My Review on Doberman Preservation Project

 

Doberman Preservation Project is a private outcrossing project for Dobermans. It was started in 2018, before the Finnish Kennel Club's official outcrossing decision in 2026. Although the project is currently stopped, I think it's worth analyzing.


My thoughts

They have detailed data from their process. As expected, among the F2 generation puppies that were backcrossed with purebred Dobermans, there were some with an appearance similar to Dobermans. Their report said several individuals had a phenotype similar to purebred Dobermans that didn't obviously appear as "mixed." That means controlled outcrossing doesn't "ruin" the breed.

Their goal seems to primarily focus on genetic diversity. This is because they prepared a Phase 2 proposal that focuses on multigenerational mixed breeding with the occasional reintroduction of a purebred Doberman. They said that, even though the Phase 1 results showed significant improvement compared to the existing Doberman average, these figures are also achievable among purebred Dobermans (albeit at the lower limit).

The thing I like in this project is mentioning the importance of personality on the project page. 

"While breed type is primarily physical, typical breed temperament is also important: Dobermans should be Dobermans, not Golden Retrievers in a Doberman suit." 

Limit

The donor breeds they used are Cane Corso, Great Dane, Olde English Bulldogge, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. However, at this time, I felt that the selection of the donor breed was random.

First, the Rottweiler is one of the foundation breeds used to create the Doberman. This means that the genetic distance between the two is already close.

Secondly, Great Danes have a high prevalence of DCM compared to other breeds, although it is not as severe as that of Dobermans.

Thirdly, although this is my subjective opinion, I understand that the perception of Dobermans has worsened due to the increase in backyard breeders following their popularity in the 1970s U.S., which led to several accidents involving dogs with unstable temperaments. I believe the last thing we need is to include Cane Corsos and Rottweilers—breeds frequently subject to breed-specific legislation due to their high bite force and powerful physical strength—as well as OEBs, which were an attempt to recreate the "Regency Period Bull Baiter." Of course, there is a counterargument asking what the significant difference is between a Doberman and a Cane Corso or Rottweiler, since Dobermans are bred for guard dogs anyway.

In addition to their donor breed selections, an inherent limitation of this project is that it is a private project. Because it is private, it is more heavily influenced by the personal circumstances of the individuals involved compared to official projects conducted by kennel clubs. That is why they stopped the project.

Another point concerns the reaction of kennel clubs. In fact, there was a successful private crossbreeding project called the LUA Dalmatian, which involved crossbreeding Dalmatians with Pointers to produce dogs free from uric acid stone problems. However, due to opposition from members of the Dalmatian Club, it remained unregistered for decades until it was finally registered with the AKC in 2011. Sp I think even if this project succeeds in reducing the incidence of DCM to a significant degree (although 100% eradication is impossible due to the polygenic nature of DCM), it is uncertain whether kennel clubs will approve it in the future. That is why my petition is focused on official organizations, such as DPCA.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of this project, if someone started another one, I'll follow its progress and results with great interest.

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