Are you considering getting a fawn Doberman puppy? We don’t blame you. The sleek, powerful, and maybe even a little intimidating-looking dog is a sight to behold. Find everything you need to know about the fearless fawn Doberman Pinscher, including its history, personality, and much more in this article.
What is a Fawn Doberman?
A fawn Doberman is a purebred Doberman Pinscher with a coat color variation called fawn or Isabella and rust.
Fawn and rust is the rarest out of all the four coat color variations of the Doberman Pinscher that are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The fawn color is described as a dilute of the color red. It is similar in shade to the silvery beige coat of the Weimaraner dog breed. Fawn Dobermans have rust (tan) colored markings.
According to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA), fawn Dobermans make up only about 6% of all Dobermans born. It is followed in rarity by the blue Doberman at between 12% to 15%.
How Much Do Fawn Dobermans Cost?
Fawn Doberman cost about $1500 to $2500 from reputable breeders. Some may charge a premium for the fawn Dobermans’ rare color.
Breed Overview: Fawn Doberman Pinscher
Pedigree: Doberman Pinscher
Breed Group: Working
Breed size: Large
Height:
- 26 to 28 inches (male)
- 24 to 26 inches (female)
Weight:
- 75 to 100 pounds (male)
- 60 to 90 pounds (female)
Energy level: Active
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
The Doberman Pinscher
Considered by many as nobles among canines, the Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large breed dog that has built a reputation of being a loyal and excellent guard dog. A relatively new breed that has been around for only less than 150 years, Dobermans started becoming popular after being given jobs as guard dogs during World War II.
The regal yet fearsome-looking dogs soared in popularity after being featured in movies in the 1970s. In recent years, the Doberman has maintained its spot among the top 20 most popular breeds in the United States.
Appearance
Size
The sleek yet athletic and muscular bodies of the fawn or fawn and tan Doberman make them formidable guard dogs that are often described as elegant. A male fawn Doberman stands between 26 to 28 inches, while females have an average height of 24 to 26 inches.
They have an almost square body frame. The length of the dog’s head, neck, and legs are proportion to the length and depth of the body.
Fawn Dobermans weigh between 60 to 100 lbs, with the male fawn Doberman averaging at about 75 to 100 lbs, and females weighing between 60 to 90 lbs.
American vs European Dobermans
When looking for a puppy, you may come across the term European or American Doberman. The American Doberman has a leaner, more refined body frame and a narrower head. The European one has a thicker worker dog build.
Warlock Dobermans
According to the DPCA, the so-called Warlock Doberman is not a purebred Doberman. It is a marketing gimmick created by backyard breeders to sell Doberman-Great Dane mixes to people who want large dogs that have the look of the Doberman.
Head
Just like in other Dobermans, the fawn Doberman has a head that is proportion to the size of the rest of the body. It appears to be wedge-shaped when viewed from the front as well as the sides. When viewed from the front, the Doberman’s head widens gradually toward the base of the ears.
They’ve got long muzzles that should not slant back too suddenly from under the nose. Their noses should be of one color. In fawn Dobermans, the nose is a dark tan or light brown. All black Doberman pups have black noses, the red Doberman has a brown nose, and blue Dobermans have dark gray noses.
Ears
The signature look of the quintessential Doberman guard dog is its pointy cropped ears that are set high up on their heads. Their ears were cropped for more effective sound localization, which can aid them when working as guard dogs. Ear cropping is done through surgery.
When uncropped, the natural ears of the fawn Doberman Pinscher are medium-sized and triangular in shape. They are set high on the skull and the ear flap lays flat against the sides of the head.
Cropping means surgically removing the floppy part of the ear. This is usually performed on Doberman puppies between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. After the procedure, the ears are taped while they heal. This will make the ears stand erect on the head once completely healed.
While ear cropping is not banned in the US, it is controversial along with tail docking. Both ear cropping and tail docking are banned in many countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of Europe. Many veterinarians find the practice of ear cropping unnecessary and are against such procedures.
In the US, ear cropping is not banned or regulated. However, the practice is slowly becoming less popular. The American Kennel Club does not give additional points to cropped ears, nor do they find uncropped ears as faults in dog shows.
Tail
The fawn Dobermans’ natural tails are carried high in a slight curve. When docked, it is docked at approximately the second joint and appears to be a continuation of the spine. According to the AKC breed standard for Dobermans, the tail is carried only slightly above the horizontal when the dog is alert.
Controversy Surrounding the Practice of Tail Docking
Dobermans, along with Rottweilers and others, are one of the most well-known dog breeds with traditionally docked tails. Just like ear cropping, the practice of docking tails is quite controversial.
According to Fetch by WebMD, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) opposes docking and cropping. The most common reason for having these procedures done to dogs is to achieve a certain look – something that many believe does not warrant subjecting a dog to unnecessary risks.
Aside from the painful anesthesia-free procedure, docked tails can develop neuromas or nerve tumors. A neuroma can cause pain, which usually makes the dog snappy when the tail is touched.
Coat
Fawn Dobermans have a sleek and smooth coat that is thick yet very short. The coat lies very close to the skin. They can sometimes have a barely visible gray undercoat on their necks.
Color and Markings
The following are the Doberman colors and markings recognized by the AKC and the United Kennel Club:
Coat Color
Black and rust
Red and rust
Blue and rust
Fawn (Isabella) and rust
Markings
Dobermans including the fawn or Isabella Doberman should have rust-colored markings. The AKC’s official Doberman breed standard states that the markings should be “sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat, and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below the tail.” A small white patch on the chest is permissible provided it does not exceed ½ square inch.
The Blue and Fawn Dobermans
The blue and fawn Dobermans are known as dilutes, with the fawn being a dilute of the red coat color and the blue a dilute of black.
In the past, Dobermans with dilute coat colors were considered inferior and were less in demand. Back then, people thought that they had poorer health compared to black Dobermans and their red counterparts. However, it has since been scientifically proven that their Doberman colors have nothing to do with their overall health and structure. Fawn and blue Dobermans can be just as healthy as any red and rust Dobermans or black and rust Doberman.
While the origins of the dilution gene in Dobermans are not certain, some believe that it may be related to the addition of Weimaraner genes into the foundation stock of the Doberman. It is also with noting that the German Pinscher – a breed that has also contributed genes to the Doberman’s stock, also has blue and fawn (Isabella) color variations.
The White Doberman/ Albino Doberman
The white Doberman is rare but is not recognized by the AKC. Sometimes called cream-colored Doberman, they look like albino Dobermans with white/ cream coats or cream with white markings. The white or cream Doberman has blue eyes and a pink nose.
According to studies, partial gene deletion of SLC45A2 causes oculocutaneous albinism in Dobermans.
Due to inbreeding, these partial albino or white Dobermans are at much higher risk of developing long-term health issues such as deafness, poor vision or complete blindness, behavioral/temperament issues, cancers (predominately skin cancer), and others.
History of the Fawn Doberman
To understand the fawn Doberman’s personality better, let’s take a closer look at the breed’s history.
Created towards the end of the 19th century, Dobermans were bred to stand guard and protect their owners.
In the 1880s, a German tax collector by the name of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany sought to create the perfect dog that could give him protection while on his collection rounds. He needed an intelligent dog that is not only strong but also had stamina.
While the exact dog breeds and the ratios of mixing are not known, most historians believe that the Dobermann Pinscher breed includes genes from the Black and Tan Terrier – a predecessor of Manchester Terrier, as well as the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Greyhound, and the Old German Shepherd which is now extinct.
The dog developed by Louis Dobermann was a larger version of the modern Doberman. After his death, a breeder named Otto Goeller further developed the breed and established the National Dobermann Pinscher Club in the 1890s. The breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club in 1899.
It was during World War II that the breed shot to international fame. It is estimated that about 75% of dogs used during combat were Doberman Pinschers with the Doberman Pinscher Club of America supplying the majority of the dogs.
A total of 1047 dogs were enlisted during the war, with 465 of them serving in combat. 25 of the “Devil Dogs” died during service in the battle for Guam.
The Personality of the Fawn Doberman Pinscher
The Fawn Doberman Pinscher Temperament/ Personality in a Nutshell
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Confident
- Fearless
- High-energy
The Fawn Doberman Pinscher’s Personality & Intelligence
Often described as confident, stoic, and even elegant, the modern Doberman has a more well-rounded personality compared to its tax collector ancestors. The dogs bred by Louis Dobermann were said to be more aggressive guard dogs, and no one dared to challenge them while on duty.
The Doberman Pinscher ranks as the fifth most intelligent breed, according to the bestselling book The Intelligence of Dogs by neuropsychologist Stanley Coren, Ph.D. The most intelligent being the Border Collie.
Do Fawn Dobermans Love to Please?
Just like other Dobermans, fawn Dobermans are eager to please so they learn commands very quickly. Aside from being smart, they are also energetic and athletic. These traits make fawn Dobermans the happiest when they are training for competitions in agility and other dog sports.
With their high intelligence and energy levels come the need for stimulation. An alert and watchful dog like the fawn Doberman that is bored and cooped up in the house can be a recipe for disaster.
Sounds from outside can make fawn Dobermans want to investigate, which could lead to destructive behaviors such as scratching on doors or destroying furniture. Fawn Dobermans bark when bored or when they want to alert their owners.
Often depicted as fearsome guard dogs to villains in pop culture, fawn Dobermans and other Dobermans are very loyal and people-oriented. Are fawn Dobermans clingy? Yes! They love to be around their family members and enjoy joining them for activities such as going on walks.
Do Fawn Dobermans Need a Lot of Exercise?
Yes. Fawn Dobermans make great family dogs, especially for physically active households. long daily walks and hikes will keep them happy, healthy, and stimulated. The AKC recommends a large fenced area where the dog can run – something that is highly important for fawn Dobermans’ well-being.
Recommended Activities and Sports for Fawn Dobermans
- Long walks
- Jogging
- Hiking
- Agility training
- Obedience training
- Tracking
- Off-leash running in a securely fenced area
The Fawn Doberman Pinscher's Health
While fawn Dobermans are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues and illnesses. Illnesses commonly found in certain breeds have a lot to do with animal genetics. This is why it is important to look for a reputable breeder if you wish to buy a Doberman puppy.
Responsible breeders have their breeding stock tested for genetic conditions that can be passed down to fawn Doberman puppies.
Color Dilution Alopecia
One of the health issues that are seen more in blue Dobermans as well as the fawn or Isabella Doberman is color dilution alopecia. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, color dilution alopecia (CDA) “is a genetic recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or hair loss, and may also include flaky and/or itchy skin.”
The cause of CDA is not known. There is no cure at this time, but it is quite manageable with the help of vets.
Health Issues Commonly Seen
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat
- Hypothyroidism
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Color / coat dilution alopecia (common in blue and fawn Dobermans)
5 Tips to Bring Out the Best in Your Fawn Doberman
Nutrition
Give your fawn Doberman pup a high-quality dog food that is formulated for your dog’s age, breed size, and activity level.
Because the breed is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we highly recommend speaking to your vet about the right type of dog food to feed your fawn Doberman. This is due to a correlation found between DCM and grain-free diets. At the moment, the said correlation is still being studied and is not fully understood.
Foods and supplements that are high in omega fatty acids such as fish and fish oil can help promote healthy hearts, brains, skin, and coats.
Exercise
A happy and healthy dog is one that gets enough exercise daily. Take your dog on a long walk daily or go for a jog around the park. Playing fetch and completing agility courses are activities that fawn Doberman puppies/ adults will love.
Early Socialization and Obedience Training
Early socialization and obedience training are the best ways to help your fawn Doberman be the best that he or she can be. It helps prevent troublemaking habits such as behaving aggressively towards other dogs, animals, or people. It also helps keep their protective instincts under control.
Good behavior allows your fawn Doberman to enjoy playtime with other dogs in the park, as well as any canine or other animal guests you may have in your home.
Proper Vet Care
Our vets are the best experts we can turn to for advice on anything that concerns our dogs. While we can’t keep our dogs perfectly healthy forever, taking them to the vet for regular checkups or when irregularities are observed can help us extend their lives.
Early detection of illnesses is vital in treating them. Preventive measures such as parasite treatments for worms, heartworm, fleas, and ticks are a great way to prevent diseases borne from such parasites.
Following our vets’ advice can not only help us spend more years with our furry friends, but it also helps us provide them with the best quality of life that they can have.
Grooming
You can keep your fawn Doberman puppies/ dogs looking their best with minimal effort. They do not need to be bathed often and can be given baths as needed.
Brushing with a short-bristled brush or a grooming mitt can help maintain the naturally glossy and sleek coat of your fawn Doberman. It also helps manage shedding when done daily or at least twice every week.
Some dogs can get ingrown hairs. In most cases, they usually resolve on their own. However, if your dog seems to be getting more, consult a vet as other skin issues can look just like ingrown hairs.
Dental health is important in any dog’s well-being. Brush your fawn Doberman pup’s teeth daily or at least three times a week to maintain good oral health. Use only toothpaste made for dogs. You may also use no-brush dog tooth gels in between brushings.
Conclusion
Owning a beautiful and elegant fawn Doberman truly is a dog lover’s dream. However, owning them is also a privilege.
The fawn Doberman is not recommended for households where they will be left alone all day. This could lead them to develop destructive behaviors.
If you are up to the challenge of owning a fawn Doberman, we recommend looking for shelters and animal rescue organizations that may have one waiting for a home. If you have decided that a fawn Doberman puppy is the one for you, look for reputable breeders that use only ethical and responsible breeding practices to ensure that you get a pup that is free from genetic conditions.
