Doberman: breed description, characteristics and care

It so happens that Dobermans are often perceived as animals with uncontrollable behavior. However, professional dog handlers will always find something to counter this. According to them, Dobermans possess many valuable qualities that even the layman doesn't realize—intelligent, easy to train, and absolute devotion to their owners. So how can you tell who's right? The answer to this question can only be found by familiarizing yourself with the strengths and weaknesses of this breed.

History of the breed

The origins of this breed were laid in Germany, it is no coincidence that it was named Doberman - it was That was the name of the first breeder - Carlos DobermannWhile working as a tax collector, he ran a slaughterhouse, which gave him the right to capture stray animals. Among his "prey," he was interested in "butcher's dogs" (a lesser-known name for Rottweilers in Germany). By that time, these dogs had already established themselves as a distinct breed. It's no surprise that they were largely responsible for the development of the Doberman breed. Carlos Luis planned everything meticulously, knowing from the start that he would succeed.

One of his primary goals was to create a breed that would excel as a protector. Unfortunately, this cannot be confirmed, as no records of Dobermann's work survive. Scientists only have information that while attending a dog show, he acquired two puppies, which he later bred. a black and red bitch was bornLater, experiments continued with it, crossing other breeds, including the "butcher's dog."

Carlos had quite a selection, as he used herding dogs, the Thuringian Shepherd, and the Vemor hunting dog. The latter's contribution to the final breed was the addition of a bluish tint to the Doberman's base coat.

The Doberman breed, developed in this manner, was known only to a small circle for a long time, but everything changed in 1898, when it was officially recognized. Unfortunately, this only occurred after the death of its creator. The breed itself did not immediately acquire its official name. Before this momentous event, it was known as Thuringian PinschersWhen it was officially recognized, the dogs began to be called Doberman Pinschers. Dobermans primarily excelled in the military and police. This subsequently led to the emergence and widespread adoption of their unofficial name—gendarme dog.

Doberman: Breed Description

Dobermans are among the most beautiful breeds are in one of the leading positions.

• They are distinguished by their slender and muscular figure, long limbs and lean torso, which has earned them the reputation of being athletes;
• What makes them attractive is their graceful muzzle, which has a slightly elongated shape;
• with a proud posture, they have an elegant build, distinguished by a slightly protruding withers, a broad chest and a sloping croup;
• On average, these animals weigh 40-45 kg, and their height is 68-72 cm. Females are smaller in both respects.

Doberman: ears

Modern representatives of this breed are animals without a tail with high-ranking pointed, triangular-shaped earsAlthough they looked different some time ago. Initially, Dobermans had small, triangular ears, but later, very high ears became increasingly popular. Such changes in appearance are not usually attributed to a natural anomaly; they are the result of painstaking work by owners. These ears are achieved using various devices, including crowns, which help shape the ears properly.

However, in most countries, any modifications to the ears or tail are discouraged. However, if you've decided to get a Doberman for international shows, you should consider getting a puppy with lop ears and a tail.

Wool

The Doberman's coat is one of its most important advantages, as it is very pleasant to the touch. It is formed smooth and elastic hairs, which lie tightly against the skin. A distinctive feature of Dobermans is the absence of an undercoat. Within this breed, only two color variations are recognized: dark brown and black, complemented by distinct, bright reddish tan markings.

Maintenance and care

A kennel or kennel should not be considered as a home for a Doberman. The main reason for this is the nature of its coat. Those dreaming of a "couch potato" should immediately avoid acquiring a dog of this breed, as it is an active and athletic dog by nature. It needs to be provided with adequate exercise. long walks and intense physical activityYou should also be very careful if you decide to let your Doberman run off-leash. This should only be done in a secluded area.

These animals thrive in both hot summers and spring and fall, when temperatures and weather fluctuate. However, during winter, when severe frosts set in, it's best to spend as little time outdoors as possible. To protect your dog from frostbite, it's recommended to use a warm jumpsuit; this way, you don't have to worry about a long winter walk harming your dog. Grooming a Doberman is quite easy, as they shed very little, are comfortable in water, and don't emit an unpleasant odor.

Doberman: character

Some owners consider Dobermans to be choleric, citing their stubbornness, as well as difficulties in trainingHowever, experienced dog handlers and owners of these animals have a different opinion on this matter.

• Dobermans excel as watchful and attentive guard dogs, and they also easily cope with the role of a new family member;
• They are also highly intelligent, so they can easily detect changes in their owner's mood. They can make wonderful companions, but the dog will only live up to these expectations if the owner is attentive.
• Before getting a Doberman, keep in mind that these dogs are quite nervous, especially during sudden changes in their environment. This should be taken into account by owners who have an aggressive cat or other pet. To avoid any unexpected consequences, introduce them to their new companion gradually.

Along with the above qualities, the Doberman has a well-developed skill treat children with respectTherefore, if you have a child in your family who can walk independently, you can immediately count on a dog becoming their new guardian. It's truly amazing to see this large and powerful animal playing with children without causing any pain.

Owners looking for a dog for a child should follow the advice of dog trainers and choose a puppy from North America. Local dog trainers have successfully cured these animals of their main weakness—aggression—making these breeds completely safe for humans. Like most fighting dogs, Dobermans are wary of strangers.

A Doberman owner should not leave their pet unattended, as they can easily attack people or dogs if they are provoked to this point. These animals pose a threat to people due to their size and strength, so they should be kept on a strong leash during walks. with a wrist loop and a muzzle.

It is recommended that every owner begin training their Doberman puppy at an early age and actively work on socializing it to reduce the risk of unwanted situations.

Dobermans typically let out a low, guttural growl before attacking. In most cases, the attacker recognizes the gravity of the threat and retreats.

A Doberman's bark is rare. If it occurs indoors, it will deafen all nearby people and animals, except the dog itself.

Upbringing

Given the potential threat posed by a Doberman, training should be started while the dog is still a puppy. Don't limit yourself to long walks, as this doesn't have any impact on the development of its character and habits. To raise an obedient dog, it's essential to educate and train correctly.

These animals are exceptionally observant and highly intelligent. If you let him feel weak even once, he'll exploit it at the first opportunity. Therefore, you should never give in to him, even if it's an adorable puppy.

Little puppies easily learn new commandsBut they get the most joy from work and learning. While training a puppy, it's essential to constantly monitor its condition. If you notice that it's losing interest in lessons or needs a rest, it's time to end the training session. While you can be strict with your pet and force it to perform a specific command, keep in mind that the next time it's training, it will do everything it can to avoid that command. After all, many owners know how stubborn Dobermans are.

Most people associate Dobermans with being very aggressive. This is true, as this trait is inherent in their nature. Therefore, you should take this into account when training your dog.

Cost of a puppy

After learning about the characteristics of Doberman dogs, prospective owners will likely be interested in the price of these animals. And it's worth noting that the price of Doberman puppies consists of several factorsWhile it might be tempting to save money by buying a puppy from a private seller or at a pet market, it's not worth it. You might find a suitable puppy, but don't expect to be provided with all the necessary paperwork. You also won't be able to meet the puppy's parents.

It is advisable to contact reputable breeders for a Doberman puppy, where they can sell you a puppy at the following prices:

• pet class (these puppies have minor deviations from the standard, this is an excellent choice as a pet) - 8-20 thousand rubles;
• breed class (they are purchased exclusively for breeding purposes) - 20-30 thousand rubles;
• show class (these puppies have an excellent pedigree) - from 30 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

Before you buy a Doberman puppy, you should get to know the dog. Don't get one if you're expecting a "couch potato" pet. This is quiteo active and strong dog, which is used for completely different purposes. Therefore, you need to be very careful with it. Choosing a Doberman only makes sense if you plan to participate in shows with it.

However, you should keep in mind that a Doberman can be a danger to others, so you should train it from an early age. Additionally, you should take certain safety precautions when walking your dog – it should only be on a leash and muzzled in crowded areas. It's best to choose less popular spots to avoid any potential problems.