Today's Dobermans that are larger than the breed standard, as well as other breeds, are usually prematurely dead or debilitated by 1 or more of 4 health problems. I have received countless emails over the past dozen years from owners with flashy looking Dobermans who are dead by age 4-6 average.

My experience has been that there are remedies available, if there is dryness or loss of some coats in the colors, more-so the blue/tan and some fawns. Often the vets try to treat the coat "from the outside in, rather than the inside out"; which I find more successful. Special shampoos, etc is often what the vets recommend.