[TracyJo]

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/publiceducation/PECAlbino.html

 

[TracyJo]

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?

 

[TracyJo]

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...

 

[TracyJo]

My trainer is trying with all she has to talk me out of it as she wants to show him in obdience.

Please explain to your trainer that you can enter an altered dog in obedience trials, rally & agility - Neutering just takes him out of the breed ring - (which incidentally, you can enter with natural ears, just not common)