Basic Things You Should Know About The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher (also known as the "Dobie") is a working breed of dog. They feature a compact body, ears that are often cropped and a short black coat with red markings. The breed first appeared in the late 1800s. They were originally bred for acting as a guard dog. These days they are popular as a police or military dog, therapy work, search and rescue and companionship. They can be recognized by their association with being a dangerous dog as well as their fearless nature. They are thought to originate from Germany and are a descendant of the Rottweiler, Greyhound, Beauceron and Weimaraner among other breeds.

They are classified as a medium to large sized dog. The recommended male size is 26-28 inches high with a weight of 60-85 pounds, while the female size is 24-26 inches high with a weight of 60-85 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be fearless, energetic and alert. They are typically reserved (but aggressive if they need to protect their family) with strangers, and this makes them very suitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be extremely intelligent, and ranks 5th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are great (if introduced at a young age) with children, which can make them suitable as a family pet. They don't get along well with other animals such as other dogs as they may get aggressive. Grooming them is a fairly easy task. They need minimal brushing every week, and full grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. They enjoy having a good yard to run around in, but won't always be suitable for apartment life.

Like most medium to large sized breeds, they are primarily shorter-lived with a life expectancy of 10-12 years. Their most severe health concern is "Wobbler's Syndrome", and they are also susceptible to Von Willebrand's disease, hip dysplasia and bloat. They enjoy hobbies like agility or having a job to do. They have a high level of energy, which means they need long walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Doberman Pinscher you need to be prepared to provide firm leadership and meet their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. They are less suitable for a lot of potential owners, but highly suitable for active owners or families with plenty of time for training. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a high level of intelligence and versatility that make it suitable for almost anything.

If you want to learn more Doberman Pinscher information and other related topics take a look at this page.