Please see also – About The Dobermann (History of the Breed) – and a detailed – description of the Dobermann Breed Standard – on the Scottish Dobermann Club Website.
| Group | Working |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Original Function of Breed | Guarding |
| Size | Medium Sized Dog |
| Average Life Span | 10-12 Years, but may go on to 14+ years |
| Approximate Height (at withers/shoulders) | Dog: 27 inches; Bitch: 25 inches |
| Coat Type | Short and smooth, no undercoat |
| Coat Colour | Black & Tan; Liver & Tan; Blue & Tan; Isabella [Fawn & Tan] |
| Coat Care | Although short coated, Dobermanns do moult – regular grooming with a rubber grooming mitt keeps coat shiny and soft, and removes loose hair |
| Town or Country? | Is happy with either provided exercised enough and has enough human company |
| Would the Dog Live Happily in a Flat or Apartment? | Would depend on the dog and the owner’s circumstances, and the flat/apartment in question. Not ideal. |
| Does the Breed Suffer from Cold / Wet / Heat? | Dobermanns love their comforts and do not like the cold. They often don’t like to get wet and many refuse to go out when it’s raining! Beware of heat stroke with those black coats as some Dobes are sun worshippers. |
| Would the Dog Live happily outside? | No. Dobermanns like to be part of the family and love human company. They like their home comforts too much to enjoy living outdoors |
| Special Considerations | Dobermanns enjoy being part of the family. They should be trained with patience and kindness and it is never too late to train a dog. Dobermanns are ‘in your face’ dogs, and want to spend as much time with their owners as possible. If you want a dog that will go off and lie down quietly so you don’t know it is there, then a Dobermann is definitely not for you |
| Character Sketch | Alert, courageous, proud, loyal, affectionate, highly intelligent and manipulative. Dobermanns need to be treated with great respect and not mishandled. Kindness and patience will be greatly rewarded and you will have a dog that is extremely loyal, trustworthy and affectionate |
| Hereditary Defects /Health Issues | Cervical Spondylitis [Canine Wobbler Syndrome]; Dilated Cardiomyopathy [Heart Failure]; Von Willibrands Disease; Hip Dysplasia; |
| Other Conditions Dobermanns Are Prone To | Hypothyroidism; Arthritis [mostly in older dogs]; Fatty Lumps; Lick Granulomas |