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Personality
The Doberman, as described in the written standard for the breed, is energetic,
watchful and determined. They are guarded with strangers, but excessive shyness or
aggressiveness should not be tolerated. The Doberman is naturally protective and
should never be trained to attack. A very intelligent breed, they can be a challenge
to train as they require quick thinking on the part of their trainer to make progress.
A superb family dog noted for its devotion to the family, the properly bred and
trained Doberman has a sound mind and body, and the heart and spirit of a gentleman.
History
The Doberman is a German breed that traces its heritage back to some of the old
German dogs such as the Rottweiler, the smooth haired German Pinscher and the Black
and Tan Terrier of England. The word pinscher in German actually means
terrier. Herr Louis Dobermann (note the original spelling) of Apolda, Germany,
developed the breed in the 1890s to use as a guard dog and a watchdog. At first the
Doberman was used almost exclusively for this purpose. As it developed, its qualities
of intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training brought it in demand as a
police and war dog. In this service its agility and courage made it highly prized.
An excellent nose adapted the dog to criminal tracking and also has led to its use
as a hunting dog. The breed was officially recognized in 1908 by the American Kennel
Club. The Doberman has been fortunate with the aid of selective breeding to have
absorbed the good qualities of the breeds which have made a contribution to its
heritage. From the beginning it has been a working dog devoted to the service of
mankind.
Appearance
The Doberman is a medium sized dog of clean cut appearance with males reaching 26-28
inches tall at the withers and bitches 24-26 inches. Dogs not within this size range
would not be considered correct according to the breed standard. Males usually weigh
70-75 pounds; bitches 60-65 pounds. The Doberman has a smooth, muscular body with a
short, fine, close laying coat. Ears can be cropped and erect or natural. The tail is
docked short. Permissible colors are black, red, blue and fawn (Isabella). White is not
an allowed color although white patches on the chest not exceeding ½-inch square
are permissible. All colors have sharply defined rust markings above each eye, on the
muzzle, throat, forechest, legs, feet and below the tail.
Care and exercise
The Doberman is an athletic breed and must have regular exercise to maintain its
look, condition and agility. Many behavioral problems can surface due to boredom or
lack of exercise. The Doberman is a "people" dog and does not do well with
lengthy stints alone. The short coat requires little care but does not afford sufficient
warmth to allow the dog to thrive housed outside in cold climates. Obedience training,
even just the basics, is very important to make a Doberman a viable member of the
family. It takes time and dedication to train a dog correctly, but the reward is well
worth the effort.
Health issues
The Doberman is generally a healthy breed, although as with all breeds, there are
some problems which occur more frequently in the breed than in the general dog
population. There are tests to screen for many of the common problems, and the puppy
buyer would do well to inquire whether the sire and dam were tested for the various
problems, as well as the incidence of the problems in the specific lines.
A bleeding
problem known as von Willebrand's disease (vWD) sometimes occurs in the Doberman.
Recently, researchers at Michigan State University successfully isolated the genetic
mutation responsible for von Willebrand's disease. We now have a genetic test that
will identify whether a Doberman is genetically clear, carrier or
affected. It is important to note that many affected Dobermans never experience
a bleeding problem, but when it occurs it can be serious. When considering some of the
other health problems in the breed this disease is not the most serious problem but
it is listed first because we now have a definitive test to screen for the problem
and eliminate it in the offspring.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM or cardio) is a serious
heart condition. It is thought to be inherited, and the genetics of the disease are
currently being studied by the same researchers who developed the test for von
Willebrand's disease. While we do not yet have a definitive test for DCM, there are
some methods of testing that are recommended. Both sire and dam should be tested by a
veterinarian or cardiologist within three months of the breeding. There are different
testing methods available. DCM cannot be diagnosed by simply listening to the heart.
General information
The following is a list of additional information that you may choose to use when
selecting a dog:
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Be prepared to shop around. Do not buy the first dog or puppy you see. Look at as many dogs as you can and talk to as many breeders as you can. |
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If you are buying from a breeder, ask about their breeding program. Are they breeding for good temperaments, show dog, health, etc., and does this agree with your expectations? |
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Is the sire and/or dam of a litter available for you to see? Do the dogs appear healthy? Are their temperaments stable? |
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In what kind of environment are the dogs? Is the area clean and well tended? |
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Health records and/or any health tests done on the parents should be provided. Ask for proof. |
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Vaccination records, wormings and general health information should be provided for the puppy or dog being purchased. |
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You should expect to be provided with some kind of written bill of sale. This should also include some form of health guarantee. A health exam by a veterinarian should be encouraged. |
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If AKC registered, the litter registration slip or current registration should be provided at the time of purchase. You are entitled to this paperwork at the time of sale. Do not buy any dog with only a promise of AKC papers. Remember, AKC registration does not necessarily indicate quality; only that both parents are registered. |
The price you can expect to pay for a dog ranges from approximately $800 and upward, and can vary from breeder to breeder, depending on whether the dog is considered "show quality" or not. Many breeders sell a puppy as "pet quality" because for one reason or another, the breeder doesn't feel the dog can become an AKC champion. This wording is not intended to reflect upon the overall health, looks or temperament of the animal.
Look for a breeder who is willing to help you with problems and provide you with additional information. A responsible breeder carefully evaluates the homes in which they place their dogs and they continue their involvement throughout the life of the dog. Expect the breeder to have many questions for you!
Obedience classes are available in many areas. A good place to check is the pet section in the classified ads of your local newspaper. Many organizations advertise classes there, from private individuals to the local parks departments. Before choosing classes offered by chain pet stores, inquire about the training and experience of the instructors.
Acquiring a Doberman
Hopefully, you have researched the breed and have made an informed decision that
the Doberman is the right breed for you. The rewards of pet ownership cannot be
measured, but first ask yourself these questions before you decide to get a companion:
| 1. | Are you willing to make a commitment of 10-15 years to an animal needing almost constant attention? |
| 2. | What is your reason for getting a dog? Protection? Companionship? Show? Are these expectations reasonable? |
| 3. | Do you have sufficient time to devote to housebreaking, obedience training, and possible problem solving, as well as daily care and exercise? |
| 4. | Is your life reasonably settled and secure so that you can assure the dog a permanent home? |
| 5. | Should the unforeseen need arise for the dog to be placed in another home, are you committed to the work involved in acquiring a home equal to or better than the one you can provide? |
| 6. | Do you have sufficient funds to provide for a dog? Food and veterinary care, even yearly maintenance, can be costly. |
| 7. | Are you a responsible dog owner? Do you obey leash laws, license your pets, clean up after your dogs and spay or neuter non-breeding pets that are not shown in the conformation ring? |
Have you considered adopting a rescue Doberman rather than raising a
puppy? This is sometimes the best option and you can usually skip the
housebreaking stage. Remember that there are adult Dobermans who, for
a variety of reasons, find themselves in need of a loving home.
If you can honestly answer yes to all the above questions,
the next step is finding the right dog for you. Acquiring a dog, like
anything else, takes patience and some leg work. This information is designed
as a general guideline.