The energetic Doberman Pinscher is highly intelligent, but eager to please. With early socialization and a firm but gentle hand in training, it makes wonderful and responsive companion.
The Doberman makes a great guard dog, but it can also be a loyal companion. It thrives on attention from humans. The breed can also be trained for a variety of purposes. When choosing a Doberman Pinscher, look for signs of wobbler disease, heart problems, and bleeding disorders. Eye problems and hip dysplasia are also sometimes found in the breed.
Common Name(s)
Doberman Pinscher, Dobermann, Doberman, Dobie
Breed Type
The Doberman Pinscher is a working breed. Known for being a great guard dog, the Doberman is increasingly sought after as a family dog. This breed is best suited to warm climates.
Background
Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Its ancestry includes a number of breeds, and there is some debate as to which exact breeds were used. Some that are widely agreed upon include the Pinscher, Rottweiler, Greyhound, Great Dane, Weimaraner, and German Shorthaired Pointer. The goal of the Doberman’s breeding was to create a strong, ferocious, yet loyal guard dog and companion.
Description
The Doberman Pinscher is a muscular dog with a short, stiff coat. Colors include black, black and tan, blue-gray, red, and fawn. White Dobermans are also found on occasion, but are not accepted by some clubs. The Doberman’s eyes are dark, and its ears houndlike if not cropped. The tail is very long, but is usually docked where permitted. Males measure 26-28 inches in height, and females 24-26 inches. Weight is 66-88 pounds for both sexes.
Care and Feeding
The Doberman’s diet should include beef, horse meat, corn, and wheat. Dobermans do not require much grooming. They should be brushed and bathed only as needed. Traditionally, Doberman Pinscher puppies’ tails are docked, and their ears cropped and taped to make them stand up. But many countries have outlawed the practices, and many kennel clubs allow the dogs to be shown with or without cropping and docking.
Dobermans need yearly checkups. Vaccinations should be administered on the following schedule:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
- Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
Dobies shed moderately. Regular vacuuming is required.
Housing Your Dog
The Doberman should be kept indoors, but needs to get out for exercise each day. It is important to keep this breed warm.
Social Behaviors
Socialization is important for Dobermans, and should be started as early as possible. They do well with children if raised with them. They are often aggressive toward other pets, especially dogs.
Handling and Training
This breed requires firm, consistent training. Although the Doberman can be stubborn, it is highly intelligent and eager to please his owner.
Activities
The Doberman is a high-energy breed, and it needs lots of exercise. It should be taken on a walk or jog each day, and also enjoys intense play sessions.
Breeding/Reproduction
When selecting a mate for your Doberman, it is important to check bloodlines for genetic health problems. Things to look for include Von Willebrand’s disease, heart problems, wobbler disease, eye problems, and cancer.
Common Health Problems
Dobermans are prone to bloat, and should be fed two or three small meals each day instead of one to help prevent it. They may also become overweight as they age, so regular exercise and proper diet are crucial.
Availability
Doberman Pinschers are fairly easy to find. Prices can be anywhere from $400 to $2,000 or more.
References
“Doberman Pinscher”, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed a Doberman Pinscher”, Referenced online, 2008
“Doberman Pinscher”, Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
“Doberman Pinscher Puppies for Sale”, Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
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