Doberman Pinscher

Doberman pinscher

Doberman Pinscher is bred as a guard dog, developed during the 19^th century, in Germany. This dog is bred as a mixture of many breed dogs, which includes Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Black and Tan Terrier.

History

In a village called Apolda, in the state of Thuringen, lived Louis Dobermann in the southern part of Germany. He was tax collector by profession. He also works as a “dog catcher”, a night watchman, and as a supervisor for local slaughter houses.At the end of the day, we are no hulks, we are just humans. Like any of us, he had his frights within and he felt the need for a suitable dog toaccompany him on his rounds. It is also not beyond imagining a protection dog would be desirable while working as a tax collector carrying large amounts of money.

Louis Doberman had a great affinity in breeding dogs. So he decided to breed two or more dogs with excellent traits of high protective nature, so that the resultant dog can be used as a gun-dog, for eradicating vermin, and they are also used for herding sheep. They were said to have great stamina, be very intelligent, and were highly trainable dogs.

So basically, Doberman is a man-made dog. Doberman is one of the few breeds that is named after a person. Humans never cease to leave their footprints anywhere and everywhere.

Appearance of the Breed

Doberman Pinscher is a medium sized,sleek and power packed dog, with a wedge shaped head, as well arched neck that flows into smooth shoulders and blend into firm strong top line. This has a tight fitting skin coat of brown and black hair, flaunting a clear crisp silhouette. When this galloper is left free in a field, or in mountains, has left many owners explaining and describing the gracefulness, speed and beauty of a deer. Dobermans are available in various different colors. The most commonly known Doberman is black and brown. To your surprise there are various other colors, red black blue fawn and white.

Personality

Male Dobermans have good territorial instincts. This is one of the smartest dogs with high intelligence, uncanny reasoning ability, fearless and aggressive. This dog comes in with a built in high energy level, also possesses an air of nobility, an alertness to his surroundings and courage and quick mobility to respond to any situation. Dobes are highly inquisitive, from sniffing a tree or a rock to, exploring every grass haulmto reveal it secrets to his fine tune nose, and never spares a squirrel or a lizard that will provide a chase. On the other hand,he would be such a delight to the family for having a protective companion.

Apparently, he would bring the shivers downthe spine of a newbie.

Temperament

The temperament of a Doberman Pinscherwill vary from dog to dog. Some dogs might be sociable and fearless while some be timid and reserved. Some might be aggressive to their fellow pets and visitors, on the other hand some seem might embrace them for a cosy nap and behave very friendly with the other humans.

Initially Doberman Pinscher was used as police dog or guard dog for its watchful and aggressive nature. A Doberman, with this high temperament was not really recommended for a domestic pet. Later, over-breeding gradually lowered its temperament, after which this dog was used for various other positions. Now Dobermans are highly recommendable to be owned as a pet.

The temperament for male and female Dobes differ significantly. The females mature at a tender age of 2 and males mature only at age 4. The females are more sensibly ferociousthan males. The male Dobes might act goofier. Male puppies are more hyper than female puppies. Comparably female Dobes adapt and act reasonably than male puppies. They can be trained at an early age, are more likely to stay off-leash and are more cautious around kids.

Grooming& Maintenance

As far as Doberman Pinschers are concerned,maintenance is high with regards to exercise. Now, this has be more regular than the number of times you hit the gym. As they are highly ingenious dogs, it needs regular mental training to have it under your clutches.If ignored, it may lead to behavioral problems. Dobes are more reliant on human companionship.

Regular brushing of the fur coat is a must. Mental exercises are mandatory, which includes obedience training, agility and even tracking training. Mental exercises makes them a lot more docile.

On the other hand, there are significantly friendly dogs which easily socialize.

Allergies

Doberman Pinschers are more likely to suffer from skin allergies. These skin issues are most likely to be carried over through genetics. Dobes are highly prone in developing a disease called Hypothyroidism. This is caused when inadequate amount of thyroid hormone is produced by thyroid gland. This leads to skin concerns like scaly physique, dry skin & hair and enormous shedding.

But not to worry, they look are far better than human psoriasis.

Health

It is very important to know that some diseases are more specific in Doberman Pinschers. Diagnosing them in the early stage with proper veterinary are necessary for a complete cure. If neglected, it might cost the life of your dear dog. Get the treatment done in the early stages.

Apparently with the increase in age, Doberman pinschers develops a disease called Dialated Cardio Myopathy (DCM). Some of the proposed causes are, viral infection, micro vascular hyperactivity, nutritional deficiency, immune mediated disease, myocardial toxins and a variety of genetic disorders.

Most Doberman Pinschers have secondary bacterial infections which develops into a condition called Canine Generalized Demodicos (CGD).

Left heart failures are commonest signs observed. ECG is very useful in diagnosing the disease in Doberman with congestive heart failure manifest. Clinical signs in heart failure are abdominal distention, off feed, weight loss and fatigue.

Diet

You may even think of compromising your own diet, but never your dog’s!

Doberman Pinschers prefer high quality food that are easily digestible and enjoyable. Preferably a source of meat such as chicken, beef or lamb mashedcombined with rice or sweet potatoes.

Look for cereal rich foods for Dobes.Corn is the most commonly used cereal grains for dog food, because it is available in abundance and is quite affordable. Other cereals can be wheat, Barley, Millet and Flax.

Are Dobermans Apartment friendly?

Yes they are! It is a myth that they cannot adapt in an apartment or a small house, because of their size. As Dobes stick to their human companion, they would love such an environment. After all dogs don’t demand for big beautiful spaces, theycan habituate to small comfortable spaces as well. Nevertheless, exercises and training is a must. Get your dog’s exercise in, even if you skip yours.

People often refrain adopting a Dobe, presuming a small apartment space wouldn’t suffice. As they love human interactions, they prefer a smaller niche to spend much of their time with his human.

Are Dobermans safe around children?

They arethe best family dogs that one could adopt. Early training and socializing makes them best pair with older and younger kids. Dobermans are highly diligent and hyperactive dogs. Leaving toddlers near Dobes is not really recommendable, unless they are trained enough. As infants are too vulnerable, Dobes can cause unintentional injuries. One the main concerns is that Dobes can scare the babies when they happen to bark or whack the baby’s face with their tail.

They are likely to be more protective of their owners and this portrays their loyalty. They are fondly called as “Velcro dogs” as they stick to their owner’s side.

Training your kids how to behave with dogs is as equally important as training your Dobes how to be with kids.

Adoption cost

If you would like to adopt a Doberman Pinscher puppy, which is about 2 to 3 weeks old, it would range from 720$ to 800$. The price spikes up with age. For an older puppy about 4 to 5 months old, it will range from 900$ to 1500$. Don’t think about the money, think of the joy it will bring along.