Doberman Pinscher – Loyal and Fearless

The Doberman Pinscher is among the most popular breed of dogs in the world. Known for its intelligence and loyalty, the Pinscher is both a police– favorite breed and at the same time, a domestic dog that is loved by families for its loyalty.

A Doberman Pinscher is usually characterized by his medium-large size, cropped ears and ability to stand on his toes as opposed to the pads. This gives the Pinscher a masculine, semi-inclined look to complete his sleek appearance.

History of the Doberman Pinscher

The domestic dog is a breed of German descent.  It has a history dating back to 1890 when tax collector Karl Friedrich Dobermann thought of creating a loyal guard dog. Although the exact ratio of crossing remains unknown, expert reports point to the of both shepherd and sleek dogs. The shepherd dogs used in Karl`s crossbreed ‘mixture’ were German Pinschers and Rottweilers while sleek dogs involved in the crossing were Weimaraners, Greyhound, and Manchester Terrier. A dog show in Erfurt back in 1897 saw the first Doberman Pinscher showcased (which became recognized as an official German breed after 3 years).

Doberman Personality and Temperament

The Pinscher is the animal version of a ” jack of all trades” as its personality, and basic characteristics suit both official and domestic purposes. Described as loyal and alert, Pinschers are capable of performing numerous functions. They are highly trainable and relatively quick to learn.

The Doberman Pinscher is a sucker for attention- as he learns most- when showered with love and care. Further, understanding that your Doberman`s personality and temperament is dependent on how you treat him is essential in building a relationship with your pup. When in a loving and caring family, the Doberman is likely to develop intimate ties and remain loyal to the owners. They will threaten to protect them whenever he senses imminent danger.

Therefore, the Pinschers temperament and personality is dependent on the background. For instance, a well trained Doberman puppy is likely to develop positive social behavior.  They will be more obedient than its counterpart that has received little grooming or no training at all.

Official Dobermans are often ferocious, alert, obedient and hyperactive traits. Which are also present in domestic breeds, only that the characteristics get downplayed in the latter due to less formal training.

Doberman Exercise Needs

These loyal buddies are very demanding when it comes to exercises. However, if you get your Doberman puppy while he is still young, it will be easier to tone and moderate his physical activities. Regular walks are necessary to prevent your dog from becoming grumpy( which eventually occurs if he is not attended to!).

Taking your Doberman Pinscher for a walk or a jog is not enough as his body makeup and metabolism requires more vigorous exercise. They enjoy quick sprints, long distance evening runs and regular detective exercises (such as hiding a bone “professionally” to boost the development of his instincts).

Suitability as a Family Pet

The Doberman is a very intelligent animal and can make a remarkable family pet, especially when handling children and toddlers. The loyal canine is also home friendly as he doesn’t shed frequently. A dog shampoo, a brush or a wet cloth is all you need to take care of your Dobermans hygiene.

However, some owners prefer brushing their dogs before their baths while others prefer brushing them regularly within the week to keep both the home and pet clean. Also, the Doberman is not a hog for space and can comfortably fit into any home environment(provided he doesn’t miss his exercise).

Doberman Health

When it comes to health, the Doberman is susceptible to a host of genetic diseases such as Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI). The CVI is commonly referred to as Wobbler`s Syndrome and occurs as a result of malformation of the Vertebrae located around the neck. The defect results to a reduced coordination within the hindquarters as the Doberman`s limbs become weak. This may lead to paralysis in severe cases.

Another disease you should ensure you screen your Doberman Pinscher for is Dilated cardiomyopathy which results in the enlargening of your dog’s heart. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common disease among different breeds but affects the Doberman the most. The causes of the Dilated cardiomyopathy remain unknown, but recent studies point towards a genetic trait in the disease formation.

Whether you own a Doberman Pinscher or you intend to buy one, it is important to ensure you prioritize veterinary visits to keep track of your pet`s health. Also, avoid dealing with breeders who do not have complete medical records of their Dobermans as this might lead to the late discovery of potentially chronic ailments once you adopt or buy your pet.