Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector and first to breed the Doberman Pinscher, is believed to have done so in late 1800s. He probably crossed Rottweilers with German Shepherds and Weimaraners.
Doberman Pinschers are loyal dogs that are intelligent and can guard their home. This breed is often used as a family pet, but it can also be used to guard, police, guide, search and rescue, and security.
The Doberman dog is large in stature. They can grow up to 24-28 inches in height and 60-100 pounds.
Care for a Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers can be very energetic. Doberman Pinschers are intelligent and curious dogs. They need to be stimulated mentally and physically. Dobermans can become destructive and unwelcome if they are not exercised regularly. Dobermans are not the best pet for families with young children due to their energy levels.
Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty and love of their family. This can make them protective of their loved ones. It is important that pet parents begin proper socialization and training as soon as possible and remain consistent.
Dobermans are prey-driven and may not be a good choice for families with small pets like cats or rabbits.
Doberman Pinscher Health Issues
Although the Doberman Pinscher is healthy, there are some health issues pet owners should be aware of.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
GDV This is a sudden condition that requires life-saving treatment. This happens when the stomach is full of food or gas, which causes pressure to increase and expand. This causes the stomach to rotate, which then results in inadequate blood supply to both the stomach and spleen. If this condition isn’t treated promptly, shock, tissue damage and even death may occur.
GDV risk is increasing in the following:
- Dobermans are older dog with deep chests, similar to the Dobermans.
- Dogs who are fed from high bowls
- Dogs who are only fed once per day
GDV symptoms include:
- Abdominal swelling
- Retching that is not productive
- Drooling
- Stretching
- Anxiety
These symptoms can lead to weakness, collapse and increased heart rate and breathing rates.
GDV must be treated immediately by a veterinarian. GDV is more likely to be fatal if a dog suffers from it for longer periods of time without treatment. Initial treatment may include fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and decompression. Sometimes, surgery, known as gastropexy is necessary to restore the stomach to its proper location and fix it in place.
To ensure that the stomach is in the correct position, a prophylactic gastropexy may be done before GDV occurs. These procedures can often be performed simultaneously with spay/neuter.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, which affects metabolism. Hypothyroidism is when the body attacks its own glands or replaces the gland with fat.
Doberman Pinschers may show signs of hypothyroidism such as:
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Brittle coat
- Skin infections
- Blood cholesterol levels are higher
Blood tests are used to diagnose hypothyroidism. The treatment is with a hormone replacement medication called Levothyroxine.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes very thin and weak.
The symptoms of the disease can appear suddenly or gradually over time. DCM can also cause congestive heart disease. DCM can be characterized by:
- Tolerance is a virtue
- Weakness
- Coughing
- Rapid breathing
- Increased effort to breathe
- Restlessness
- Collapse
- Sudden death
If these symptoms are present or if the stethoscope detects a murmur, your vet might suspect DCM. To further diagnose and characterize this disease, X-rays (or an echocardiogram (ultrasound the heart) can be used.
DCM is a serious condition that needs intensive treatment. Not all dogs will be able to return to their normal lives. DCM can be controlled with medication and medical treatment.
- Control arrhythmias (antiarrhythmics)
- Pimobendan: Lowering vascular pressure and increasing muscle strength
- Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid from your body.
- Lower blood pressure and resistance (ACE Inhibitors)
- Cardiac glycosides slow down the heart rate
- Vasodilators are used to dilate blood vessels.
Although a correlation has been established between DCM and grain-free diets, it is still not completely understood. It is recommended that you consult a veterinarian about the benefits and risks of Doberman Pinschers on grain-free diets.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), is a genetic blood disorder more common in Doberman Pinschers than in other breeds.
The von Willebrand factor protein is deficient in this disease. This protein is essential for platelets to stick together and form a clot. Deficiencies in this protein can cause blood to clot less efficiently, leading to bleeding from the gums, nose, bladder, and vulva. Dogs with this condition can also bleed for long periods of time after surgery or trauma.
A screening test called buccal mucosal bleeding times may be done if there are concerns about vWD. This test measures the time it takes for small cuts in the mouth to stop bleeding. Additional testing may be required to confirm that vWD is confirmed if this takes longer than normal.
Because some dogs with vWD don’t have prolonged bleeding until their later years of life, it is possible to measure blood levels for von Willebrands factor. This will help in diagnosing the condition. Many vets recommend that vWD be tested before any planned surgery. This includes spays and neuters as well as dewclaw removals.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia causes an abnormal conformation in the hip joint. Growth rate, hormones and diet all play a role in the formation of the hip joint.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint becomes too loose. This causes the cartilage and bone to begin to wear down. Degenerative joint disease and Osteoarthritis can develop as the body tries to stabilize the joint. This leads to arthritis which causes pain, difficulty rising and limping.
Doberman Pinschers with arthritis need to be healthy. For dogs with hip dysplasia, many vets recommend low-intensity exercise and supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid, glucosamine and chondroitin.
Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed by x-rays taken of the hips. Hip dysplasia can also be diagnosed by x-rays of the hips. To reduce pain and inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are often prescribed. Acupuncture and laser treatment are two other options to manage pain. surgery is recommended if pain is not manageable.
What to feed a Doberman Pinscher
A good way to ensure that your Doberman Pinscher gets a balanced and complete diet is to feed him or her commercial kibble. Dogs need easy-to-digestible protein to maintain healthy muscles and hearts. The diet should include omega-3 fatty acid (DHA/EPA). This supports healthy skin, hair, kidneys, and hearts.
How to Feed a Doberman Pinscher
Ask your veterinarian if your Doberman should eat grains. The Doberman Pinscher’s predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy is linked to a diet that is free of grains.
Avoid elevated bowls as they can increase your risk of GDV or bloat.
How much to feed a Doberman Pinscher
Similar to humans, the recommended Doberman Pinscher caloric intake differs between individuals due to their physical size, metabolism, and activity level. Dobermans are large and can be quite heavy so their caloric requirements may vary.
Different foods also have different caloric contents. A Doberman Pinscher adult neutered at 75 pounds will need approximately 3 1/2 cups of kibble with 400kcal per cup. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight for Doberman’s joints.
Your veterinarian should discuss a personalized feeding plan.
Nutritional Tips for Doberman Pinschers
Your veterinarian can help you add omega-3 fatty acid (DHA/EPA), to your Doberman’s diet. These natural anti-inflammatory compounds help support the skin, hair, kidneys and joints.
Doberman Pinscher Training Tips and Behavior
Doberman Pinscher Temperament and Personality
Doberman Pinschers are energetic, loyal, fearless, and alert. They thrive in an active environment where they can exercise their intelligence. It is important to provide them with exercise and plenty of space for play. If they are left alone or bored, they can become destructive.
Doberman Pinscher Behavior
Dobermans are loving and affectionate family dogs, despite their heritage as guard dogs. Dobermans can be patient with children, but children must always be closely supervised.
Their prey drive could also lead them to chase small animals, such as cats, Some Dobermans are not good with other dogs. However, early socialization can be beneficial.
Doberman Pinschers don’t have a lot of vocalizations, but training is necessary to control how loud they bark.
Doberman Pinscher Training
Doberman Pinschers are intelligent, and they thrive in basic training and obedience. Dobermans need to be able to release their energy so it is important to establish a routine of training and socialization early in life. This will encourage good behavior and redirect undesirable behaviors. Dobermans without training can be pushy and difficult to manage. They also react to new stimuli like strangers, sounds, or objects.
You should be ready to train and socialize your Doberman Pinscher to become a good citizen dog.
Fun Activities for Doberman Pinschers
- Agility
- Nose work
- Tracking
- Training in obedience
Doberman Pinscher Grooming Guide
Doberman Pinschers come in a variety of colors including red, black, fawn and blue. The blue fur is due to the reduction of the black coat. Rust-colored markings can be found above the eyes, below the tail, and on all legs. Rare cases may also see the breed being white.
Dobermans have smooth, short coats and are moderate to heavy shedders.
Skin Care
Doberman Pinschers generally have healthy skin and require little upkeep. They can be cleaned with a bath once a month or as needed.
Coat Care
The Doberman Pinscher’s coat is short, so it’s important to brush regularly (daily or once a week). This will help with shedding.
Eye Care
Dobermans do not require special eye care. Make sure you give your eyes a quick inspection when you brush or bathe to ensure there aren’t any problems.
Take care of your ears
Dobermans have healthy ears. However, regular ear check and cleaning is recommended. Notifying your vet if your dog’s ears are red or dingy is a good idea.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Doberman Pinschers are a highly active breed. Dobermans need regular physical and mental exercise so they thrive in an active environment. Dobermans are social dogs who thrive on a lot of training. This is essential for their development as well-adjusted adult canines.
Dobermans are prey-driven, so small animals in homes aren’t ideal unless they have been socialized and trained. Dobermans can be made more comfortable with other dogs by being socialized.
Every year, a Doberman must have his physical examined by a veterinarian to ensure that he is healthy. Dobermans are predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a form of heart disease. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to signs like lethargy and exercise intolerance as well as coughing and collapse.
Many vets recommend that you test for von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood-clotting condition) before any planned surgery. It is an inherited disease in Doberman Pinschers. Breeders might opt to have genetic testing done to check for von Willebrand’s Disease.
Young dogs can have X-rays taken of their hips to check for hip dysplasia. Supplements may be recommended to prevent osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
Doberman Pinscher FAQs
Are Doberman Pinschers good for family dogs?
Dobermans are patient and loyal dogs. A well-trained, socialized Doberman Pinscher could make a great family dog. Doberman Pinschers are best supervised by an adult. These dogs can be protective of your home and property.
Are Doberman Pinschers smart dogs?
Doberman Pinschers are intelligent dogs that make excellent candidates for intensive training.
What is the difference between a Doberman Pinscher and a Doberman Pinscher, you ask?
These terms can be interchanged and refer to the same breed.
What is the Doberman Pinscher’s reputation?
Dobermans are well-known for their security and guarding abilities. They can be very protective of their home. They are intelligent and loyal, making them excellent candidates for training.