The Doberman got his name from his first breeder. This one put special emphasis on courage, strength and robustness in breeding. These characteristics still represent important breed traits of the Doberman today and make him an excellent guard and protection dog.
Doberman
Origin: Germany Weight: 27-41 kg Size (withers): 61-72 cm Life expectancy: 10-13 years
risk of disease: Hip joint dysplasia, Congenital Vestibular Syndeoma, Wobbler Syndrome, Dancing Dobermann Disease, Dilated Cardiomyopathy Usecompanion dog, guard dog, working dog, watchdog Suitable sport: Agility, Flyball, Obedience u.v.m.
FCI: No. 143 (Gr. 2, Skt. 1.1)
The nature and character of the Doberman
Since time immemorial the Doberman has been known as ideal guard and protection dog known. His fearless and alert nature and the strong physique give the dog an authoritarian character. This he embodies impressively by his self-confident appearance as well as a pronounced guard and protection instinct furthermore. But just this determined, courageous as well as temperamental character requires a clear and at the same time empathetic leadership. This is the only way for masters or mistresses to learn to control the lively nature of their Dobermann. Because the Doberman has enjoyed the right education, he shows himself faithful to his mistress. In the family circle he then shows his affectionate and loving side. This is not at all surprising, since the basic temperament of the Doberman has a decidedly peaceful and friendly basis. In addition, the Doberman is by nature very people oriented. He needs a clear reference person, who not only offers him important orientation, but also the necessary Trust to. His isolated bad reputation as an aggressive dog the Doberman owes solely lack of education or purposeful training. Because if the Doberman loses the so important bond to his reference person, an aggressive character can develop. Mostly this happens it from disinterest of the owner or by kennel attitude. However, this does not correspond to the original nature of the Dobermann. Its curious, attentive behavior and the high urge to move testify to intelligence and will to work of the Doberman. Therefore, he is very popular in many ways as a working and working dog used. Dobermans are used as service dogs not only by the police or the German armed forces. They also accompany foresters or hunters. Even training as a rescue, therapy and guide dog for the blind are not uncommon for the eager-to-learn four-legged friend.
The Doberman in the city
If you keep the Doberman as a pure pet or family dog, you should give him other physically and mentally demanding. This is even more true in a city apartment. Remember also that the Doberman is a rather large dog. Accordingly, he needs more space in your apartment. Is more difficult to carry. Especially stairs are often problematic. In any case, you must be very active and take your Doberman with you: he needs extremely much movement. Just going for a short walk is definitely not enough. The Doberman is a working dog – you have to work him to the fullest. Maybe this fits with your own profession, possibly as a police dog. Then he is sure to be used to his full capacity. Dog sports like agility, flyball or obedience are a good and challenging alternative. Together with your dog you can have a lot of fun here. Also regular visits of a professional Dog school can be a welcome task for your dog. In addition, this way you can ensure the regular continuation of education. This is necessary with the Dobermann lifelong.
The appearance of the Doberman
The Doberman owes its elegant appearance both to the color and texture of its coat and to its conspicuous stature. Despite its athletic and strong physique appears the Doberman slim. Due to the ascending curved body shape, he has a distinctly proud posture. The good proportions of the animal also emphasizes the ratio of size and weight. Males reach at a withers height of 68-72 cm between 40 and 45 kilograms, the bitch, however, is somewhat smaller and much more delicate. They range between a body height of 63-68 cm. Weigh only about 32-35 kilograms. The head of the animal is just as strong as the torso. The wedge-shaped head is emphasized by the elongated and powerful muzzle. The medium-sized eyes have an oval shape. Just like the tail, the ears, also of medium size, are set high. Both tail and ears were docked very often in the past. Today this procedure is fortunately forbidden in Germany. The Dobermanns have always been used exclusively in the Coat colors black and brown bred. Both colors have the characteristic, rust-red markings in the fur, the so-called Brand. These occur especially often on the muzzle, the legs, but also on the chest and above the eyes of the animal. The short Coat is dense and lies smooth to.
The origin of the Doberman
The Doberman is a German dog breed and goes to the breeding work of the eponymous tax collector and urban dog catcher Frederick Louis Doberman in the 19. Century back. For mating, he picked out the particularly sharp dogs from the captured street dogs. He hoped to breed a particularly robust, courageous and vigilant breed of dog. Probably the greatest influence on the appearance of the Doberman in the breeding of that time had the earlier Fleischerhunde, a forerunner of the Rottweiler. Also a kind of shepherd dog from Thuringia contributed substantial: They showed the characteristic black fur with the rust-red fire.
Even then, the Dobermans were predominantly called Working dogs used. With the police it was so strongly spread after some time that it was called "Gendarme dog" received. But also Hunter use him in hunting and farmers served the Doberman as a watchful Court dog.
Acquisition and care of the Doberman
Before acquiring a Dobermann, be aware that its attitude and upbringing requires a lot of experience. Therefore, if you have no dog experience, it is better not to choose a Doberman as a first dog. With a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, you should also make sure that the Doberman stays with you for a long time. Throughout, he will require quite a bit of time commitment, activity, and care.
As with other dog breeds, choose an experienced, reputable breeder to buy from. Breeders with sufficient experience know about the special needs and peculiarities of the Doberman. They guarantee professional breeding work, which is expressed in healthy and well-kept animals, which suffer less frequently from hereditary diseases. With regard to grooming, there is not much to consider in the Doberman, as his short coat does not require special care requires. Excluding eyes, ears, and teeth along with gums need regular checkup. When it comes to diseases, a Susceptibility to Hereditary Diseases determine. Particularly the Congenital Vestibular Syndrome Is common in Dobermans. Blue Doberman syndrome is also common. This is a disease that affects the inner ear. It leads to balance disorders and deafness. Also neurological diseases like the Wobbler syndrome or the rare Dancing Dobermann Disease can occur. Hip dysplasia is common in all breeds of dogs. Thus also widespread in the Doberman. The Dilated cardiomyopathy Is a form of heart disease that occurs very aggressively and can lead to sudden cardiac death in Dobermans.