PROFILE OF THE
DOBERMAN PINSCHER
by Lee Weston
        The Doberman Pinscher is an elegant, noble, and frighteningly intelligent canine.  Often the Dobie is referred to as "the dog of dogs". When a person recounts all the things that a Dobie can do, it is a statement that is easily believed. The Doberman is very energetic, is very strong, possesses awesome speed, and is agile enough to catch a rabbit, or beat you to the couch every time. He is used for tracking, some say the Dobie can track faster than a Bloodhound, but that was probably said by a Dobie lover. This wonderful dog is seen in conformation, Obedience Trials, and in Field Trials as well.  He is used as a companion, for protection, Police work, rescue work, and as a guide dog. There have also been Dobermans used as Therapy Dogs.
        If you are thinking of getting a Doberman Pinscher, it is important that you educate yourself about this breed of dog.  The best way is to join the Doberman Pinscher Club of your country and/or one of the regional chapter clubs. Ask questions, listen to people who have been with this breed for a number of years.  You will need to know about the nutritional needs, how much exercise the dog will need, and as the owner, you will need to possess excellent training skills. This is one dog that is a joy and pleasure to be owned by.  The catch is that you must be the type of person that the dog can respect, love, and trust. The Doberman Pinscher should not be chosen as a companion if you have never owned this type of dog before. If you are determined to have a Doberman, then you should have someone who is expert in the handling of this type of dog, that can supervise and help you. As part of your education, talk to owners, breeders and handlers of this dog, to learn how to judge the temperament of the dog you are planning to choose.  When choosing a dog, many people fail to take into consideration that the temperament and the "conformation of form" should be of equal value . This animal is more than just a status symbol. If you do not choose well, the price you will pay in the future will include a broken heart, an unhappy family, and a dog that may have to be put down. That's if you're fortunate.
        Should you be a "strict disciplinarian" of dogs, do not think that being brutal will work with a Dobie. If brutality is used, the Dobie will lose respect for you, will not trust you, and you will end up with an unpredictable, powerful dog, who will resent your very existence.
        Every measure of love and respect you give to this magnificent animal will be returned to you ten fold. Teach the Dobie what the expectations are, become the "leader of the pack", and the Dobie will protect you and your family with a devotion that will have no boundaries. This is not a dog to be chained up outside.  It needs to be a part of the family, to belong to the pack.


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