blue eyes — Even many complete albinos have blue eyes. For instance, the NOAH albinism site states “A common myth is that by definition people with albinism have red eyes. In fact there are different types of albinism, and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. Although some individuals with albinism have reddish or violet eyes, most have blue eyes. Some have hazel or brown eyes.” see the quote here.
Also, the International Albinism Center states “Iris color is usually blue/gray or light brown…. It is a common notion that people with albinism must have red eyes, but in fact the color of the iris varies from a dull gray to blue to brown. ” see the quote here.

Eyes which appear blue can be produced without pigment because of the phenomenon of refraction. It’s important to remember that the structure of the iris often has more effect on the apparent color of the eye than the absence of pigment itself. Think of the sky. Is there any blue pigment in the sky? No, of course not. So why does the sky look blue? It looks blue because the dust particles in the sky refract (scatter) light in a specific way, and light of different wavelengths is refracted differently. The structure of the iris in some species allows absorption, refraction, and filtering of the light that hits it, so that the eye may appear blue even when there is no pigment in the iris.

As stated by Dr. Mark Ladd, a veterinary geneticist: “The iris colour in an adult dog is determined by two layers. An inner layer, which gives rise to the blue eyes present in all puppies just after birth, is not pigmented; the blue colour arises because of an absorption of the longer wavelengths of white light before reflection back…The outer layer gives rise to the dark eye as it becomes pigmented from melanin production in the eye….Albinism means the complete absence of melanin pigment (Searle, 1981).If one accepts this view, then dogs such as the white Dobermanns, with blue eyes, can be termed albinos.” In fact, blue-eyed albino mutations are known to occur in several different species. As stated by William Oetting (a widely-known expert in albinism from the University of Minnesota), “The blue eyes is consistent with albinism. Dogs have an iris which is blue if it contains no pigment (same as the Siamese cat, for example, which also has a type of albinism). Animals with little or no iris (mouse, rat) have pink eyes.”

Additionally, as mentioned above albinos can even have BROWN eyes — and the color of an albino’s eyes can change over time. To repeat a quote already mentioned in a previous section, from the International Albinism Center: “An important distinguishing characteristic of OCA1 is the presence of marked hypopigmentation at birth. Most individuals affected with a type of OCA1 have white hair, milky white skin, and blue eyes at birth. The irides can be very light blue and translucent such that the whole iris appears pink or red in ambient or bright light. During the first and second decade of life, the irides usually become a darker blue and may remain translucent or become lightly pigmented with reduced translucency. ” see the quote here. Interestingly, at least one albino doberman is known to have been born with blue eyes and has developed gold eyes along with darker fur pigment during his second year of life. see his photos here.

Blue-eyed albino cats are mentioned here,here, and here.
Blue-eyed albino rabbits are mentioned here.
Blue-eyed albino horses are mentioned here and here.
For Dr. Oetting’s complete statement and some of the papers he has authored or co-authored relating to albinism, look here.
For studies authored or co-authored by Dr. Ladd, look here.

In November 1976, a mutation occurred with the whelping of a cream colored Doberman.

Her sire, dam, and litter-mates were normal colored black and tans. She had pale blue eyes, pink nose, eye rims, pads and membranes. Where tan markings would be they were Albino.

She was bred to a dominant black male, producing 14 black and tan pups. A male and female were kept and all ran loose. Her son sired her next litter, which contained 2 Albino males. He was also bred to his sister and her litter contained 2 Albino bitches. Later, these Albinos were bred together producing all Albinos.

These dogs have been highly inbred and have multiplied at an enormous rate, and unfortunately they are being bred into our top show lines.

While we can readily identify an Albino, we cannot detect the mutant gene which is carried by a great many of our normal colored dogs.

It has been proven that the Albino mutation is not related to our dilution genes (blue and fawn).

In 1982, the AKC approved the DPCA’s amendment to the Doberman standard disqualifying “dogs not of an allowed color.”

This prevented the Albino’s from being shown in the conformation ring, but unfortunately does not stop the continued breeding of these mutant Dobermans. The AKC had refused DPCA’s request to cancel any registration of Albino Dobermans.

The DPCA employed the services of several noted geneticists, vets, and color experts as well as purchasing 2 Albino bitches for test breedings. They also conducted many scientific studies of hair, skin and eyes by professionals at leading universities.

The results after a five-year study conducted by the DPCA and its consultants, concluded these mutants were correctly termed, “albino or tyrosine positive, partial albino or tyrosine negative which suffer from hypo-melanocytic disease. It is important to note here that partial albinos are still albinos.

Albinism is a deleterious mutation which affects the whole body.

Why does the DPCA reject the Albino?

We know that these dogs are photophobic, (sensitive to sun light). They have vision problems resulting from abnormal development of the retina.

They are prone to skin cancer and skin lesions. Due to the lack of pigment, they are extremely susceptible to skin damage from the sun.

Poor temperament is a significant concern. Due to the intense inbreeding to obtain the mutation, the temperaments on a great many are totally unstable. These problems range from fear biting to outright vicious attacks. Shyness is prevalent. Most are not suitable for homes with small children. Yes, there are exceptions, but hardly enough to make them acceptable to most families.

In addition to the above problems concerning health and temperament, these dogs have a total lack of breed type.

There is dialog currently between the DPCA and the American Kennel Club to impose a breeding restriction on the Albinos. They would still be registered, but would have the same restrictions as an ILP registered dog. Owners would not be allowed to register any progeny of the Albinos.

While negotiations continue, the DPCA is utilizing a tracking system, call The “Z” List. This tracking system identifies any dogs that may carry this mutant gene. It enables ethical breeders to avoid breeding to animals with the defect.

While we can understand the attachment one can have for animals of all colors, sizes, shapes and pedigreed or not, we must realize that the Doberman Pinscher was a breed created for a purpose.

A standard of excellence was drawn up describing what the ideal Doberman should look like, how it should act, and what colors it should be. Albino cannot be classified as a color. It is just the opposite. It is the lack of color.

No recognized standard would call for a dog that is Albinoid. It is a genetic defect in all creatures.

The DPCA Code of Ethics is available upon request.

This brochure is updated from the original text written by:
Mrs. Judy Doniere
Second Edition, 2001

Albino dobes are albino dobes. There is no white dobes. They are technically partial albinos. Hence the blue eyes.

Prone to skin and temperment issues and not the result of RESPONSIBLE breeding.

Please visit http://www.dobermantalk.com for more information.

albino dobermans… or any albino dogs.. vs. white ones are different.

albino means it lacks skin/fur pigmentation and has no color. which means the eyes would also have no color

if the dog has blue/brown/etc eyes, then it just has white fur – it’s NOT albino. it’s a very rare gene in dobermans.

the website you posted eventually gets to that information… but at first glance it seems to say the two are the same.

and yes i know what i’m talking about. i learned about it in a genetics class AND from a white (NOT albino) doberman breeder.