Doberman Training The Doberman Pinscher’s sleek and fast-looking appearance gives them the reputation of being the “sport’s car of the dog world”. Just as a Mustang that’s parked in the driveway has a body design giving the impression its fast on the road, the Doberman Pinscher’s trim, muscular body and alert expression give the same impression. In both cases, that impression is correct.
Dobermans have a muscular but toned look about them. That, along with their gleaming coat, bright eyes, and lanky legs is only the tip of the iceberg in grand looks. When it comes to performance, they have a fluid and graceful gait that gives them incredible speed with which they can cover a great deal of real estate in a very short time.
Most owners have the new Doberman puppy tails docked short and their ears cropped to stand upright, although these practices are beginning to fade to allow this breed to be more natural in appearance and to avoid their painful discomfort. They’re generally 24 to 28 inches at full height weighing from 60 to 100 pounds. Doberman Pincher’s noses are longer and pointed, eyes are almond-shaped, and legs are straighter than many breeds.
Certainly their markings are easily recognizable by most but it is their reputation, usually wrongly represented, that precedes them. Doberman’s are a relatively new breed only dating back to the 1860s. They’re well known for their guarding and watchdog ability and military service however, because of their adaptability, they’ve had great success as tracking dogs, therapy dogs, in search and rescue, and in a number of police related areas. Being a devoted dog, they can bond with an entire family or to one particular member, dependant on their training and treatment.
Generally, Doberman Pinscher’s are seen as dominant dogs but each has his own personality and some can be very submissive. In fact, they have an uncanny preciseness and delicate side to them that will walk at the pace of someone in a walker and gently tip-toe over IV tubing when they’re used as therapy dogs. They truly are a remarkable breed.
There are a number of health problems that do plague many “Dobies” so any puppies should be checked by a vet before they’re sold to others. They can have a tendency toward hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and bloat. They’re also prone to quick weight gain which can lead to obesity in middle age, but then aren’t we all? Consequently, their diet should be developed and followed from their puppyhood.
Doberman Pinschers need a diet high in the certain proteins found in beef, wheat, and corn, but they need to stay from poultry, white rice, and ocean fish products. These food sources work fine for some breeds but are not nutritionally sound or beneficial for the Doberman’s unique needs and can even encourage or exacerbate any pending or unknown health problems.
Doberman Pinschers coats can be black, fawn, and dark or reddish-brown, and they may or may not have the typical brown markings. Yet, they all have the larger chest, small “waist”, and very short, coarse coat. Ironically, it’s because of their coat that they must be an inside dog. They cannot handle cold weather and get chilled very quickly, which is why police departments that are located in colder climates cannot use this breed, as much as they appreciate their abilities.
Over the years, breeders in North America have changed the Doberman breed in size and in personality. They are extremely intelligent, calmer, and smaller, which is far different than the originally larger and aggressive breed in Europe. Consequently, the Doberman Pinschers of today can now make wonderful, loving, and loyal family members that each can gain a great deal of enjoyment from.
|
Dog Teaching |
Dog Behavior Problems
All rights reserved. Copyright ©
DogTeaching.com 2009