The Dobermann Club Of Victoria - Owning a Dobermann

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So you want to own a Dobermann?
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ORIGINS AND HISTORY The Dobermann originated in the late 1800’s and took it’s name from Herr Louis Doberman who’s breeding experiments were reputedly involved in the Dobermann’s early development. Although no official records were kept, the Old German shepherd, the German Pinscher, and later, the black & tan Manchester Terrier, the black English Greyhound and the Weimaraner are all believed to have contributed to the only working dog bred to be a human companion, that we have come to know today as the Dobermann.	GENERAL APPEARANCE A square bodied, medium sized dog, the Dobermann is elegant with a proud carriage reflecting great nobility and temperament. They are alert, determined, energetic, loyal and obedient. Males are approx 69cm (27”) tall at the shoulder, females 65cms (25 1/2”), weighing around 32 - 36kg (70 - 79lbs), with a life expectancy of approx 10-12 years. The Dobermann comes in four recognized colours, black, brown, blue and fawn, all with rust red markings on the face, chest and legs. The blue and fawn colours are less common.
PURPOSE AND USES The Dobermann was originally bred to be a sharp and aggressive dog to accompany Herr Louis Dobermann on his tax collecting route. Today, the Dobermann is mostly used as a family dog and protector of the home. They are also used successfully as service dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, sniffer dogs and search and rescue dogs. TEMPERAMENT Naturally very protective, the Dobermann is also a trustworthy family member and companion. They demand a respect, are energetic, determined, fearless, loyal and obedient, Dobermanns require an owner, able and willing to carry the responsibility of training him / her to be a good canine citizen.
GENERAL CARE & MAINTENANCE As the Dobermann is a short coated dog, hygiene and grooming are minimal. Regular grooming with a brush, mitt or damp cloth and the occasional bath will keep the coat and skin clean, shiny and healthy. The ears should be gently cleaned and toenails trimmed on a weekly basis. Vaccinating and worming are routines that will be done throughout your Dobermann’s life. When you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder at 8 weeks of age the immunization and worming program will already have been commenced. The breeder should give you an immunization card and details of worming stating when they are next due. Dobermanns are a family dog and benefit greatly from being an active family member and participating in family activities. Dobermanns can easily suffer from heat exhaustion during our long hot summer months - Never leave him in a car on a warm day even with the windows down the interior temperatures can rise to 20° above the outside temperature. Do not have snail or rat bait lying around the garden or house. These are very attractive to dogs and can prove fatal. Should you suspect your dog has consumed one of these contact a vet immediately. The Dog Control Acts of the various Local Council list your responsibilities as a dog owner. You are obliged to register your dog with your local council and provide adequate food, shelter and control over your dog at all times.
TRAINING & EXERCISE The Dobermann is highly intelligent and benefits greatly from being worked both mentally and physically. Basic training is highly recommended and can begin as early as possible with the teaching of discipline, good manners and socialization. A large well fenced living area and daily walks are essential to maintain both good muscle tone and mental stimulation.
ACTIVITIES I CAN DO WITH MY DOBERMANN There are several activities you can enjoy on either a social or competitive level with your Dobermann. These include showing, obedience, agility, flyball, tracking, pets for Therapy, doggy dancing, etc. To participate on a competitive level in these areas you will be required to be a member of The Victorian Canine Association, Victoria’s member body of the Australian National Kennel Council. The following web site address will give you all the information you need to join and begin Competing: http://www.vca.org.au Joining your local Obedience Club or The Dobermann Club of Victoria Inc you will be able to partake in a number of these activities on a social level.
FEEDING Dobermanns are generally good eaters. All dedicated Breeders should supply diet sheets and give verbal direction on how will be best to raise and feed your Dobermann puppy so as to have him reach his full potential. It is important to follow the direction of your puppy’s Breeder as much as possible.
BUYING YOUR DOBERMANN Dedicated Breeders breed for the future of the breed, they have given much consideration to bloodlines, temperament and soundness etc. Researching the Dobermann thoroughly and visiting several dedicated breeders before deciding to buy is highly recommended.
The Dobermann Club of Victoria Inc runs a Puppy Information Line, and a Puppy & Older Dog Register. For general breed information, puppy or older dog enquiries please contact our Puppy & Older Dog Register Officer : Jan Frederickson-Mack Ph: 0407 869 493
You must ask yourself “Am I the right person to own this breed ?” The Dobermann is an active and intelligent breed and you must be willing to provide the exercise and attention he / she requires and demands.
SHOWING Dog Showing is the exhibition and judging of pure bred dogs to a breed standard. A show dog doesn’t just happen, it is the product of a dedicated breeder with the expertise, experience and knowledge to recognize the true potential of a puppy to conform to the breed standard, then combined with the proper environment, nutrition, training, care and handling that may then lead to a winner in the conformation ring. Whether you are interested in a show dog, an obedience dog, a working dog or a family pet and protector, it is highly recommended you research and find a reputable breeder who has the breed at heart and is willing to share with you background knowledge and bloodlines that will best suit your requirements as a Dobermann owner.
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©The Dobermann Club of Victoria Inc 2006-2009.
Affiliated with The Victorian Canine Association Inc.