Group
6: Utility |
Energy
Level: Moderate - high |
Original
Function:various working capacities
Temperament:
Bold and alert. Shyness or viciousness very highly undesirable.
Characteristics:
Intelligent and firm of character, loyal and obedient.
Recommended
for: Dedicate handlers & Families.
Lifespan:
10 - 14 yrs
Height:
Dogs 69 cms (27 ins) at withers
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Height:
Bitches 65 cms (25½ ins) at withers |
Colour:
Definite black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella) only, with rust
red markings. Markings to be sharply defined, appearing above each
eye, on muzzle, throat and forechest, an all legs and feet and below
tail. White markings of any kind highly undesirable.
Coat:
Smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close lying. Invisible
gray undercoat on neck permissible.
General
Apperance: Medium size, muscular and elegant, with well
set body. Of proud carriage, compact and tough. Capable of great
speed. Wedge shaped head with dark almond shaped eyes. Ears hang
to the side of the head. Tail was usually docked but now left natural
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The Dobermann was developed in
Germany by Louis Dobermann, he did so by using a number of breeds
including, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, German Pinchers and Manchester
Terriers. In doing this he produced his ultimate guard dog.
The history of the Dobermann has been documented by many very reliable
authors, who have sometimes spent a lifetime with this one breed
of dog. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in including
one of these magnificent animals in their family, to purchase and
read at least one book (preferably more) that is written by these
authors. It is also important that the potential new owner belong
to a local Dobermann club & get to know the people who have experience
in this breed, ask questions concerning training, nutrition, exercise
and temperament of the breed. The Dobermann is a noble looking,
elegant, powerful, and highly intelligent animal. The feelings between
a Dobermann and its owner are reciprocal, the love and devotion
that one has for the other is a mutual giving and receiving. That
is one of the amazing benefits of ownership of this breed of dog.
It is important that the public
understand that in the early years of the Dobermann the breed was
valued most for its aggressiveness. It had a use at that time, it
was a working dog, used in guard work, military policing, and with
the police. Today, the responsible breeder is more aware than ever
before of the importance of temperament. The responsible breeder
will not knowingly sell an aggressive tempered dog into a family
situation. The aggressive types are undesirable & must be trained,
and possessed, by a dominant (not abusive) owner, who has a job
for the Dobe to do. A new owner to the Dobermann breed should have
the common sense to research and get to know the breed very well
before buying. Todays Australian breeders have mostly bred out any
vicious Dobe, todays Dobes are great companions. People should not
be getting the Dobe for the purpose of scaring his/her neighbors
or their dogs. If that is the case, you will find it extremely difficult
to find an Australian breeder that will allow you to own one of
their Dobes. You possess an animal that can become dangerous in
the wrong hands, yours. Just like a mishandled weapon, it's not
the gun that kills, it is the mentality behind it.
Grooming-
coat is easy to take care of and bath when needed.
Exercise-
plenty of daily exercise is necessary.
Health-
This breed is generally very sound but some can suffer a number
of health issues which can occur within the Dobermann breed. These
are von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - a blood clotting disorder,
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - also referred to as "Cardio", Cervical
Vertebral Instability (CVI) - also referred to as "Wobblers" , Hip
(and Elbow) Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism (Thyroid Insufficiency), and
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - also referred to as "Bloat"
Breeders should test their breeding stock & be aware of any health
issues within their breeding lines. This is one of the reasons why
it is so important to always purchase your Dobermann from a registered
breeder.
For Diet and other general dog health information Health/Nutrition
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