Like all dogs, dobermans are susceptible to some genetic defects and diseases. We are working to decrease and eventually eliminate these problems. Below is a brief explanation of the diseases and the current testing methods.
Hip dysplasia
All dobermans should have an OFA certification that they are free from hip dysplasia. The OFA test (and all methods of testing for dysplasia) is a phenotypic test. In other words, it looks at the hips of the individual dog. It is important to understand that sometimes parents with normal hips can pass hip dysplasia on to their offspring. HD is a poly-genetic, inherited condition, it isn't yet known how it is passed on. The doberman community has done an excellent job in decreasing the incidence and severity of this disease.
Eye problems
All dobermans should have their eyes CERF'd (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) each year. This certification only lasts one year, so it's important to see an up-to-date CERF report on the parents of the puppy you are thinking about.
von Willebrands disease (vWD)
This disease may cause some dobermans to have extended bleeding periods without clotting. There is a brand new DNA test for vonWillebrands disease. A dog's genetic vWD status can now be guaranteed with 100% accuracy. All dobermans, using the new DNA test, will be either Clear, Carrier, or Affected. Clear means that the dog does not carry the defective gene. Carrier means the dog carries one copy of the defective gene. Carriers clot normally. Affected dogs carry two copies of the defective gene. However, just because a dog is DNA Affected does not mean it will have slow clotting times, only that it is at risk. Many Affected dobermans are not symptomatic. Nevertheless, it is important to test the bleeding status of these dogs. Affected dogs with slow clotting times should not be used for breeding purposes. Even though it is speculated that many of our dobermans are Carrier or Affected, the actual number of these dogs that have bleeding problems is very small.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a very common problem in dobermans. Thyroid titers should be done approximately every other year throughout a dog's life. This disease, where the thyroid gland slows or ceases to function, is easy and inexpensive to treat. Nevertheless, it is important to try to improve the thyroid function in dobermans by breeding thyroid normal dogs whenever possible.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is another common problem in dobermans. Unfortunately, the most common sign of cardio is sudden death. It is recommended that all dobermans intended for breeding should have a current ultrasound reading. This is not an optimal test for this disease, as a heart can ultrasound normal one year, and show signs of cardiomyopathy the next. Nevertheless, it is at this time the only test available. It's important to talk to your breeder about ages and causes of death of the ancestors in your puppy's pedigree.
CVI, Wobblers
There is no test of any type available to screen breeding stock against Wobblers disease, also called Cervical Vertebral Instability or CVI. In this disease the vertebrae in the neck (usually the base of the neck in dobermans) become unstable and move around, pinching the spinal cord. It rarely strikes until middle age, and can cause pain and/or paralysis. There is no cure, but surgical interventions can stabilize the area. Many doberman owners also are having good success with acupuncture.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect dog of any breed. Today's breeders make the best breeding decisions they can, based on health testing results, conformation, temperament, working ability, and pedigree. A good breeder is open and honest about the health status of all their dogs, and is always willing to help and guide the new puppy owner.
Julie Stade
President, United Doberman Club of America
Member, Doberman Pinscher Club of America
Delegate, American Kennel Club