Doberman Pinscher - an extremely strong and selflessly devoted dog to its owners. Reckless courage, as well as the slightest suspicion that his master is in danger of death, makes this dog a reliable defender, ready with all his fury to attack the enemy.
History of occurrence
This is a relatively young dog breed that was first introduced to the public in 1876. She appeared thanks to a modest tax inspector, whose name was Friedrich Louis Dobermann. It is believed that the ancestor of these beautiful, smart and strong dogs was the dwarf pinscher, which the breeder simply wanted to increase in size.
To achieve his goal, the German had to work hard, crossing different breeds of dogs. It is known that not only Pinschers, but also smooth-bosoners, German shepherds, Rottweilers and English greyhounds took part in this process. Dobermans also have an “admixture” of dogs, setters, terriers and pointers.
The result of the German efforts was a beautiful breed of dogs, which looks like a miniature pinscher, but with impressive strength and large size. The achievement of Louis Doberman was appreciated after his death, in 1894. From that moment on, the newly bred dog began to be called his surname, on the creation of which he worked intensively for many years.
Breed description
Doberman Pinscher is a rather large animal, whose life expectancy is from 8 to 12 years. It can be used as a guard, service and search dog. The weight of the animal varies between 30-35 kg in females and 40-45 kg in males. The dimensions of the Doberman pinscher are really impressive. Dogs of this breed at the withers can reach a height of 68-72 cm, bitches are slightly smaller - 63-68 cm.
Dogs are distinguished by proud and direct posture, as well as their "branded" erect ears, which are stopped about 7-8 weeks after the birth of the puppy. Usually this procedure is intended for dogs, which will subsequently be used for work, but for pets it is considered optional. Moreover, it is banned in many countries of the world.
The coat color of the Doberman Pinscher’s coat is brown, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, and black, sometimes having a blue tint. Rusty red tan marks can be located above the eyes, on the legs, chest and under the tail.
Character
The Dobermans' disposition, depending on their upbringing, can be different. Some behave restrained and shyly, while others are friendly and very sociable. Some representatives of this breed can actively respond to their smaller relatives and cats, chasing them, and vice versa, find a common language with them and even become friends.
However, despite such a different character, the Doberman Pinscher is always a faithful companion and a good companion. These dogs are completely fearless, so they always make excellent watchmen. Most of them relate to those dogs that drive caught offenders into a dead corner and keep it there until the owner comes. From this behavior of the Dobermans it can be judged that they do not show special aggression even in relation to intruders.
The dog has high intelligence, so the training of the Doberman Pinscher is easy and easy. The animal is very attentive, therefore, almost immediately remembers and begins to carry out the necessary commands. Contrary to popular belief that dogs have a fierce disposition, with proper education, these pets are friendly and get along well even with young children.
Conditions of detention
It is no secret that such an active breed as the Doberman Pinscher, the description of which is given in the article a little higher, needs room. In a cramped apartment he does not belong. The dog will feel comfortable in a country cottage with a large garden.
Experts do not recommend keeping such a dog on a leash. This can do much more harm than self-interest. From this, the pet can lose not only appetite, but also apathy, which is often accompanied by unreasonable outbreaks of aggression.
When it is warm outside, there are no difficulties with housing, since the Doberman can sleep in the open air. However, with the onset of cold weather, it is necessary to take care of a reliable and warm aviary, as the short coat of dogs cannot protect them from frost and cold wind.
Walks in the open air
To a dog like Doberman Pinscher they are extremely necessary. It is necessary to walk adult dogs every day and for a long time. This is a moving animal, so you can play with it, for example, in a ball. If the owner loves to ride a bicycle, then the dog is able to run next to him without much difficulty.
For a little puppy, short exits to the street or to the park will be enough, and when he grows up a bit, he will be able to accompany his master during the morning runs. However, walking with adult dogs has its own nuances. For example, meeting a strange dog, a Doberman can show not only his inherent curiosity, but also a certain amount of aggression.
Diet
Of particular importance is a balanced diet for puppies up to one year old. It must take into account all the needs of a rapidly growing organism. Monthly crumbs are fed up to six times a day. The daily diet should consist of 150 g of vegetables, 75-100 g of cereals, up to 500 ml of milk, up to 150 g of cottage cheese, up to 250 g of lean meat, as well as one yolk of chicken egg.
When the Doberman Pinscher puppy reaches the age of 2-3 months, the frequency of food intake is reduced to four times a day. To the above volume of food add 50 g of cereals and vegetables, as well as 100 g of meat.
At the age of five months, the puppy must be fed no more than three times a day. The daily food intake consists of 500 ml of milk, 150 g of vegetables, 200 g of cereals and cottage cheese, about 600 g of meat and one whole chicken egg (once a week).
A one-year-old dog will need 500 g of cottage cheese daily, 700 g of meat, up to 400 g of cereals with vegetables. During this period, you can add fish to the diet. It is given once a week and not more than 700 g. The last of the described rations should be preserved in the future.
As for dry feed, they should not be mixed with natural products. At the very beginning, you need to decide what type of food your pet will have. Dry food, without a doubt, saves a lot of time and effort. Natural food is good in that the owner himself can control first of all its quality. Dry food for such dogs is not cheap, since only super premium class feeds are suitable for them.
Wool Care & Bathing
There should not be any problems. Pinschers themselves can shake off all contamination from their straight and short hair. Therefore, the owners will need a minimum of effort in this regard, consisting only in a weekly combing. This procedure must be carried out very carefully and only with a brush specially designed for this purpose. You should not choose too tight, otherwise there is a risk of accidentally injuring your pet.
The usual water procedures, which include rubbing the dog with a wet towel, can be done once a week. Such manipulation helps to moisturize the skin, remove its dead areas, as well as remove dried dirt. But bathing, involving the use of special shampoo, should be carried out either as needed, or not more than once every 2-3 months.
Caring for your ears, eyes, claws and legs
You should always treat your pet with love and attention, as well as take care of his health. Doberman pinscher ears should be examined every week. To clean them, you can not use any sharp objects, as well as penetrate too deep into the ears. To remove dirt, sulfur and grease, use a dry and clean rag made of natural fabric or a cotton pad.
Since Dobermans have deep-set eyes, mucus often accumulates in their corners, so you need to examine them every day. Having noticed such deposits, they must be carefully removed with a soft cloth. If you notice that they accumulate too often, and even with redness of the eyes, you must immediately show the animal to the veterinarian.
Claws are trimmed once a month. This procedure is carried out with caution, as they contain veins that are very easy to damage. To avoid this, you need to try to remove only the tips of the claws.
Pads on the dog’s paws are the most vulnerable spot, so they are examined every day for cracks, splintering or abrasions. If wounds appear there, they must be decontaminated, since in their place inflammation and even blisters can appear.
Breed diseases
They are due to the physique of the Doberman Pinschers, as well as their active lifestyle. These dogs rarely get sick, but it will be useful to learn about the most common diseases of this breed. These include:
- Dysplasia of the ulnar ligament and hip.
- Von Willebrand disease. This is a rare genetic disorder accompanied by internal bleeding.
- Torsion of the intestines, which is determined by the characteristic bloating.
- Hypothyroidism, accompanied by an unprecedented activity of the thyroid gland.
- Hair loss.
- Violation of the blood vessels.
- Cardiopathy.
- Melanoma.
- Cataract.
Sometimes the appearance of some diseases can lead to excessive love and care of the owners themselves. Too compassionate of them often increase portions to their pets, thereby provoking them gaining excess weight and even obesity.
Owner reviews
Doberman Pinscher is not a breed for everyone. About this in one voice the happy owners of such dogs say. They note that a great advantage of these animals is their simple care. Much more time is taken by their education, training and walking.
Having such a dog, the owner takes on great responsibility. You need to be prepared in advance to spend a lot of time and money on its maintenance. But true love and attention will pay off handsomely - the dog will be smart, obedient, friendly and not at all aggressive, but loyal and fearless.
How to choose a puppy
First of all, you need to immediately determine for what purpose this dog is needed. If you plan to perform with her at various exhibitions, you will have to travel around a large number of nurseries and, of course, spend a pretty round sum on its purchase. It is also necessary to be prepared for the fact that in the future, practically all the free time will be brought up and training the pet, as well as caring for it. If the dog will be used as a guard at home or just a favorite of the family, then the task is much simpler.
When choosing a Doberman Pinscher puppy, pay attention to the following points:
- Pedigree. A professional breeder will never refuse to demonstrate the puppies' mother. If the dog has a good appetite and is not aggressive, then you should not worry about the health of its offspring.
- The animal is at least nine weeks old. By this time, anthelmintic prophylaxis, primary vaccination, as well as relief of ears and tail should be carried out. The breeder is obliged to provide all documents where there are marks on these procedures with the dates of their implementation.
- The number of puppies in the litter. The optimal is considered the simultaneous birth of four or five babies.
- General state. Clean and shiny hair should be a little loose, as if growing out. The wounds from stopping should already be tightened.
- Character. Males can always be distinguished by their active and impulsive behavior. Bitches are more flexible and easy to make contact.
- Weight. A puppy kept in appropriate conditions at the age of just over nine weeks should weigh at least 8-9 kg.
- Eye condition. In their corners, as well as internal folds, there should be no mucus or dirt, and a clear and attentive look of the baby will indicate that he is in perfect order.