The Doberman pinscher is a loving, protective family dog if given the proper socialization and training. However, this bold and smart dog is bred to be dominant and will quickly assert itself over you if given the opportunity. The secret to a sweet, docile Doberman is firm but friendly handling.
 
  
1.   Vaccinate your Doberman pinscher when you first get him, and make sure he gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain his immunity to disease. Also, worm your adult dog every three months and consult with your veterinarian about flea control products. 
 
2.   Consider cropping and taping back your puppy's ears, but discuss this with your veterinarian first. 
 
3.   Feed your Doberman pinscher high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less. 
 
4.   Brush or wipe down your Doberman's coat with a damp cloth occasionally. Their coats shed very little and stay relatively clean. Shampoo only as needed. Trim nails every two to three weeks. 
 
5.   Socialize your Doberman pinscher at 12 weeks of age to be with other dogs, pets and people. This will prevent your dog from becoming too overprotective of his family and will assist him in developing an even temper. 
 
6.   Be firm and consistent when training your Doberman. Training should begin when your dog is a puppy. Also, the entire family should learn how to handle your Doberman, as these dogs will take control if they sense weakness or hesitation in their owners. 
 
7.   Exercise or run your Doberman pinscher at least once a day. Dobermans have a high amount of energy that needs to be diffused with a lot of activity. 
 
8.   Provide your Doberman with a lot of toys. This dog loves to chew and needs extra-tough toys such as the puncture-resistant rubber Kong toy. Dobermans also enjoy playing with tennis balls, but need to be watched for choking. 
 
9.   Understand that Doberman pinschers are prone to certain health conditions such as cervical spondylitis (skeletal abnormality of the three cervical vertebrae), Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and heart problems. 
 
10.   Know that male Dobermans will grow to 26 to 28 inches and weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Females will grow to 24 to 26 inches and also weigh 66 to 88 lbs. 
 
11.   Understand that a Doberman's life expectancy is 13 years. 
 
 
 Dobermans are happier with people and don't do well when left alone in the backyard. 
 
 Dobermans are also used as guide dogs for the blind. 
 
 This breed loves to play fetch. 
 
 Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (see Related Sites) for more information about hip dysplasia.