Rica M
Dogs. Man’s best friends. Does that phrase sound like something of a cliché to you? It shouldn’t because dogs are indeed man’s most loyal friend. Did you know that man’s association with dogs dates back millennia?
There are so many dog breeds, and people usually have favorites among these breeds. The German shepherd, the Golden retriever, the Rottweiller are some of the most popular dog breeds.
But have you heard of the Doberman Pinscher dog breeds? The Doberman Pinscher, popularly referred to as the Doberman or the Dobbie, is a famous dog breed with many devoted fans. That isn’t surprising as it’s one of the best dog breeds you can have.
But how much do you know about Doberman Pinscher’s characteristics? If not much, then you are at the right place.
Table of Contents
About Doberman Pinscher Dog Breeds
Doberman Pinscher dogs are some of the most intelligent canines, which perhaps explains why they are quite popular. They have a smooth and glossy coat, a robust athletic build, and a regal appearance that makes them a favorite.
They are favorites of the police and the military because their intelligence makes them fast learners. Their energy is another thing that endears them to owners. That could explain why they are much preferred as guard dogs and for canine sports.
Although they can be fiercely loyal to their owners, they can get highly protective, especially when they feel their family is being threatened. They have an innate quality to smell danger against her family and owners.
Dobermans have a somewhat bad reputation as temperamental dogs. You can, however, teach them lots of things and be able to control them. Their ability to anticipate danger will make them worthy guard dogs.
Doberman Pinscher Breed History
Doberman Pinscher dogs were mainly bred to be used as guard dogs in 19th century Germany. Therefore, they are a relatively new dog breed since they aren’t as ancient as other breeds.
Doberman dogs get the name from a German man from Apolda who went by the name Louis Dobermann. He was a tax collector who used to get hostile people whenever he went around collecting taxes. Therefore, he decided to get a dog that would accompany him on tax collecting visits and serve as a guard dog.
When he passed away, no one knew how exactly he came up with the Doberman. So, when he died, the Doberman Pinscher was named in his honor. German breeders took up the mantel off developing newer dogs’ breeds at the end of the 19th century.
Otto Goeller is the man credited with developing the Doberman into a recognizable breed. That culminated in the Doberman being recognized as a breed by the German Kennel Club in 1900.
Still, it wasn’t till 1908 that the Doberman first set foot in the United States. The Doberman was nearly threatened by extinction when the first world war came around. Because people already lacked food, no one could afford to have such dogs.
The only survivors then were either police or military dogs. This means that only the best dogs survived. This might have saved them from the threat of extinction—that and the fact that any Americans had bought them as well.
That is when people then recognized the Doberman as a reliable guard dog that is also quite loyal. The Doberman will most likely bond with one person in a family and can be fiercely loyal.
The Doberman’s exact ancestry is unknown, although most experts say they could be a mixture of the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and the Tan Terrier.
Doberman Pinscher Information: Personality
Overall, you can classify Doberman Pinscher’s personality as friendly. They are super intelligent and active dogs. They are fiercely loyal, trustworthy and can at times be a playful companion for your kids. Thanks to their fierce loyalty, they are quite protective of their family, making them good guard dogs.
Dobermans are fast learners, which makes them easier to train. Additionally, they love being active, and busy whether physically or mentally. That’s to say this isn’t the kind of dog you will have to sit in the backyard as you watch TV.
They will want you to provide constant leadership and provide newer training routines as they learn everything quickly. While training them is easy, maintaining the freshness of the training you give them might be a real issue.
Their temperament will, however, be affected by several factors, including training and heredity. Doberman puppies with a pleasant temperament are usually calm and are willing to be petted and held by people.
Therefore, you will need to expose them to people as much as possible to grow into well-rounded social dogs. You can also make them sociable by taking them on walks in parks with people or occasionally invite your friends over.
Doberman Pinscher Size
A male Doberman Pinscher, when fully mature and healthy, is 26 and 28 inches tall. Female Doberman pinscher dogs will be 24 and 26 inches tall. Males are larger than females, although they may both weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
They, however, take some time to achieve their optimal sizes. Different breeds of Doberman will look and remain like puppies until when they are maybe three or four years.
Feeding Doberman Pinscher
Feeding a Doberman is simple and strawboard. A typical amount is 2.5 to 3.5 cups of food twice a day. The food should be high-quality dry food, although the rations will vary with the dog’s age.
The amount of food your adult dog consumes will be dependent on their height, build, age, metabolism, or how active they are. Dogs, like humans, are individuals and will require varying quantities of food.
An active dog will require more food than an inactive dog. It is best to ensure you give your dog high-quality food not only for its roper development but also for easier training.
The lesser the quality, then the lesser the nourishment for the dog. You will also have to be careful in the amount of food you give to ensure the dog doesn’t become overweight. This means avoiding giving them food all the time.
To find out if your dog is overweight, closely look at them and check whether the waist is visible. Put your hands on the dog’s back, with your fingers spread out and your thumbs touching the spine.
If you feel their ribs without having to press too hard, then they are in good shape. If not, then it means you need to give them less food and have them exercise.
Doberman Pinscher Health Issues
Dobies are usually healthy dogs save for their proneness to specific health conditions. Some might develop these conditions, and some might not. But still, you should be aware of Doberman’s health problems so that you know what you are getting yourself into when buying the Doberman.
Hypothyroidism
This is a thyroid gland disorder characterized in dogs by lethargy, obesity, hair loss, epileptic seizures, dark spots on the dog’s scalp, and skin disorders. You can treat it medically and by giving the dog a proper diet.
Cardiomyopathy
This is a condition that causes the heart muscle to thin and weaken. A clear sign is an abnormally broad heart caused by an extension or stretching (dilatation) of the heart chambers. Since the weakened heart muscle is too frail to pump blood to the rest of the body effectively, this condition ultimately leads to heart failure. Treatment choices vary but usually include ventilation, fluid therapy, and medicine to boost cardiac function.
Color Mutant Alopecia
This is a coat disorder synonymous with Dobies with blue or fawn coat colors. It usually affects blue and, at particular times, red Dobies. Most dogs with this disease are born with natural coats; signs often appear between four months and three years.
Brittle fur, accompanied by patchy hair loss, develops as the dog ages and matures. Just the blue areas of the coat are damaged. Secondary infection and inflammation are also quite common. Although the disorder is incurable, medicating shampoos can help minimize scaling and itching.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is a hereditary blood disorder in dogs that messes with the blood’s ability to clot. Excessive bleeding after an infection or surgery is the primary symptom. Some signs include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and intestinal or bowel bleeding.
There is no solution, and the only remedy is a blood transfusion from common dogs’ blood. However, most dogs with von Willebrand’s disease can live normally y our dog should be screened for the disease by a veterinarian.
It would help if you didn’t breed dogs with this condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This is a group of eye diseases that cause the Dobbie to lose its sight over time gradually. It starts with night blindness before they then lose their vision in the dark. Most dogs will adapt to the change provided they are in the same environment.
Wobbler’s Syndrome
This condition is hereditary in Dobermans. If a dog is affected, it suffers from a compressed spinal cord that stems from a compressed spinal canal or cervical vertebral instability.
Leg paralysis and neck pains are the extreme signs your dog is suffering from this condition. Although surgery is a treatment, the debate is still ongoing since the disease tends to recur even after surgery.
Albinism
This is a genetic skin pigmentation disorder that afflicts the Doberman Pinscher. Unlike in humans, albino Dobies have pink skin and noses as well as light or blue eyes. Such dogs are usually sensitive to light and also suffer from various health conditions.
This is another example of dogs that you shouldn’t breed.
Training Doberman Pinscher
Dobies are easy to train and teach various skills since they are brilliant. If you don’t start t train it early enough, it could assume an alpha role in your household and be a nuisance you wouldn’t want or like.
Training will involve anything from exposing the dog to family members and as many people as possible. That will help make the friendly dogs that are comfortable in the presence of many people.
While training your dog, you can follow the command and visual cue strategy. Here you give the dog a cue to see and follow for whatever activity you are training it to do. If the dog performs the action you need it to, praise and rewards it, then repeat.
When repeating the process, set the standards for praise and reward higher each time. When training the Dobbie, try as much as possible to avoid harsh correction. At no time should you use physical punishment? That will help the dog to look forward to training time.
You can start training your Doberman, beginning with the most fundamental teaching, which is obedience teaching. Here you can teach it to sit and stand. A treat will come in handy, ensuring the dog learns to sit well. You can start this training when the dog hits eight weeks.
The other aspects of the training shouldn’t be too hard as the dogs make it easier for you. They have an innate need to please their owners, which you can use to train them.
Getting a Doberman Pinscher
So how and where do you get a Doberman Pinscher? There are so many breeders you can reach via the internet f you can’t find them in your local area. The Kennel Club like AKC is active in many countries and should make it easier for you to get a well-bred Doberman.
When getting a Doberman Pinscher to ensure you get a puppy with the perfect breeding. It will save you from headaches that might come with getting a dog with an unclear lineage.
Essential Items For Doberman
You also can check out our other reviews for Doberman here:
- Best Brush for your Doberman
Final Thoughts
Doberman Pinscher breed dogs are a delight to have, thanks to their sleek appearance and robust body. If you are considering getting a dog, the Doberman Pinscher would be an excellent option.
Apart from them being easy to train, they can serve as excellent guard dogs. It loves taking part n family activities and take the tag of man’s best friend to levels you haven’t experienced before.
There are different Doberman breeds. We hope the information we have provided helps you know more about them and select the right one. All the best.
Zac
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