The Doberman Pinscher, a graceful and powerful dog with an excellent physique and sharp mind, is considered a noble breed. This fearless and watchful breed proudly stands among the best guard dogs in the world. Many breeders prefer this particular breed, choosing brown Dobermans, taking into account the particular color and care for them.
Story
Germans named Luis Doberman are credited with breeding the Doberman Pinscher since the late 1800s. This man was a tax collector and wanted a ferocious guard dog to accompany him everywhere. Doberman constantly took his dog with him.
No one knows for sure, but it is assumed that Doberman crossed many breeds to get a Doberman Pinscher. Presumably, the breeds for crossing included the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Manchester Terrier and English Greyhound Shorthair.
Features
If you are planning to purchase a Doberman Pinscher, it is important to know all the existing colors and types, as well as the typical traits of each of them, so that you can make the right choice. There are seven possible colors for Dobermans. It is known that there are only six of them, because today a complete albino is only in theory and has not yet been confirmed to date. However, many people firmly believe that they exist.
In Doberman, there are two genes related to color, a black gene, and a color dilution gene. These two genes can produce four color combinations. These four combinations are the only colors recognized by the English Kennel Club: black, red, blue and fawn with splashes of brown. However, there is also a white color, which, as recognized by the English Club, exists, but is not considered a “standard” color.
Each dog has its own unique temperament, but most Doberman owners claim that a certain type of color generalizes character traits in dogs.
Color
In addition to the main coat color, this breed is known for its noticeable brown spots. Despite the different colors, almost all variations have this traditional speck. Some American Doberman breeds even have a small white spot in the chest area.
- American Dobermans: according to the American Kennel Club, brown little specks should be clearly identified and appear above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, chest, on all four paws, as well as the tail. The white spot on the chest should not exceed 1.27 cm.
- European Dobermans: brown spots should be clearly defined and located on the face, on the cheeks and in the upper part of each eyebrow. Brown color should also appear on the throat, on the chest on both sides, between the ankles and on the feet, on the inside of the thighs, on the forearms and under the tail. In fact, the color is the same as that of the American Doberman, only a small white spot is not considered a standard for a European.
- Red or chocolate doberman. This color is the second most common. Wool is light brownish red. This breed is considered smart and active. The dogs are very loyal, gullible and playful. All this makes them wonderful family members, not to mention the extra protection they provide if someone they love is threatened.
Of course, some may perceive his reluctance to become more mature, as a negative trait. A representative of this breed will behave like a little puppy, until about three or four years old. However, a lot depends on how early and how well you can socialize your dog.
Before you start breeding this breed or simply acquire a puppy, be sure to familiarize yourself with all the minuses of Dobermans, and if possible, avoid bad breeders.
How to care?
First, as soon as a Doberman puppy appeared in your house, you should immediately take him to the vet and get vaccinated. According to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dobermans are especially vulnerable to the deadly virus if they are not properly vaccinated. Initial vaccination is given at the age of 6 weeks and every four weeks until the dog is 16-20 weeks old.
You need to take the dog to the veterinarian so that the specialist can trim the ears and stop the tail. Such a cosmetic procedure, such as trimming the ears, changes the appearance and makes them stand straight, and this requires surgical intervention.
You need to train your Doberman daily to prevent the development of destructive behavior. This breed requires a significant amount of exercise, more than other breeds, so you need to play games in the open air, use toys for the dog and arrange quick runs for the dog to tire him. Dobermans are prone to impulsive behavior. If they do not provide a way out of accumulated energy, they may begin to experience stress. Exercising and walking in fresh air can prevent these problems from occurring, helping to relieve anxiety.
Dobermans are smart dogs that require mental stimulation, and only training can provide it.
Take care of your Doberman with a special wire brush to prevent debris from entering its wool. Short wool requires rare brushing, and usually Dobermans do not shed much. Wipe the coat with a damp cloth and apply a little conditioner so that the dog's coat glistens. Bathe your dog only when necessary.
Diet
Feed your Doberman high-calorie diet meals with regular workouts. Make sure the food is correct. Choose dry food without soy, the dog should be soaked before serving to prevent bloating. - This problem is quite common in large breeds, and Doberman as well. Remember that it is very dangerous, because bloating can cause swelling of the stomach.
Try not to feed your Doberman for one hour before or after training to prevent bloating.
Recommendations and Tips
- In cold weather, keep your Doberman indoors, as the dog can easily catch a cold, the short coat does not warm the dog body enough. Buy a dog sweater or coat to walk it in these clothes in cold weather.
- Give your Doberman chewable toys that contain dainty to distract him during the day when you are not at home. This will prevent the development of destructive behavior in this breed.
- Regularly take your dog for a visit to a veterinarian to check for common health problems for this breed - cancer, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, Willebrand disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy.
- If you can't play with Doberman or train in the open air as much as he needs, make him run on a treadmill so that the dog can do the necessary exercises. So you can prevent impulsive and destructive behavior.
- Socialize your Doberman from an early age to prevent problems with aggression in the future in relation to other people and animals. Let your young dog play with other dogs and see lots of people while walking. You can start from 12 weeks.
- This intelligent, obedient dog can be taught to be a guide for the blind.
- It is not necessary to drive your dog to the vet to trim the ears and tail. You can leave everything in its natural state.
- Teach your Doberman to participate in tests of agility. This is not only physical, but also mental stimulation, which will definitely benefit.
On the features of education and training of the Doberman Pinscher, see the video below.