Hey, it's Gerald.
Quick question: Has your breeder shown you DCM3 and DCM4 test results?
If they only tested for DCM1 and DCM2, they tested for the WRONG variants. European Dobermans carry different genetic markers than American lines—and most breeders either don't know this or don't care.
In today's issue:
Why DCM3 and DCM4 matter more than DCM1 and DCM2 for European imports
The 3-test protocol serious breeders use (and why genetics alone isn't enough)
Red flags that signal a breeder is cutting corners on cardiac health
What annual screening costs—and why cheap puppies mean expensive problems
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CRITICAL DCM INSIGHTS THIS WEEK:
GENETIC TESTING European Dobermans require DCM3 and DCM4 testing—not DCM1/DCM2 (American variants)
TESTING COSTS Complete cardiac screening: $600-$1,000 annually per breeding dog (DNA + Echo + Holter)
THE REALITY 58% of Dobermans develop DCM—most show zero symptoms until collapse or death
LABS THAT MATTER NC State, UC Davis, Embark, Laboklin—accept no substitutes or "vet-approved" generic tests
Why Most Breeders Test for the Wrong DCM Variants
I've been importing European Dobermans for 16 years. I spend $800-$1,000 per dog on cardiac health screening. Here's something American buyers need to understand:
There are FOUR DCM genetic variants. Your breeder probably only tests for two—and they're the wrong two for European bloodlines.
The Breakdown:
DCM1 and DCM2 (American Doberman variants)
Found in PDK4 and titin genes
Dominant inheritance (one copy = risk)
Common in American show lines
DCM3 and DCM4 (European Doberman variants)
DCM3: Dominant (one copy increases risk)
DCM4: Recessive (two copies = high risk)
The killer: Dogs with BOTH variants face the highest risk
If you're importing from Germany, Serbia, Netherlands, or any European country, DCM1 and DCM2 tests are nearly useless. You MUST see DCM3 and DCM4 results.
THE 3-TEST PROTOCOL SERIOUS BREEDERS USE
Genetic testing alone doesn't tell you if a dog HAS DCM, only if they carry risk genes. That's why cardiac screening is non-negotiable.
Test #1: DNA Analysis ($150-200) Both parents tested for DCM3 and DCM4 through:
NC State Veterinary Hospital
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab
Embark
Laboklin (European standard)
AKC (American Kennel Club)
Look for: N/N (clear), N/DCM (carrier), or DCM/DCM (affected)
Test #2: Echocardiogram ($300-600) Annual heart ultrasound measuring:
Left ventricle size
Wall thickness
Ejection fraction (should be >50%)
Diagnosis section must say "no evidence of DCM"
Test #3: Holter Monitor ($300-500) 24-hour heart rhythm recording showing:
Total irregular beats (VPCs) under 50 in 24 hours
Zero "runs," "couplets," or "triplets"
Interpretation by veterinary cardiologist (not general vet)
Timeline: Start at age 3, repeat annually for life.
Why yearly? DCM can develop spontaneously. A clear 3-year-old can test positive at 6 years old.
RED FLAGS: BREEDERS CUTTING CORNERS
I've reviewed hundreds of European import deals. Here's what to avoid:
❌ Breeder says "my vet says the hearts are fine" but provides no written reports
❌ Only shows genetic tests—no echo or Holter results
❌ Test results are 2+ years old
❌ Refuses to show actual lab documents (just verbal claims)
❌ Says "testing isn't necessary because my bloodline is healthy"
❌ Only tests one parent instead of both
The cost reality: Complete annual screening (DNA + Echo + Holter) costs $600-$1,000 per breeding dog.
If a breeder is selling $5,000-$8,000 European imports without these tests, they're either inexperienced or cutting corners to maximize profit.
YOUR LIFETIME TESTING SCHEDULE
If you import a European Doberman, here's your responsibility:
Age 3: Baseline cardiac screening (echo + Holter)
Age 4-12+: Annual screening every year Total annual cost: $600-$1,000
Pet insurance (Embrace, Trupanion) covers cardiac testing IF you get coverage BEFORE any diagnosis. Once DCM shows up, it's a pre-existing condition.
The math: One annual screening = $800. Over a 10-year lifespan = $8,000 total investment in cardiac monitoring.
Compare that to a $12,000 emergency when undiagnosed DCM causes heart failure.
WHAT I SHOW MY BUYERS
Every breeding dog in my program gets:
Annual DNA testing (DCM3, DCM4, vWD)
Annual echocardiogram
Annual Holter monitor
Results provided before deposit
Cost to me: $800-$1,000 per dog, annually. It's factored into my pricing because I won't sell a $6,000 import without proving cardiac health.
NEXT WEEK: Stay tuned for next week’s critical insights, were we go deep on what’s holding back most breeder programs from accelerating to their full potential.
3 ways I can help:
Import Consulting — Thinking about importing? I'll vet the breeder's health testing and walk you through the process.
Stud Services — Elite European bloodlines with complete cardiac screening.
Health Testing Review — Send me your breeder's test results. I'll tell you what's missing and what to demand.
Until next week, Be Resilient - But Be Responsible…
Gerald A.
ALL WORLD DOBERMAN INSIDER
16 + YEARS - EUROPEAN STANDARDS - REAL RESULTS
Instagram: @european_doberman_stud
Youtube: All World Doberman Club
P.S. Want my “The European Doberman DCM Survival Guide”? Reply "DCM" and I'll send it.
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