• Size

Female Dobermans reach 61-66 centimeters in height, and male Dobermans reach 66-71 centimeters. As for other physical data, the body length of representatives of the breed usually doesn’t exceed 102-117 centimeters. 

• Weight 

Individual cases of Doberman weight vary according to genetics, diet, and health. However, as a rule, an adult male Doberman weighs from 34 kilograms to 45 kilograms. In the case of a female Doberman, this figure is smaller and amounts to 27-41 kilograms.

• Lifespan

A Doberman’s lifespan ranges from 10 to 13 years and is roughly equivalent to a human lifespan of 66-82 years. However, remember, these figures are only conditional, and the life expectancy of your important family member depends on his healthy lifestyle and harmonious living environment.

• Fur

The Doberman has a short, sleek coat that’s smooth to the touch. You will catch a glimpse of these important family members mostly in black, brown, tan, gray, teal, and white colors. To reduce shedding and ensure skin health, Doberman requires weekly brushing. To keep the fur clean, it’s not necessary to wash the representatives of the breed often. It’s only recommended when your furry friend gets dirty.

Doberman is exceptionally smart, learns skillfully, and responds quickly to instructions. Along with the Border Collie, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Standard Poodle, it ranks among the easiest dogs to train. With that in mind, Doberman makes an excellent companion, yet, they take time and effort to thrive. Due to their size, strength, and energy, they are not suitable for inexperienced owners, or those who cannot devote adequate time to training and training these demanding dogs.

Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and courage, the Doberman is often considered one of the best guard dog breeds. These important family members have a strong protective instinct. Their confidence, fearless demeanor, and energetic nature make them excellent companions for active people.

These beloved friends necessitate regular exercise. Due to their natural athleticism, they require several hours of physical activity and energy release daily. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they might develop bad habits and even depression.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals suffer hip dysplasia from birth. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily fix the issue. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones.

Although genetics play an important role in the development of the disease, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to reduce stress on the joints.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease that causes the left ventricle to widen and thicken. The disease causes irregular heartbeats, blood clots, and sudden death. Dilated cardiomyopathy can be caused by genetics, diabetes, congenital heart disease, or bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.

The disease is often accompanied by fatigue, heart failure, decreased ability to exercise, swelling of the legs, and abdominal pain. If these symptoms occur, consult a veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy will help you fight the disease effectively.

Von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand’s disease causes excessive bleeding. This condition is typically hereditary, though in rare cases, it can develop later in a companion animal’s life. The cause of the disease is the deficiency of the most important protein involved in blood clotting. Treating Von Willebrand’s disease requires precise veterinarian care.

Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler syndrome is a neurological disease that causes instability of the neck vertebrae and lameness in the hind limbs. The syndrome mainly occurs in large and giant breeds. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown. However, veterinarians suggest that it’s caused by a genetic predisposition.

Diagnosing the disease requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are at least 21 different types of surgery to treat Wobbler syndrome. Yet, treatment is mainly with anti-inflammatory drugs or surgery.

Bloating 

Bloating is considered a harmless problem for humans, but in dogs, the condition can be fatal. To prevent the problem, pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, a full stomach, and excessive salivation. As soon as symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian immediately.

To prevent bloat, divide your companion animal’s diet into at least two meals and make sure your friend doesn’t drink a lot of water after meals. Give preference to special bowls with a raised center. You can buy them at any pet store near your home.

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland. In companion animals with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormones for the normal functioning of the body. A reduced amount of thyroid hormones interferes with the normal functioning of the body, resulting in symptoms such as dry skin, fatigue, and lack of energy.

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining optimal thyroid health. Regular veterinary checkups and thyroid function testing can help identify and manage this condition early.

Feeding your Doberman puppy high-quality food will help them grow into a healthy companion, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the risk of health issues. In the early stages of development, the vitamins and minerals received from the food formulated especially for puppies guarantee healthy organs, strong bones, and a shiny coat.

As the Doberman grows, its activity level, size, and metabolism change. That’s why an adult Doberman should be fed balanced food with high nutritional value. The useful substances contained in such food will significantly improve both the physical and cognitive health of the canine. 

Keep a close eye on your companion animal’s weight throughout the feeding process. Excess fat can cause joint problems. As usual, the amount of food you offer your important family members should be determined based on their weight, age, energy, and health status. Before visiting the nutritionist, the table on the food bag will help you know how often and how much you should feed your beloved friend.

Keep in mind that certain foods are not suitable for Dobermans. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and nuts, all can be dangerous for your companion animal. It’s also important to avoid feeding bones. This can cause damage to the digestive system and lead to death.

Doberman is a breed of German origin. Its creation is associated with the name of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. He was a tax collector who wished for a guard dog for security reasons. With this in mind, Karl Doberman began the selection in 1890 and took advantage of German Pointers, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Manchester Terriers, and Greyhounds to create the ideal companion. After the death of Karl Doberman in 1894, the Germans named the breed Doberman Pinscher. The German Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1899.

During the First World War, the number of representatives of the breed decreased significantly. People in Europe could no longer keep such large dogs and meet their nutritional needs. Yet, due to its distinctive physical and personality characteristics, the Doberman has become an indispensable companion for military service and search and rescue missions. During World War II, Dobermans were actively used as messenger dogs by the US Marine Corps.

Due to its intelligence, loyalty, and athletic abilities, the Doberman became an important member of the family after the war.