Do any of your Dobermans carry the alibino gene?

alienex · 08-16-2006, 10:55 PM

I just found out that you can identify if your Doberman carries the albino gene if they have a Z in their AKC number. Does anyone here have a Doberman that carries that? Is it acceptable as long as the Doberman is not Albino?

**TracyJo** · 08-17-2006, 01:27 AM

What do you mean by "is it acceptable as long as it's not a doberman?"
A Z factored dog should not be bred but can be perfectly wonderful pets. The problem with albino dobes (aside from the fact that albino is not a recognized color) is that they come with a slew of health and sometimes temperment problems that are detrimental to our breed - the only way to not produce more albinos is to not breed Z factored dogs. All albinos stem from one bitch back in the mid 70's - Padula's Queen Sheba; therefore, they are relatively easy to trace and it should be easy to prevent breedings but some not so ethical people out there have jumped at the opportunity to make a few $'s by breeding and producing "the rare white doberman"
Here is a brief web page that is kind of like Albino Doberman 101: http://bakaridobes.westhost.com/publ...PECAlbino.html

Prettydobie · 08-17-2006, 01:30 AM

He probably means as in the AKC does really accept them as in showing and everything

alienex · 08-17-2006, 01:38 AM

Im asking for example Duke is a black dobe, I dont have his papers with me but I think he might be a Z factored Dobe. His mom was red, father black and no littermates where white. Im asking I guess is he ok to compete, will he suffer from those problems of the albino? but not to breed right? I am coming to find I didnt really get Duke from a good breeder. I still love him im just worried.

**TracyJo** · 08-17-2006, 01:48 AM

You know, I'm not sure if a Z is a disqualification - but I'm sure someone will chime in soon that does know :-)
And I don't think that a black z factored dobe would suffer the same health problems as an albino - but might have the temperment issues associated with albino - but again, I'm not completely sure. Sorry I can't be more help...
What makes you think that he might be z factored?

waiting · 08-17-2006, 01:50 AM

No none of my dogs were ever Z factored, and NO I never would own or breed a Z factored dog. I will leave it at personal reasons. I do not understand why you think your dog is?

alienex · 08-17-2006, 01:54 AM

You know I thought I did all my homework before buying a dog and I missed this one thing. I know for sure his father was ok but the mothers history was a bit shakey im a reviewing everything right now. The breeder was new. Either way I wont breed him, I was just curious if a Z factored dobe is not uncommon as far as a pet goes.

DaKari · 08-17-2006, 01:56 AM

Neither of mine are Z factored.

**TracyJo** · 08-17-2006, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alienex

You know I thought I did all my homework before buying a dog and I missed this one thing. I know for sure his father was ok but the mothers history was a bit shakey im a reviewing everything right now. The breeder was new. Either way I wont breed him, I was just curious if a Z factored dobe is not uncommon as far as a pet goes.

Unfortunately, I think it's pretty safe to say that if his mother is z factored, the breeder wasn't reputable - reputable breeders don't breed z factored dogs. If she was, then Duke is. That doesn't mean that he won't make a fabulous pet or that you should love him any less (not that I think you would). You're in good company here - several members here got their Dobes and then later realized that the breeders they chose were anything but reputable - several members here just went out and got a pup (my hand is raised here) and then later learned of all the work and research that goes into finding a reputable breeder. The important thing is that we learn from each other to avoid the same mistakes in the future...
I'm curious though to hear what others have to say on the health/behavior problems and whether or not they are associated with just albinos or albinos and z factored dogs as well...

Blackdog · 08-17-2006, 06:13 AM

I'd never knowingly BUY a Z factored dog (I don't know what my rescues are) as I wouldn't want to support someone like that.

If he's Z factored, odds are you'd be wasting your money to show in conformation. I've never seen a Z dog that was anywhere near close to show quality - and yes, I've seen some in the ring. There's no reason why you couldn't compete in agility or obedience though.

I have a friend who's Z factored dog just died last week of cardio at age 5. He had health problems (liver problems, 2 torn acl's, etc) his whole life. She was a responsible owner and had him neutered. It's sad, she truly loved that dog, but bought him as a novice owner and didn't realize what was in his pedigree.

If you want to send me what you know of Duke's pedigree, I may be able to run it backwards and see where (if any) the albinos are for you.