The Doberman s temperament is energetic, alert, obedient, fearless and watchful. All in all, the breed is an excellent, all around breed for a family or work environment. Unfortunately as with so many other breeds, there are many underlying conditions or genetic problems that can appear in these dogs. One of the most common hereditary problems in Doberman Pinschers is von Willebrand s Disease. Of itself, von Willebrand s disease isn t really a disease but a condition that affects the platelets in the blood.
Platelets are what allow blood to clot after surgery or some type of trauma.
Unlike hemophilia, the numbers of platelets aren t lowered with von Willebrand s disease but the protein that acts as an adhesive is changed. This particular type is considered the mildest of the various types. Clinical trials conducted on 15,000 Dobermans showed seventy percent of them were carriers of the disease. Of these 15,000 Dobermans, the majority of them didn t show clinical signs. As such, von Willebrand s Disease can cause problems in Dobermans having any type of surgery including tail docks, ear trims and simple spays and neuters.