In recent times, Doberman dogs have become more popular. They are loved by many and kept as indoor pets. Despite being considered companion dogs and pets, they also possess the ability to protect and ensure the family’s safety.
If you’re considering adding a new member, a Doberman dog, to your family, you can find unique and interesting information from DailyPets.net. This includes details about their lifespan and ways to extend the lifespan of Dobermans.
How long is a Doberman life span?
The average lifespan of a Doberman is from 10 to 13 years. Compared to other dogs of similar size, the lifespan of a Doberman is average. However, comparing their lifespan to all dog breeds may seem a bit shorter. Dobermans depart from their owners earlier than many other dog breeds for several reasons.
How long do Doberman dogs live?
For newcomers to caring for Doberman dogs, they are a large breed. It’s often believed that the larger the breed, the shorter its lifespan. For instance, Great Danes have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Or Shih Tzus have a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. This is a significant difference. These two breeds also come in various sizes. Unfortunately, Dobermans are also susceptible to various diseases alongside their large size.
Average Lifespan Stages of a Doberman Dog
It is extremely important to understand each stage in the life of a Doberman dog if you want to make them your new pet. Below are the average lifespan stages of a Doberman dog.
Puppy Stage
Doberman dogs can weigh from 10 to 20 ounces at birth. Doberman puppies are similar to other puppies. They are born with closed eyes and ears. They rely heavily on their mother to survive and need to be nursed every 2 hours.
It is not mandatory to crop the ears of a Doberman dog. Most people do it for aesthetic reasons and to achieve what they believe is the traditional appearance of a Doberman. Unless you plan to take your Doberman dog to a dog show in the future, it is entirely unnecessary.
Adolescence
Adolescence occurs when your Doberman is between 6 and 18 months old. You should consider caring for your puppy and ensure vaccinations at this age. Pet owners should feed their Doberman dogs twice a day. Occasionally, you can also give them some light snacks in between.
It’s important that you start training your Doberman at this stage. Their obedient and intelligent nature can be misunderstood as aggression if not trained when they are young. A professionally trained Doberman dog will fully showcase its potential, remain loyal, and protect you in the future.
Adulthood
Adulthood in Doberman Pinschers is from 3 to 8 years old. Dobermans are an extremely active breed, requiring a lot of activity during this age. This is essential because you wouldn’t want them to chew and tear everything apart.
Senior Stage
Your Doberman dog will enter the senior stage around the age of 7. Dobermans can start slowing down during this stage. They might even experience joint inflammation and other joint issues.
Entering this stage, they will need a change in their diet. They might also not be as active as before. However, it is important for them to remain healthy and not gain significant weight.
Common Diseases in Doberman Dogs
DailyPets.net compiles the common diseases that Doberman dogs may suffer from below.
Von Willebrand Disease
The Doberman dog is one of the breeds most affected by this condition. Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of essential protein. To help platelets stick together and form blood clots to seal broken blood vessels. You should undergo testing if you suspect your Doberman dog may have this disease.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as DCM, is a life-threatening heart disease in Doberman dogs. This occurs when their heart becomes too large and weak to effectively pump blood throughout the body. Once this begins to happen, your Doberman may exhibit symptoms of lethargy, weakness, and difficulty breathing.
Copper Storage Disease
Doberman dogs are also prone to liver diseases. For example, copper storage disease. This condition causes abnormal accumulation of copper in the Doberman’s liver. And it can lead to liver failure.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a condition that slowly damages the Doberman’s kidneys. And it can lead to kidney failure.
How to Extend the Lifespan of a Doberman Dog
According to DailyPets.net, there are several ways you can proactively extend the lifespan of your Doberman dog. Below is a list of measures you can take right now to ensure your furry companion’s healthy and long future.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is crucial in extending the lifespan of a Doberman. Start by reading the ingredients in your Doberman’s food. Using foods that contain plenty of grains and fillers can cause obesity. It’s important that you feed your Doberman fresh meat. Such as chicken and beef…
Exercise
Exercise is another important factor in increasing the lifespan of your pet Doberman. You can take them for walks and trips to the park daily. This allows your Doberman to release abundant energy and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Veterinary Check-ups
Regular veterinary check-ups will help you understand the health condition of your Doberman. The veterinarian will also inform you about supplements and vitamins that help keep your dog healthy. Pet owners take note.
