Temperament

Companion, protection, and working dog.

The disposition of the Doberman is friendly and calm; very devoted to the family it loves children. Medium temperament and medium sharpness (alertness) is desired. A medium threshold of irritation is required with a good contact to the owner. Easy to train, the Doberman enjoys working, and shall have good working ability, courage and hardness. The particular values of self confidence and intrepidness are requied, and also adaptability and attention to fit the social environment.

They are extremely loyal and very well tuned to their owners commands if properly trained. Pinchers are a great size, very agile and athletic. The breed is very alert and cautious of people it is not familiar with, but will respect the command of their owner and this makes them great for protecting families. Their growl and bark are equally intimidating, and intruders will certainly think twice before entering your home.

Dobermans are alert, fast, and agile. Since they do bond strongly with their owners, they will have no problem providing defense to the home. Dobermans don’t have to be taught how to defend and guard, it’s instinctive with them.

If you have a large piece of property that you are trying to protect, a Doberman Pinscher is a great guard dog for you. This breed is incredibly fast and is able to reach an intruder in a short amount of time. Known as the fifth-smartest dog breed in the world, Dobermans are fearless, alert, and loyal dogs.

Because Dobermans score so high in intelligence, they are actually very easy to train.

In terms of loyalty, it’s almost impossible to beat a Doberman, who almost never are reported to bite their owners, instead willing to obey commands. These are some of the smartest dogs out there. Your Dobie will want to please you and will respond best to consistent, patient, and positive training.

Health

Regular health tests and screenings are important for maintaining the well-being of Doberman Pinschers. While individual dogs may have unique health needs, there are several standard tests and examinations recommended for this breed. Here are some common health tests for Doberman Pinschers:

Hip Evaluation (Hip Dysplasia): Dobermans are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint is improperly formed. X-rays are used to evaluate the hip joints for signs of dysplasia. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the PennHIP method are two commonly used evaluations

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a heart condition characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, leading to decreased cardiac function. It affects the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to congestive heart failure. Doberman Pinschers are one of the breeds that are genetically predisposed to DCM. It is important for Dobermans to undergo regular cardiac screenings, including echocardiograms, to detect and manage DCM early.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): DM is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord of dogs. It leads to a gradual breakdown of the nerve fibers in the spinal cord, resulting in hind limb weakness and loss of coordination. While DM is not exclusive to Doberman Pinschers, they are one of the breeds known to be at higher risk. Genetic testing can help identify dogs that carry the mutation associated with DM, allowing breeders to make informed decisions when selecting breeding pairs.

Both DCM and DM are significant health concerns for Doberman Pinschers, and RESPONSIBLE BREEDERS take proactive measures to manage and minimize the risks associated with these conditions.

Thyroid Function Testing: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in Dobermans. Blood tests are conducted to measure the thyroid hormone levels and identify any abnormalities. Thyroid testing is usually recommended annually.

von Willebrand's Disease (vWD): vWD is an inherited bleeding disorder in Dobermans. A DNA test can determine if a Doberman carries the gene for vWD. Breeding dogs should be tested to avoid passing on the disease to offspring.

--------------

Top 10 Best Guardian Dogs for your Home:

Watch a YouTube Video

- One time Doberman, Always Doberman -