Doberman: characteristics of the breed and the fineness of the content

Doberman - an animal with high intelligence and noble appearance. In many films, the Doberman is presented as a fierce advocate with an aggressive temper. But this dog is not only a vigilant guard and guard, but an amazing companion dog, a devoted family member.

The creator of the breed is Frederic Louis Doberman, who lived in the years 1834-1894 in the German city of Apollo. Various sources mention that he changed various professions: the tanner, the mortgage worker, the night watchman, the tax collector. His work was not safe - a walk around the city with the money collected was associated with the risk of being attacked by gangsters, so Frederick thought that he needed a guard dog.

According to the creator of the breed, the dog must harmoniously combine such qualities as high intelligence, endurance, strength, courage, dedication. And also ideal for protection, that is, to have certain fighting qualities. The initiator of the breed, unfortunately, did not leave any records, so a lot of information about the Doberman will remain a mystery. This creates certain difficulties for modern dog handlers, because the concept of breeding dogs cannot be unambiguously traced.

At the origins of the breeding of this breed, besides hybrids, there was a short-haired pinscher, German shepherd, German Pointer, Rottweiler, Manchester terrier, greyhound. According to Dog Magazine magazine from 1910, Doberman also has an admixture of blood from French Beauceron, with which it has similarities.

The pedigree of the modern Doberman begins with a dog named Count Belling von Grünland (1899). She was only slightly different from the rottweiler. From the very beginning of the breed, the main idea was the ease of use of the dog. German breeders continued the work of Doberman on the development of the breed. Their main goal was to shape the character and functions of the dog, which he was supposed to perform. Appearance was secondary. The choice of dogs for breeding fell only on the most courageous, fast and intelligent individuals.

In 1899, the Doberman Pinscher German Society was founded. Initially, the breed was called this way, but in the mid-twentieth century, the use of the second word was discontinued.

During World War I, he was included in European military units as a service and health dog. This fearless and trustworthy dog ​​also attracted the attention of the American military.

During World War II, he served in the army on both continents. At that time, he also acquired the notorious reputation of a service dog in concentration camps. During the war years, 45,000 dogs served in the German army. They were used as couriers for the transfer of military reports, they often had to be under enemy fire. Also, dogs of this breed proved to be excellent snoopers: they could walk on the track 4-5 days or even longer.

According to the description of the standard, the Doberman breeds are medium-sized, muscular, athletic, but not heavy.The top line is slightly sloping, the bottom one is tucked up. The silhouette of a dog looks more square than elongated. The height at withers is approximately equal to the length of the body.

Characteristics of the breed:

• Height at the withers - males - 70 cm (± 2 cm), females - 66 cm (± 2 cm).
• Weight - males - 43 kg (± 2 kg), females - 33 kg (± 2 kg).
• The head is proportional to the body, wedge-shaped. The edge of the forehead is small, but clearly marked.
• Ears of medium size, set high. Can be cropped. But not in all countries dogs with cropped ears are allowed to exhibitions.
• The bite is scissor-like.
• Eyes oval, dark color.
• The skin is intensely pigmented.
• The coat is short, hard, smooth, tight-fitting, without undercoat.
• The color is black, dark brown or gray.
• High landing tail. It is very shortly arrested, leaving only 2 vertebrae visible. It is allowed to leave it in its natural form.

Disqualifying faults:

• timidity, shyness, nervousness and excessive aggression;
• eyes are yellow, blue or different colors;
• teeth absent, bite not scissor;
• the coat is not short with either white spots.

The average lifespan of these dogs is 10-11 years. Doberman is considered a healthy dog. However, it is worth knowing what diseases it can still be susceptible to.

• Hip dysplasia. Before buying a puppy, you should ask the breeder to check his parents for the presence of dysplasia.
• Progressive retinal atrophy - a gradual deterioration of vision. The disease is hereditary. In many countries, breeders are required to conduct research puppies - electroretinography.
• Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary pathology that impairs the ability of blood to clot.
• Hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, as a result of which the dog may suffer from epilepsy, alopecia, obesity, drowsiness and skin diseases.
• Wobbler Syndrome –index arising in puppies. Due to the rapid growth of the spinal cord can be compressed in the cervical spine. As a result, the dog loses control of the hind limbs. The animal begins to limp.
• Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the myocardium that causes irreversible changes in muscle fibers. Their shape, elasticity and contractility are changed so that the heart muscle loses its efficiency.
• Albinism is a genetic mutation. Dobermans-albinos have many different diseases, including photophobia.
• Narcolepsy - bouts of drowsiness.
• Disorders of the stomach.

The German Pinscher (smooth-haired Pinscher) appeared in the 1800s, when he was closely associated with the standard Schnauzer (grungy pinscher).

The crossing of the German Pinscher and the Standard Schnauzer was approved. The purpose of this was to update the gene pool of breeds and reduce the problems associated with the health of dogs.

In the Doberman standard, male growth varies from 66 cm to 71 cm, and females from 61 cm to 66 cm. Adult bitches may be the same size as dogs, but should not be taller than males. Their body weight is 30-40 kg.

Dobermans have a short and smooth fur of black, dark brown, gray or fawn color. This is a strong muscular animal.

Doberman has almond-shaped eyes. The nose is black in black dogs, brown in red, dark gray in gray and dark in fawn.

Dogs live an average of 10-11 years. In a litter 3-8 puppies are born. Dobermans are smart, learn fast. They are more patient (than their mini-brothers) and are willing to do what is required of them.

German pinscher height from 43 to 51 cm and weighing about 5 kg. This is a dog of medium build, has well-developed musculature. Hind limbs shorter than the front. The coat is smooth, the color is black, brown. May be a two-tone color.The eyes have an oval cut. All German Pinschers have black eyes, black lips, black noses and black claws, regardless of the color of the fur. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years.

Dwarf Pinschers are miniature replicas of famous Dobermans, but despite obvious similarities, they are not related. These dogs are very funny and energetic. Like Dobermans, they are ideal companions for various games, long walks and travels.

Mini Doberman is a friendly and fearless dog at the same time. She possesses an innate intelligence, so she is very well trained and quickly masters new skills. Miniature size does not prevent her from being an excellent guard and guard dog.

Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman was able to bring the dog, similar to the miniature pinscher, but more impressive size.

Doberman is a very intelligent and active dog, loyal and trustworthy. He will act without hesitation when he finds his family in danger. Despite the fact that he is an excellent defender, he basically does not show his aggression without a reason.

Doberman loves all types of physical activity. He masters teams very quickly, but training should start relatively early. During training requires high responsibility and hardness of the trainer.

An important feature of this breed is a high degree of sensitivity, constant vigilance and careful recording of everything that happens around. For dogs of this breed, a strong bond with the owner and his family is very important. And this question, and the whole process of socialization, education, training dobermans require more diligence, time and attention than when training other dogs.

Psychologically healthy Doberman does not show a propensity for deliberate aggression against people and animals. Various sources describe the case when the Doberman brought to the village a herd of young striped boars. Their mother was shot the night before while hunting. Another time, the same dog was seen on the edge of the forest when she was playing with two young deer.

Diligent breeders select calm and balanced dogs for breeding. But because of the popularity and mass character of this breed, there are cases of a non-professional approach to breeding; therefore, some individuals experience excessive aggression or cowardice — signs denied by the breed standard.

One of the main advantages of the breed is that Dobermans have high intelligence. This means that the dog is very susceptible to training, training and socialization.

A well-educated Doberman is a great family dog. Provided that the puppy was trained and socialized properly, the Doberman will be a reliable dog that, if necessary, will protect it from danger. It is also important for children to learn the proper handling of this breed.

Doberman gets along well with other animals that are in the family. Well, if they were taken into the house at the same time. They may be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs if they decide that they risk their owner or family members.

Representatives of the Doberman breed are strong, dexterous, persistent, graceful and dedicated dogs of their owners. Doberman is a great hunter of small animals, a guard and a warrior. But for many, he is above all a faithful friend. To select a puppy requires a responsible approach.

1. First you need to decide for what purposes a puppy is purchased - participation in large exhibitions, for reliable protection or just as a loyal friend.
2. Sex puppy choose at its discretion. If the future owner wants to see in his house a gentle and attentive dog, it is worth choosing a female. If you dream of a high, noble, terrific companion, you should choose a dog.
3. You need to ask the breeder about the habits and characteristics of the puppy. With this information, you can tell how the future pet will grow.
4. It is important to carefully consider the appearance of all the Doberman puppies presented by the breeder. Dogs must have clean, well-groomed fur.
5. Light spots on the skin, bright eyes, curved limbs should not be. Inspect the pup for umbilical hernia.
6. A healthy puppy has clean eyes, shiny coat. He must have a good appetite, be mobile and joyful.

At the buyer's request, the breeder must also provide medical documentation for the parents of the future pet. A good breeder pays great attention to the health and socialization of animals before they are transferred to new homes.

Daily care Doberman is not difficult and does not take much time. It is a rather large dog, however it is often kept in apartments.

It is widely believed that smooth-haired dogs, especially those that do not have an undercoat, do not need special care. Indeed, Doberman owners do not know the problems with entangling and felting fur. But there is another trouble - the loss of short hair almost all year round. Hard bristles stick to carpets and upholstery and are very difficult to remove.

Regular grooming can significantly reduce molting problems. Wool falls out when it is damaged or dry. It should be regularly nourished - 2-3 times a week, sprayed with conditioner containing high-quality oils, and after the bath always apply a regenerating balm. With this care, the wool will become more healthy, silky, strong and will fall out less.

The frequency of swimming is arbitrary. Usually Doberman bathe when he got dirty, but at least 4-5 times a year. It is believed that bathing smooth-haired dogs is not necessary, but it should be remembered that not only ordinary dust accumulates on the wool, but also many different chemicals that dry it. Therefore, the dog must be washed, and the balm applied after rinsing creates a protective film from the aggressive action of the reagents.

For bathing use shampoos or care products, adapted to the current needs of wool. In case of dryness or skin problems, this will be a revitalizing shampoo, in case of problems with color - a means to enhance the color.

Regular care and cleaning also require the eyes and ears of a pet. Because of the tendency to the formation of tartar, you need to brush your teeth 2-3 times a week. Claws are recommended to cut 2-3 times a month.

To prepare for the exhibition, the dog must be very carefully cleaned, combed and wiped with a special conditioner to give softness and shine. Claws must be trimmed so that they do not touch the floor. It is best to do this a week before the show.

Dobermans are more suitable for keeping outside the city than in city apartments. They need to move a lot, which for some owners can be very tedious (especially after a hard working day). The fenced yard of a private house will give Doberman enough space to run when it is not possible to walk the pet.

Since the Doberman is a dog who is very devoted to his master and loves his family, he should not be left alone for long. The pet must be part of the family and participate in all family activities.

Poorly educated or isolated, neglected dogs often have bad habits that are difficult to eradicate. From boredom and unrealized ambitions, they become nervous, run restlessly around the house or bark in response to every sound. Well-educated dogs are calm and balanced.

The most suitable accessory for cleaning the ears is a piece of cotton wool wrapped around a finger. To remove dirt, you can use a special preparation for cleaning the ears of dogs (preparations are made on the basis of oil, so that they do not harm the animal). It should be remembered that the inner part of the ear of an animal is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Therefore, cleaning should be done carefully.

Dogs with drooping ears require much more frequent monitoring. This does not mean that animals with erect ears do not suffer from diseases and inflammations of the hearing organs. Dogs with open ears are subject to scratches, irritation and damage to the outer part of the ear. They are also very vulnerable to parasite attacks.

A very serious threat to the animal - water entering the auricle. This can occur both during bathing and during the game. Every time you doberman bathing, you need to protect his ears, and in the case of water ingress, dry them properly. When a dog dries, it usually shakes his head, which leads to a partial outflow of water into the ear canal. Water in a dog's ears can cause infections and inflammation.

The quality of food directly determines whether the dog is healthy and full of strength and energy, or its existence is eclipsed by permanent diseases.

Doberman can be fed with both dry food and natural products. But it is worth remembering that he has a huge appetite. An adult dog needs fresh meat, vegetables and cereals daily, and in strict proportions according to the age of the animal. This is a more expensive option than feeding dry dog ​​food available at the pet store.

For economic reasons, you can think of feeding your pet ready-made dry food. It is also very convenient, since this type of food is well balanced and adapted to the various needs of the animal. The rules of feeding and dosage of servings in accordance with the age of the animal manufacturers indicate on the labels, it helps the owners to efficiently and effectively organize the feeding of the pet.

Because of the risk of stomach diseases, it is worth dividing the daily ration of food into two meals. After eating, the dog should rest for at least two hours.

Dogs should have unlimited access to clean fresh water.

The copy of the ears and tails of the Doberman has both supporters and opponents. The following are the most commonly used arguments for cupping.

1. The dog looks better and is more recognizable if he stops the tail and beautifully places his ears.
2. Lovers and breeders find it difficult to get used to the natural look of four-legged. It is believed that the pet should be trimmed tail to increase the chances of winning in exhibitions.
3. With long tails possible injury to the hunt.
4. The dog with cropped ears and tail looks more threatening.
5. Some breeders claim that when the ears are cropped, the dogs are less likely to catch the infection.

Below are the most repetitive arguments of opponents of cupping.

• The pain accompanying the relief is strong and sudden, but over time it disappears. However, chronic pain is observed that the animal feels long after the wound has healed. Studies conducted on lambs, which also stop tails, have shown that they feel pain for 3-4 hours after surgery.
• Scientists suspect that the arrest of the ears makes the dogs suffer long after the amputation. Studies have shown that dogs docked a few years ago suffered from the pain of their docked tails. This can cause nervousness or unpredictable pet behavior.
• Stopping the ears and tails makes it difficult for the dog to properly transfer body signals. When the dog is calm, her tail is lowered and her ears are pressed, and vice versa: the excited dog has its tail and ears raised, and it is difficult to determine the mood of the agitated animals. Perhaps, therefore, frequent cases of attacks on them by other dogs. This can also provoke retaliatory aggression.
• Some owners docked dobermans admit that their dogs are aggressive towards their owners and family members.
• The muscles of the tail, the croup and the pelvic region are connected to each other. Tail docking is therefore associated with muscle dysfunction. This can cause such undesirable problems in the dog as incontinence of feces and urine, perineal hernia.
• It is assumed that the muscles of the hind limbs may develop abnormally in animals from which the tail was removed in the first days of life.
• Sometimes the tail and ears are cropped by non-professionals, and improperly positioning the ears can spoil the look of a dog for life.

After that, many dog ​​breeders have ceased to be interested in Dobermans and breeders refused to breed. Despite this, charming Dobermans with hanging ears have gained many new fans and have remained a very popular breed. A strong guard dog has become a very welcome family dog.

Dogs of this breed are usually obedient and love to work. They easily adapt to new situations and situations, but at the same time they are ambitious and purposeful. Dobermans are also considered very intelligent dogs with a high level of intelligence. Those who appreciate these qualities and try to support them will get an excellent family dog.

Doberman requires solid education and socialization from an early age. Like people, the first months of life are decisive for Dobermans. Dogs of this breed should contact people and other animals as soon as possible, especially if they are later sent to families with children.

A positive experience during the growth of the puppy will shape the character of the dog for life. Thanks to his quick-wittedness and ability to adapt, the Doberman quickly learns to recognize certain situations as normal and safe for his human family.

A well-educated and socialized dog will not attack and will not bite anyone for no reason. Doberman can perfectly control his attention and aggression when he hears the command. A pet needs an experienced and reliable owner who will clearly and consistently educate and train him. When such a person once gets the trust of Doberman, the dog will become his faithful and devoted pet for life. Doberman is a mirror image of its owner, which is much more noticeable in this breed than in other dogs. Thus, the owner can be confident in a controlled and at the same time obedient companion.

When choosing a name for a dog, you should take into account the individual characteristics of the pet: the breed, size, character and temperament. You can give the dog a simple nickname, more popular, or reward your pet with an exotic name.

Here are approximate options for boys nicknames:

• Sparky;
• Sheldon;
• Brutus;
• Teddy;
• Mike;
• Grow;
• Jake;
• Jazz;
• Archie;
• Rex;
• Raine;
• Balto;
• Rocky;
• Hermann;
• Scooby;
• Leader;
• Onyx.

Nickname for girls can be chosen from this list:

• Belle;
• Tiana;
• Rihanna;
• Selena;
• Amy;
• Ashley;
• Jessica;
• Adele;
• Buffy;
• Gerda;
• Xena;
• Moon;
• Lady;
• Roxy;
• Skoda.

According to most owners, Dobermans are the most beautiful and wise pets. Someone thinks that these dogs can be safely left at home with their children. But most owners are inclined to believe that this is still not worth it. Behavior of a dog without the presence of a host next to predict difficult. In addition, children may not know how to behave correctly with Doberman and can provoke a dog to aggressive behavior.

Dogs are very attached to his master and remain faithful to him for life. These dogs are difficult to tolerate parting with their owner. This can cause adult dog malice, unruly and aggressive behavior.

Doberman is one of the most elegant breeds in the world: an athletic, muscular body is harmoniously combined with a high intelligence of a dog.

Dobermans love fun and active games with the family. Sometimes this can be a nuisance, especially when keeping an animal in an apartment. Therefore, dogs need to pay a lot of attention, affection and love.

Dobermans are very sensitive to the mood of the owner and try to cheer him up as soon as possible if they see that the owner is sad. This is loyal and loving pets. They are infinitely loyal to their family and are ready to protect it from any threats. At the same time, they do not trust strangers and may show aggression towards them.

Except for intense training and the difficulties of education, Dobermans are not whimsical in care and maintenance.But they have a tendency to damage property, eat things in the house and hectic behavior, so the dog needs proper and timely education.

Although Dobermans have the reputation of fierce advocates and fierce guards, with proper training they can be very gentle and affectionate. But only with members of your family. Thanks to her watchmanship, courage and strength dogs of this breed are ideal for service in the police and guard, but on the condition that one person will work with them, as the Doberman does not recognize several owners.

A full description of the Doberman breed in the next video.