Many people wonder about the origin of the Doberman breed of dogs. Is this a breed that is easy to care for?
Learning About the Doberman Breed
Origin of the Doberman Dog
The Doberman is also known as the Doberman Pinscher. In the United States, this breed is often referred to as Dobie. The name of this dog breed is derived from the name of the person who created them – Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
The Doberman dog first appeared in the 19th century in Germany and was one of the first guard dog breeds to be trained as protectors in this country.
Common Coat Colors of Doberman Dogs
This breed has 2 color genes, black and diluted color. These two genes can produce 4 common coat colors: black, red, blue-gray, and brown-yellow.
Doberman dogs (Dobie dog).
Physical Characteristics of Doberman Dogs
Dobermans have a height ranging from 65 to 75 cm and an average weight of 32 to 45 kg. They have a robust, sturdy appearance, a broad, muscular chest, and a tucked abdomen. The head of the Doberman is usually smaller in proportion to the body, with upright ears that are relatively large, a wide muzzle, a large nose opening, and strong teeth.
Temperamental Traits of Doberman Dogs
This breed possesses standout qualities suited for vigilance, such as sensitivity, strength, and resilience. Furthermore, Dobermans are highly intelligent and easily trainable. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, often considered family members.
Reasons to Own a Doberman Dog
There are several reasons to consider owning a Doberman dog:
- High Intelligence: According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), Dobermans are ranked 5th in the 100 most intelligent dog breeds worldwide. Due to this trait, they are often trained for various tasks such as work, protection, and search and rescue.
- Loyalty: Dobermans will constantly be by your side, offering protection from troubles. While not overtly affectionate, they remain loyal and protective in all situations.
- Ease of Training: Their intelligence makes Dobermans easy to train. They can adapt to proper toilet habits within 2 to 3 weeks, whereas other breeds might take 3 to 4 months.
Caring for a Doberman Dog
Feeding Doberman Dogs
Dobermans are commonly fed with chicken necks, chicken heads, pork, beef, and rice. You can also provide them with specialized dog food. Consult sellers or animal experts to choose the right product.
The nutritional regime for Doberman dogs
- The nutritional regime for Doberman dogs according to different stages is as follows:
- For Doberman puppies: Protein 22-32%; Fat 10-25%
- For adult Dobermans: Protein 15-30%; Fat 10-20%
- For Dobermans in performance training: Protein 22-32%, Fat 15-40%
- For Doberman racing dogs: Protein 28-34%; Fat > 50%
- For nursing Dobermans: Protein 25-35%; Fat >= 20%.
How to care for and maintain hygiene for Doberman dogs
- Cleaning the living area and kennel: Firstly, you need to clean the living area and kennel for the Doberman dog to ensure cleanliness and prevent diseases.
- Bathing a Doberman dog: Dobermans have short and soft coats, so grooming and cleaning them is easy. You only need to bathe them once a month.
- Nail and oral care for Doberman dogs: Taking care of nails and oral hygiene is also very important. You should regularly trim their nails and use a special toothbrush to care for their oral health.”
Common health issues in Doberman dogs:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Dobermans can develop an enlarged heart, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. This condition can result in heart failure and respiratory distress.
- Von Willebrand Disease: This is a common inherited bleeding disorder in Doberman dogs. It can cause excessive bleeding and difficulty in clotting.
- Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH): This disease is often seen in Doberman dogs between 4 to 6 years old. Symptoms include increased thirst and excessive drinking.”
Important considerations when caring for a Doberman dog
Regular check-ups and vaccinations: It’s essential to keep up with scheduled vaccinations and veterinary check-ups for your Doberman dog, following the guidance of a veterinarian.
- Pay attention to the nutritional regimen: A proper diet is crucial to ensure your Doberman has enough energy for growth. Ensure they have a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, fiber, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
- Training your Doberman dog: Training is essential to help your Doberman engage in exercise, release energy, and adapt to commands and requests from the owner.
- Bathing, oral care, and grooming for your Doberman: Bathing and grooming your Doberman are also crucial. They only need to be bathed about once a month and should use specialized dog shampoos.
Please remember that these guidelines are general, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to tailor the care and training to your specific Doberman needs.
Considerations when purchasing a Doberman dog
When buying a Doberman dog, you should consider choosing those with the following characteristics:
- Large size, robust body, broad chest, straight back, and strong muscles.
- Compact head, square and elongated muzzle, sharp teeth, and sturdy jaws.
- Short tail, sleek coat, small and erect ears.
- Well-developed thigh muscles, long and slender legs, agile movement.
- Dogs that are at least 2 months old and have received vaccinations.
