Doberman - characteristics of the breed and its features

• Dog breeds

The Dobermann is a large German dog breed with an athletic build. They were bred to serve as bodyguards, serve in the army and police, and in the right hands become companion dogs.

1. Country of origin : Germany
2. Height at withers : male: 68-72 cm; female: 63-68 cm
3. Weight : male: 40-45 kg; female: 32-35 kg
4. Lifespan : 12-15 years
5. Use : Watchman, Security Guard, Companion Dog
6. Other names : Doberman Pinscher, Thuringian Pinscher

History of the breed

Dobermanns were developed in Germany in 1880 and named after their founder, Friedrich Karlk L. Dobermann. The history of the origin of the breed is very interesting. Friedrich Karlk L. Dobermann worked as a tax collector and needed an assistant and protector in such a responsible position. To do this, he decided to breed a new breed. Participating in the crossing were:

• german pinscher
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Manchester Terrier

The breed was recognized in the 20th century. Initially they were called the Thuringian Pinscher, then the Doberman Pinscher, and only in the middle of the 20th century acquired the final name “Doberman”.

Doberman character

• Vigorous
• Active
• Mobile
• Temperamental
• Distrustful
• Restrained

• Decisive
• Devoted
• Confident
• Vigilant
• Smart
• Obedient

Dobermans choose an owner with a strong character and strong nerves. If the owner shows weakness, then his status in the eyes of the dog will drop to zero and it will be an aggressive dog.

Character development with age

As Doberman dogs grow older, their character and attitude towards their owners and other animals changes. Of course, all these features are individual, but there are several common features for all Doberman dogs. Already from 10 months of age, the previously obedient puppy begins to show its character. He becomes more independent and independent.

Increasingly, he does not respond to his owner’s commands and tries to show leadership among other dogs. During this period, it is very important to pay even more attention to the Doberman puppy. You must not let him off the hook for little pranks and missteps. An adult puppy must clearly understand what can be done and what cannot be done.

If the puppy's socialization and training process is done correctly, it will grow into an adult dog that knows what behavior is acceptable for it. Now he is a loyal, reliable friend and protector who knows how to control his instincts. The Doberman is becoming less and less childish and more and more serious.

In an older representative of this breed, changes in character are associated with his state of health. The Doberman becomes less active and mobile, therefore less temperamental and aggressive. You get a calm dog who develops even greater love and affection for his owner.

Doberman: features of the breed

• Early socialization . It is necessary to take your puppy to crowded places, parks and dog parks from a very early age.
• To a spacious apartment or private house . The dog is very active, agile and energetic.
• Active walks . Regardless of where he lives in an apartment or in a private house, long walks and physical activity are necessary.
• A training course is required . To prevent the Doberman from becoming socially dangerous to others and the owner himself, it is necessary to undergo a training course.
• For experienced owners . Dobermans have a very strong and firm character and require experienced hands. Any disorganization infuriates the dog.
• Not demanding in care.
• One owner dog . All family members are treated with tolerance.
• Excellent security guards . They protect the territory and owner entrusted to them to the last.
• With untimely and improper training, the Doberman becomes aggressive and socially dangerous.

Maintenance and care

The booth and enclosure cannot be considered as a home for the Doberman. The main reason for this is the characteristics of the coat. Those who dream of a “couch” pet should immediately refuse to purchase a dog of this breed, because by its nature it is an active and athletic dog. She needs to be provided with long walks and high physical activity .
You also need to be very careful if you decide to let your Doberman run around without a leash. This can only be done in a sparsely populated place. These animals feel good both in the hot summer and in the spring-autumn period, characterized by instability of temperature and weather. However, in winter, when severe frosts set in, it is advisable to be outside as little as possible. To protect your dog from frostbite, it is recommended to use warm overalls, then you don’t have to worry that a long winter walk can harm your dog. Caring for a Doberman is quite simple, because they almost never shed, they can go into water without fear and do not emit an unpleasant odor.

Health

Dobermans are in good health. Predisposed to the following diseases:

• dysplasia of the elbow and hip joints
• heart rhythm disturbance and dilatation
• cardiomyopathy
• Wobbler syndrome
• osteopathy
• epilepsy
• hypothyroidism
• coagulopathies
• oncological diseases
• gastric volvulus

Preventative measures to protect your Doberman puppy

• To keep your Doberman puppy completely safe, you first need to minimize his contact with unfamiliar dogs, especially homeless ones. Therefore, you should not let your dog off the leash, as in this case it will become impossible to control its behavior and communication with other dogs. Since a dog can easily become infected with distemper from simply touching the nose of a sick animal. This disease can be transmitted to a dog through sniffing. Your dog can become infected with trichophytosis from contact with the lichen-affected fur of a sick dog. Naturally, it is impossible to completely exclude a dog’s communication with other dogs, since it must be socialized. Therefore, try to find friends with dog lovers who look after their animals. By adhering to this rule, you can eliminate the risk of pathogen transmission by 80%.
• You should walk your dog in places where there are no landfills. Since garbage very often attracts rodents, which in turn are very often carriers of various infections. Gray rats are especially dangerous because they carry such a serious disease as leptospirosis.
• You should not allow your dog to sniff other people's feces, as they are a source of worms.
• Monitor your Doberman's health. Pay attention to even the most minor changes in his behavior. For example, your dog may appear lethargic, lose his appetite, or have a dry nose. Or you may notice that the dog begins to shed, and this has nothing to do with seasonal shedding. If hair loss becomes excessive, this is the first symptom indicating health problems in your pet. And only you can help him. Therefore, it is important to take the dog to the veterinary clinic in time, where the disease can be overcome for sure. In no case should you ignore the symptoms, since advanced infections are much more difficult to treat, and sometimes even impossible. If you start treating your dog, the disease can lead to his death or he will develop serious complications that will affect his hearing, vision, limbs and much more.

Buying a Doberman: tips and tricks

Decide on the purpose of purchasing the animal (breeding, exhibitions, competitions, security functions, etc.). Then contact breeders who have an RKF certificate. They can be found online or at specialized exhibitions. Before purchasing, you should check with the nursery owner for all necessary documents. All puppies must be vaccinated against distemper and leptospirosis. The corresponding marks are placed in the metric.

Conduct an external inspection of the animal and make sure that it meets the breed standards. Examine the animal's mouth. Healthy teeth should form a correct bite. Avoid adopting lethargic or overly aggressive puppies.

A healthy animal will show moderate cognitive activity and goodwill. If you need a companion, it is better to take a Doberman female. Males are more suitable for performing official tasks.

Training and education

A training course is required ! Dobermans are highly trainable. They are very capable and willing to please their owner. A controlled dog is something to strive for.

Submitting a dog doesn't always work. The principle of complete submission of the Doberman to the owner is an outdated method. This theory was formulated based on observations of packs of wild wolves, but they were kept in captivity and, of course, experienced stress. The stress condition forced wolves to show aggression towards each other, but in the wild they do not show aggression to each other - they live together and interact with each other. You need to perceive yourself as the more experienced and mature member of the pack, who is responsible for guiding the new member (Doberman puppy) and teaching him good behavior, as well as correcting him if necessary. It is important to remember that Doberman puppies learn a lot on their own. They are very inquisitive, love to explore new territories and, of course, experiment. Puppies tend to repeat actions they enjoy (like playing with a toy). They do not repeat actions that cause them pain (for example, destroying a nest and getting bitten). If your Doberman puppy misbehaves, ignore him and praise him when he does the right thing. Reward your puppy for following commands and good behavior. Do not neglect these tips. After all, constantly hearing “you can’t” all day long is unbearable. This is a small child who wants to know everything and get his portion of treats as a reward for not eating your favorite rug, going to the toilet outside, bringing you a ball, and so on.

Set rules and monitor their implementation

It is worth enrolling your Doberman puppy in obedience training classes. These classes will allow you to understand exactly what actions will allow you to control your dog’s behavior. You will be able to spend more time with your puppy, establish contact and socialize around other dogs.

Adviсe

• Training a Doberman puppy should be done with the help of positive motivation; watch carefully special films about this technique. The Canine Translator film series from National Geographic is suitable.
• If you need to leave your puppy at home alone for 2 hours or more, then ask someone to come to him.
• Be sure to make an appointment with your Doberman puppy to see the vet as soon as possible. The doctor will carefully examine him and give him vaccinations that will protect him from dangerous diseases.

Is it possible to influence character and how to correct it?

The Doberman breed really needs a competent approach to its education. Never let your puppy show leadership, otherwise he will grow up to be a disobedient and aggressive dog. You must clearly and consistently explain to the Doberman what you want from him, and not give up until you achieve the command.

All the problems that arise with this breed exist due to the owner’s reluctance to deal with his pet. Dobermans do not grow into stupid and unbalanced dogs if they are given enough time and given clear limits on what is permitted. But it’s better to start doing this from puppyhood, because you will never be able to correct the character of an adult dog.

Perhaps you know first-hand about the character of the Doberman. Is it true that the behavior of this dog depends so much on upbringing and training? Share your opinion in the comments.

Attitude towards children and pets

She is quite tolerant of all family members if you raise her properly. In addition, all family members should interact with the dog, walk and train.

They can get along with other animals, but only if the owner takes the situation into his own hands. In skillful hands, the dog will be able to get along with all family members.

If you decide to get a dog, especially a puppy, then get ready for the following: you will often have to clean up little mistakes after the puppy; investments will be required in annual vaccinations, feeding, toys, ammunition, etc.; any animal requires attention and communication, so if you don’t have time, then there will be no mutual understanding with your Doberman puppy. Big changes are coming in your life. If you can handle this, you will find a loyal friend for life.

Pros and cons of the breed

Dobermans have significant advantages:

• ideal guard, companion and tracker;
• smart, quick-witted, well trained;
• are sincerely attached to the owner and family members, love them;
• easy to care for;
• sociable, get along well with children;
• external elegance and ideal body parameters.

As for the downsides, these dogs can be vicious and aggressive. They are intolerant of unfamiliar dogs. However, given proper upbringing and adequate training, such manifestations are rare.