Always alert and sharp, the Doberman Pinscher serves as a great guard dog. Highly energetic and intelligent, he is preferred as a police and military dog. Though, he is also a great family dog and shouldn’t be left alone. He loves being part of the family activities.
The Doberman Pinscher may seem like a vicious dog but he is sweet natured.
Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Overview
| Group: | Working |
| Size: | Large-Extra Large (60-100 pounds) |
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Best Suited For: | Families |
| Temperament: | Alert, Loyal, Intelligent |
| Exercise Needs: | Moderate to High |
| Drooling Potential: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Low |
| Similar Breeds: | Rottweiler, Great Dane, Boxer |
1. Basic Features
The Doberman Pinscher is a muscular and a powerful dog. He is square-proportioned and is a compactly built dog. He might be of black, blue, red or fawn color. They are considered elegant and proud. These dogs have their ears cropped or carried erect. They naturally have a long tail in case it is not docked.
The dog is considered very intelligent and also has a noble look. He is sharp but loving. Loyalty runs in his blood and he is very devoted towards his owner. He is a super active dog and requires a lot of activity.
2. Doberman Pinscher Origin
The breed is said to have been developed in Germany by tax collector Louis Dobermann for protection considering the nature of his job. He needed a dog for his own protection who was alert. Hence, this dog was just perfect for the purpose. With many experiments, he was able to create a breed which was similar to the Doberman Pinscher who was loyal and a perfect protector.
German breeders continued to work on the breed and improve its functions. They bred a dog which was brave and very smart. They were the quickest and the toughest dogs. The dog continued to be bred until World War 1. During this time the Dobies declined as people were starving and couldn’t keep large dogs.
They were later bred and popularised in the US. Following which they became a popular guard and a police dog. Now, the breed is a popular pet.
3. The Personality of Doberman Pinscher
A Doberman Pinscher is a highly active dog. They’re loyal, trustworthy and extremely sensible. A Doberman Pinscher is very intelligent and fun loving. They are courageous, watchful and obedient.
A Doberman Pinscher forms a close bond with his family while he lives with them. A dog who lives away from the family will form no such close bond and instead will become fearful and aggressive.
4. Doberman Pinscher Behavior
Being a natural protector, these dogs take action immediately if they sense a threat for their family. However, Doberman Pinschers are not aggressive without a reason. They like staying busy and it is the best for them.
Their behavior is affected by a number of factors like heredity, training, and socialization.
Early socialization is recommended so that the puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Make sure that he is exposed to a number of different people and situations while he is young.
5. Exercise Requirements
The Doberman Pinscher is a very energetic breed and requires a lot of play and exercise to stay fit. So, long walks with the owner are a must in a day. Having a fenced area to move around is also needed for proper physical activity and well-being.
They are also good in dog sports and participation will thus keep the body and mind fit.
Less activity and not exercising your pet’s body and mind well can cause behavioral problems like excessive digging and barking.
6. Diet Needs
Doberman Pinschers require a high-quality diet consisting of easily digestible foods. A meat source ingredient should be included along with whole grains. Also, their diet should contain proper nutrients with the right level of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
As this is a deep-chested dog breed, bloating is a common condition. To avoid this, fresh water should be provided to your dog at all times, keep your dog stress free, make sure that your dog’s bowl is low to the ground and avoid exercise right before or after the meals.
The dog’s age, metabolism, activity level should be kept in mind while feeding a Doberman Pinscher.
7. Trainability
Doberman Pinschers are quick learners and it is easy to train them.
As they are highly intelligent, picking up training lessons is not difficult for them.
As he is a quick learner it may be a task to keep him interested. He might have his own ideas though he is not very stubborn. However, it is important for them to be provided a firm and consistent leadership.
Raising your dog properly with the correct training is a must so that the dog does not become very pushy, destructive, and unmanageable.
Training should be started the day your dog is brought home.
8. Common Health Problems
Doberman Pinschers are prone to a number of health conditions. Cardiomyopathy is one of the most serious health conditions which cases an enlarged heart. CVI, commonly called Wobbler’s syndrome is another condition. It results in weakness and lack of coordination and sometimes complete paralysis.
Bleeding disorders and bloating are also some common conditions. Hip dysplasia is also common among Doberman Pinschers. Certain health tests are recommended for this breed which includes the cardiac exam, hip evaluation, thyroid evaluation, Von Willebrand’s Disease DNA Test and the Ophthalmologist Evaluation.
9. Who Should Adopt a Doberman Pinscher?
Doberman Pinschers are great for people who are looking for a dog that provides protection. They are alert dogs and do their duty in an obedient manner. Doberman Pinschers are a perfect family dog. They require being with their families. These dogs should not be left alone else will become aggressive.
Thus, Doberman Pinschers are for people who have time to spend with their dog. They live well among families. Doberman Pinschers thrive well in love and with a lot of exercises!