Frequently Asked Questions
How much exercise does a Doberman or an Aussie require?
Dobermans and Aussies MUST be exercised daily, both physically and mentally. Some great ways to exercise your dog include:
Most Dobermans are intolerant of winter weather. If they are going to be outside in sub-zero temperatures for any longer than to potty, ensure that they are wearing boots, a jacket, and a toque/neck warmer to cover their ears. You will need to provide indoor exercise during winter months.
What is health testing and why is it important?
Health testing is one way that breeders evaluate the current health of their dogs and the potential health risks of a breeding pair. Genetic testing is another way. Breeders use both health and genetic testing results to make informed decisions in an effort to reduce the risk of inherited conditions. Without performing adequate health testing, breeders could unknowingly be increasing the risk of heath issues.
What health testing should be done for a Doberman? (Click to learn more about health testing)
Breeders should be able to provide health and genetic testing records for the following:
Does it matter if the parents have titles? (Click to learn more about dog sports)
The vast majority of the time, YES. A conformation champion title proves that the dog meets the breed standard in terms of physical characteristics, sound movement, and, to some degree, temperament. Working and performance titles prove that the dog is capable of doing the job that it was bred to do (or a similar job). These titles are essential to preserving the breed and breed standard. Depending on the breed, titles could include:
Dobermans and Aussies MUST be exercised daily, both physically and mentally. Some great ways to exercise your dog include:
- Playing a game of fetch inside a fenced yard
- Jogging or cycling together
- Nature hike
- Swimming
- Canine fitness classes
- Training (basic obedience, rally, tricks, etc)
- Puzzles and brain games
Most Dobermans are intolerant of winter weather. If they are going to be outside in sub-zero temperatures for any longer than to potty, ensure that they are wearing boots, a jacket, and a toque/neck warmer to cover their ears. You will need to provide indoor exercise during winter months.
What is health testing and why is it important?
Health testing is one way that breeders evaluate the current health of their dogs and the potential health risks of a breeding pair. Genetic testing is another way. Breeders use both health and genetic testing results to make informed decisions in an effort to reduce the risk of inherited conditions. Without performing adequate health testing, breeders could unknowingly be increasing the risk of heath issues.
What health testing should be done for a Doberman? (Click to learn more about health testing)
Breeders should be able to provide health and genetic testing records for the following:
- Inherited disease - vWD (Von Willebrand Disease), DINGS (Vestibular deafness)
- Structural soundness - hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart health - echocardiogram and 24 hour Holter monitor
- Organ function - thyroid, liver, and kidney panels
- In some cases, additional genetic testing for Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Narcolepsy may be done. Additional health testing, such as eye health certification, may also be done.
Does it matter if the parents have titles? (Click to learn more about dog sports)
The vast majority of the time, YES. A conformation champion title proves that the dog meets the breed standard in terms of physical characteristics, sound movement, and, to some degree, temperament. Working and performance titles prove that the dog is capable of doing the job that it was bred to do (or a similar job). These titles are essential to preserving the breed and breed standard. Depending on the breed, titles could include:
- conformation
- herding, field trials, lure coursing, IGP, scent detection
- agility, obedience, rally, tricks, dock diving
- Canine Good Neighbour (CGN), Temperament Tested (TT), Therapy Dog