Originally, the Doberman breed was designed to serve as a guard dog and as a protector. One tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, created this breed to protect himself against unruly citizens. While this protection is not needed today, the loyalty and love a Doberman brings to a household has made this breed a popular choice.
Personality
Dobermans are well-known for their protective attitude towards their owners, but there’s another side to this breed. Nicknamed “velcro dogs,” this breed loves to curl up next to their owners for pets. Depending on their personality, these dogs may snuggle, lean against your legs, or just lie close to you. This breed shows their loyalty by sticking to their owner’s side and is often sensitive to their emotions.
Dobermans have high intelligence and enjoy pleasing their owners, making them an ideal candidate for training. Being a working breed, quick training sessions a couple of times a day can help exhaust your dog mentally while providing enriching bonding time. It’s important to train a Doberman early, as a lack of training can lead to resource guarding and overprotectiveness of the family.
Exercise
Dobermans are a high-energy breed, requiring one to two hours of exercise a day. This daily exercise should include a mix of walks, mental stimulation like puzzles, and playtime. Swimming and hiking are also a couple of fun activities this breed enjoys.
When outside with a Doberman, be sure to watch for signs of overheating. This breed can be susceptible to overheating more quickly than other breeds due to their short, dark coat. If you’re unsure what the signs of heat exhaustion are, check out our article, “How to Spot Heat Exhaustion, Modify Walks, and Keep Your Dog Hydrated with Two Fun Activities”.
Health Concerns
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, leading to instability. While this condition is genetic, hip dysplasia can range in severity due to other factors such as diet and exercises. The risk of hip dysplasia can be reduced by choosing a reputable breeder, ensuring your Doberman gets plenty of exercise, and maintains a healthy diet.
Hypothyroidism
Dobermans can develop hypothyroidism through an autoimmune attack on their thyroid gland. While there is no way to prevent this from developing, being proactive by taking your dog to regular vet check-ups will allow your dog to get the help they need. A healthy lifestyle may also decrease the risk of hypothyroidism.
Diet
According to Doberman Planet, most full-grown Dobermans will eat between four and seven cups of dry food a day. This amount will vary depending on size, weight, and lifestyle. Brands with high protein (chicken, beef, or fish) are ideal for this breed to support their muscular build and high-energy lifestyle. Doberman Planet has a helpful breakdown of the percentage of protein and fat a Doberman should have as well as recommended brands.
Don’t let their scary presence fool you; the Doberman breed is full of love! Energetic yet cuddly, this breed is perfect for active families.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for more tips, client spotlights, service updates, and more!
