Not sure if this is already out there.

DobiePrincess · 02-22-2008, 03:31 PM

Ok, I haven't found a lot of information about albino Dobermans or blues and had a couple questions. 1. do albinos have red eyes? Do all of them? 2. Do either need special bathing requirements or have skin issues that the black/reds don't have? 3. how hard is it to find an albino or blue to adopt? 4. Is there such a thing as dog SPF and if so do you need anything like that for you albino?

Murreydobe · 02-22-2008, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DobiePrincess

Ok, I haven't found a lot of information about albino Dobermans or blues and had a couple questions. 1. do albinos have red eyes? Do all of them? 2. Do either need special bathing requirements or have skin issues that the black/reds don't have? 3. how hard is it to find an albino or blue to adopt? 4. Is there such a thing as dog SPF and if so do you need anything like that for you albino?

Albinism comes in many forms, not all of them have red eyes. Albino dobermans have blue eyes.

Blue dobermans almost always develop Color Dilution Alopecia..it can be minor with minimal hair loss or it can be major with lots of hair loss and secondary skin infections.

Linda H · 02-22-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DobiePrincess

Ok, I haven't found a lot of information about albino Dobermans or blues and had a couple questions. 1. do albinos have red eyes? Do all of them? 2. Do either need special bathing requirements or have skin issues that the black/reds don't have? 3. how hard is it to find an albino or blue to adopt? 4. Is there such a thing as dog SPF and if so do you need anything like that for you albino?

Albinos are prone to skin cancers and cannot see well especially in the bright sun.
You can find albinos in rescues sometimes. I don't know how hard it is, but you do hear of them quiet a bit. It seems like you have to use the sunblock on vulnerable places on them like the nose, ears, etc.

elle · 02-22-2008, 08:37 PM

I guess it depends on the area, but it seems like albinos pop up in rescues around here (NJ) fairly frequently.

I would not recommend adopting a blue or an albino unless you are ready to spend a lot of time and money at the vet. I spent $1500+ last year in vet bills (multiple growth removals, neuter, hw treatment, etc) on my albino boy and i get a VERY VERY generous discount at the clinic where i work.

My albino has light blue/yellow eyes with red pupils. they look dark in normal light, but if you look closely in bright light they will glow just like albino rat eyes.

My albino has sensitive skin - not nearly as bad as the blues, but he does develop rashes in his groin area quite frequently that are red and itchy. Occasionally, he will also get a more widespread/generalized breakout/staph infection.

As for sun - my dog LOVES to sunbathe. However, I never let him outside in the bright sun for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. He has a tough time seeing in some light and has been known to walk/run straight into things. If i'm going to keep him out for longer, I spray him with human suntan lotion - be sure to get ear tips and nose as those will burn easily. He also has a pair of sunglasses to wear when it gets REALLY bright outside. He's not crazy about them, but he does appreciate that they let him see. Whenever he is out in bright light, he walks around squinting.

We've also had to deal with fear issues, which seem to be common among albinos. When I got him, he was so fearful that if I looked at him the wrong way, he would drop to the floor and pee submissively. A lot of his fear issues have been worked out with training - positive reinforcement methods have really helped build his confidence.

However, the type of temperament he has is not right for everyone. You have to be fair, even, gentle, and strong all at the same time. Over the past year we have averaged about two obedience classes per week, every week. I don't see classes as anything that is going to stop anytime soon either - training with him is a lifetime commitment.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to talk you out of rescue, but there is a certain amount of commitment involved in owning a special needs dog that not everyone can provide (and yes, i consider albinos special needs dogs).

I love my dog, he is the light of my life, but he is certainly not the dog for everyone.

DobieLove02 · 02-23-2008, 09:28 AM

good post elle, and your boy is handsome in his glasses

DobiePrincess · 02-25-2008, 02:41 PM

Thank You very much, that was extremly helpful. And Mercury looks awesome in his shades.