Time has slightly adjusted the purpose of the breed: the FCI standard primarily defined the term “companion”. Residents of giant megacities have begun to live together in city apartments. The problem is that the tireless, toothy servicemen themselves were not informed about the change in “scope of application”. No attempts at sociable “acclimatization”, smoothing corners and softening character will defeat the basic quality Doberman breed.
This is the greatness of the breed: a beautiful , intelligent and strong Doberman is the service elite, an excellent dog, assistant and friend .
This is the main drawback of amazingly graceful animals: this breed is not for everyone. Is it worth getting a Doberman puppy ? This is a very difficult question that requires careful and responsible consideration.
How to choose and where to buy a Doberman puppy
On our website you can find a lot of advertisements for Dobermann puppies for sale. These can be private individuals who distribute offspring from their pets, as well as fairly well-known nurseries that can offer dogs from well-known manufacturers if they have all the relevant documentation. If you need to buy a Doberman puppy, read this article carefully. In it we will indicate the main points that you need to pay attention to when choosing a dog of this breed, which will be subject to certain requirements in the future. So, how to choose the right Doberman puppy?
How to distinguish a Chihuahua puppy from a crossbreed?
In order not to confuse a purebred dog with a mixed breed, you need to pay attention to the dog’s appearance. A purebred dog has the following characteristics:
- clear stop;
- flattened muzzle;
- the eyes are black, convex, and not too close to each other;
- the upper incisors overlap the lower ones;
- the lower canines are located between the incisors and the upper canines;
- the back is short and level;
- muscles are poorly developed;
- tail straight;
- paws are small;
- limbs are slender.
Origin
The Dobermann was bred by tax collector Louis Dobermann in 1860. Due to his line of work, Louis often visited criminal areas, and therefore decided to breed a breed that could protect the owner. As a result of crossing a Rottweiler, a Pinscher, a Great Dane and a German Shepherd, this graceful and beautiful dog was obtained. After about 30 years, a new round of the breed appeared - the mini Doberman, they were used mainly for hunting.
Story
The Doberman is a German dog, its homeland is Germany. The creator of the breed, Karl Louis Dobermann, served in the night police and was a tax collector. He decided to breed a dog that would help him in his difficult service. According to his idea, it should be a small, smooth-haired dog, physically tough and smart. Appearance was not taken into account, the main thing was performance.
Dobermann began breeding at the end of the 19th century. No records were kept, so it is unknown what breeds were used. Probably, pinschers, shepherd dogs, Great Danes, Pointners, Rottweilers, and mastiffs participated in the breeding. Just 20 years later, in 1890, an amazing dog was created that immediately became popular. It was bought for security and police service. At first the breed was called the Thuringian Pinscher. After the death of the creator, “Doberman” was added to the name “pinscher”.
Otto Geller continued the work of Dobermann. He softened the aggressiveness of the new breed a little and made the dogs more obedient and kind. It is he who is considered the creator of the modern breed; under him, these dogs spread throughout Europe. Already in 1899, a club for Doberman Pinscher lovers was created.
Dobermans appeared in Russia at the very beginning of the 20th century. At first they were used for service in the police and army. But due to the revolution and civil war, representatives of the breed were almost destroyed. And during the Great Patriotic War, these dogs were actively used at the front. Dobermans served as sappers, scouts, and messengers.
The breed survived after World War II thanks to the efforts of dog breeders from the USA. In the middle of the 20th century, the word “pinscher” was removed from the name. Now the breed is called "Doberman". This is the only breed named after its creator. She was recognized and officially entered into the register in the Pinscher and Schnauzer section. It belongs to the group of working breeds.
For many years now, the breed has been one of the top popular pets and is included in the top ten smartest dogs. Since the 70s of the 20th century, Dobermans have been bred not only for official purposes, they have become pets.
Choosing a Doberman puppy – what you need to know first
If you have already made the final decision that the Doberman is the breed for your family, all that remains is to find where to buy a puppy and choose the right one. And this, as you know, is not an easy task, especially for those who are just starting to get acquainted with this breed. To avoid a lot of some common mistakes, first of all you need to understand that you cannot compromise - settle for your choice, being content with a poorly trained, unhealthy poor specimen from a breeder from a neighboring yard or a puppy born on a “dog farm”. This is the name given to nurseries where puppies of several breeds are produced and raised for sale. The best kennel is always the one that promotes only one breed of dog. In this case, all the owner’s attention is focused only on its development, which helps to achieve serious results.
The main nuances that should be considered when choosing a Doberman dog:
- It is recommended to choose only accredited breeders. Of course, the price of a Doberman will be slightly higher, but this approach creates some protection, for example, if something goes against the contract, the animal can be returned to the nursery with a replacement or full reimbursement of costs;
- You should never buy a puppy without seeing its parents. Getting to know the dog’s ancestors will allow you to preliminary assess the animal’s temperament and potential health status, which is very important for a breed such as the Doberman;
- a puppy should never be allowed to be delivered. Once an animal has been selected, it is generally not recommended to leave it from your field of vision;
- Dogs should not be selected from online forums or public message boards. The price will be lower, but all the promises that the owners make may never be fulfilled. If you still had to contact such a point of sale, you need to follow the same rules that are followed when buying a dog from a serious kennel. We remember - no compromises.
Owners of puppies have one goal - they need to sell their dogs and make money from it. Therefore, the likelihood is extremely low that their verbosity and promises will coincide with reality in the future, unless all the conditions are documented. If the breeder does not want to draw up a contract or there are no clauses of interest in the contract, it is better to refuse immediately
In addition, it must be remembered that after examining puppies, even from the same litter, some of them may be disqualified due to non-compliance with breed standards, or due to diseases or defects. Therefore, if the puppy’s parents are the “gold standard” of the breed, this does not mean that the puppy has the same value. If the thoroughbred of a dog is extremely important, you need to demand the appropriate documents, first of all, for a specific puppy, and not be content with the achievements of its parents.
How to buy a Doberman - breeder survey
Once a Doberman kennel has been selected, the next step will be a detailed conversation with the breeder. You need to get answers to all the following questions, and during the conversation you should pay attention to how willing the dog owner is to engage in dialogue.
- where was the puppy born? If the dog was born in another place, this may indicate that the animals are purchased from “dog farms” or from random individuals for the purpose of outbidding. If the puppy was born here, as we have already noted, it is very important to get to know his parents;
- what age is the mother? The bitch who gave birth to the puppy must be at least two years old;
- When was the last time the puppy's mother had a litter? Female Dobermans must bear offspring at least once a year, otherwise the risk of developing genetic diseases in their offspring increases;
- How many litters did the puppy's mother have? It makes sense to take a puppy from the fourth or subsequent litters;
- How can I view documents for a puppy and its parents? First of all, interest should be shown in relation to the health of the puppy, and then - recognition of its thoroughbred. You should not believe the phrases “They are not available right now,” “I don’t have the papers on hand,” “I lost my documents,” or anything else like that. If you cannot see the documents that should be there, you can safely leave this nursery right now;
- How can I see puppies from previous litters, perhaps photographs? If mating took place previously on the territory of this nursery, and the breeder has photos of puppies from previous litters, this is a good sign. If a breeder maintains constant contact with his customers, this means that he has nothing to hide and, moreover, he values his dogs;
- How socialized is the puppy towards children, other pets, etc.? If the breeder begins to answer confusedly and talk about the well-known features of the breed, it means that no preliminary training of the puppies was carried out at all.
What to be prepared for when getting a small dog
Instructions for choosing and using dogs of the Chihuahua model (and not only), based on Yulia’s two-year experience.
I didn't plan to become a dog owner. It’s just that as an adult, I started to become allergic to my favorite cats. But I wanted a pet at home. And then I found dogs that are like cats - only better. Much better!
In the camp of dog breeders, Chihuahua owners are not considered dog owners. Dogs weighing less than 5 kg are supposedly not “trud”. Personally, it doesn’t matter to me whether it’s “true” or not, what matters to me is that my house is now completely “mimimi.”
And so that when you decide to have a pet, you expect not only this most “cute” thing - I’m honestly warning you what you should be prepared for.
A dog should be chosen not by beauty, but by character
“Both intelligence and beauty come together in me!” - says Chika.
Of course, you will still choose based on beauty... We are all like that. But what if you think about it first? -) The worst thing is when people get a dog without studying the characteristics of its breed. And they find themselves not ready to walk for several hours a day with a mad Jack Russell or run around all the courtyards of the area after a restless dachshund.
I knew that I didn’t want and probably couldn’t walk dogs every day (after all, I wanted a cat!), so I initially chose a “sofa” dog. Of course, I also wanted the dog to be smart (in relation to body size, Chihuahuas have the largest brain) and calm.
Chika: “But Busya... Well, it’s just Busya.”
There is an opinion that all Chihuahuas are angry and shake all the time. The first is not true, it depends on the upbringing and socialization of the dog, that is, in essence, to a greater extent on the actions of the owner. The second is true: if a dog is cold, in pain, or emotionally agitated, it trembles. And you understand that something is happening to her.
For the first six months you will live without carpets
“We confirm - no carpets!” - say Chika and Busya
An exception is if you decide to adopt an adult animal from a shelter or through help groups. In all other cases, I predict the absence of carpets.
Firstly, because the puppies stay at home until their first vaccinations and the end of quarantine. It is not even recommended that they come into contact with outdoor shoes. And before you hug your pet when you come home, you should wash your hands. Therefore, the baby goes to the toilet at home, in diapers.
Secondly, because Chihuahuas do not need to be walked twice a day like large dogs. They may well be diapered at home for the rest of their lives.
But it is very easy for a baby to confuse diapers with carpets. The carpets are even more pleasant in texture, as if they were created to write on -).
“It’s also very nice to write on bedspreads, blankets and sofas,” shares Busya.
Therefore, rather than getting on your nerves, it’s better to remove all carpets until better times. First, the entire floor is covered with diapers. Then the area of the diapers is reduced - they should be left only where the puppy will continue to have a toilet.
Your tolerance for toilet matters will increase dramatically...
“Going to the toilet outside?!” Am I a dog?!”
They like to humanize dogs and are often compared to children, although these are, of course, different stories (it’s just that children and dogs evoke the same positive emotions, and they are caused by the same hormone - oxytocin).
But one thing that dogs and children are similar to is how calm they are about puddles and poop. Because when we got dogs, I solemnly promised my husband that I would clean up their diapers for the rest of my life. And since my dogs don’t walk outside for six months. In general, my level of improvement on this issue is practically God.
And all these past emotions “ah, what is this, ugh!” become completely unimportant when the animal gets sick. And all you want is for it to finally be normal... well, you get the idea.
...And your tendency towards order will increase
“Mother, you yourself left that piece of maasdam on the table! This was for us?..”
Because if you left your favorite sneakers freely available to your puppy, it’s your own fault. What does the puppy have to do with it? -) Maybe his baby teeth are being replaced by molars, and his gums are itching. Or he has reached the stage of learning the world with his teeth. And in the world there are many interesting skirting boards, slopes, sofas, mother’s sweaters, hats with pom-poms and ankle boots.
Chika, when she was little, chewed out the lintels of almost all the baseboards. Busya went further - like a girl of a hysterical nature, she gnawed on everything when she was nervous. And she always got nervous when she was alone, or when we returned late. I threw out my eaten boots and sneakers, had my chewed Chelsea boots altered at the atelier, lost my hat, and my favorite 100% wool cardigan turned into a dog blanket because it now has a hole in it. One sofa had to be taken to the trash heap (thank God it was a cheap sofa) because the dogs dug a pit in it.
And if the dog found the remains of your food and ate them, well, there’s no need to put the yummy food right under its nose.
As a result, my husband and I built floor-to-ceiling shelves in the dressing room specifically for shoes. And also, for the first time in my life, I learned to clean up after myself in the kitchen right away. (The skill was developed simultaneously with the habit of not paying attention to food that has fallen on the floor. Someone has already eaten it anyway -)).
Your dogs will need clothes. Yes -)
“Actually, I feel good anyway. But my mother is obsessed with clothes!”
With decorative dog breeds it is easier to fall into humanization than with some St. Bernard. And the desire to dress her up in different blouses, T-shirts and pajamas is much easier to realize. I mainly look at dog clothing from a purely functional point of view. Both large and small dogs need it for walks.
“Yes, I’m warm enough as it is! Fat warms! With them!"
Clothes for dogs are divided into 2 categories:
- protection from dirt and rain,
- protection from cold.
Raincoats made of waterproof fabric help protect against dirt - they can be lightweight, without any lining at all. In my opinion, larger dogs need them more, as they allow you to wash only their paws after a walk, and not the whole dog.
A raincoat can be combined with a sweater - it will be warm and not wet.
“What won’t you do for a portion of dry food! What a shame we have to endure!”
Small dogs usually need clothing for warmth. Especially smooth-haired ones, like my girls -). In winter, these two ladies take three careful steps from the entrance, then sit on their butts, tremble and look at me with the expression “Mother, let’s find the door in different weather? No? Then let’s go home, what are we doing here!” However, they need to go for walks - this is important for the health of their psyche. That’s why I’ve been bothering myself with buying something warm and the right size for two years.
For warmth, there are overalls with lining. For smooth-haired breeds, it is better that the lining is made of soft and pleasant to the touch fabric. The upper is wind-resistant and water-repellent.
Jumpsuits come without a hood...
...and with a hood
But buying the right one is not easy. You definitely need to try it on, and doing it live in a pet store is quite a challenge. The last thing your dog wants to do in such an exciting and smelly place is try on 20 onesies in a row.
It’s more convenient to measure your dog at home, get a rough idea of the size, and then order different ones from the online store. Try everything at home and buy only what works.
I envy those who rely on dogs for everything. Chika, for example, has almost nothing fastened on her chest in her size. But after much trying on, we finally found her a vest and overalls!
Chika wears a vest up to +10, Busya at this time can calmly walk without anything - her fat warms her -).
Seeing the vest in my hands, Chika rushes at full speed after the leash. Go for a walk!
Overalls are already an option for temperatures below +10. It has its own problems - for example, if it is just a little out of size, then the dog either takes off his trouser legs while walking, or crawls his paws from the sleeves into the throat and is practically immobilized -). This is what happened to me with all the overalls before this...
...But these overalls of yours are still too much.
A harness or collar is worn under the overalls, and the leash is inserted into a hole in the hood.
I really hope that with the new overalls, my dogs will spend this winter not hibernating under a blanket, but at least looking outside sometimes -).
The veterinary clinic will become your second home
“What's the latest news in the area?..”
God forbid that you visit the veterinarian only once a year to get vaccinations. (By the way, all pets need vaccinations, even non-roaming ones and even cats. Because the infection can be brought home on shoes. Previously, this practice did not exist, yes. But before, veterinary care was not of the same level as it is now.)
But most likely, you will have to visit the veterinary hospital periodically. Each breed has its own health problems - some manage to avoid them, others do not. Busya, Chika and I did not escape. Chika, for example, sometimes loses and becomes inflamed in her third eyelid, which is why she has a veterinary ophthalmologist who specializes in bug eyes. Chihuahuas also often have a weak gastrointestinal tract - if something goes wrong with their diet, expect vomiting. About once a year something worsens for Chika, and we rush around for ultrasounds and tests (have you tried collecting your dog’s urine for analysis? You don’t know life-)).
Busya was not spared the problems of the upper respiratory tract, which happen to chicks due to their anatomical features. Plus she has a problem that affects dogs of all shapes and sizes: atopic dermatitis. Therefore, she takes an anti-itch pill twice a day, gets tested every six months, and goes to a dermatologist for a follow-up appointment. Also a special veterinarian.
Good special veterinary doctors in Moscow are more expensive than my human ones. But they also do almost everything that I couldn’t imagine 20 years ago, when I got my first cat.
You will have to sterilize your animal
“...And she gave me into the hands of someone else!”
If you do not take into account those who are engaged in breeding, then all “livestock breeders” are divided into two camps - those who are for sterilization and those who are against. Much like vaccineists and anti-vaxxers, yes. Having read, I was immediately in favor of sterilization, because I did not plan to breed my dogs and wanted them to be with me and healthy for as long as possible.
But I was ready for this only in theory. Because when two and a half kilograms of a creature that absolutely trusts you in everything is sweetly snoring on you, it’s hard to imagine how you will put it under anesthesia into the hands of surgeons with your own hands. And that’s all - because you decided so, because it’s more convenient for you and because it will probably prolong the life of your dog.
With Chika, I put off this moment, and she managed to go through two heats. And she eventually left for sterilization without me, while I was lying in oblivion with a sore throat - otherwise, it seems to me, I would never have been able to give her for this procedure. But with Busya, the severity of the problem had already subsided, I was convinced that it was not scary, recovery was quick. But still, it’s hard to go through it emotionally for the first time.
You will need a company of dog walkers
“Dachshund?! Where?! Mother, let’s go there urgently, otherwise we’ll miss everything!”
No matter how introverted you are, life with the support of dog-loving friends is much easier than without. My saviors in the first six months with Chika were our photographers Karina and Christina, who answered any stupid and not stupid questions, shared their experiences and at the same time did not mind receiving a hundred million photos of the best dog in the world in the chat -).
Later, the Pi.Bo girls, specialists in dog behavior correction, became such a support group. In their Facebook group you can ask any question, plus they write and shoot videos on all hot topics. With such an information resource at hand, life is much, much calmer than if I were alone. The main thing is to choose this resource correctly - large zoo groups are full of madness, and many dog handlers practice outdated approaches.
You'll have to learn to translate from dog
This is normal, this is how our psyche works - to justify the dog’s actions with our human ideas. Only it doesn't work.
The dog tore the pillow to smithereens while you were not at home, and now sits with its head down while you swear? Well, she definitely feels guilty! (Actually, no, she just sees that the owner is nervous and shows her obedience and submission.)
Did your dog piss on your sofa? Well, he's definitely taking revenge for something! (In fact, you will first have to check the dog at the vet for cystitis and urolithiasis, and then figure out why this generally clean creature is so stressed that it pees in the wrong place.)
“Our language is not complicated. Devour. Devour. Let me eat some more!”
It was quite difficult to believe that Chika was not taking revenge on me for appearing in Busya’s house when one morning I discovered a surprise in my sneaker (it was a super accurate hit!). All that remains is to educate yourself: read the right resources and watch the right Youtube channels. Because otherwise you will spend your life in the illusion that you understand your dog - and this is insulting!
You will have to learn to send clear signals and express strong emotions
“There's a new dog! Atputi! Get there urgently!”
Not every owner of a very small dog attends training courses with it. If the Labrador is disobedient, this is fraught with big problems, and if the Chihuahua does not hear you on a walk, you can simply pick it up and go where you want -).
And yet.
Knowing and following basic commands is a skill that can save your dog's life. Not to mention that you can take an obedient dog with you on trips and visits. (Now do you understand why I don’t take dogs on trips or on visits? -)).
And here you need to accept one thing as an installation. The dog doesn't owe you anything by default. For some reason, we do not expect young children to automatically understand how to behave in society, and are ready to repeatedly explain to them what is right and what is wrong. And, as it turns out, many people expect this from dogs.
On the one hand, it’s easier with a child—you can explain it to him in words. On the other hand, it’s easier with a dog - she’s ready to do anything for food -).
“Yes, we know how to sit without your commands. It’s not a difficult matter!”
The main thing that I understood during the training courses is that it is the owner who is trained first, not the dog. It takes a lot of training for a dog - it's happy to do what you want. The problem is how to convey to her what you want. During the courses it turned out that we are all very good at conveying negative emotions to dogs - but we praise poorly and are unemotional. We say “well done” through clenched teeth and without looking. The dog ultimately receives a mixed message (scold? praised? what was that, Watson?) and does not understand what to do?
You also need to praise exactly at the moment when the dog does something right, and scold immediately if it stops. Often this change occurs in a second, and from the outside, praise-swearing-praise-swearing resembles schizophrenia.
Once my husband and I mastered this skill of praise with dogs, we began to use it with each other's friends—and other people. (And at that time I also thought a lot about employee management -)).
You will be amazed by the quantity and quality of contact
Having got dogs, I realized that there is no such complete communication with any cats -).
Dogs, unlike wild animals, are not afraid to look you in the eyes. Chika is generally a master in this matter - she doesn’t just look, she looks at you with expression! Dogs' faces often contain all the emotions they feel at the moment.
At the same time, you are a deity for a dog. From which food, treats, toys, affection, walks and attention fall on her. When you return home after work, the dog is eager to kiss its deity. If you are returning from a trip, kissing may take several tens of minutes. Dogs want to sleep with you and preferably cuddle with you, eat everything you eat, go with you everywhere you go, watch everything you do. If you're sad, they'll come sit next to you (or even lay on your head while you cry). And when you hear the dog sigh contentedly, laying down on your lap, you will never forget this sigh.
…someday you will have to let your pet go
And I still have ten years ahead to think about it.
Comparison in relation to children and pets
The Rottweiler has an ambiguous attitude towards children.
There are positive aspects, but signs of aggression often appear.
The Rottweiler is clumsy and has a large body weight ; the dog can accidentally hit or drop a child, which is why the breed is unpopular in families with small children .
The Doberman has a positive attitude towards children and gets along well with them, getting along with both young children and older ones.
Breed traits
Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)
| Doberman (Doberman pinscher) | |||
| Activity | in the house | 2.9 | |
| on the street | 4.3 | ||
| Obedience | training | 4.2 | |
| strangers | 4 | ||
| Domination | in family | 2.1 | |
| over dogs | 2.8 | ||
| Defending your territory | from people | 3.5 | |
| from dogs | 3.6 | ||
| Sociability | in family | 4.9 | |
| with strangers | 3.1 | ||
| with dogs | 3.2 | ||
| Concentration | in family | 1.1 | |
| in front of strangers | 2.2 | ||
| with dogs | 2 | ||
| Aggressiveness | in family | 1.1 | |
| to strangers | 2.6 | ||
| to the dogs | 2.5 | ||
| to cats | 3 | ||
| Family behavior | calmness | 4.5 | |
| demand for affection | 4.6 | ||
| excitability | 4.1 | ||
| playfulness | 4.3 | ||
| excessive barking | 2.1 | ||
| behavioral breakdowns | 2.2 | ||
| Tolerance for children | up to 4 years | 3.4 | |
| over 4 years old | 3.8 | ||
| Institutional use | watchman | 4.7 | |
| bodyguard | 3.5 | ||
This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: German Shepherd, Great Dane, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler.
Photos show how beautiful and elegant Dobermans are:
What to look for when choosing a puppy
If you are completely satisfied with the conversation with the breeder, you can move on to the last step - examining the puppy. Please pay attention to the following details:
- the sanitary condition of the enclosure where the puppies are kept. Any self-respecting breeder will provide almost perfect cleanliness for their dogs;
- the puppy should not be separated from its mother before 8 weeks of age;
- the coat should be shiny, the eyes should be bright, the temperament should be inquisitive and attentive to its surroundings;
- all preventive vaccinations must be carried out with all relevant documentation, including a card of the animal’s condition;
- There must be documents confirming purebredness and thoroughbred.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that each puppy must be sold through a purchase and sale agreement, which must include a clause regarding the possible return of the puppy to the kennel. If for some reason the breeder does not include such a clause in the contract, you should choose a Doberman puppy elsewhere.
Character and education
This dog will vigilantly guard his family. He is smart and quick-witted. But each representative of the breed is an individual with his own character. A distinctive feature of Dobermans is that they consider themselves masters of the house. They will protect the property, plot, and children of the owner, ensuring their safety. Therefore, you need to take this pet outside wearing a muzzle and on a leash.
Dobermans were bred for a special purpose. They had to obey their master unquestioningly and be suspicious of strangers. Therefore, the first representatives of the breed seemed aggressive and angry. Gradually, breeding work freed Dobermans from these traits; they became safer for others, without losing their loyalty and intelligence. But in the minds of many people this breed is still associated with evil watchdogs. Although now Dobermans have become affectionate pets. To do this, you need to know how to raise a dog.
A properly trained Doberman should become a good friend, a reliable protector and a caring nanny for children. According to the standard requirements, representatives of this breed are kind, obedient, peaceful and safe for others. Aggressive individuals may be disqualified from the exhibition. After all, this quality is not inherent in the dog’s character. What makes them this way is improper upbringing, lack of socialization, or excessive severity of their owners.
When getting a Doberman, you need to take into account gender differences. Bitches are more flexible, affectionate and obedient. They become strongly attached to their owner and provide safety for children. Males are more independent and can be angry. They are more suitable for business purposes
Training
Dog experts often say that Dobermans have human thinking. They are very smart and easy to train. But the difficulty is that this dog will obey only a person with a strong, decisive, but calm and balanced character. Only such an owner will the Doberman recognize as an authority and will obey.
Another feature of Dobermans is that they understand the difference between good and bad. Therefore, it is unacceptable to use force, physical punishment and aggression in training. The dog will consider this a sign of weakness and will stop obeying. But she can also harbor a grudge and then become aggressive. You can successfully raise this pet using persistence, patience and consistency. Only with affection and persuasion can you achieve anything from a Doberman.
Basic commands can be learned with your pet on your own. The main thing is to teach “come to me”, “place”, “sit”, “next to”, ugh.” These commands, as well as housekeeping skills, need to be learned consistently and firmly. But it is better to go through the basics of the general training course and the service course under the guidance of professionals. Doberman training lasts up to 3 years, after which the dog’s character and psyche are fully formed.
Training should begin from the first day a Doberman puppy arrives in the house. The most important thing is to let him know who is boss in the house. The puppy must consider the person as the leader, then he will follow his commands. You can play sports with your pet. He loves to run, he can be trained in agility and freestyle.
The video will show how to properly train a pet and how to play with a puppy:
Choosing a Doberman puppy
If you decide that a Doberman is the breed for you, the first step is to find a suitable puppy. And it is this step, taken prematurely, that can cause you to be completely disappointed in the breed. Quite large and active Doberman puppies, raised incorrectly, often become a problem for their owners. Shy bitches-mothers, even if their character is not innate, but acquired, usually raise the same cowardly puppies, since they adopt the behavior of the mother at the age of greatest receptivity.
Close apartment rearing and the lack of basic knowledge and skills on the part of the would-be breeder often leads to the fact that puppies in such a “kennel” suffer from rickets, are not socialized, are overly fearful or, conversely, aggressive. It is impossible to raise a full litter of Dobermans (and these dogs are multiparous and most often produce 8-11 puppies) in an apartment correctly, especially if the owner of the bitch works and the puppies are left unattended for a long time.
Professional breeders create the most favorable conditions for their bitches during pregnancy and feeding puppies. They have special puppy pens and enclosures for young animals; dogs from two and a half months begin to get used to a leash, collar and walks, in addition, they grow up with a dog pack, which carefully teaches them the rules of the hostel.
Despite the fact that mothers stop feeding their babies at the age of 1.5 to 2 months, the mother bitch is regularly allowed in with her offspring so that she can train the puppies and play with them. Watching these games, the breeder forms his own opinion about the character of each puppy and tries to find him a home according to his innate inclinations. Usually, with such a breeder, most of the puppies have nicknames “stuck” to them, and old dogs also live in the kennel - honored veterans, of whom the breeder is very proud, since they made his name.
So, a successful search for a Doberman puppy begins with finding a breeder. Moreover, this applies not only to show dogs, but also to pets. Sometimes a few unfortunate white spots turn a healthy and strong baby into a pet-class dog. It happens that one of the puppies is regularly attacked by stronger brothers and the breeder sells it cheaper in order to avoid deprivation while keeping such a baby separately. In this case, the cost of the dog may be small, but the breeder will definitely draw up an agreement and may require sterilization of the dog when it reaches the age of 8-11 months.
Nutritional Features
Doberman Pinschers are distinguished by their large size and great physical activity, and therefore require a nutritious and high-quality complete diet..
Considering that these dogs are not picky about food, you can feed them both natural home-cooked food and ready-made industrial food.
When feeding a dog, you should not combine ready-made food and natural products; in addition, the Doberman should not be overfed, as this can lead to gastric volvulus.
What to look for when choosing
It's no secret that choosing a puppy for yourself is not an easy task. After all, they are very cute, which complicates the process of identifying from all the swarming variety the ideal candidate for the role of friend and protector. Therefore, you need to know how to choose a Doberman puppy, because a dog of this breed is versatile and can perform several functions.
It is best to choose a pet together with a specialist (a friend who breeds this breed, or a dog handler). This is the only way to choose a truly healthy and purebred dog. It is worth choosing a puppy from a well-known nursery. There you can get all the necessary documents for the animal, as well as check the pedigree and visually evaluate the parents. You can also find out useful information from breeders regarding the conditions of keeping and caring for your pet. At the same time, you can evaluate how well the animals are looked after in the nursery itself.
Interesting Facts
The little Doberman has earned popularity thanks to his extraordinary abilities and appearance. Some fun facts:
- The animal has an unusual gait that resembles a trotter. Because of her, the small miniature pinscher received the name “poor man’s riding pony.”
- Representatives of the breed have very sensitive hearing, picking up the quietest sounds and allowing them to determine from a great distance that the owner is approaching the house.
- The Mini Doberman is often called the “king of small dogs” among dog breeders.
- Despite its resemblance to the Doberman Pinscher, the Little Pinscher is not a variety of the first breed. She was bred by a dog handler who was inspired by the miniature and agile dog. The name of the breeder F.L. Doberman gave rise to a similar name for the breed.
Think again
Before you go to choose a Doberman puppy, weigh the pros and cons. Discuss with your family the possible difficulties, who will walk the dog, what you will feed it, and whether you can provide the right amount of exercise for your pet. If the decision has already been made finally and irrevocably, and no one can convince you otherwise, decide what exactly you want from the dog. If in other breeds you can compromise when choosing cheaper kennels, then with Doberman puppies, it is better not to hope for a discount.
Happy mother with cheerful children
It's not even a question of saving, it all depends on the genetic qualities of the puppy. If, for example, experienced breeders can easily tell and even show you all the necessary documents about the absence of an aggressive gene in distant relatives of a puppy, then popular sites for selling animals will not be able to do this. We are talking not only about the most famous sites; as a rule, even in nurseries you can run into unscrupulous breeders.
Pros and cons of the breed
The Dwarf Doberman is a smart dog that retains a lively disposition until old age. However, representatives of the miniature pinscher breed have both advantages and disadvantages.
| pros | Minuses |
| Strong physique | Need for strict training |
| Easy care for short hair | The need for regular physical activity |
| Energetic disposition | A bad companion for passive people |
| High intelligence | |
| Easy to maintain in an apartment due to its small size |
The Dwarf Doberman is a miniature dog with an unusual gait that makes it unique. With simple care, an energetic animal will give its owners only joy and its boundless love.
Main classes
At the moment, dogs of this breed are divided into three main classes:
- Pat. It implies animals that are in good health but have a certain defect. This defect prevents the dogs from meeting the standard specified for this breed. Also, such animals cannot be used for breeding or take part in exhibitions;
- brid. A class that fully complies with the standard. Therefore, such dogs are participants in exhibitions and are allowed for breeding;
- show. Puppies of this class are characterized by ideal pedigree and conformation. It is representatives of this class that most often become exhibition winners. Therefore, the cost of such a puppy will be the highest.
The class is determined only when the puppy is 1–1.5 months old. Previously, it was impossible to make an exact division, since the breed qualities of babies have not yet been fully revealed. Weaning puppies from their mother without harm to their psyche is possible at the age of 1.5–2 months.
Appearance and health
When choosing a pet, it is necessary that the chosen animal is not only beautiful to look at, but also healthy. For a Doberman, it is important that the following signs are absent in its appearance:
- light eyes;
- White spots;
- weak bones;
- twisted limbs;
- malocclusion, as well as missing teeth.
If such signs are not observed, then we can conclude that the puppy has good immunity and heredity. Healthy animals have shiny fur, expressive eyes, bright tan and a good appetite. Babies should be moderately well-fed. Their optimal weight is 3–5 kg. By the second month of life, puppies should weigh about 8–10 kg. It is worth noting that animals in nurseries can be vaccinated.
Price range and in which nurseries you can buy
The average cost of Doberman puppies with documents is 30-40 thousand rubles. Pet-class pets cost from 20 to 25 thousand, and show-class puppies are more expensive: their cost can exceed 50 thousand rubles.
Popular nurseries in Russia:
- "Envy me D'Amour"
- "Pride of Russia"
- "A'Donikons"
- "Alkahest"
- "Appel Di Fortuna"
- "Askania"
- "Versailles Manific"
- "Grand Mollys"
- "Pearl of the Black Earth Region"
- "From the Zoosphere"
- "Coppod Oro"
- "Nevsky Cerberus"
- "S'Lihobor"
- "Sant Creal"
- "Santa Julf"
- "Von Arsidorff"
You can find the websites and addresses of these nurseries on the Internet, especially since many of them have pages on social networks where you can find out about expected litters or puppies ready for sale.
Options
Let's start describing the breed with its appearance. The height of a male Doberman at the withers is 66-71 cm, that of a female is 61-66 cm. The weight of an adult is 30-40 kg. The head is narrow, elongated, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is pronounced. The teeth are strong. The eyes are dark. Ears are erect. The neck is long and graceful. The tail is docked and set high. The withers of males usually protrude strongly, defining the direction from the croup to the back.
The body of the Doberman is short, but in females the lumbar region is longer, due to the need to have space for the mammary glands . The belly is noticeably tucked in. The coat is short, hard, lying close to the body. Color: black with brown markings, chocolate, blue; white Dobermans (albino Dobermans) with light fur and eyes are extremely rare.
Puppy behavior
When choosing a puppy, special attention should be paid to its behavior.
You should watch the baby you like for a while. We need to find out how he sleeps, eats and plays with his peers. In addition, dog experts advise carrying out some tests to obtain additional information about the animal.
The following tests are performed very frequently:
- for sight and sound. While the puppies are busy playing, you need to drop something heavy on the floor to make a loud noise. After that they throw something silent. Puppies should show alertness and curiosity, but not indifference or fear;
- to social dependence. To perform this test, the dog is taken into the next room and left on the floor. After this, the person moves a short distance, kneels down and begins to clap his hands, while remaining silent. The puppy should run up to the person wagging its tail. Fear, indifference and aggression are considered bad signs;
- for dominance (trust). The animal is taken under the belly and slightly raised above the floor. The baby should remain in this position for at least 30 seconds. If the dog tries to get rid of his hands and jump to the floor, this is a bad sign. Raising such puppies will be difficult and long. It will also be difficult for these animals to get vaccinated;
- to reflexes. To check, you need to attract the pet's attention with a clean, but unnecessary rag. If the baby is healthy, he will start playing with the rag. A bad result for a service dog and a future guard would be ignoring the rag or playing with it for a short time.
There are other tests to check the behavior of babies, but the above are considered the main ones.
Pedagogical difficulties
The Doberman is rightfully considered an ideal service dog .
Legends are formed about the diligence, obedience and service zeal of the breed. But to consider the breed easy to train would be a serious mistake. One of the necessary selection parameters for the “gendarme dog” was the ability to make independent decisions and work “alone.” Independence implies the highest intelligence: all Dobermans are amazingly smart. Along with intelligence, the owner receives terrible stubbornness and willfulness. Dobermans perfectly recognize the strongest in the family hierarchy, easily integrate into the system of relationships and obey only the leader. The dog will, of course, protect the owner’s children, but by definition will not obey the child’s commands.
Dobermans get sick from “lying on their sides” on the sofa; boredom and monotony of the situation drives the dogs into the wildest depression. Active and active dogs need constant movement and busyness. Otherwise, Dobermans simply “fly off the rails.”
Finding a use for service talents, giving an opportunity to splash out energy and enthusiasm, creating a feeling of employment, necessity and usefulness is the main task of the Doberman owner.
Primary adaptation and care
In order for the purchased puppy to grow into a healthy and strong dog, it must be properly cared for. For successful primary adaptation, the animal needs to prepare a place to sleep. You should not allow your dog to sleep on the bed with you, because in the future this habit will be very difficult to get rid of.
The puppy also needs to be shown where he can play and where he can eat. There should be plenty of space for games. It is worth understanding that, depending on their age, puppies of this breed should eat differently. The number of meals should be reduced over time from 6 to 2 times (by 7 months).
Your dog's diet should contain the following foods:
- porridge;
- boiled lean meat;
- vegetables;
- eggs;
- dairy products;
- greenery.
The pet must be taught hygiene procedures. It should be combed every day, and nails should be trimmed periodically. Once a month, the dog needs to be bathed with special gels and shampoos. Animals are vaccinated every year. Vaccinations are given against plague, leptospirosis, adenoviral hepatitis, etc.
How to feed?
If the owner chooses a natural type of feeding for his pet, the dog’s diet should be based on protein products of animal origin, for example, meat or offal.
IMPORTANT!
The amount of meat or meat products in the Doberman's diet should be at least 30%, and for working dogs it will require approximately 50%.
To the meat you need to add a little porridge from buckwheat, rice or oatmeal, as well as raw or fresh vegetables. It is also useful to add finely chopped greens and vitamin and mineral supplements to food.
If the Doberman eats ready-made industrial food, then it must be high quality food: premium class or higher . At the same time, it must correspond to the pet’s age, size and state of health.
How to name a pet
After the puppy has been purchased, it is important to decide on its name. What do you call a Doberman? Often called nicknames today will not surprise anyone. Therefore, many dog breeders try to distinguish their pet from the rest with the help of a nickname. They choose original and rare names.
The selection of nicknames, of course, is carried out on the basis of gender. So, the following names are suitable for a boy: Black, Demon, Visuvius, Conan, Coal, Ulan, Centurion, Hassan, Figaro, etc. For girls there are also unusual names: Goldie, Venus, Bagheera, Star, Indy, Luna, Steffi , Justina, etc.
Moreover, the above nicknames reflect both the color of the animal and its character. The main thing is that the nickname is original, but does not cause unpleasant associations. You can also choose names with meaning. But you should be careful here, since such nicknames are usually taken from foreign languages.
Therefore, even a word that sounds euphonious to us in translation can have a completely unexpected meaning. In this case, it is best for the name to reflect either the dog's color or a specific character trait. Knowing how to choose the right Doberman puppy for yourself, you can raise a true friend for yourself and your children, as well as a true protector.
Popular nicknames for boys and girls
Boys : Adrian, Ares, Baron, Viscount, Gray, Demon, Duke, Chris, Lord, Max, Nick, Oscar, Prince, Ray, Steve, Theodore, Fred, Sheriff, Ace, Eugene.
Girls : Iris, Bagheera, Vesta, Grace, Gemma, Zena, Iris, Christa, Lady, Martha, Mabel, Nikta, Parma, Rachel, Stella, Tess, Ursula, Frida, Sherry, Elsa, Utah, Jasper.
It is believed that the most suitable nicknames for Dobermans are those of European, especially German, origin..
