Health

Along with exercise and adequate mental stimulation, Dobermans need a quality diet and veterinary care to ensure a happy life. Your vet or breeder can make recommendations as to 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.

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, and the doors and rooms in your house when you talk to him. In short order he will be able to understand many commands.

Windsong Doberman pinschers

Living with Dobermans

For those of us who love the breed, there is nothing like living in the company of a Doberman Pinscher. These are elegant and powerful dogs who love "their people" wholeheartedly. They might behave like watchdogs or class clowns, depending upon the situation. This complex personality makes the breed a joy to live with. However, these dogs are not for everyone. The following is background on the general temperament type seen in the breed, and ideas about the kind of home and lifestyle that make for a happy, healthy Doberman.

Temperament

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

Sometimes yawns are infectious! Ava and 'Bandit'.