Seeing that I just read this thread and wanted to set things straight about the "white" Doberman Pinscher I know it is long but there is some really good info on here
Taken from DPCA's Z-Free Book Information and policy on the mutant albino Doberman
Historical Facts
1976-on Nov 10 two black and rust parents produced 11 black and rust puppies and one female mutant (white in color, translucent blue eyes, pink nose, eye rims, and foot pads)
1979-the owner of the mutant ***** appllied for AKC registration. The blue slip was returned along with a letter from AKC explaining that Albino is not a color. He substituted the word "white" for albino and AKC registered the first "white" Doberman in its history! The owner then began an incestuous breeding program designed to exploit this novelty product, blessed with unlimited AKC registration
1981-The DPCA upon hearing of the existence of these animals asked AKC to investigate. AKC investigators went on site and concluded that Shebah was the offspring of AKC registered parents and therefore eligible for AKC registration.
1982-The DPCA had the foresight to amend its standard: "Disqualification.....Dogs not of an allowed color"
1983-The DPCA formed the White Doberman Research Committee. Two albinistic puppies from albinistic parents were acquired. A five year study showed:
A. They were photo-sensitive, hyperactive fear biters, and prone to solar skin damage
B. Calculated test breeding proved the genetic fault is caused by a recessive masking gene independent of the color black gene (B), the color red gene (b), the non dilution gene (D), and the dilution gene (d) which produces our four allowed colors
C. Microscopic examination of hair and skin revealed few color cells, hypomelanocytic. These animals are memebers of the descriptive spectrum of albinism.
1990-1994-Registration of "white" Dobermans INCREASED 475%
1994-In March the DPCA asked the AKC Board of Directors to deny registration to "white" Dobermans. AKC asked the DPCA to poll its membership regarding this issue. 98.8% of the 1153 votes opposed the breeding and registration of "white" Dobermans (as they were called at the time)
1995-To date AKC has registered over 560 "white" Dobermans. Possibly six times that number of normal colored litter mates carry the hidden genetic defect. The DPCA needed immediate action. Colored litter mates carrying the albinistic trait continued to contaminate our gene pool unchecked.
Apr. 1995-The AKC Board of Directors unanimously denied DPCA's original request to halt the registration of "white" Dobermans
Oct. 1995-DPCA adopted an official policy regarding the "white" Doberman as follows
After investigation th DPCA has determined that the albinistic trait in Dobermans is deleterious to the breed and should be considered a disqualifying genetic fault as described in the DPCA's standard and code of ethics.
We discourage our breeders from allowing this trait to spread and recommend the following: White specimen, the parents of whites, and the litter mates of whites SHOULD NOT BE BRED. All of these dogs should be spayed/ neutered and given limited or no registration.
ALBINOS ARE NOT ELGIBLE TO BE SHOWN IN AKC CONFORMATION SHOWS, THEREFORE
NO AKC CHAMPIONS ARE "WHITE"
A "white" or albinistic Doberman has a genetic fault (a mutation in the C allele) that masks th epression of our four normal colors. It is a recessive gene which greatly reduces the number of pigment granules (melanocytes) in hair, skin, and eyes. This tyrosinase gene mutation leads to the production of a tyrosinase enzyme that has a low range of activity. This gives the apperance of a light cream base coat with dead white markings. They always have translucent blue eyes with pink noses, eye rims, and foot pads. They are TYROSINASE POSITIVE ALBINOS.
Genetics and examining vets have determined that these dogs suffer from a deleterious from of partial (type 2) albinism. The greatly reduced pigment is skin and eyes cause marked photosensitivity (squint or shut eyes in sunlight) and increased risk of solar skin damage including cancer. PHOTOSENSITIVITY IS A HANDICAP FOR A WORKING BREED.
The AKC is registering dogs displaying a trait never previously described in our breed's history as pure bred. Since the recognition of Dobermans as a distinct breed, our breed standard has always sought to eliminate even a small spot of white on the chest.
The origional purpose of the breed was that of a working sentry dog to accompany their masters on their rounds at night. White is readily seen, thereby destroying the element of surprise and impairing the dog's ability to do it's work.
Allowing the albinistic trait to spread is a serious threat to the genetic integrity of the entire Doberman breed.
Do not let the promotors of "white" Dobermans fool you. Our breed is not improved by this practice. Ethical breeders do not intentionally breed for disqualifying faults.
The DPCA and AKC has tracked the registrations and breeders of white Dobermans and they do maintain a list of dogs who are and do carry the albinistic gene and breeders/ owners of dogs who are white and carry the gene if you see or recieve a registration for a Doberman with the starting letters WZ that dog carries the gene
DPCA has a lot of information on the prevention of this "parasite" gene and if you would like more information or would like a list of the dogs or breeders/ owners of these dogs please visit their website
http://members.aol.com/spcarep1/pec.htm
PLEASE DON'T SUPPORT THESE PEOPLE OR DOGS