DOBERMAN PINSCHER

APPEARANCE
Doberman Pinschers are medium size, square build and short coat. They are compactly built and athletic with endurance and speed. The dog was originally intended as a guard dog, so males should have a masculine, muscular, noble appearance. Females are thinner, but should not be spindly. The color of the Doberman coat may be black or black and tan, deep red or red and tan, deep reddish-brown with tan markings, fawn (Isabella variety) and blue. The height of the Doberman Pinscher is around 22-28 inches, and the weight 65-85 pounds.

PERSONALITY
Healthy and well-trained Dobermans are in general a loving and intelligent breed who will almost never attack without a perceived provocation. These dutiful dogs tend to have an even, well balanced temperament, and are intelligent, creative, and quick to learn. They are very loyal to their owners, and overall, are very obedient dogs. They are sweet and loving with their families. These dogs are best suited to those who can establish themselves as “boss” from day one, as this breed can be strong willed and stubborn. These dogs definitely do not take kindly to being teased or treated roughly.

TRAINING
This is a powerful breed with protective instincts, it is imperative that owners begin obedience training and socialization as early as possible. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed does best with positive reinforcement, firmness, fairness, consistency, and respect. The Doberman Pinscher excels in competitive obedience, schutzhund, tracking, search and rescue, police work, and as a therapy dog.

EXERCISE
They do need sufficient exercise to be happy and healthy. They enjoy family play sessions and make wonderful walking companions. They are also quite good at agility and other dog competition activities. It is important to ensure that you provide the Doberman Pinscher with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, otherwise he can get bored and restless, which can result in behavioral issues.

SOCIALIZATION
The Doberman Pinscher tends to get on well with children when raised with them, although you should be mindful that his large size can result in problems when younger children. Some have a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs, so they should be socialized with other dogs while they are puppies. He may chase smaller animals such as cats or rabbits due to his high prey drive. They are aloof and reserved with strangers and make excellent guard dogs.

LIVING CONDITIONS
Doberman Pinschers are not an outside dog and they do not do well in cold climates. This breed will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised. However, a securely fenced yard is best for romping and running freely.

GROOMING
The Doberman Pinscher is an average shedder, and coat care is fairly basic – a weekly brushing should suffice. When your Doberman requires a bath, use a mild shampoo designed especially for dogs. Brush the dog before the bath to minimize the shedding. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent early tooth loss. It is also important to keep their nails trimmed short.

HEALTH ISSUES
Doberman Pinschers live about 10–14 years, and they frequently suffer from a number of health concerns. Common serious health problems include dilated cardiomyopathy, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder for which there is genetic testing), and prostatic disease.

HISTORY
It was in the 1870’s in Germany, that Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who needed an alert and intelligent bodyguard dog, bred the Doberman Pinscher, to protect him on his rounds from bandits. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1908.

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