Doberman Pinscher

Personality

Protective and watchful
Energetic, highly intelligent and alert
Determined and fearless
Loyal and obedient

Size

60-90 pounds
24-28 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Not suited to small children
Not suited to first time dog owners
Affectionate family dog
Can make sweet and gentle therapy dogs
Lives okay indoors provided he has sufficient daily exercise

Training

Learns quickly through positive reinforcement
Needs firm training, as they can be very independent
If not trained well, Dobermans may be mean and aggressive
Must be well socialized as a pup to avoid being overprotective

Exercise

Requires daily exercise
Dobies have a lot of energy, so exercise needs to be vigorous

Coat

Short and smooth
Hard and thick
Black, red, blue and fawn
Average shedding
Little grooming required

Care

Feels the cold easily, so keep him inside on cold nights
All family members must learn how to handle him with confidence
Need to feel a part of the family and given affection

Health

Dobermans can be affected by von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder
Other health problems can include bloat, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), elbow dysplasia and cervical spondylitis (inflammation of neck bones)

Lifespan

12-15 years

Rescue

To find a Doberman in need of adoption, check out Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) Rescue.

PHOTO: pato garza

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