Trained Dogs Rule

The Doberman Pinscher was developed in the 19^th century by German dogcatcher Louis Dobermann. He developed this breed using such dogs as the Rottweiler, Greyhound, Manchester terrier and other breeds, to guard his house.

The Doberman is a member of the working group. The male stands 26 to 28 inches at the withers and weighs approximately 75 to 90 pounds. The females are slightly smaller standing 24 to 26 inches at the withers and weighs about 55 to 70 pounds. Their appearance should be a medium sized squared bodied dog that is compact muscular and powerful in appearance. The Doberman comes in four recognized colour – Black and Rust; Red and Rust; Blue and Rust; Fawn (Isabella) and Rust. Dobermans require very little grooming due to their short hair.

The traditional look of the Doberman is one with docked tails and cropped ears. Now many countries are making it illegal to do this believing it to be humane. The Dobermans tail is actually quite long and thin. Tails like this often become “broken” and are very difficult to heal. The other reason for docking is not to allow someone to grab them by the tail. The ears were originally cropped for their health, cleanliness and looks.

Over the years the Dobermans’ temperament has mellowed. In the early years their temperament was very sharp and on the verge of being vicious. Although portrayed as a vicious dog the Doberman rarely attacks people. A Doberman with a good temperament who has been properly trained and socialized and raised with children make a wonderful family pet. They are not for everyone. They have an instinct to be dominant so they really need to be trained. They are quite intelligent and can get into a lot of mischief if they are left alone. They are often referred to as the Velcro dog as they will always be beside the ones they love.

Dobermans are used as guard dogs, watch dogs and police dogs. They are a very versatile working dog. They are used in search and rescue, scent detection, therapy, ring sport, obedience, agility etc. They are also as I said a very loving family pet who will go jogging with you, play Frisbee with you and curl up on the couch with you and watch your favourite movie.

Dobermans have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years. Like all other breeds of dogs they have their health problems. Common health problems of the Doberman are hip dysplasia, Wobblers’, bloat, cancer, heart disease and Von Willebrands Disease.

Von Willebrands Disease is a clotting disorder. A Doberman that test positive for Von Willebrands can bleed out so extra precautions are taken if any type of surgery is needed. A DNA test can tell you if your dog is a carrier, affected or clear. If breeders were just to breed clear dogs then they could actually breed this out of the Dobermans. Unfortunately only 15% of the Doberman population is said to be clear. Not all Dobermans are tested so this data is not a 100% accurate.

Wobblers’ is a degenerative disc disease. Dogs affected by this will seem to sway and lose their balance. Some cases are treatable with surgery.

Doberman also suffer from heart disease. Years ago Guelph University in Guelph, Ontario Canada started a program that would monitor the dogs’ heart. This was open to all breeds of dogs. Over the years the Doberman people stuck with it. The dogs start in the program around 2 years of age. Once a year they undergo an ultrasound and an E.C.G. It is research so the cost is relatively inexpensive. They can tell if your dog will have problems down the road and medications may be given to your dog to help him with his heart and give him a better quality of life.

Presently we own two Dobermans. I have owned Dobermans for over 25 years and can honestly say that they are a very loyal and loving breed. They are not a dog for everyone. You must establish yourself as the alpha in a very firm and gentle way. They are a very active dog so they require daily exercise. They can be very mischievous if they are not exercised and become bored.

Make sure you do your homework before you purchase a Doberman or for that matter before you purchase any dog.