Doberman Pinscher

Pinschers are known to be extremely fearless and have been one of the finest protection dog breeds in the world. This breed of dog is known to have originated in Germany and was developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in 1890. These dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, rust, brown, white, blue, and red.

The red Dobermans are especially considered to be attractive and amazing. The blue ones are a result of a special genetic pigmentation. These dogs also have a miniature version of the breed, known as the mini Doberman pinscher. However, the mini pinscher is a whole separate breed.

The word ‘pinscher’ in German refers to a dog’s habit of pouncing on and biting its prey. German Pinschers are related to Doberman Pinschers but are smaller in size and have a different body shape. They are also energetic and intelligent, much like the Doberman pinschers, and are trained for all kinds of canine work. This one makes a great working dog, especially the European Doberman.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Doberman Pinscher

If you are thinking of owning a Doberman pinscher as a pet, you might want to consider what does — and doesn’t — make it favorable.

Evolution and Origins

Doberman Pinschers were first bred to provide support to tax collectors going about their business, since the line of work was a rather risky one. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, tax collector, and also night watchman and dogcatcher, of Apold, Germany, came up with the idea of a canine bodyguard of sorts, which would not quake in the face of occasionally violent opposition.

To achieve that aim, he is believed to have bred together the German Pinscher for speed and boldness, the  German Shepherd for endurance and cleverness, the Rottweiler for strength, and the Weimaraner for a sensitive nose capable of picking up scents with ease.

These sleek hounds derive their name from the enterprising tax collector and from the German word Pinscher, which means terrier.

Size and Weight

Male Doberman pinscher dogs are about 27 to 28 inches tall and weigh about 70 pounds, while female Doberman pinschers are usually 25-27 inches and weigh about 60 to 65 pounds.

Common Health Issues

There are several health issues that Dobermans suffer from, including cervical vertebral instability and dilated cardiomyopathy. Cervical vertebral instability affects the vertebral column and neck. The result is a wobbly gait, hence its nickname “wobbler syndrome”. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition that impacts the heart, thinning the ventricle and preventing it from pumping blood correctly.

Doberman pinschers may also fall ill with Von Willebrand’s disease, which prevents the blood from clotting as it should. It is caused by a lack of a protein that the platelets need to clot.

Temperament

Temperament-wise, the Doberman pinscher is known to be very energetic and is very alert. It is also very loyal to its owners. Plus, the dog is known to be very intelligent and is usually also called “beauty with brains.”

This dog makes a great family companion, and it is usually very difficult for it to live in kennels. With its outpouring of affection, these dogs like to be with their family inside, despite the plentiful energy.

To make sure that this energy doesn’t become destructive, they must get a lot of physical activity. If you live in an apartment and don’t get out much, it may not be the right dog for you.

How to Take Care of a Doberman Pinscher

If you are looking to buy a Doberman pinscher, there are a few things that you should know about taking care of it. Providing this dog with the right home and nutrition will promote a longer lifespan and a significantly more harmonious home.

The Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinschers

Doberman puppies that are up to three months of age should ideally be fed about 3 to 4 times a day. For adults, however, the feed should be broken into two as one big portion could be difficult to digest.

Ideally, your Doberman pinscher should be fed foods that are easily digestible. Their main feed includes chicken, beef, brown rice, lamb, and sweet potatoes, which can be served with dry dog food or prepared by the owner.

Pinscher Insurance

Like any other animal that you would have as a pet, a Doberman also suffers from a host of problems that could require insurance. However, as an owner, you need to identify the needs and issues of your Doberman so that you can pick the right kind of insurance for your dog that will have it covered when needed.

Some veterinarians offer payment plans and personalized programs that also help with these insurance costs.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Doberman is not a high-maintenance pet but will need regular grooming for sure. Tasks include the removal of “eye boogers,” brushing the dog’s teeth, removing any excess hair and brushing its fur, and thoroughly cleaning its ears.

Besides that, you would also need to regularly bathe your dog and trim its nails to keep it healthy, safe, and clean. These dogs do not shed too much, so regular brushing is more of a luxury than a necessity.

Training

These dogs are easy to train and quickly pick up new skills. They are smart and intelligent and don’t take much time in starting to start picking up commands. However, the training needs to be consistent, and you have to spend a lot of time with your Doberman puppy for it to be used to it.

Usually, the right way to go about it would be to take your Doberman puppy out for about half an hour and start using a simple command. If you take your puppy to the same spot every time, it will start recognizing the scent and will start picking up commands in no time.

Exercise

Dobermans need a lot of physical activity every day. They are energetic animals and need exercise to expend their energy. Otherwise, they could turn into aggressive pets with behavioral issues. This dog needs a lot of room to roam, so apartment living may not be ideal. In case your Doberman is injured or stressed, a muzzle would be a great idea. This device would help the dog to do regular activities like eating, drinking, and panting, but will restrict the distressed behavior.

Puppies

Doberman Pinscher puppies are cared for in much the same way as adult Dobermans. However, they are more sensitive than the adult version of this breed, and they need more care. They should be fed 3 to 4 times, unlike adults, who should be fed twice each day.

Children

This dog is very good with children and is known to be playful. It is a family companion dog and is great with children and young adults.

Dogs Similar to Doberman Pinschers

Some dogs are very similar to Doberman pinschers. These breeds include:

• Ibizan Hound: These dogs are very affectionate towards children. However, they can also sometimes turn very aggressive if threatened. Overall, the breed is considered intelligent and incredibly energetic.
• Pointer: This is a well-built dog — just like the Doberman pinscher. The German Pointer was originally bred as a hunting dog in the 19th century, giving it a strong and sturdy physique. It is also incredibly gentle and loyal to the children in the family.
• Rottweiler: These dogs are especially like Doberman pinschers and are very attached to their owners. They need to be kept inside the house with the family and usually don’t like to live in kennels.

Famous Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers have been a part of several movies. Some of them include The Amazing Dobermans, America’s Sweethearts, Beethoven, and Father of the Bride, to name a few. Some celebrities who have owned this breed include Bea Arthur, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Bela Lugosi, Tanya Roberts, and Raquel Welch.