The Doberman Pinscher

Originating  from Germany, Doberman Pinschers are a noble, devoted, and alert breed that make excellent watchdogs. Dobermans are among the most intelligent, and fastest to train of all the breeds. Their great agility and stamina make them a favorite for police work in many countries. It is important to note that Dobermans have a pre-disposition as Alpha, and they require an owner that can establish themselves as "Boss" from day one.

Their athletic appearance, and close-fitting smooth and short coat make for a magnificent display of power.  But don't be fooled by their appearance, as the breed is not all brawn, and they can be as loving and attentive as any other breed even though they were bred primarily as a guard dogs. The breed was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908, and since then has enjoyed popularity in the United States.

In order to keep the Doberman Pinscher happy and healthy it is important that he/she receives lots of physical and mental exercise as is the case with other breeds like the Alaskan Malamute. These dogs left unstimulated can have behavioral issues, and problems with destruction. See Dog Chewing.

The Doberman's grooming requirements are low, as their short coats are easy to maintain. An occasional brushing, and a damp washcloth to wipe them down is a good idea on a weekly basis. They only need a full bath 4 times per year (provided they are not frequently traipsing in the mud.)

Obedience and agility training should be done with an assertive and calm approach. Treats and praise are often very helpful with this breed. And, I strongly caution against rough play with this dog, as he can often mistake your behavior as aggression, and will not think twice about showing you just how strong he is when provoked.

Furthermore, I highly recommend socializing your Doberman with other animals from a very young age. As the breed has a very high prey drive and will think nothing of making your daughter's hamster a snack.

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