There are a lot of popular opinions of what type of personality a Doberman Pinscher usually has, but they are not all true. Yes, Dobermans are known to be great police or military dogs since they are very assertive and fearless, along with determined and focused.
But that is not their whole personality, these Doberman Pinschers are very family-oriented and fun-loving dogs. They love to cuddle with their owner on the couch on a lazy afternoon. And this sense of extreme loyalty of Doberman Pinschers towards their owner motivates them to be protective and often fierce.
These dogs are known to be very bold and brave and are great as military and police dogs, but deep down, they are big old softies; you just have to look for it.
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Breed Overview
Before we get to know more about the Doberman Pinschers in more detail, here are a few basic details of them that you should know about.
| Height | 24 – 28 inches |
| Weight | 60 – 100 pounds |
| Life Span | 10 – 12 years |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Good With | Families |
| Temperament | Playful |
| Intelligence | High |
| Shedding Amount | Occasionally |
| Exercise Required | High |
| Barking Level | When Needed |
| Energy Level | Active |
| Drool Amount | Low |
| Breed Group | Working |
| Colors | Blue, Black, Fawn, Red |
| Coat Texture/ Length | Short |
| Patterns | Bicolor |
| Other Traits | Easy to groom, easy to train, highly territorial, and Strongly loyal. |
History Of The Breed
The Doberman dog was first introduced during the 19th century when a tax collector from Germany named Louis Dobermann wanted a dog to protect him when he was out for business.
He wanted a dog that was both intimidating and loyal at the same time. That is when he created a breed on his own. The exact mixes that he used to create a Doberman are known but are believed to have influences of German Shepherds, German Pinschers, Rottweilers, English Greyhounds, and Manchester Terriers.
During the early 1900s, the Doberman came to America, and it was recognized by the AKC in 1908. The popularity of the Dobermans steadily grew in America with George Howard Earle III, who was among those who founded the DPCA, Doberman Pinscher Club of America, in 1921.
Doberman Pinscher Appearance
The Doberman pinschers have a distinct physical characteristic, which is very much different than any other breed so you won’t confuse them with others. They are two feet tall and often more than that. The male is 28 inches tall, and the females are 26 inches tall.
Due to their slender figure, this dog breed doesn’t weigh as much other than muscle weight. While the males weigh somewhere around 100 pounds, while the females weigh about 55 – 90 pounds.
The Dobermans are not available in many different colors like other dog breeds, these Doberman Pinschers are available only in four colors red, black, blue, and fawn. The fawn-colored Doberman is the rarest to find.
The Doberman Pinschers are known to have dark, piercing eyes that will look deep into your eyes. By birth, Their ears tend to grow about 12 inches, so traditionally, they are chopped along with their tail.
Temperament Of Doberman Pinscher
By nature, Dobermans are known to be very loyal and have high intelligence and fall among the most courageous dogs in the world. These dogs are great as watchdogs or guard dogs, but they require a lot of patience from the owner. That way, you will be able to train them properly.
Just like German Shepherds, Dobermans are eager to learn new things and are easier to train. Even if these dogs are great as family dogs, you need to do your homework before you bring one home.
Socializing is a big deal when you handle dos like these, so since they are Doberman pinscher puppies, you need to socialize them. And ever since they are babies, give them all the attention and love with positive reinforcement while training.
Health Problems
Like any other dog breeds, Doberman Pinschers tend to have certain health issues and concerns that they might have. So it is always better to know beforehand what you are getting into. So here are a few health concerns of Doberman Pinschers.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy is generally an inherited disease, and it is a heart problem seen in most Dobermans. The heart muscles cannot pump blood properly and effectively and becomes weak. This can lead to heart arrhythmia and can lead to heart failure.
Although there are several medications available now that are very effective, still a proper yearly screening is required.
Wobbler Syndrome
This syndrome is very common among larger dog breeds like Dobermans, where the spinal cord tends to hurt and often causes leg pain. If your Dobie shows signs of bad coordination, then you should straight away go to the vet and have them properly checked out.
Von Willebrand Disease
This is yet another genetic disorder that hampers the ability of blood platelets to clot any cut or scratch properly. So it can be a big problem when your dog gets a cut, and the bleeding won’t stop. If your dog shows any signs of that, make sure to take them to the vet right away.
Hip Dysplasia
This is a common health issue among dogs that happens in dogs and is inherited. Although it is a degenerative disease, there are a lot of treatments and medicines available to deal with it. Hip Dysplasia causes pain in the hip joints, with muscle loss and also lameness.
Training & Exercise
When it comes to Dobermans, training is a big deal for them and for you as well. Big dogs such as Dobermans require strong obedience training since they are big and powerful dogs with high intelligence, so training is a must.
When you are training big dogs like Dobermans, there are specialized collars that are available called the martingale collar, which tightens around the neck a little bit if the dog pulls on the leash. This will teach the dog not to pull on the leash while you are walking them.
If suppose you are unable to train your dog, it’s always better to hire a certified dog trainer to help you out with training dogs like Dobermans. Dobermans are a dog breed that is quick learners and are often called too smart for their own good.
Since they are a highly energetic dog breed, Dobermans require a lot of exercise to lose their built-up energy. They would require at least an hour’s walk on a daily basis.
Due to their slender figure, Dobermans are really fast runners, and their top speed is 30 miles/hr. So you can take them running while you are on a bicycle and them running by your side. They also love to swim, which is a great way for them to exercise and be fit.
Diet & Nutrition
To maintain their fit and slender physique, a Doberman needs a balanced diet with all the nutrients that are good for them. Since a Doberman should stay on a strict diet, never give them human food, even as a treat.
You have to resist that “I want some too,” face of theirs. Make sure to give them only certified dog food, especially for Dobermans, as they need a proper amount of all the nutrients.
Wrapping Up!
No matter what the popular notion is about Doberman Pinschers, they are not only known as a dangerous dog breed. They are way more than that; they are sweet, loyal, cuddly, and protective dogs who will always be by your side no matter what.
So rather than being scared of this breed, adopt one for yourself and give them all the love they deserve and they will do the same for you.
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