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"Warlocks" and Other Myths
What is a "Warlock" Doberman (also known as "Kings" or "Goliaths")? Back in the 1970's, Dobermans experienced a sudden surge in popularity. Many people were lining up to acquire a Doberman and they oftentimes wanted a stereotypical "big, bad guard dog". Unfortunately for the breed, money-hungry and unscrupulous breeders responded to the demand by breeding for grossly oversized dogs. Sometimes, it is believed, Dobermans were bred to Great Danes and other larger breeds, breeding reports and registration applications were falsified and the Doberman breed suffered long-term damage. To this day, people who are not educated about the Doberman breed still proudly proclaim their ownership of a "Warlock". Technically, there is no such thing. The term "Warlock" (or "King" or "Goliath") simply refers to an often poorly-bred, always oversized dog that does not conform to the breed standard and is just as undesirable as a Doberman that is significantly smaller than the breed standard calls for. The Doberman breed standard regarding size (as maintained by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America and the American Kennel Club) is: "General Appearance: The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. Size, Proportion, Substance: Height at the withers: "Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27 1/2 inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25 1/2 inches. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally from the fore chest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body." Oversized Dobermans lose the agility, speed and ability to turn and maneuver quickly - all traits and qualities necessary for a working breed. The bigger the dog, the less agile, quick and maneuverable he is. He is also likely to be more prone to joint and bone problems, as well as other health problems associated with very large breed dogs. Unfortunately, to this day, unethical breeders continue to prey on the unknowledgeable public by charging outrageous prices for dogs with this undesirable size fault. If you already own a "Warlock", please love him for the rest of his life - he deserves it. But next time, if you want a giant-sized dog, buy a Great Dane. Where Dobermans are concerned, bigger is definitely NOT better.
What is a "white" Doberman? There is no such thing as a "white" Doberman. A "white" dog (for example, a
white German Shepherd) has dark eyes and a relatively dark-pigmented skin and nose. There IS, sadly,
an albino Doberman, actually classified as a tyrosine positive albino. These
dogs have pink skin and nose, and blue eyes (or light yellow in a few
specimens). Albino Dobermanss have a white or cream-colored coat with light tan
markings. Albinos suffer from
What about "exploding brains" and do Dobermans eventually "turn" on their owners? We can offer no explanation for the origins of these outrageous fallacies. Knowledgeable Doberman people merely shake their heads in wonderment at the total lunacy of these claims. Any dog of any breed (just like any person) may possibly develop brain tumors or other brain disorders, and brain/neurological problems could have temperament-related symptoms. Perhaps a situation like this gave rise to the "exploding brain" myth - we can only guess. Dobermans are no more predisposed to brain cancer or aneurisms than any other breed or mix-breed. And any dog, if abused, could certainly display aggression toward its abuser, even if that abuser is its owner. But common sense should lead people to dispel these blanket, ridiculous assertions. Page last revised: |
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Doberman Rescue of North Carolina Contact Us |
photosensitivity. This means that the dogs cannot
tolerate sunlight or bright light, often closing or squinting their eyes and
bumping into objects when put in unfamiliar surroundings. They will often burn
and blister if exposed for much time in sunlight. They classically have
temperament problems, ranging from being shy, fear-biters to hyper-aggressive.
Again, though, because they are relatively rare (thankfully), unethical breeders
strive to produce them and charge outrageous prices, advertising them as "rare
and exotic". Responsible breeders deplore the breeding of albino Dobermans.
Albinos can be registered with the AKC but the white color is a disqualification
and these dogs cannot compete in the conformation ring. As with the "Warlocks",
if you own one now, love and care for it for its whole life but PLEASE do not
perpetuate the breeding of these poor animals by buying another.
