This breed was created to provide protection for an 19th century tax collector on his rounds. Dogs were bred to be keenly intelligent, constant companions, and fearless protectors. Modern American breeding preferences have softened Dobes' historic sharp, guard dog tendencies. However, they retain the intelligence, athleticism, working  instinct, and strong desire to be close to their owners seen over a century ago.

What this means for you:

Your new puppy will be smart. This is a breed that has the goods to succeed in many venues. From obedience to tracking, search and rescue to therapy work, Dobermans are brainy, adaptable dogs. They are happiest when they have a job to do. The best job for a Dobe can be that of family companion. You may be amazed at the skills your dog will pick up around the home. Many discover how to open doors or gates. We have seen them pull open dresser drawers to retrieve an object and even neatly tuck themselves under the covers at night.  These feats can be fun to witness, but they may require some extra dog-proofing around your home. Crate training during puppyhood is a must.

Dobes are also known for understanding large vocabularies. Name your puppy's toys, the people in your family, the doors and rooms in your house, etc. when you talk to him. In short order he will be able to understand many commands.

It is strongly suggested that you enroll your new Doberman in an obedience class. Chances are he will be the star pupil! It is important to have this foundation for several reasons. First it will reinforce a relationship where you are the handler and the dog looks to you for guidance. (In the absence of this relationship your Dobe will almost certainly try to train you.) Second, it will give your dog something to think about. A bored Doberman is an unhappy and usually destructive creature. Third, classes are a great way to socialize a young dog. The more you can get your dog out in the world to see new things and have new experiences, the better.

There are some couch potatoes in the breed, but it is more likely that your puppy will require a lot of exercise. If you don't have a fenced yard you will need to be committed to daily walks, runs, or trips to the park. This will benefit the dog's physical and mental health.

A Doberman will have a strong desire to be near you. They are often called "Velcro dogs" for this reason. Any prolonged separation from you is difficult for a Dobe. Additionally, they need to live indoors as part of a family. Dobermans should never live in outdoor kennel environments. If you work a lot of extended hours or will need to travel frequently without your dog, this is probably not the breed for you. But if you have time to devote and would enjoy having a close companion for the foreseeable future, a Doberman may be exactly the dog you are looking for.

Health

Along with exercise and adequate mental stimulation, Dobermans need a quality diet and vet care to ensure a happy life. Your vet or breeder can make recommendations on a suitable diet. Find a vet that you trust, and be sure to keep up with scheduled health checks and maintenance medications (i.e. heartworm prevention). There are serious health concerns in this breed. They include but are not limited to: Dilated Cardiomyopathy, von Willebrands Disease, Cervical Vertebral Instability, and hypothyroidism. Please educate yourself about these diseases, and thoroughly question any breeder about the health issues in their pedigrees. Health is a main focus of our breeding program and I welcome inquiries on this topic.