Pet Owner's Guide to the Dobermann


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Dobermann Pinschers are high-energy, muscly, elegant dogs which often appear in movies in the role of dangerous guard dogs. Their ears tend to be cropped in the US, so they stick up and are pointy, while they are left uncropped in the UK, giving a much more natural appearance. Dobes have performed a wide range of roles as working dogs, so are difficult to classify.

Originally developed as guard dogs, they have also been used a tracker dogs, and even herders, and dogs of different types went into creating the breed. Generally, they perform the role of guard dog without any training, in fact it is best to socialize them as much as possible, both with people and with other dogs. A Dobermann will be enough of a deterrent to any intruder, just by standing there and giving a deep 'Woof'. Attempts to encourage the dog to be wary of humans could result in aggression at a time when you want the dog to be friendly.

This breed varies a lot in terms of temperament, so it is especially important to try to meet the parents of pups you are interested in, and to ask the breeder what sort of temperament they are breeding for. Some Dobermanns can be very shy and sensitive, which affects how you train them, and they may be more inclined to be snappy out of fear, especially if bite inhibition has not been thoroughly taught. Other Dobes are bolder, or more relaxed by nature. Despite the image of a Dobe as an outdoor guard dog, put across in movies, Dobermanns do not do well in this role. They like being with their owners, and were bred to work closely with people, rather than live outside on their own. They also like comfort, and don't handle cold well.

Training can be a challenge. Dobes are intelligent, and can get bored if not enough effort is made to motivate them. They also need consistency right from the start. Dobermann pups should be told how you want them to behave as adults, because it's much easier to affect their long-term behaviour while they are little than when they are big, strong dogs, already set in their ways. Dobes do like attention, however, so you can motivate them with praise, and deter unwanted behaviour by withdrawing attention. The more sensitive individuals can also switch off if shouted at. Socialization with people is important, especially with the shyer Dobes, and because a Dobermann can easily frighten those who don't know dogs well, just by barking. Use a dressing up box and get your Dobe used to seeing people in funny hats, with walking sticks, big satchel-bags like delivery boys ... the works!

Dobermanns are versatile dogs, so it's well worth putting a lot of effort into training them. A well-trained Dobermann responds fast to his handler's commands, and is a joy to work with. They have performed a wide range of roles, such as search and rescue, and therapy dogs, and have performed well in obedience competitions. They need to be kept active, though they are happy to play games indoors too, and enjoy sniffer dog games, like finding titbits you secrete round the room, or hidden bits of cloth impregnated with good smells.

Dobermanns are generally good with children, so long as they have been used to them from puppyhood. Young Dobes can be a bit large and bouncy for smaller children, though many older Dobermanns are well-behaved enough to be safe around small children and frail elderly people. Dobermanns also need to be socialized with other dogs while they are pups. They will need fairly robust puppy playmates, preferably of calmer breeds, to tone down their exuberant playing style. Some Dobermanns can become dog aggressive as they get older, but generally, well-socialized Dobes get on well with other dogs. They are great chewers, and need legitimate chew objects. Dobes don't need much grooming, and aren't especially bad shedders. Their colour also means that their hairs aren't as noticeable as with lighter-coloured breed.

A disadvantage of this breed is that it can suffer from a wide range of health problems, including cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart disorder), Wobbler's syndrome (cervical spondylitis), Von Willebrand's disease (blood disorder), juvenile diabetes, hypothyroidism, bloat, hip dysplasia, renal dysplasia, and spay-related incontinence. It's especially well worth checking the longevity of the ancestors of any pup of this breed that you are interested in. Some Dobermanns can live to a good age, but all too often their lives are cut short.

The Evans book is a good introduction to the breed for novices, though it is too short to be of great interest to experienced owners. It is, however, an inexpensive book, and is good value.