If you feel you’re up to the challenge of caring for this high-energy breed, you could consider seeing if a local shelter has Doberman pinschers or other large dogs to rehome. You could also browse through the Doberman pinscher page on Gumtree. Before you add any new pooch to your family, it’s essential that you do thorough research so that you know what to expect. The Pets Advertising Advisory Group has a wealth of info on how to buy a dog responsibly so it makes a great first port of call. We’ve also put together a guide to buying a puppy or dog online to help you safely and sensibly assess your options.
Care
These solid, powerful dogs adapt well to the lives of active families and suit experienced owners best. They are generally energetic and require both physical and mental exercise to ensure they are the happiest they can be. Doberman pinschers can be incredibly loyal companions. No dog should be left alone for more than four or five hours, but dogs of this breed may get bored or anxious on their own so you could consider finding a local dog sitter to provide company when you’re away from home.
Fully grown Doberman pinschers are usually about 65cm-70cm high and weigh 30kg-40kg. Female Doberman pinschers are usually slightly lighter and up to five centimetres shorter than males. it’s a good idea to ask your vet how much food you should be feeding your dog and split that amount into two meals.
Exercise
This energetic dog breed requires lots of exercise to keep it healthy. Without at least two hours of exercise a day, Doberman pinschers can get bored and chew or dig. These large dogs enjoy walking and hiking with their owners as well as running off the lead in a large secure area. They love to play games and so providing lots of toys and balls can help to alleviate boredom. Pooch parents will need a large secure garden where their dogs can enjoy some active free time and let off steam.
Grooming
Routine grooming will keep a Doberman pinscher’s short shiny coat in great condition. A weekly brush with a short-bristled dog brush and a rub-down with a damp towel once a week will keep their coat healthy. This type of dog does shed fur but not as heavily as some other breeds. Nevertheless, you might find that shedding increases in spring and autumn. Dobermans usually only need to be bathed if they have rolled in something outside, but their ears should be cleaned around once a week as they can trap bacteria, which can lead to smells and infections.
Temperament and training
Doberman pinschers are highly intelligent and usually enjoy ongoing reward-based training as they are eager to learn. They can become pushy if not properly trained, so training should be started early. You could consider tracking and agility training to keep your pup focussed and assist with exercise.
This breed is generally loyal and alert so can bark at strangers or new sounds if not socialised and trained from a young age. Socialisation will also help your dog get used to being around children, although this breed is strong and unlikely to be a good fit for households with babies or toddlers. Doberman pinschers also normally have a strong desire to chase, so a lot of care should be taken if introducing a pup into a home with small pets.
Health concerns
Doberman pinschers are a generally healthy breed. But, like many pure-breed dogs, there are few health conditions that they can be susceptible to. These include:
- gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which is also known as bloat. This happens when the stomach twists and can be life-threatening
- dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease that causes the heart to become enlarged
- caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, also known as wobbler syndrome. This causes weak back legs because of a problem with the neck
- von Willebrand’s disease, a problem with blood clotting, which can cause bleeding, often after injuries
- hypothyroidism, a disease of the thyroid gland, which can lead to weight problems, skin issues and tiredness
- eye problems such as persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), an eye defect that can cause poor vision
Thinking of buying a puppy? Take a look at what to expect in your puppy’s first year.
FAQs
Are miniature pinschers related to Dobermans?
Miniature pinschers and Doberman pinschers have lots of similarities, but one isn’t a differently sized version of the other. It’s thought that they may both be descended from the German pinscher, but they are distinctly separate breeds and genetically quite different.
What does a Doberman pinscher look like?
Doberman pinschers have wedge-shaped heads and long necks leading to a tall, muscular body. These toned dogs have short, sleek fur with rust-coloured markings around the feet and face. Doberman pinschers have a proud appearance with a watchful gaze.
Can Doberman pinschers swim?
This breed of dog can swim and often enjoys a dip, but Doberman pinschers aren’t natural swimmers. Their lean, heavy bodies mean they aren’t great at staying afloat. It’s a good idea to teach your pooch to swim when they are a puppy so that they can become confident in the water.
