Doberman Dog
A well-known and wonderful breed, the Doberman makes an excellent companion, watchdog and family member. This active and intelligent breed will flourish in any loving home.
Doberman At A Glance
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Temperament | A brilliant, loving, and loyal breed. |
| Suitable | Active individuals and families who love to train their dogs. |
| Health | A robust dog breed; however, like most dog breeds, they can suffer from various conditions. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Tissue Damage or Fracture | $1,649.52 |
| Diabetes | $6,404.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $4,021.07 |
| Heart Condition | $2,158.00 |
| Ingestion of Foreign Body or Toxin | $7,219.95 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $723.60 |
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | $10,794.65 |
| Neoplasia | $4,129.35 |
| Neoplasia or Mass Lesion | $3,076.50 |
| Skin Condition Lumps | $3,694.50 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
The Dobermann is easy to train and will thrive as a well-mannered dog from the word go. However, like all large boisterous breeds, an experienced handler is advised. They will need socialisation from a very early age. Puppy preschools are a great way to introduce your Dobie to the outside world and ensure a well-rounded grown dog. Being a larger breed, it is also imperative that you begin your training sessions as soon as your Doberman pup arrives home. Expecting manners such as sitting before a meal, waiting before you walk through the door, and accepting fingers in their food bowl (and taking toys and bones from them) are some of the basics you can begin immediately. You should also socialise your pup around lots of children, other pets, loud noises and people. Dobermans excel in dog sports and obedience and will benefit from group training sessions. They are highly intelligent and active, making them an excellent choice for police and security work. This drive to work makes them a perfect training companion. They will also make great jogging buddies and play partners.
Grooming
Your Dobie will require very little grooming. Their sleek coat will need a weekly brush with a rubber mitt to remove any dead hair; plus, it’s a great way to check for skin conditions. They are not a smelly breed and will only require minimal bathing unless they have rolled in something, particularly stinky. Getting your Dobie used to touching his feet and ears is a good idea to make grooming easy as a grown dog. Clip nails often to keep them nice and short. As the nail is black, this can be tricky, so get your friendly veterinary nurse to show you the correct length. Leaving nails to become overgrown can cause significant problems later in clipping.
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Common Health Complaints - Doberman
The adorable Dobe are generally known as a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to specific health issues.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Dobermans can be genetically predisposed to DCM, a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened. Regular veterinary check-ups and an appropriate diet are essential for managing this condition. Treatment will involve medication and management.
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop correctly, leading to lameness, pain and arthritis. Treatment involves surgery to correct the malformation alongside physiotherapy, weight management and medication.
- Von Willebrand's Disease: Dobermans are prone to this inherited bleeding disorder, which can result in excessive bleeding from minor injuries. A blood test can determine if your Dobe suffers from this condition. This is imperative to undertake before surgery.
- Hypothyroidism: Dobermans can develop hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, leading to various health issues, including weight gain and skin conditions. Medication and regular monitoring alongside a veterinarian can help your dog live a happy life with this condition.
- Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome): This neurological condition can lead to instability and a wobbly gait, mainly at the back end of the affected dog. Medical or surgical treatment may be required depending on the severity of the condition.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): As with many deep-chested breeds, Dobermans can be susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery. Caused by the gut-twisting after being full of gas or food. Avoiding exercise before or after a meal and encouraging slow eating is paramount with deep-chested breeds.
- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD): This painful bone disease can affect young Dobermans due to abnormal and excessive bone growth. Correct nutrition during the younger years while avoiding overexertion can help prevent HOD. Medication is typically recommended, and ongoing veterinary monitoring.
- Skin Problems: Dobermans can be prone to various skin conditions, including pyoderma (bacterial skin infections) and allergies. Proper grooming and regular skin checks are essential. Treatment includes medication and specialised shampoos.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): a progressive inherited eye disease that can lead to blindness. There is no cure for PRA, and careful management needs to be considered to keep your dog safe.
- Narcolepsy: Dobermanns can also suffer from narcolepsy, a condition characterised by the inability to stay awake or active for long periods. Medication and monitoring can help with this condition.
Exercise Requirements
Dobermanns love to run and enjoy a range of exercises. They will need a good daily walk (possibly two) to stay active and happy. Being so intelligent, they also thoroughly enjoy flexing their muscles and mind. Obedience training and dog sports are fantastic ways to get your pup working their brain. They are a very playful breed and enjoy learning new things, such as fetch and trick training. You must consider this wonderful breed’s exercise and training needs before welcoming them into your home.
Intelligence
Dobies are incredibly intelligent. A bored Dobermann can become a very destructive Dobermann, and with such big jaws, they can make a mess of any object or shoe! Consider boredom busters when you are not home, and ensure your pup is correctly exercised before leaving. Being so bright, they do not take well to long periods left alone. They thrive on being alongside their protected pack (AKA you and your family). Never leave a Doberman (or any breed) chained up. This loyal and loving breed needs to be an integral part of your family and not just utilised for guarding work.
Family Friendly
In the right hands, this breed makes an excellent family companion. They are incredibly tolerant and gracious around young children; however, socialisation is essential to ensure your dog understands children as a young pup. All children must be taught to behave around dogs correctly and be actively supervised. Training and socialisation are crucial with this breed to avoid problems. He loves his family and is fiercely devoted and loyal. The Doberman is known to love all pets, small and large, which he lives with. However, he may become aggressive towards other dogs and people if he believes they threaten his loved ones. Teaching your pup that other dogs and people are OK will help prevent any possible over-aggression – as to adequate training.
Indoor/outdoor?
The breed does not like being left alone for long periods. They love to be wherever you may roam, in or out. The breed requires plenty of shelter from the sun as their coat colours can mean they heat up quickly. Always provide ample water. Good fencing is also a must to keep your pup safe. Remember that they are a guarding breed and will guard your home and family. Keeping secure fences in top condition is necessary. However, the Dobermann is most at home, lazing on cool tiles during a hot day or basking in the sun during the cooler weather. In very cool climates, they may require a dog coat during winter months to keep them warm and snug.
Responsible Breeding
It is vital to only source your new Doberman from a reputable breeder to ensure your puppy is healthy and not at risk of common genetic diseases. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contact your local Doberman breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have test results for genetic diseases and paperwork to ensure that their breeding dogs have sound temperaments. This process does take a little more time than a quick online purchase; however, it can save you from the heartache and pain a sick puppy or dog can invoke.
Contact PIA for Doberman Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Dobermans. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
