Doberman Pinscher

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–12 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Dilated cardiomyopathy · Von Willebrand disease · Hip dysplasia

The Doberman Pinscher is an elegant, athletic guardian with a surprisingly velvet, people-loving heart — happiest glued to its person and often called a 'velcro dog'. Highly intelligent and trainable, it needs an owner who provides early socialisation, consistent positive training, real daily exercise and genuine mental work; a well-raised Doberman is a stable, sensitive and devoted companion, while a bored or neglected one invents its own outlets. It bonds deeply with family and does not thrive left alone or relegated to the yard. The short coat is very easy, needing only a weekly brush, though the breed feels the cold and appreciates a coat in winter. Health is a serious consideration: Dobermans have a high incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart-muscle disease that can cause sudden death, so buy only from a breeder who does annual cardiac screening (Holter and echo) of their lines. Also watch for the bleeding disorder von Willebrand disease, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. Give a Doberman companionship, exercise, training and diligent heart monitoring, and it will be one of the most capable and affectionate guardians you could own for ten to twelve years.

• How much exercise does a Doberman Pinscher need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Doberman Pinscher need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Doberman Pinscher suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Doberman Pinscher a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Doberman Pinscher live?

  10–12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Doberman Pinscher?

  Keep an eye out for Dilated cardiomyopathy, Von Willebrand disease, Hip dysplasia. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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