The Doberman is a very
recognizable dog. Unfortunately, many people have a
false sense of this particular breed. Originally
bred in the 1800s as a guard dog and watchdog, the
Doberman Pinscher is actually a very likable,
friendly animal and not vicious or overly aggressive
if coming from a reputable breeder. Getting a good
start with a top breeder will also go a long way
toward making sure that your new Doberman will be
healthy too.
This dog is an energetic and highly intelligent,
generally healthy, with a few serious genetic
problems. The Doberman and many other purebred dogs
are prone to hip dysplasia, which is a degenerative
joint disease related to arthritis. Keep in mind
that a good breeder can head off this problem by
using breeding parents who have been checked and
cleared for this disease. Both parents should be
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified,
as being free from this condition. If you notice
symptoms such as limping as your dog grows or ages,
do not hesitate to have your pet examined by a
veterinarian. Typically, medications can help and in
serious situations, surgery might be an option.
Purebred dogs, including the
Doberman, are also prone to some congenital heart
disorders, as well as cervical spondylitis
(Wobbler’s Syndrome) that results from issues
relating to the neck vertebrae and spine. Again,
these conditions can be addressed early on by
dealing with a reputable breeder who is careful
about his breeding stock and early testing of
puppies. Then, you want to watch for unusual weight
gain and slow movement with your normally active
Doberman. Some purebred dogs have a condition called
hypothyroidism in which the thyroid gland does not
produce enough hormones to maintain a healthy
metabolism, which can be tested for by the
veterinarian.
Dobermans are sometimes prone to a condition called
progressive retinal atrophy that affects the sight
in low light, which could lead to blindness. A
screening test is available so you probably want to
ask your veterinarian about this as well. Dogs with
a deep chest such as the Doberman may also have
issues with bloat, a serious, life-threatening
condition of larger dogs who eat large amounts of
food, exercise a lot after eating, and drink lots of
water after eating dry food. Feeding the dog smaller
amounts more frequently and waiting for play and
exercise helps.
One of the key things to watch for with your
Doberman is excessive shedding or very dry skin that
can be caused by allergies to grain such as wheat,
corn, or soy in poor quality commercial foods. For
this reason, you want to feed your Doberman lean
meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality
snacks that are free of these common grains. Skin
irritation and dryness could also be caused by the
wrong type of shampoo or soap product used in
bathing. Then, a genetic dry skin condition
sometimes found in blue or fawn colored Dobermans
can be treated.
A rare condition that all dog owners should be aware
of has surfaced only in the last 15 or 20 years.
Some dogs have developed kidney failure after they
eat grapes or raisins, a condition commonly called
grape toxicity. Most of these dogs vomited within a
few hours of eating the grapes or raisins, became
quiet, and showed signs of abdominal pain. If this
situation arises, contact your veterinarian
immediately. If you start your search for a Doberman
Pinscher by visiting several top breeders and make
sure that the puppy has been tested for possible
genetic health problems, you can look forward to
many years of enjoyment with your new pet.
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