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This page will help to answer some questions for people new to Dobermanns
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Do Dobermanns
make good family members?
Are Dobermanns safe with younger family
members?
What health problems should I be aware of?
How long can I expect a Dobermann to live?
How much exercise will my Dobermann
need?
Will I need to train my Dobermann?
Where can I get more information?
Do Dobermanns make good family
members?
The Dobermann is a relatively new breed created by Herr Louis Dobermann
in the late 1800s. The breed was created as a guard dog and has developed
over the years into a wonderful companion while still retaining its
natural guarding nature.
Most people who have not had contact with Dobermanns are aware of them
through their rather dubious and inaccurate portrayal in films and television.
The Dobermann should have a temperament which can be described as intelligent,
courageous, loyal, confident and willing to please. All of these qualities
together with the breed's short close fitting coat, its clean habits
and enjoyment of life make it a wonderful member of the family. The
breed is not suited to situations where it is not part of the family
or is allowed to become bored because of lack of attention.
Are Dobermanns safe with
younger family members?
Dobermanns have a wonderful temperament and have been bred specifically
as companion dogs, not for hunting, herding or other purpose. Properly
supervised when young and educated as they grow, children will develop
wonderful relationships with the family Dobermann. Like all dogs, and
particularly large dogs, care should be taken with younger children.
It is because of their loyal and protective nature that Dobermanns make
the ideal companion for the younger family members.
What health problems should I be
aware of?
Dobermanns are bred to be balanced and strong and as a result are usually
fit and healthy. They are generally not as prone to having eye, breathing,
hip or elbow problems as some other large breeds. Their short coats
do not require much grooming, and any pests such as ticks and fleas
are relatively easy to control.
A summary of health conditions is listed on
a separate page but this should be used only as a guide. Please seek
independent advice.
How long can I expect a Dobermann
to live?
Dobermanns have an average life span of 10 years. Some may live until
14, but this is not the norm. Improving this, together with keeping
the wonderful temperaments they have already achieved, is the aim of
all good breeders. While they will never live long enough, they do give
more pleasure per minute.
How much exercise will my Dobermann
need?
Because the Dobermann is an intelligent animal it requires good socialisation
and lots of personal affection. They are a fit and active animal in
their earlier years and should be kept this way as they grow older.
Mental stimulation is as important as physical. A daily run or walk
will provide both and is essential. They usually love travelling in
the car and enjoy the attention of visitors once you have welcomed them
into your home. A standard suburban garden is enough space provided
the dog gets regular walks on a lead in the park or along the beach.
Remember it is important to clean up after your dog.
Will I need to train my Dobermann?
All dogs benefit from training and having their mind stimulated. Training
teaches the animal who is boss (hopefully you) and your dog will be
a better behaved companion. When this training takes place in the company
of other dogs, it is an opportunity to socialise your dog. Because they
are intelligent animals they learn quickly and will pick up family routines
and the do's and don'ts of living in the household without much formal
training on your part. We recommend that once a puppy's vaccinations
have taken effect the puppy attend formal training classes for at least
a few months. After that it is a matter of how you wish to spend your
time with your animal.
Some of the best Obedience trained dogs in the country are Dobermanns.
However, with some animals, it can be a frustrating affair. Because
of its intellect, the Dobermann will not repeat the same exercise over
and over without becoming bored. If you are interested in doing Obedience
training we suggest you seek out someone with experience in training
Dobermanns.
Where can I get more information?
Of course you can contact us. Another good source of information is
Dobermann Pacifica.
As well there are plenty of books describing the Dobermann although
you will generally need to get these from a good pet store or specialist
publisher. Lots of information as well as videos and CDs can also be
purchased on the Internet. If you are not sure about Dobermanns, but
would like to learn more, come along to a dog show and talk to the breeders
and get to meet the dogs. Your local canine or kennel body will usually
be happy to provide you with dates and locations of upcoming all breeds
and specialist (i.e. Dobermann only) shows.
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