If you’re considering adopting a Doberman Pinscher, look no further than this guide! We have everything you need to make important decisions about their care, including basic information about this breed, grooming tips, nutrition advice, and much more. If you have any questions after reading this guide, email howdy@embarkvet.com and our award-winning customer service team will be happy to assist you!
Your Guide to Doberman Pinschers
Doberman Pinschers are intelligent, lovable, and very protective of their chosen people, according to Vetstreet.com, This particular combination of traits makes these pups highly enthusiastic companions. Because of their large build and abundant energy, your Doberman will require plenty of attention, leadership, and activity. You might want to take this into account when considering adding a Doberman to your family.
Embark has proudly partnered with the Doberman Diversity Project to provide high-resolution genetic data and analysis for every dog enrolled. Embark’s mission to end preventable disease in dogs aligns with that of the DDP – to reduce the incidence of heritable diseases by addressing the depression in the overall genetic diversity of the Doberman breed. Embark’s genetic testing will be a key ingredient in achieving this goal, as we aim to test 1,000 Dobermans in an effort to identify specific areas of the Doberman genome that are associated with a breed-specific disease.
Fun facts
Check out these fun facts from The American Kennel Club:
- Taxman and dog breeder, Louis Dobermann from Germany, hoped to breed an imposing but dependable protector to accompany him on his rounds. Thus, the Doberman Pinschers early relative, the Doberman was born.
- The “Tax Collector’s Dog” quickly gained an international reputation as a working dog supreme. The Doberman Pinscher has excelled at police and military K-9 duty, as therapy dogs and service dogs for the disabled.
- During World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps Dobermans of the Pacific won the breed great fame.
- A Doberman Pinscher named Storm won Westminster’s Best in Show 2 years running, in 1952 and ’53!
Physical characteristics
The Doberman Pinscher is a powerfully built breed! According to PetMD.com, male Dobermans range from 26 to 29 inches and weigh between 70 to 75 pounds. Female Dobermans are usually 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 60 to 65 pounds. The AKC notes that these pups have a smooth, short coat with colors black, red, blue, and fawn. They have rust-colored markings found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, chest, tail, and legs.
Bringing your new Doberman Pinscher home
Your first few weeks at home will be easier for you and your new pup if you maintain a consistent routine. You might try feeding and walking your Doberman at the same times each day; this will allow you both to adjust more quickly to your new life together.
If you are looking to adopt a Doberman Pinscher from an animal shelter or find a breeder, it’s important to look for breeders that can provide detailed health records for their puppies (and parents!) as well as genetic testing for health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) maintains a voluntary database of Doberman Pinschers and their health screening results.
Nutrition
Petcarerx recommends Doberman Pinschers eat food that is easily digestible. An important ingredient might be a meat source such as chicken, beef, or lamb, followed by whole grains such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. You might decide to look for a commercial diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, an organization that ensures the food is nutritionally balanced.
Talk to your vet about the right portion size, feeding schedule, and appropriate foods for your Doberman Pinscher.
Playtime
Your Doberman Pinscher will require a lot of exercise. Chewy.com recommends activities that will challenge their brilliant minds. They’re designated by the AKC as a Working Breed, which means they constantly need jobs to do. They will also likely need training. As when training any dog, Doberman or otherwise, use positive reinforcement—treats and praise to reward good behavior—rather than harsh correction.
Grooming
Your Doberman Pinscher will not require an excess of grooming. According to the AKC, a short-haired bristle brush can be used daily to keep your pups coat shiny and healthy. This breed does not need to be bathed often, but their nails will need to be trimmed regularly.
Health & aging
Doberman Pinschers are a robust breed, according to Animal Planet. Keep an eye out for symptoms of eye disease, hip dysplasia, or von Willebrand disease. Doberman Pinschers are also particularly prone to bloat, a condition that requires immediate attention from your veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) and contact your vet at once if you suspect your dog might be suffering from this ailment.
An Embark Dog DNA Test looks at the following health conditions in Dobermans:
Getting your pup tested with Embark will arm you with as much information as possible to ensure your dog is healthy while potentially avoiding preventable diseases. Get your test today!
