The Misconception About Dobermans
While I have shown and trained many different dog breeds in the past, I have only been focusing on showing Dobermans in recent years.
At first, I was captivated by the breed’s athletic build and regal appearance but the more I get to know about them, the more interested I became.
There is a common misconception that they are a killer dog and constant depictions on television furthered this misconception. By now, I am sure many are familiar with scenes of Dobermans in inch-thick spike collars, chasing down uninvited trespassers maniacally.
Still, I assure you that they are among the most loyal, intelligent and best-looking members of the canine world.
Doberman Begins
The Doberman was believed to have originated from Germany during the late 19th century and were initially bred as guard dogs. While their exact ancestry is unknown, they are believed to be a hybrid of different dog breeds including the Rottweiler, the German Shepherd Dog and German Pinscher.
Dobermans are indeed formidable watchdogs, but they love being part of the pack. They enjoy being part of the pack and dread being alone. It isn’t easy to imagine such a powerful dog behaving like a baby.
This dual trait of being a great guard and family dog has made them a popular breed in Malaysia, but they are not for everyone. They are a mighty and energetic breed that requires a lot of exercises. A full-grown male Doberman can grow up to about 70 pounds while females up to 65 pounds.
Obedience Training Must Start Young
Obedience training should start from a young age as this intelligent breed generally responds well to positive reinforcement. As they are bred as guard dogs, they do need to have a strong alpha to look up. Or else they will be quick to assume the alpha role if they don’t sense the presence of a strong leader.
They are well-adjusted to our hot climate and require minimum grooming. You can do a quick brush down 2-3 times a week. While their coat is short, they do still shed and tend to dry out. A quick bath every month with a mild shampoo should do the trick.
If you are unsure about this breed, please do stop by the shop for a quick chat. We can even take one of mine for a walk so that you can develop a feel for their strength.