The Ultimate Guide: Doberman Pinscher
No doubt, policemen adore Dobermans. The Doberman Pinscher, one of 6 dogs belonging to the “Pinscher” group, was brought into existence by a German tax collector, Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. Karl Doberman also worked part-time as a canine saver.
He took all stray dogs under his wingfor a good cause. This dog breed nicknamed Dobie has a short coat, a very sharp snout, and comes in different colors like red, black, fawn, and blue.
Males & females weigh about 30–40kg while their female counterparts weigh slightly less. Generally, Dobermans have a lifespan of about 9–12 years and is one of the top dog breeds to make the perfect guard dog.
This elegant canine breed is very intelligent, fiercely loyal, and always alert. The Doberman, also known as the German Pinscher, is strong and tenacious with some streaks of stubbornness. Studies have proven that this breed of dog is very unique. They are very fearless, curious, and playful. They possess some other distinguished personality factors.
Dobermans are generally non-aggressive to their owners, mildly aggressive to other canines, and very aggressive to strangers. Dobermans can tolerate physical punishment from their owners to an extent; however, they tend to retaliate when they perceive that the punishment is too extreme.
Nutrition
Like with many other large dog breeds, Dobermans are big, active, and very cute. Like any other dog, they require an adequate diet to fuel their activities. Dobermans require fewer calories than their counterparts but rich, nonetheless. As always, the choice of food given will depend on a number of factors like age, sex, weight, physical activity level, and, of course, level of health. The rule of thumb is to give 25% protein if the dogs are very active. There might be a need to scale up. Protein should make up the bulk of every meal.
It’s imperative to know that Dobermans are at a higher risk of developing renal diseases and consumption of excess protein during mealtime can aggravate the condition. This is why it is best to consult with a veterinarian about the protein needs of a Dobie.
Fat, especially healthy fat like omega-3 sources, should be included in the plate. This dog breed lacks long hair and they have coats which dry out very quickly. This is the best way to keep their coat shiny and very supple.
Dobermans need a healthy boost to their sugar levels. This is due to the fact that they suffer from hypoglycemia. Complex carbs which break down slowly should be given instead of simple sugars that can cause blood glucose levels to rise and fall.
Some food items can cause allergies in this breed, they include:
- Chicken
- Pork
- Rabbit
- Soy
- Dairy
- Corn
Grooming
Dobermans are some of the lowest maintenance breed of dogs. They are very pristine, neat, and remarkably clean. Dobies lack the traditional dog smell even though they bathe only a few times in a year; however, they shed throughout the year. The best way to keep loose hair at bay is to brush the dog once every week.
Clean up any build-up of wax in the ears by using a certified cleanser and a cotton ball. Brush their teeth every week to prevent the tartar from building up.
Exercise
Preventingthis perfect guard dog from releasing all that pent-up energy will totally leave its mind and body frustrated. The athletic canine can be active for a whole day, walking for some minutes every day is simply not enough and jogging for some time doesn’t cut it either.
Even humans cannot measure up to the energy levels of Dobermans. Dobermans love to sprint continuously, in environments that are very spacious. If you want to see this dog breed in an adrenaline-fuelled mode, bring another Doberman, then watch them chase each other.
For them, this is where the fun lies. Engaging in games like catching a Frisbee or fetching a ball, will leave this canine hyper. In some cases, dog treadmills can be provided just to ensure that the Dobie gets all that energy out of its system. If your home is not spacious enough for the Dobie to play, get on a bicycle and let the canine race with you until you call it a day.
Training
The Doberman puppy is loved for their train ability, if properly trained and made to socialize the right way, they can be the most amazing creatures on earth. Dobies love to perform and deliver their tasks in a very sleek manner. They live peacefully with children and other dogs. The purebreds are very intelligent pooches that accept training with so much enthusiasm and zeal.
Training a Dobie to become obedient stimulate its mind and improves bonding. This dog breed loves rewards that come incentives or treats. They do not thrive well on violent corrections or punishments. The most evidence-based training method that has been proven to be very effective in training Dobermans is “Clicker Dog Training.” In addition, it is important to train Doberman puppies how to
- Walk properly when they have a loose leash on
- Stop jumping on loved ones and strangers
- Stop puppy chewing
Will They Provide You Emotional Support?
No, they are not best suited to become an ESA Dog - however, that does not mean they can't. Legally, any dog breed can become an emotional support animal. Dobermans are well-known to exhibit aggressive tendencies towards other canines and strangers, though they are good-natured and very loyal toward their owners. These aggressive traits are better suited to roles like war dogs, defense dogs, or police dogs. They do have not been suitably adapted for companionship.
Health
Like other dogs, Doberman Pinschers are affected by quite a number of health conditions and even allergies. A few of these are serious, others are benign.
A few of the serious conditions include:
- Prostatic disease
- von Willebrand’s disease
- Cervical vertebral instability (CVI)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in Dobermans—about 40% of its episodes occur in this canine
- Some of the mild conditions which affect this dog breed are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Canine compulsive disorder
- Hypothyroidism
- These are some of the allergies that Dobermans suffer from include:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Cherry eye
- Contact allergies
- Food allergies
- Flea allergies
Bottom Line
Dobermans are tough and affectionate at the same time. Unlike their older ancestors, their newer generations are known for their gentility, obedience, and regal grace.
