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This breed might scare you off on your first visit but once you become close to a Doberman, he will become your best buddy for life. Doberman is known to be one of the most energetic and vigilant dogs among all breeds.
They look forward to regular exercising and if they are deprived of daily workouts and training, then they naturally turn out to be irritable and aggressive.
In the late 1800s, a German Tax Collector named Louis Dobermann took to breeding a few dogs to serve as “owner-protectors” and hence this breed came to be known as a brave guardian and a great companion.
If you are planning to bring home a Doberman or in case you already own one, then here are a few “doberish” characteristics you need to get acquainted with.
Doberman Size & Weight
Height – They are mostly 24 to 28 inches tall.
Weight – Both the female and male Doberman pinschers weigh between 65 to 90 lbs.
They have floppy ears that can turn into a “batman ear” when they sense strangeness in the surroundings. Their slender and muscular body shape gives it a strong look and helps it be an efficient working dog.
Doberman Temperament
The temperament of a Doberman largely depends on the way it is trained. If they are trained to socialize with people and other pets at an early stage, they will get along well with everyone but failing to provide consistent training can lead the breed to be aggressive and hostile.
There are instances when Doberman breeds are affectionate towards just one person in the family, but again it depends on the way you train him.
- Fearless – It does not need saying that a Doberman is a fearless dog breed. It is never daunted by even the toughest of all situations.
- Obedient –They take orders quite easily and make it their top priority to fulfill those instantly.
- Intelligent – The police and military use them in their team owing to their ability to take orders and retain training sessions easily.
- Energetic – They are powerful and full-of-energy; in fact, you need to take him out on a regular workout routine to keep him enthusiastic the whole day.
- Confident – Confidence is a common trait found in this breed. It is this characteristic combined with bravery that allows it to take up the most intense and dangerous jobs.
Doberman Lifespan
A Doberman can have an average lifespan of 10 -13 years. The number of years a dog breed lives also depends on the health and habits of the pet.
Regular exercise, proper feeding habits and routine vet-visits attribute towards a Doberman’s long and healthy life.
How To Train A Doberman?
Training a Doberman is easier than training a dragon; you got to see it believe it. This breed is the easiest to train when compared with other guard dogs.
It is a common notion that Doberman Pinschers are mostly stubborn and difficult to teach tricks; but if you had a chance to train one, you would know that they are very quick at learning and retaining lessons.
Doberman needs at least 40 minutes of exercise every day; get your pet habituated to a daily walk from the time you bring him home. Getting your pet to make friends with other pets in the house, should be the next stage of training you must impart.
If Dobies are not trained to socialize at an early age, they turn out to be hostile and aggressive towards new pets.
Since they are guard dogs, it is in their blood to react when they sense danger. So, it is up to you and your training on which the behaviour of your pet depends.
Learn a few easy commands and tricks to teach your Doberman and watch relevant dog training videos before you start off your training sessions.
Doberman Health Problems
Doberman Pinchers are prone to the following kinds of health problems;
- Hypothyroidism – This is the most common endocrine issue found in the breed. It starts right from the age of 3 and may lead to a lack of energy and reduced metabolism in your pet.
- Wobbler Syndrome – Instability in the intervertebral disks in the neck results in a condition called wobbler syndrome that is accompanied by severe neck pain. This problem mostly occurs when the dog is 4 to 10 years of age. Proper rest and anti-inflammatory therapy can help your pet recover faster.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy – This affects the heart muscle and makes it weaker and enlarged. This can sometimes go unnoticed leading to instant and unexplained death of the pet. Hence it is vital that you take your pet to the vet for a regular health checkup.
Other common diseases include lameness in the back legs and hip joints, dental issues, and eye problems. You must keep in mind that regular treatment and personalized care can help your pet stay a long life.
Feeding A Doberman
Many Dog owners hold onto this belief that since their Doberman is a guard dog, he needs to eat a lot. Each dog has its own feeding needs and a Doberman is no different in that case.
Ensure you split the meals into 2 or 4 and the brand you choose must be of high quality and easily digestible. If you find your pet gaining weight at a massive speed, then it would be best to cut out a little from the total portion you feed him.
Moreover, include a lot of food rich in fibre; this will keep its metabolism regulated. Bloating is another major digestive issue found in deep-chested dog breeds like Doberman; hence make sure you avoid exercising him 1 hour before or after a meal.
A little bit of laziness after feeding is acceptable. Keep a check on its feeding habits and if needed consult a vet to help you decide upon the quantity of food that your pet must be fed.
Some of the Best Dog Food for Doberman:
- Sweet Potato
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Brown Rice
- Avocados
- Organic Barley, Organic Peas, Organic Oats
- Low-Fat Plain Yogurt
- Dry Kibbles
- Salmon Or Sardines
- Egg
- Apple Slices Or Green Beans
- Raw Bones
- Meat
Foods To Avoid Include: Chocolate, Onions, Macadamia Nuts, Grapes/Raisins, Soy, Citrus And The Sugar Xylitol.
Interesting Facts About Doberman
Doberman Pinschers were used as vigilant guards during World War II. Kurt the Doberman was the first canine casualty during the Battle of Guam in 1944.
Doberman is noted to be the 5th smartest breed in the world. Their extreme intelligence has helped them gain prominence in police and military services.
Dobermans hate the cold. You might blame their short-haired coat for that; unlike many other breeds, they do not have an undercoat.
Doberman has been into existence since the 1800s but they were recognized by the American Kennel Club only in 1908.
They can hear sounds as far as 250 yards away.
If you own a pet, you would know that they can sometimes turn jealous if they find their masters giving more attention to another pet in the family.
Doberman Names
| Male | Female |
|---|---|
| Apollo | Dee Dee |
| Echo | Fendi |
| Hamlet | Akiane |
| Keyser | Khaleesi |
| Drogo | Risa |
| Magnus | Sabine |
| Boushh | Zara |
| Obi | Quimby |
| Tywin | Nika |
| Zefer | Jellybean |
Doberman Price
A reputable breeder would usually charge around $1500 for a healthy Doberman puppy. You need to remember that you get what you pay for; sometimes the health of a pup cannot be guaranteed when you go for a pup with a cheaper price tag.
Cropping of ears, tail docking, puppy vaccinations and claw removal are also sometimes included in the pup’s price. Talk to the breeder and have him sign guarantee papers pertaining to the dog’s health.
Doberman Breeders
Earlier, two or more dog breeds went into the making of Doberman and were bred mainly with the aim to be used as guard dogs. But with the growing popularity, they are bred to be gentler these days.
It is necessary that you do a background check on the breeder you decide to buy your pet from. It would be best if you choose a recognized breeder who has a membership with a local kennel club; consult a local guide or a vet for recommendations.
