13 Things to Know Before Getting a Doberman Pinscher

Are you considering getting a Doberman Pinscher? 

These loyal and affectionate dogs will surely make great pets and are often seen as a symbol of power and strength. Many people are drawn to their striking looks and imposing stature.

Here are 13 things you should know first before bringing Doberman Pinscher! 

Dobermans have a high-energy level.

These dogs are known for their high energy and active lifestyle. Your Doberman needs daily physical activity and brain training to stay happy and healthy. 

To manage their energy level, you must give them various activities such as daily walks, playtime, interactive games, and other engaging and mentally stimulating activities.

Dobermans can become bored and restless without enough exercise and stimulation, leading to behavior problems like destructive chewing or digging. 

They are intelligent but can be strong-willed.

Doberman Pinschers are known for their high intelligence and can be excellent companions for the right owners. They are also trainable, but they can be strong-willed sometimes.

This is why they require confident and experienced owners because they need clear and consistent guidance to learn and follow commands. Training is essential for Dobermans to prevent behavior problems in adulthood. 

If they learn to assert their own will, they can become difficult to train. So, if you cannot train these dogs independently, you can hire a professional to help and guide you. 

They may exhibit undesirable behaviors such as jumping, digging, or chewing if not adequately trained. 

Starting obedience training as early as possible can help prevent these behaviors from developing and teach your Doberman good manners and basic commands that will make them easier to manage as they grow older.

Doberman Pinschers can be wary of strangers and other animals.

Socialization is essential for Dobermans, who can be naturally wary of strangers and other animals. Without proper socialization, they may become overly protective or aggressive towards unfamiliar people or animals, which can be problematic. 

When you bring your Doberman home, you must expose them to various people, places, and situations. This will teach them that new people and animals are not a threat. This will also help prevent them from becoming more fearful or aggressive toward other animals. 

They are protective by nature and can make excellent guard dogs.

Dobermans are protective by nature, loyal, and brave. These traits make them excellent guard dogs.

Doberman Pinschers are always alert and aware of their surroundings. This is also why they can often act quickly to protect their family and territory if they sense a threat or danger. 

Doberman Pinschers are great if you're looking for a dog that can help keep your place safe and secure. You also need to socialize and train your Dobermans in obedience properly to ensure they understand when it's appropriate to be protective and when it's not. 

Dobermans require minimal grooming, but they do shed.

These canines are relatively easy to care for. Their coat is pretty easy to groom as they are sleek, short, and single-layered, but they shed a little bit all year round, so you must brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy and clean. 

You must also bathe them only when necessary since overdoing it can dry out their skin and coat. You must also brush their teeth, clean their ears, and trim their nails.

They are prone to specific health issues.

These canines are prone to specific health issues that are also common to some breeds,  such as hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

A Doberman with hip dysplasia has a hip joint that doesn't develop properly. Because of this, they can have joint pain,  stiffness, and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia in Dobermans can be hereditary or developed from environmental factors such as overfeeding or over-exercising a puppy.

Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder that affects the Doberman blood's ability to clot properly. If your Doberman has von Willebrand's disease, they may bleed excessively from minor injuries or wounds.

On the other hand, dilated cardiomyopathy makes your Doberman’s heart muscle weak and enlarges. This can lead to poor circulation and heart failure. You must give your Doberman regular exercise, mental stimulation, a healthy diet, and regular veterinarian check-up to catch any signs of illnesses early on. 

Dobermans can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions.

These canines are quite sensitive to extreme weather conditions. It is crucial that if you have a Doberman at home, do not leave them outside in hot or cold weather for extended periods. It is crucial that you also provide them with adequate shelter, food, water, and exercise to stay healthy and comfortable.

Dobermans can overheat quickly in hot weather and may be prone to heat stroke if left outside without access to shade and water. On the other hand, they can also suffer from hypothermia if you fail to provide them with a warm, dry shelter and bedding during cold weather.

They can be prone to separation anxiety.

The Dobermans can be prone to separation anxiety when separated from their owners or left alone for too long. A dog with anxiety may exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, excessive barking, and other signs such as panting, pacing, or drooling.

To manage your Doberman’s anxiety, you need to provide them with plenty of socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, toys, treats, and other distractions. These things can help keep them occupied while you are gone or at work.

In addition, you must also create a safe and comfortable space for your Doberman to stay in at home while you are away. This can help your Doberman feel more secure and reduce its anxiety levels.

Please note that managing your dog’s anxiety requires patience and consistency to help them feel comfortable and secure when left alone.

Dobermans are loyal and affectionate towards their family members.

Since the Dobermans are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family members, they thrive on human interaction and always love being around their owners. In fact, Dobermans like to stay close to their owners at all times.

Despite being very protective of their families and territory, they can learn to be friendly and accepting of new people and animals through proper socialization and training.

They require a high-quality and balanced diet to maintain.

You must give your Dobermans a balanced diet that can help support their optimal growth and development and to maintain health and energy levels.

You must choose a food specifically formulated for large-breed dogs, as Dobermans have specific nutritional requirements that may differ from smaller breeds. Ensure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially since they can overheat quickly to avoid dehydration.  

Dobermans are not suited for apartment living.

The Dobermans are not well-suited for apartment living and generally require a large, fenced yard to play and exercise in. They may become bored and restless without adequate space to run and play.

A fenced yard also helps to prevent these dogs from wandering off and getting into trouble. Ensure your yard is secure and free from potential hazards, such as toxic plants, sharp objects, or escape routes.

If you live in an apartment or areas with limited space, you must provide your Dobermans with exercise and stimulation to thrive. They must be taken for regular walks, runs, or hikes, engaging them in agility training, obedience training, or playing fetch in a local dog park.

Dobermans can be prone to barking.

The Dobermans can be prone to barking, especially if they are not adequately trained and socialized. While some barking is normal for any dog, excessive barking can be a nuisance to you and your neighbors.

Providing them with proper training and socialization from an early age is crucial to prevent excessive barking in your Doberman. 

They are a large breed.

The Doberman Pinschers are a large and powerful breed that can intimidate some people. It is necessary to train them to be well-behaved and obedient outside your home. This is to ensure that your Doberman is not dangerous to other people and animals. 

You need to be able to understand your Doberman's body language and behavior when in public. If your Doberman Pinscher shows signs of aggression, anxiety, or fear, removing them from the situation is best to avoid escalating it. 

Doberman Pinschers are a unique and rewarding breed that can make great companions for the committed owner. Understanding their needs and requirements helps you provide your Dobermans with the love, care, and training they need to thrive. Be prepared to welcome this intelligent and loyal dog into your home and enjoy all the joys and rewards of a Doberman Pinscher!