The fawn Doberman Pinscher has a pale coat caused by the dilute gene. Fawn Dobermans are sometimes called Isabella, or fawn Isabella. This color is combined with rust color to reveal the typical Doberman markings. In order for this color fading trait to manifest, Doberman parents need to each pass a copy of the gene to the puppy. The fawn Doberman Pinscher is a loving, loyal, intelligent dog. But, this unusual color is very difficult to find and unfortunately the dilute gene has been linked to some uncomfortable health problems.
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Appearance of Fawn Doberman
In terms of their general appearance, a fawned Doberman will look like any other Dobie. They are large dogs standing between 24 and 28 inches tall at the withers. They usually weigh between 60 and 100 lbs, but some will fall outside of these height and weight ranges. As a general rule, females are smaller and lighter than males, but each dog will be different.
Dobermans have a short, smooth coat. Their body is small and agile. The traditional Doberman image usually includes cropped ears and a docked tail – both features that are still part of the AKC breed standard. But, all over the world, as these practices are banned, Dobermans with soft ears and long tails are becoming more common.
Fawn color and markings
The Doberman or Isabella Doberman is pale brown over most of their body. But, they will have red, rust-colored markings above each eye, on their mouth, throat, chest, legs, feet and under the tail. If you’re still struggling to imagine what this color looks like, we’ve added a bunch of fawn Doberman pictures and photos throughout this article for your perusal!
The exact color of their fawn colored fur can vary from one Isabella Doberman to the next. Some may have pigmentation all over, but others may have areas of bright color throughout their coat.
How Do Fawn Dobermans Get Their Color?
Fawn or Isabella Dobermans are actually brown Dobermans whose coloring has been diluted. So, without two copies of the dilute gene, these Dobermans would be brown. The ID locus (dilute) is where these genes can make a difference.
A Doberman puppy will need to get two copies of the dilute (dd) gene to have a fawn-colored coat, because this gene is repeatable. This affects the availability of this color. Some growers will aim to breed dilute shades. But, since the dilute gene multiplies and can go undetected for generations, sometimes dilute Doberman puppies are absolutely amazing!
Are Fawn Dobermans rare?
Fawn Dobermans are by no means uncommon, but new owners should be wary of people who emphasize fawns when marketing their puppies. Since puppies need two copies of the recessive dilute gene to express the Isabella color, they are less common than Dobermans with dominant shades, such as black.
However, some reputable breeders will use this as an excuse to raise the prices of their puppies. They may go to extreme lengths to breed Doberman puppies regardless of whether they have associated health issues. So, do plenty of research regardless of what colors your breeder sells. We will discuss tips for finding the best breeder at the end of this guide.
Are Fawn Dobermans friendly?
Although the mutated gene can affect a Doberman’s health, it is not known if it can change their temperament. Therefore, you can expect a fawn Doberman to match any other shade. Dobermans are known for their loyal, family-oriented nature. They are confident and alert dogs, but can be defensive. Therefore, it is important to socialize your Doberman as a puppy to reduce the risk of abuse.
As intelligent and energetic dogs, Dobermans of all colors will need daily exercise, mental stimulation, and training. This can be time consuming! Therefore, it is important to be honest about whether you can provide this before bringing a fawn Doberman home.
Fawn Doberman Health and Care
One of the major health problems that Dobermans are prone to is color dilution alopecia. It is most common in blue (gray) Dobermans, but fawn Dobermans may experience this problem. Alopecia areata in dogs is characterized by many symptoms, including:
- Dry, flaky skin
- Poor coat quality, including dull, dry fur
- Poor hair growth
- Hair loss
- Recurrent bacterial infections around hair follicles
- Sensitivity to sunlight and cold weather
Affected dogs usually begin to show signs of alopecia areata between the ages of 6 and 12 months. But, in some cases the first symptoms may occur later than this. In addition to this, fawn Dobermans will still be prone to genetic health issues just like any other Doberman.
Caring for a Fawn Doberman
Fawn or Isabella Dobermans will need to attend regular vet checks. Be sure to check their coat quality to notice any early signs of coat dilution alopecia. There is no guarantee that your diluted Dobie will get it, but they may be predisposed to trouble. If you notice any infections or irritation, take your dog to the vet for further help.
Since fawn Dobermans can be sensitive to sunlight and cold weather, you should also be careful when you let your Doberman out in the yard, or when exercising. Make sure they have sun protection and constant access to shade during the summer. Dog sunscreens are readily available at most pet stores! Plus, you can also buy extra layers for any fawn Dobermans that struggle in the cold.
In addition to these additional safety measures, your Doberman will require the same level of care as any other breed. So, make sure they get a healthy, balanced diet, plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation.
Finding Fawn Doberman Puppies
If you are searching for Doberman puppies, you may want to enter the word ‘Isabella’ to broaden the results. Remember that this is one of the rarest Doberman shades, because the puppies need to get two copies of the dilute gene. Some breeders may specialize in molting shades, but for many, diluted puppies will come as a welcome surprise.
Above all else in your search, you should prioritize the need to find a reputable breeder. Look for the one who keeps the dogs and their puppies as part of the family, and doesn’t force the mother to have many litters. Visit the puppies in person to get an idea of their health, temperament, and level of care.
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The best breeders will be able to provide evidence of health checks, and will be happy to answer all your questions. Many will probably ask you the same thing. If the breeder refuses to show you health certificates, or if the puppies and older dogs seem scared, malnourished, or mistreated, you should look elsewhere.
How Much Does a Fawn Doberman Cost?
The fawn color on the Doberman is accepted as the standard shade in the official AKC breed standard. Also, this color is very rare because the genes that cause it are multiplicative. Therefore, the prices of these puppies cannot be predicted. Some breeders may raise prices, especially if Doberman puppies are in high demand. But, some may sell everything at a lower price.
Some breeders may also actually reduce the price of puppies with fawn colors, as the melting gene is targeted for certain health issues that can be costly throughout your pup’s life. But, as a general idea, reputable breeders tend to charge somewhere between $1200 and $2000 for a fawn Doberman.
Remember that price is not an indicator of quality. Also, sometimes the very high price of “unusual” colors can be a sign of a bad grower. So, do a lot of research on the breeder you choose, and make sure you see evidence of health checks and good care.