Fawn Doberman’s Best Ultimate Guide for You in 2022

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Doberman Pinschers or simply Dobies are among the breeds of dogs with a very recognizable appearance. They come in several colors and markings although most of us only see them in black coats with rust-colored marks.

This hue is so popular that whenever we think of Dobermans, we automatically imagine this iconic color. But if you like this breed but you have the penchant for pets with unique coloring, you might find Fawn Dobermans interesting.

Fawns are as stunning as other Doberman colors but did you know that this color is not well-accepted in the dog community? Continue reading to learn more about the fawn Dobermans and get to know why they are sometimes not recommended for breeding.

Appearance of Fawn Doberman

Fawn, sometimes called Isabella, is among the usual colors of Dobermans. The other possible colors of Dobies as per breed standard are black, red, white, and blue. The fawn and blue ones are the results of the dilute color gene. In Dobermans, the coat color is either caused by the dominant black gene or the dilute gene. Fawn is the dilute of red while blue is the dilute of black.

These dilute colors may come in various shades, too. There is no single hue when we are talking about these dilute colors because it differs from dog to dog. Like in the case of blue, it is possible to see dogs with a purple or silver tone. These shades are still considered as blue. Fawn, on the other hand, may appear lighter or darker depending on the dog.

A fawn Dobie displays an elegant hue and this is one of the reasons why many Doberman lovers would like to have one for a pet. Some people are even willing to pay more for a fawn Doberman puppy. In general, fawn is described as a light yellowish tan hue. But in the case of Dobermans, the fawn coat appears more like a light brown color or beige. It is close to tan but with a more vivid appearance. Other fawn-colored Dobermans may also come in a light cream shade.

As with a typical Doberman, fawns have a long and square-shaped head. They still get that same fierce and athletic look they are known for but they appear in a different coat color other than the usual black with rust markings.  Although they have flat cheeks, their faces are a bit muscular. Their eyes are almond-shaped and the color is typically amber in a lighter or darker shade. Dobies with darker discolorations are more preferred in dog shows.

Like the other colors of Dobies, the fawn ones have a short and smooth coat that is fairly easy to groom and sheds moderately. The Doberman’s coat is among the easiest types of coat to maintain. Weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat looking healthy and nice. It’s just that the length of their coat may be thinner than their darker counterparts.

Bathing a fawn Doberman will be the same as bathing a Dobie of any other color. You should only use shampoo products formulated for canines because shampoos for humans can cause skin problems. Used too often, it may cause skin dryness. The frequency of grooming your Doberman should depend on the number of his activities and the kind of lifestyle he has.

The recommended amount of grooming for Dobermans should be every six to eight weeks only. This applies to fawn Dobermans as well, especially if they are always indoors. However, for Dobies that are always outdoors, a bath once a month or every five weeks would not hurt.

Because fawn Dobermans usually have a short coat, it will help to let them wear protective clothing. This is highly recommended if you live in a place with a colder climate. You can find many designs of doggie jackets that will fit Dobermans. Make sure to get the right measurements because Dobies have a unique fit.

Recognition of Fawn Doberman

Dobermans in the solid fawn coat are not recognized by most dog clubs, like the American Kennel Club.  The Fawn color will only be accepted as if it comes with rust markings. Fawn and rust, as well as black, red, and blue are the only authorized standard colors of Dobermans if we are going to follow the standards set by the AKC.

Like the AKC, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America will only accept a fawn if it comes with sharply defined rust markings. As per DPCA, the discoloration should not be defined as tan but as rust. These colors look alike but they have a difference in terms of appearance. Tan is a brighter shade of brown while rust is a richer shade of brown. Tan markings only exist in European Dobies and not on American Dobermans.

It may be difficult to set aside a European Doberman from an American Doberman but these dogs still have a lot of things that set them apart. The American variety is the one often used in shows and known for its sleek and elegant look. The European ones are a bit larger than their American counterparts. They have more muscles and they are popular for their high drive which makes them a better choice when you are looking for a working dog.

A solid fawn should not be mistaken for the red American male Doberman, which has markings in different shades. The markings of American male Dobies range from light tan to dark rust or red. These marks can be found on the forechest, on the legs and all the way to the feet. You can also see them having a rust-colored muzzle and tail.

Meanwhile, the fawn Dobermans are not well-accepted in the canine community. A number of organizations do not condone the breeding of pets that do not have the generally accepted coloring. More often than not, backyard breeders are responsible for producing dogs with a fad color. Pet parents should be warned of the risks associated with buying from these kinds of breeders.

Despite the controversies surrounding them, you can still find fawn Dobermans breeders. Most of them can be found online and on social media groups. Just be careful when dealing with breeders online. It matters to know the difference between a puppy mill and backyard breeders. Make it a habit to check their legitimacy first before paying any deposit amount.

Genetics of Fawn Doberman

In animal genetics, fawn exists because of the dilution gene. Unlike the black ones that were developed because of the dominant gene, it is not easy to find breeders of these dogs. This is due to the fact that it is rare to find dogs carrying the dilute gene. Fawn, together with as blue and white, is regarded as the “Z factor” bloodlines or rare colors.

The rarity of these dogs is the reason why there are breeders who ask for more when selling their Doberman pups. Don’t be fooled by these kinds of breeders. You can actually find fawn Dobies in rescue centers. You will get to save a lot of money by adopting a pet. More than that, you are helping a dog have another chance at life. The good thing about having a dog from an animal shelter is that these dogs are already housetrained.

Fawn Doberman’s Grooming

Maintaining the coat of a fawn Doberman needs extra care. This has something to do with the fact that fawn-colored dogs usually have less hair per square inch, compared to black dogs. In other words, these dogs have a thinner coat and this is the reason why you need to be extra gentle in caring for the fawn Dobie coat.

Dogs with thin coats are more susceptible to skin problems such as itching and dryness. You can prevent these problems by supplementing your buddy with omega-3 fatty acids. You may ask your vet for the best type of supplement for your Doberman. You should not just give any type of supplement without consulting your vet first. Many pet parents actually give their Dobies fish oil, which helps dogs have healthier skin and glistening coats.

Part of grooming your Dobie is checking his ears on a weekly basis as they can easily accumulate wax, which may cause infections if not removed. The shape of the Dobie’s ears is the reason why they can easily become infected. It is also the reason why it’s recommended to crop the Doberman’s ears. Cropping the ears is done not just for hygienic purposes but also for health reasons.

Price of Fawn Doberman

In the United States, the average cost of a fawn Doberman puppy ranges from $1,500 to $2,000. It is on par with the usual cost of other Doberman colors. Beware of breeders charging a premium for fawn puppies. Remember that fawn is not a rare coloring. It is actually common but it does not belong to the generally accepted coloring of Dobermans.

If you have doubts about breeders you met online, consider visiting a Doberman rescue center first. This way, you will also be educated about buying or adopting your Dobie. This is important especially if you never had a pet before. You will get a chance to see Dobies in different colors, or even find a fawn one. Adoption fees are way lower and will cost you around $300. It saves you money and the headache caused by dealing with irresponsible breeders.

Health of Fawn Doberman

You might have come across Doberman breeders online and wondered why the fawn dogs are more expensive compared to the black ones. A good explanation is that it is not so easy to find reliable breeders. It matters to negotiate with breeders who prioritize the health of the pets. Ask for DNA testing results. This is to confirm if the dog you like to adopt is at risk for the following health issues:

Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) – Dobies with the diluted gene are prone to CDA, a genetic condition that causes hair loss. It is among the types of follicular dysplasia that affects a number of breeds. It is characterized by thinning of the coat, although there are instances when an animal can be completely bald. Hair loss can start as early as the sixth month of age. In most cases, the signs appear before the dog turns three years old. This condition cannot be cured but it can be controlled through medication and topical treatments.

Hypothyroidism – most Dobermans are prone to this condition, which is characterized by skin dryness and loss of hair in many areas of the body.

More Caring Tips for Fawn Dobermans

Limit sun exposure – Because of its short coat, a Doberman is at risk for sun damage. Hence, it is important to keep it inside more often than not. It helps to have a shady place in your backyard where your pet can stay even if he wants to be outdoors. Don’t forget that the Doberman is quite an active dog and needs up to an hour of exercise on a daily basis. Schedule your time outside and take your buddy to cooler areas.

Let your pet wear his gear – Another way to protect your Doberman from sun damage is to put on protective clothing like a hat or a doggie jacket. In case you noticed any lesions or lumps suddenly appearing on the skin, better schedule an appointment with your vet right away.

Conclusion

The coat color is one of the important factors to consider when buying a dog. There’s a good reason why most kennel clubs are against the breeding of fawn Dobermans. These dogs require a lot of TLC and eventually more visits to the vet.

It’s a sad reality but many of these dogs only go to shelters because their former owners can no longer support them financially. Despite that, there are still breeders who continue breeding them for the sake of business. Beware of these types of breeders and think carefully before deciding to bring home a fawn Dobie.

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