Do Dobermans have health problems?

1. Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are common skeletal diseases in dogs, causing joint abnormalities that can lead to pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis. Surgery can help if diagnosed early.

1. Heart problems: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), an enlarged heart, is the most common heart issue affecting Dobermans and affects this breed more than any other. Congestive heart failure is also a concern.

1. Von Willebrand’s disease: Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. Dogs with this disease lack a protein necessary for blood clotting, potentially leading to hemorrhages. The deficient protein is called von Willebrand factor (vWF).

1. Wobbler syndrome: More formally known as cervical vertebral instability, this condition is suspected to be genetically passed down in Dobermans. Dogs affected by wobbler’s syndrome suffer from a malformed spinal canal or instability of the cervical vertebrae. Extreme symptoms are neck pain and paralysis of the legs, but not all dogs are seriously affected. Surgery is available as a treatment option, though the condition recurs in some dogs.

1. Other: Dobermans are also at risk for bloat (when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, causing it to twist), albinism (a lack of melanin and pigmentation), and compulsive behavioral issues. Dobermans are also more prone to prostate disease than any other breed. To identify some of these potential issues, a veterinarian may recommend joint, heart, and DNA tests for your Doberman.