THE BREED FILES : 03 // Dobermann

This is part three of a series of blog posts aimed at providing information on a variety of dog breed to help you decide which breed of dog is right for you.

Dobermanns are a loyal, intelligent and protective dog breed. They were originally bred in the late 19^th century by Karl Dobermann, with the intention of being the ultimate guard dog. They are thought to be a mix of a variety of fierce and loyal breeds, including the German pinscher, Great Dane, German shepherd and Rottweiler – with a line up like that, you can begin to understand why they make such great protectors!

Why you should choose a Dobermann

Not only are they great guard dogs, but their loyal nature makes them great companions! They form strong bonds with their family and show lots of affection. They’re good family pets but tend to deeply bond with one member of the family, and it’s usually whoever spends the most amount of time with them when they’re young. This doesn’t mean they won’t bond with other family members, but they’ll usually have a favourite.

Thanks to their high intelligence, they’re easily trainable. Not only do they love learning new tricks, but it is detrimental to them if their mental capabilities aren’t utilised! Keeping their mind occupied will keep them happy, decreasing the likelihood of undesirable behaviours. If you like the idea of an obedient dog that is eager to learn, the Dobermann may be the dog for you.

If you’re searching for a breed that isn’t an excessive shedder, you’re looking in the right place. Dobermanns do shed, but at a very low rate in comparison to other breeds – their coat needs a relatively low amount of grooming, a weekly brush should suffice. They have beautiful coats that are naturally shiny, giving them a great look that takes minimum maintenance.

Moreover, they’re comfortable in almost all living situations! Of course, they love a big yard to run around in but if you can meet their daily exercise requirements, they can live anywhere no matter how small. In fact, they like living in flats/small houses as they love being close to their owner!

The Cons

Although owning a Doberman may sound like a dream come true for many potential owners out there—there are certain factors that should be taken into consideration before taking the plunge into ownership: Firstly, although they are gentle creatures when raised properly, their loyal and protective nature can make them difficult to control under certain circumstances. Even if they are the sweetest pet in the world in the home, if you haven’t socialised them properly during their upbringing, they can be aggressive towards people they view as a threat. This can be dealt with by an experienced owner, but an owner with no knowledge may struggle. Keep this in mind when deciding on the breed for you!

Secondly – they are highly energetic dogs. This is great for some, but if you’re unable to fulfil their daily exercise needs, they will quickly become restless and can lash out with destructive behaviours in the home. They’re a powerful dog that you don’t want to have plenty of excess energy. Similar behaviour patterns will occur if their mind isn’t stimulated, so just physical exercise isn’t always enough!

But…

Even though we named some drawbacks above, they’re purely situational and if you can meet their basic needs, they are a highly adaptable breed that love showing affection. Their noble & impressive appearance coupled with intelligence & loyalty has made the Dobermann very popular among families worldwide and could make them the perfect breed for you.

Dobermann FAQ

• How big do Dobermanns get?
  They are a large breed. Male Dobermanns typically weigh between 35 and 45kgs and stand 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Female Dobermanns are typically smaller, weighing between 27 and 40kgs and stand 24 to 26 inches tall.
  
• What is the lifespan of a Dobermann?
  The lifespan of a Dobermann is typically between 10 and 12 years.
  
• Do Dobermanns shed a lot?
  They have a short, smooth coat and only moderately shed. They don’t require heavy grooming, only the occasional brush.
  
• Are Dobermanns good with children?
  With adequate training and socialisation, they can be great with children. However, they are a large and highly energetic breed, which could be dangerous with very young children.
  

Thank you for reading edition THREE of The Breed Files. Stay tuned for more information on your favourite breeds!