way this dog looks and want to add an albino dog to your family, DO NOT buy one from a breeder. Breeders know that by breeding albinos they are perpetuating known health problems, no matter what they might guarantee. If you find an albino dog at a shelter or rescue, bring ‘em home! But do so knowing that this dog will be quirky at best and will possibly have expensive medical needs.)
We have a new game. It’s called, “I’m not coming back into the house, not even for bacon.” Riley is loving this spring weather and he can’t get enough of being outdoors.
All the people involved in the rescue of these dogs told the same story. They opened the front door and a frantic tangle of emaciated Dobermans raced to get out, trampling each other in their urgency. Once outside, they all froze and just stood there. They didn’t try to run, they didn’t avoid the people, they just stood there as if that moment of fresh air was more important than anything that might happen next. The past few days we’ve had some nice weather, warm and with sunshine. We live in the country and the air smells amazing. Riley has asked to go out a little more often, but then he won’t come back inside. I went out back yesterday and called for him. He came in the dog door, turned around and ran right back outside. We did this over and over. Then I noticed a little quirk. He was not just coming inside and running out again. He came in the dog door, touched me with his nose, then he ran back out again. In Riley’s world, that touch is an invitation. Sure enough, when I looked outside through the dog door I could see him in the yard dancing. He’s coming in again and again because he’s asking me to come outside to dance with him. I can’t imagine a more wonderful way to celebrate spring! I just cannot get my nose deep enough into the ground to find the source of that intoxicating spring aroma. My search will continue.
My reports will continue as well. --Riley the Valiant and Courageous |
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