As we have said multiple times before, the reason to bring home a pet dog may differ from person to person. Some of you make be out strictly looking for a furry companion to cuddle with while others may be in need of a proper guard dog for their professional as well as personal lives. So if you are looking for a four-legged sidekick who is loving but also attacks when the situation demands it, look no further and stop your search with a Doberman. Dobermans, although fairly new to the world of dogs have gone on to become one of the most sought-after breeds in the United States.

Although a sweet fur buddy to have, the intimidating looks of a Doberman make a lot of people skeptical about bringing one home. And given the history of the breed, we understand the skepticism. But if you are still considering bringing a Doberman home, we applaud you. But we also think you should know a bit more about the breed. That way you will be able to care for your pet friend better. Mentioned below are a few things you should know about Dobermans.

• History of the breed

According to us, one of the best things about this breed is its amazing history. A lot of people think Doberman is a very unusual name for a dog breed. But wait until to hear its story. During the 1800s, a man named Louis Dobermann lived in Germany and he had a lot of dogs. He was a tax collector. And funnily enough, people were evasive about paying their taxes back in the day too. This is why he was in need of a canine partner who could intimidate the ones who refused to pay the taxes. But at the same time, he wanted a dog who could guard the taxes that were collected. That is when he started experimenting with dog breeds. It is said that Dobermans came into existence when he bred together Rottweilers, Black and Tan Terriers, and German Pinschers, to name a few. The breed was officially recognized in 1900. Interesting back story, don’t you think?

• Growth and development of Dobermans

Dobermans are known for their muscular build and pointy ears. But they don’t always look like that. The puppy age for a Doberman is between 3 to 6 months. During this period you may need to buy a lot of chew toys since they tend to keep the puppies occupied. By the age of 1, a Doberman reaches adulthood and is ready for big boy tasks. The age of 7 to 11 are senior years for a Doberman. This is when health issues may start surfacing.

• The many looks of Doberman

Depending on your preference, you can choose from the numerous varieties of Dobermans. The basic difference is the color of the coat. Black, red, fawn, and blue are the most popular options.

• They are very energetic

These dogs are extremely energetic and need a hefty amount of exercise to keep in shape. The best way to deal with this breed is to make sure you have an open backyard where you can leave your dog for a while. Let it run around in the backyard by itself until it gets tired. You can also buy some toys for your Doberman.

• They need mandatory training

The inherent nature of Dobermans is a bit aggressive. And if you want to bring one as a house dog, the only way around it is regular training. Your dog needs to understand and follow your commands. The best part about this breed is that it thrives on training and loves to learn new tricks. If you notice any behavioral issues with your Doberman, deal with them right away before it gets out of hand.

• Is Doberman good around children?

Although Dobermans are known to be loyal to the core, they aren’t the perfect breed if you have kids around. Sometimes, despite their training, these dogs can get a little aggressive without knowing they are being too aggressive since it is second nature to them. Although, some believe it won’t be a problem if the kids and the puppies are raised together.

• The temperament of a Doberman

Dobermans are usually labeled as attack dogs or guard dogs. However, we believe it completely depends on the training you provide your dog. Dobermans can be friendly pets too. It’s just that this breed can at times be a bit too much for an average household.

• What is the life expectancy of a Doberman?

The ideal life expectancy of a Doberman is 10 to 11 years.

These are some of the things you should know about Dobermans.