16 Charismatic Characteristics of Dashing Dobes
Vishnu Dutt Tripathi
Dobermans are one of the most popular dog breeds internationally. Strong, majestic, and athletic, they are perfect companions and will make a great pet. Know more about dashing dobes! -by Vishnu Dutt Tripathi
1. Sporty & stylist
Dobermans are of medium size, strong and muscularly built. Through the elegant lines of their body, stature, and stern expressions of determination, they signify an ideal picture of a tough dog.
2. Magical hues
Dobermans are bred in two colour varieties: black or brown with rust red, clearly defined and clear markings (tan markings). Tan markings are on the muzzle as a spot on the cheeks and the top of the eyebrow; on the throat; two spots on the fore chest; on the metacarpus, metatarsus and feet; on the inner side of the hind thigh; on the forearms and under the tail.
3. Adaptabilities and confidence make them loved
The disposition of the Doberman is friendly and calm and they are very devoted to the family. They have a medium temperament and sharpness and medium threshold to irritation. They are easy to train, courageous, enjoy working and have good work ability. The particular values of self-confidence, intrepidness and adaptability make them so loved.
4. Small history lesson
The Doberman pinscher is a very smart, loyal, elegant and strong breed. These dogs are versatile and highly trainable for use as companions or guard dogs. They first came into existence in Europe in the late 19th century when breeders combined a German shepherd with a German pinscher. The breed was originally used as a guard dog. By 1977, Doberman was the second most popular breed in America. Dobermans usually live for 10 to 13 years.
5. Living with them and loving them
Learning more about them can help you coexist with one. Socialise Dobermans as puppies by introducing them to many different people and types of animals. They are protective of their pet parents and require intensive training to prevent aggression toward other dogs and new human beings. Do not keep Dobermans confined to your backyard or in a kennel. They are social beings and love being amidst people.
6. Groom & care them well
Brush their short coats once a week and wipe them with a damp washcloth several times a week or when they become dirty. Do not allow them to overeat and make sure they have many opportunities to exercise. This will help in maintaining a healthy weight. Take them for long walks, runs, or play dates at dog parks. Ensure that your Doberman and his breeder are OFA certified. Otherwise, you may obtain a pet with health problems. This breed is known to suffer from cancer, bloating from air and water retention, liver, spinal and thyroid ailments.
7. Active and agile the only way
Dobermans are considered as people-oriented dogs who are affectionate and sweet with pet parents, if socialized and trained properly. They are loyal to their owners and are good with children if raised with them; however, some Dobermans bond only to one person. Dobermans are bred to be highly active for a whole working day and able to perform tasks requiring a high degree of athleticism. If they are not given the chance to develop and exert their physique he will suffer and will have a negative effect not just on their body, but also their mind.
8. Run, Play and Hop – Know where to put full stop
Don’t start rigorous exercise for your Doberman pet at an early age. Their body is considered to be in developing stage until the age of two years. Bones and joints are not fully developed and don’t have complete strength, so do not over exert them. Too much exercise before about the age of two, especially high impact exercises on hard surfaces (or weight-bearing exercises), can cause permanent damage to your joints. Besides, Dobermans are naturally far lankier in their appearance at a young age than they will naturally be as an adult. This is especially true in male Dobermans who don’t completely “fill-out” until 2.5 to 3 years of age. So when in doubt, wait. They may just naturally develop the muscle you’re looking for anyway.
9. Slow and Steady always win life’s race
Start slow! It’s always a great idea to start slow; slower than you might think. Always make exercise a positive experience. Exercising together is a great way to bond with your pet, as long as it’s an empowering and enriching experience for both of you. Never make exercising a chore or a punishment. Doing so can be detrimental to your pet’s mental and physical health. Like your trainer praises you when you do good, you need to praise your pet. And remember that if your pet isn’t excited about the workout routine, maybe you’ve made a mistake and you need to bring some changes.
10. Dogs talk but to only those who read the ‘signs’
Pay close attention to your pet and read him, especially during exercising. You should be able to tell when he’s pushing himself too far or is in distress. Don’t ignore the subtle signs. Any sudden changes in a desire to do a certain workout, foaming from the mouth, excessive panting, favouring one leg over another, or whining, are all signs of trouble. When in doubt, stop the workout.
11. Beat the problem of ‘overheat’
Overheating is an issue in Dobermans. That sleek black (or other dark coloured) coat is beautiful to look at, but it absorbs more heat than you might think. Unfortunately, Dobermans do have issues with getting too hot. This goes back to the last rule about paying close attention to your pet. Always provide plenty of water and if you suspect your pet is getting too hot, stop and cool off in the shade or play in some water.
12. Take care of their paw pads
Check their paw pads often. Make it a habit to check the paws before, during, and after the exercise routine. This is often the first-place damage can occur and catching cracked or damage pads early on can help prevent further damage and pain.
13. Recovery time to make them stronger
It’s important to always allow plenty of recovery time. The way a dog’s body builds muscle is in a similar way to how a human builds muscle. As you work out, the muscle it breaks down. Then as the body rests and is well nourished, it rebuilds that muscle back up, stronger than before. This cycle of breaking down and rebuilding the muscle is what makes your Doberman bigger and stronger.
14. Day off is much needed!
If you don’t provide adequate recovery time, their body will not have time to rebuild the muscle. Essentially the body will be breaking it back down again before its strengthened and in essence, you’ll be working against yourself. Provide at least two “off-days” spread out throughout the week where your pet gets to rest. Also try alternating workouts from one day to the next so that you aren’t doing the same workout twice in a row, providing the muscles time to strengthen.
15. Gentle Giants who are easy to groom
Dobermans have short hair and hence, basic grooming is actually sufficient. Brushing them once a week should be sufficient. It’ll remove dead hair, debris, and also improve circulation. Frequent shampooing is not advised as the skin tends to become dry. You can also ask your vet for some supplements to make their skin and coat shiny.
16. Positive reinforcement always works
Dobermans are highly trainable dog. Careful socialization and obedience training from a young age is essential for this breed. They respond very well to positive reinforcement. No special guard training is needed for anyone who wants a good family protector. In fact, experts often advise against special guard training, which could result in over-guarding and aggression. If you’re looking for a breed who will be your running partner, cuddle buddy, and a perfect guard dog, then do consider bringing home a dashing Doberman.
(Vishnu Dutt Tripathi runs Tripathis Kennel in Bhopal. He has been breeding and showing Doberman over the last 20 years)