Doberman Facts

     So…you think you would like to own a Doberman?  Well, the first thing you must understand is that you do not own a Doberman – a Doberman owns you! If you have never had a Doberman in your life before, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research so as to have a clear understanding of the breed.  They have unique personalities and charming characteristics. As with any breed of dog, but particularly with a Doberman, you should seriously consider the time, energy and emotional demands that will be required before you make a lifelong commitment of adopting a puppy.

       Dobermans have a rich and interesting background. There are several excellent books available to chronicle the evolution, genealogy and development of our modern Doberman. The qualities that were originally sought in the development of the Doberman are still apparent today. These qualities include exceptional intelligence, complete loyalty, and its obvious physical prowess. It is precisely because of these outstanding qualities that a Doberman is a “high maintenance” breed.

       Exceptional intelligence is not an exaggeration when describing a Doberman. If given proper care, training, and attention, the Doberman has the capacity to amaze you with their intelligence. They have been used as working dogs by the military and law enforcement for many years because of their superior mental ability. However, for the average person and/or family, learning the specialized and technical skills of a working dog is unnecessary.  The Doberman rates very high in their learning ability, particularly in the area of basic obedience. When given proper (and hopefully –early) training, the Doberman easily masters the basic commands of sit, stay, and down. They are also capable of signaling the need to go outside to relieve themselves or when they are hungry.  Please read the section of this website dealing with puppy care to learn a few of the basics in early training. As the Doberman matures, their intelligence and interactive personality can be a source a great pleasure and happiness. They have a sense of humor, wonderfully expressive faces and a curiosity that will make you laugh and love them more then you can imagine.

       Dogs have often been called  “man’s best friend.”  This is probably because they offer companionship and devotion with little or no complaints. The Doberman exemplifies the concept of loyalty. When a Doberman has bonded to you, you can expect nothing less than a lifetime of complete devotion from the dog . Dobermans make wonderful family dogs. Contrary to the negative image popular media has imposed on the Doberman, they really are quite gentle and loving. When raised with love and attention, Dobermans will treat children with the utmost care. They are wonderful playmates and can be trusted to happily endure the playfulness of small children. As with any animal, adults should teach children to never abuse or mistreat these loyal companions. The loyalty of the Dobermans is also seen in that they are extremely protective of their family and yard. They will bark aggressively at anyone they perceive to be a possible intruder in their home and yard. This “alarm system” makes Dobermans an obvious good choice for guard dogs. The feeling of security and safety one has knowing there is a Doberman on duty is very comforting.

       The physical prowess of the Doberman has been widely popularized. They are sleek, graceful, and powerful dogs. Their body is very lean and muscular. They require quite a bit of exercise. Puppies and young Dobermans in particular demand tremendous amounts of physical exercise. If this need isn’t adequately met, the results will be a hyperactive, poorly behaved dog. Dobermans are highly social creatures and want someone to play with. They get bored easily. If they are just put outside and left to play and exercise on their own, again the results can be disagreeable. They can be quite destructive. They will chew and shred anything left in their reach. They will dig moon sized craters in a fancy lawn or under a fence. Dobermans are wonderful escape artists, and if they get bored enough will leave the safety of your yard. This can lead to untold misfortune. The best way to avoid these possible negative scenarios is to make sure to give your Doberman plenty of exercise and attention. A daily walk gives them the exercise they need, the practice of walking with a leash, and you the opportunity to proudly show off your friend. Dobermans also like to play fetch, although they will often tauntingly and playfully challenge you to try and get the ball or stick back. Tug-of-war is also a favorite game. There are many types of rope and pull toys on the market. Chew toys and other appropriate such items are a wise investment for the Doberman.

       I have spent much of my life in relationships with Dobermans. I have a genuine love and appreciation for this magnificent breed. I hope that this little  “infomercial” has been interesting and helpful. For the puppies that I am offering for sale, I will always make myself available to answer questions when I can, and research any questions that I am unable to answer. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at anytime during the life of your dog.