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Doberman Pinscher: Training, Temperament, Health (Doberman, Dob)

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About Doberman Pinscher

Country of Origin, History of Doberman Pinschers

The Doberman traces its roots to 19th Century Germany, where it was developed as a police dog by Herr Louis Dobermann- a policeman and tax collector. The man required a loyal, obedient and fiercely protective dog to accompany him on his nightly rounds. Since he also worked as the keeper of the local animal shelter, he had a continuous supply of breeding stock to help him develop just such an animal.

Some of the breeds used to shape the Dobe include the German Pinscher, Rottweiler and German Shorthaired Pointer. The resulting dog possessed an uncanny intelligence, bravery, loyalty, stamina, and protectiveness, and was easy to care for. It was with great pride that this breed became known as "Dobermann's Pinscher."

After Dobermann died in 1894, his protégé, Otto Goeller, continued his mentor's plans and is credited by many as the true architect of the breed. Goeller organized the National Dobermann Pinscher Club in Germany in 1899. Shortly thereafter he and his committee members wrote the first breed standard.

By 1890, the Doberman was born and by 1900 the breed was officially recognized. Soon the breed was imported to the United States. By 1921, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded and the dog quickly gained popularity as a working breed.

Today's Doberman Pinscher has lost the second 'n' from its name and has mellowed in fierceness to become a family member capable of displaying great gentleness and devotion to children and other animals in the home. Having left behind his terrier roots, he has also dropped the Pinscher portion of the name in many countries.

Doberman Pinscher Tools

Breed Selector Tool - is the Doberman Pinscher the right breed for you?

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Doberman Pinscher Calorie Calculator

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Description of the Dog

The Doberman is a very muscular and powerful dog and has many elegant features. The dog is well proportioned, compact, has a muscular neck, lean body, and an unmistakeable air of aristocracy, nobility and elegance.

The ideal Doberman head is wedge-shaped with eyes blending in with the color of the coat. Dark eyes are much preferred over other shades and should be relatively deep set. A Doberman's expression should display his great intelligence and vigorous character.

The dog’s ears may be cropped, though cropping is illegal in many countries including Great Britain and Australia but many others, including American Doberman fanciers, believe that an erect, cropped ear enhances the appearance of this breed. The dog’s tail is usually docked at birth at approximately the second joint of the spine.

Coat

The short, gleaming coat is typically black with rust markings or red with lighter rust markings. Less common, but also acceptable in the breed, are blue and fawn (Isabella) with lighter markings.

The rust markings should appear on the muzzle, the throat, above the eyes, the front of the chest, beneath the tail and on all legs and feet. A small white patch less than one-half inch square is permissible on the chest but no other white is allowed. White Dobermans may not be shown, as this is a disqualifying fault.

Height

Male: 26 and 28 inches at the shoulder
Female: 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder.

Weight

The weight of an adult dog will typically range between 60 and 85 pounds depending on size and sex.

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Doberman Pinscher Personality Traits

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Temperament

The Spanish Water Dog is an extremely intelligent, fearless, ever-active, strong, attentive, happy and well balanced versatile working dog with strong herding, hunting and guardian instincts. It is a devoted companion. It is reserved, not shy, with strangers. They can be protective and territorial.

Are they suited to families with kids?

Most of them are good with children and other animals if properly socialized.

Training

A Greyhound puppy should be trained on a leash and given verbal praise, correction, and food rewards. This breed becomes upset with physical discipline. The dog puppy should be exposed to various sights and sounds, and all training needs to be consistent and administered by a patient guardian. This breed is difficult to housebreak and requires consistent crate training and a doggy door for outside access. This dog puppy may resist going out into cold weather or rain; as a result, a guardian needs to use consistent phrases, rewards, and verbal praise when training the dog to go outside.

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Doberman Pinscher Activity Level

Exercise Needs

Exercise is critical for to health and well being of the dogs. They were bred and born to work and have a great deal of energy to burn. Most Dobermans require about an hour of exercise a day to keep fit. Long walks and frequent play sessions in secure areas will make your dog fit and keep him from becoming nervous. Other exercise alternatives can include playing fetch, swimming or hurdle jumping. The Doberman that is given plenty of opportunity to exercise is a much happier and healthier dog.

How to take care of a Doberman Puppy?

A well-socialised Dobermann is capable of displaying gentleness and devotion to children and other animals in the home. Both puppy and children should be taught to respect each other from the start.

Despite being loyal and protective, if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean or aggressive and is not a good choice for first time owners or families with toddlers who could get hurt by the dog’s bulk.

They can be very good with other dogs, especially if they all are of good temperament. Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC breed standard.

Health and Care

While the SWD seems to be a very healthy breed there are some issues that the SWD have, just like all other breeds. There are cases of Hip Dysplasia in the breed, so choose your breeder carefully.

All breeding dogs should have their hips tested, either by OFA or PennHIP. There have been a few cases of PRA reported in Europe so it is advised that all breeders should test their breeding stock for PRA and other such genetic eye diseases with a yearly CERF exam. A responsible breeder will be able to produce the results in writing.

Like other Water Dogs and related breeds, they grow hair in their ear canals and can be prone to ear infections. The ears must be kept dry and clean. . Because these dogs are (as a general rule) so active and energetic as puppies, they may seriously injure themselves from too much running and jumping when their skeletal structure is still developing.

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Free Doberman Pinscher Training Secrets

Free Course on Doberman Pinscher Training & Obedience
Stop All Bad Behavior, Excessive Barking and Biting

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National Breed Clubs

Breeder Club: Doberman Pinscher Club of America, Doberman Pinscher Alliance of America

Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR

Group:Working Group.

AKC Popularity Ranking:17.

Also Known As: Dobie, Dobe.

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The Doberman Pinscher training information you will read here was developed by a panel of renowned dog training experts whose combined wisdom represents nearly 100 years of specialist experience training dogs.

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