Doberman Pinscher
A square, medium-sized dog, the Doberman Pinscher is muscular and possesses great endurance and speed. He is elegant in appearance and reflects great nobility and temperament. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog. The Doberman’s short, hard coat can be black, red, blue and fawn.
Breed Profile
The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient. He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise but needs only minimal grooming for his short coat.
Grooming
The Doberman Pinscher requires regular bathing and grooming. This discerning companion can be bathed weekly up to every six to eight weeks depending on his activity level and lifestyle. With this short coat, regular bathing is recommended to minimize shedding and to maintain healthy skin and coat while preserving the hard texture. Selecting the correct products to match your pet’s needs is essential to achieve optimal results.
Finishing the Dog: Tools and Finish Grooming
The Doberman Pinscher should be bathed and groomed on a regular basis in order to keep the short, smooth coat in prime condition and to minimize shedding. It is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray to follow the bath and drying process. This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture in order to maintain perfect hydration. As a finishing touch, before using the hydrating spray, use a grooming mitt and message in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils in addition to the removal of any loose hairs. Then finish with the hydrating spray.
General Health Care
Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.
Nutritional Care
In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good
Do they require a lot of grooming?
They require minimal grooming. Routine baths and brush outs are recommended to minimize shedding and keep the skin and coat in good condition.
What are the common problems in the Doberman Pinscher?
Cardiomyopathy is suspected to be an inherited disease in this breed. Hypothyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, and Von Willebrand’s Disease (a bleeding disorder) are also health conditions that have been identified in Doberman Pinschers.
Do Doberman’s shed or cause allergies?
They do shed year around Their shedding makes them a poor choice for those suffering from allergies.
Are Doberman Pinscher’s good with children?
Doberman’s are loyal to their owner and are good with children if they are raised with hem and socialized properly. As with any dog, a small child should never be left unsupervised or left alone with a dog.
What if I have a show dog?
Whether you have a show dog or a companion dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, www.dpca.org.
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