How Often Should You Groom a Doberman?

Doberman pinschers were recognized as a breed of working dog by the American Kennel Club in 1908. This medium-sized dog can reach 28 inches in height. Dobermans are slender and their weight rarely gets above 88 lbs. Muscular and energetic, Dobermans are used as guard dogs for their fearlessness and loyalty. There are four areas to groom regarding a Doberman. Each area has a timeline and deciding factors.

  1. Breed History

    • The AKC says the origins of the Doberman are obscure but that the breed appeared around 1900 in Germany. The hypothesis is that the Doberman is a combination of the shorthaired shepherd, Rottweiler, black and tan terrier and the German pinscher. The breed name comes from the surname of a German tax collector, "Louis Dobermann of Apolda." He wanted a mid-sized dog to be his guard and companion because he collected taxes in unsavory areas filled with bandits.

    Diet

    • The Doberman should have a high-quality diet. It affects the coat and skin. Supplements such as vitamin E or wheat-germ oil should be added to the food. This also helps the coat and is a preventative measure because both are antioxidants. The healthier the dog's coat and skin are, the less formal grooming required.

    Working Environment

    • Dobermans do not like extreme cold and are indoor dogs. They can, however, hunt and track using sight as well as smell. This means that even if it's raining and muddy, they can still work. Likewise, grooming in the form of just the water hose might be needed if you truly have a working dog.

    Coat, Teeth, Toenails and Ears

    • Rottweilers have thick hair and shed, but this descendant breed has a short, thick, smooth coat, which does not require a lot of grooming unless other factors are involved. Dobermans shed about the average amount for their coat. They should be brushed daily, but not bathed more than once a month because frequent contact with soap or shampoo can cause skin conditions. The ears and teeth should be checked and cleaned about once a week. You don't have to actually brush the dog's teeth. Chews and rawhides designed for cleaning teeth do the job. Dobermans have prominent feet and toenails, which should be groomed on a regular basis.