Grooming Dobermans

Dobermans are prone to skin problems, such as acne, dandruff and hair loss if they are not groomed regularly. Thankfully, grooming a Doberman is not a tedious task, as this short-haired breed requires minimal grooming. Brushing is often sufficient to take care of its coat. However, there is more to grooming a Doberman than brushing.

  1. Brushing

    • Use a bristle brush to brush the coat once a week to get rid of loose hair, dirt and debris, and maintain the sheen on the coat. Brushing stimulates the skin to produce natural oils and keeps it lubricated. If you do not have the time to brush your dog, wipe down the coat with a damp towel. Inspect the coat and skin for signs of infection or skin problems while brushing the dog.

    Coat Care During Shedding Season

    • Even though this breed has short hair, it has a double coat that sheds during fall and spring. The overcoat has a rough texture, while the undercoat is soft. However, even during the shedding season, a Doberman does not require too much grooming. Brushing it every day will remove the loose hairs and prevent them from sticking to clothing and furniture. A shedding blade is a good grooming tool for removing dead hair. Bathing the dog every three to four weeks with a mild, moisturizing shampoo will also reduce shedding.

    Bathing

    • Dobermans are generally clean dogs and do not have a strong doggie odor. Hence, they do not require a bath too often. Bathing this breed frequently will dry up the skin and cause skin issues. Bathe the dog when it appears visibly dirty using a mild shampoo with added moisturizer. Rinse shampoo thoroughly and towel dry the dog. Make sure to plug the dog's ears with cotton wool to prevent water from entering into the ears. Use bath time as an opportunity to inspect the dog's skin and ears.

    Ear Cleaning

    • Dobermans with cropped ears are prone to ear infection if water and dirt gets in. Hence, cleaning the ears regularly with a special dog ear cleaning solution will help to keep the ears clean and healthy. Check the ears once a week. Clean the dog's ears without fail after giving it a bath. Take your dog to the vet if the inside of the ears appear red or emit an odor.

    Teeth Cleaning

    • Dental hygiene is a must in this breed, as it is prone to tooth decay and gum problems. Train your Doberman to enjoy the teeth cleaning routine. Use a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush to clean the teeth every day. Give your dog special chew toys to keep its teeth clean and maintain dental hygiene. Take the dog for an annual dental checkup once a year at the vet.

    Nail Clipping

    • Trim toenails once or twice a month to prevent them from growing too long, recommends The Doberman Pinscher Club of America. If nails grow too long, the dog will end up walking on the nails instead of the pads of feet. This could result in sore feet or splayed feet, according to Rhapsody Doberman, a website specializing in Doberman pinscher breeding.