Ownership Preferences
A Dobermann with the accepted characteristics, and temperament is a wonderful family dog as an inside or outside dog, (he does prefer inside with the family). He is great with children and other animals if brought as a puppy and raised with the pets, likes going jogging and being a strong part of the family. He is also a dog who enjoys everybody's attention and commands.
Housing Requirements
A lot of people will choose to have their Dobermann live inside the house for obvious reasons such as bonding with the dog and being there as a protector of family and possessions. Purchasing a number 5 size crate from your local pet shop and providing a water coup cup and bedding is a great and practical of confirming the dog or puppy when needing to along with providing the security the dog needs in its time out. A kennel and run either purchased from a reputable kennel maker or made by yourself should be sufficiently large enough both in height and length. It should be draft free and water proof with good warm bedding. It is best situated on a concrete slab.
Feeding Requirements
A Dobermann puppy or adult requires nutritionally balanced meals. The common practice today is to feed a premium dry food. It is a good idea to seek both breeder and veterinary advice and its recommended to feed your growing puppy a large growth range of dry food. The average feed intake per day 390-480 grams at a cost from $2.00-$3.00 per day. The other options are a natural diet of raw beef and fiber and added additions to balance the diet, dog sausage or tinned food but this would usually work out at a higher daily cost then dry dog food feeding. If you choose the option of dog sausage etc you must remember to add the supplements needed for your growing puppy.
Grooming
The Dobermann's short coat requires little attention except for approximately two washes a year with a good quality dog shampoo and daily brush with a curry comb which you can buy at a horse supply shop. The dog's nails need to be trimmed on a weekly basis, and you can purchase nail clippers from your pet store or veterinary clinic. With this care the dog will stay pretty, shinny and spruce, his coat and general appearance is based on the quality of food you feed it.
Training
It's a good idea to but a book by David Weston, Training your puppy or dog the easy way. A Dobermann reacts bets to positive re-enforcement not negative and this is explained very easily in this book. Normally basic training for your puppy can start at 6 months onwards. Choose a reputable dog obedience club in your area. Phone the New Zealand Kennel Club for phone numbers of club secretaries of obedience clubs. Common sense and a day to day rapport with your dog will sustain a happy Dobermann.
Leisure Pursuits
The Dobermann is a fun dog and loves high activity pursuits. He is excellent in obedience, agility and likes swimming loves the beach and has been known to be a keen sled dog.
Longevity
A Dobermann's average life span is between 8-11 years, but many Dobermann's have been known to live till 13-15 years of age.
Cost of Ownership
The Dobermann has become a rarer breed and as there are not prolific amounts of litters being born. Breeders who have been in the Dobermann breed for a long time, consistently try to bring in new gene-pools from around the world.