Doberman Pinschers are one of the most lovable and popular dog breeds; they are known for being loyal, intelligent, and energetic. Also, they are super majestic as well! Their sleek coats and strong bodies exude a sense of ‘guard dog.’
It’s no surprise that people love them so much. As a breed, it’s relatively young, originating in Germany in the late 1800s. But that’s a story we will come back to later on.
Like many other dogs, such as the Bernedoodle, Dobermans are a mixed breed. They are created by crossing the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Thuringian Shepherd Dog, and various others. This is not a very well-known fact and can come as a shock to many.
They are also not uniform in terms of shape, size, or appearance; there are certain variations in breed standards between American and European Dobermans. And this is particularly true when it comes to appearance.
Today, we bring before you a few amazing facts about the Doberman. And you’re sure to love them! Read on:
Developed By A Tax Collector
Yes, you read that right. As said before, they are not purebred dogs. They are mongrels or mixed breeds. Back in the 1800s, these dogs had been bred by a German tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
And the reason is sure to surprise you! He specifically bred them to protect and guard him while he was out collecting taxes! A hugely effective safety measure, don’t you think? Unconventional as well.
Very Strong Protective Instincts
The Doberman is one of the most sturdy-looking dogs out there. They are known for being strong and protective, apart from unquestionable loyalty to their families.
This makes them excellent guard dogs. You can sleep at home more soundly knowing that there’s a Doberman in your home to look out for you.
The Breed Is Intelligent And Highly Trainable
Most dogs are intelligent, although the levels vary. With the Doberman, it’s more on the ‘very high’ side of the scale. One of their key traits is that they are highly trainable and can pick up training within a very short time.
However, they require consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. Also, some time is required to become friendly towards strangers. Do not force them to be in the company of unknown people right away after adopting/buying.
Dobermans Are Not Naturally Aggressive
Many people seem to think that these dogs are menacing. And that’s not without reason; they do have a reputation for being fierce. But that is not entirely true. Yes, they do need time to warm up to strangers.
However, that doesn’t mean that they are inherently aggressive by nature. All you need is proper socialization and the right kind of training.
Can Be Prone To Certain Health Issues
Doberman Pinschers are usually healthy dogs. However, they can have certain inherited diseases and ailments. These include von Willebrand’s disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), hip dysplasia, and frequent bloating.
Some other potential conditions include Wobbler syndrome, color dilution alopecia, chronic active hepatitis, etc.
They can also have various skin and kidney issues. Make sure you are well-aware of these things before you decide to get these dogs.
A Very Short, Sleek Coat
One of the biggest advantages of having a Doberman is that they have short fur, which is easy to groom. These dogs do shed, but not as much as some others.
They also possess no undercoat, so taking care of their fur is relatively easy. You certainly do not need to take them to professional groomers or spend a lot on expensive grooming kits. However, you do need to bathe your pup more frequently.
Energetic And Active
The Doberman is a very active breed. They require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every now and then. If you’re into sports, hiking, trekking, or have an active lifestyle, then this is an ideal breed for you.
You can have your dog tag along when you scale dense forests or rough terrain. And your pet can act as a very good shield against any wild animals or attackers. Sounds cool, doesn’t it?
Adaptable to Different Lifestyles
From the above point, it may seem that you need a big house or a massive backyard to raise a Doberman. But this is not true at all. They can adapt to various living accommodations, including apartments.
In fact, Dobermans can live anywhere as long as their exercise needs are met. Yet another reason to get this dog!
Available in Various Colors
These dogs come in four standard colors: black, red, blue, and fawn, all with rust markings. They have a smooth coat, which must be brushed and cleaned regularly.
Used In Military And Police Work
These dogs have been used in the military and the police department. Their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability make them the primary choice in police work.
Historically, Dobermans have served in the military all over the world. A notable example is during WWII when they were used as “war dogs.”
Conclusion
With that, we finally come to the conclusion of this splendid list. These are ten fantastic reasons why you should get a Doberman, which is one of the best dog breeds that you can have.
Apart from everything listed here, they are known to be emotionally intuitive. They are particularly sensitive to their owner’s mood. This is owing to a very strong instinct, which is super useful to identify changes in people’s moods and behavior.
What’s more, Dobermans actually try to comfort their owners when they sense sadness or distress. If their owner has not returned home on time, they stay up for long hours. That is incredibly heartwarming!
For our readers here: Did you ever happen to own this breed? If yes, what was the overall experience like? What were the merits and demerits of this breed? And last but not least, do you have anything to add to this list? We would love to hear from you. So give your feedback and share it with all your fellow dog lovers!
