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All About Unique Dobermans

In your Unique Doberman, you have purchased one of the finest dogs available. 

Whom ever said "Dog is Man's Best Friend" certainly had the Doberman in mind.... 


Not all people should own dogs and even fewer should have a Unique Doberman; but for those who will take the extra effort to properly raise their new Doberman puppy, the rewards are more than compensating.


With the proper care, feeding and training, your Unique Doberman puppy can grow up to be the beautiful, loyal and intelligent watchdog, guardian and companion for which his breed is so well known and prized.


The breeding of this litter is such that with the proper care and feeding, several individuals in this Doberman litter are capable of being taken to their championship titles in multiple disciplines such as Search and Rescue and or Schutzhund training, IPO Sport Dog training.


Your Unique Doberman puppy has the advantage of possessing excellent European, Russian and German Doberman breeding consisting of a World Champion conformation show pedigree along with top working ability as evidenced and proved by their IPO, IGP and Schutzhund titles in their immediate pedigree. This superior genetic heritage combined with good care from you will now determine what your Unique Doberman puppy amounts to when it's fully grown, now from the moment you take possession... the way he continues to develop and grow is largely up to you.


Your Unique Doberman puppies Temperament:

Unique Doberman puppies have been bred to possess an excellent temperament! Without excessive sharpness or over the top drive which would endanger and annoy neighbors and friends, they will be an alert and protective dog of you, your home and most importantly your family. For the good of both you and the Doberman breed, we recommend they be raised with kindness and consistant structure so they can become the gentle family companion and loyal guardian they were bred to be.


Your Unique Doberman can easily be trained to be an effective or even vicious dog, however... if so trained he may well cause you a greatly disproportionate share of grief and inconvenience for each possible time his over-protectiveness will or could be of value. Your puppy must be socialized to be of any protective value or benefit! He must allow welcome guests into your home, the meter reader, UPS, FED-X and the mailman to safely interact with you. Your family Doberman will always sense your feelings and respond accordingly! A Unique Doberman was not and should not be raised to be a junk yard dog! Your new puppy will have courage and a strong charactor, he will need consistancy in his training to become a beloved member of your home.


Your handling of your Unique family Doberman will directly affect his future character and temperament. A Doberman that has not been exposed to people at a young age will be unsure and sharp so let your dog know early that visitors will neither harm him nor require his protection of you. Chaining a dog or confining it to a small place away from people is very harmful to his temperament and is quite cruel to a family Doberman, he is not able to protect you if he is kept away from you and he knows this! Isolation will cause significant distress and unwanted behaviours.


Give your new puppy all the love and companionship you can, especially the first week or two because he is still lonely and homesick and has just left his large family here with us.

Here are some of our suggestions for Feeding:

PLEASE DO NOT FEED YOUR DOBERMAN PUPPY RAW MEATS UNTIL THEIR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IS MORE MATURE AROUND 9 MONTHS OF AGE.


Since weaning, your Unique Doberman puppy has been fed the very best food and NuVet vitamins available. We feed our puppies at least 4 times per day; this can be reduced to 3 times at 9 weeks of age and as full growth nears they can be fed two times per day. Ultimately a once a day feeding can occur however it is best if they are continued to be fed twice a day to reduce the risk of Bloat and straining their digestive systems. Never feed your Doberman and then allow them to run and frolic especially if you are feeding dry kibble as it will swell inside their stomach and increase the risk of bloat.


Try to keep your puppy plump with no ribs showing but not overly FAT.


A wide variety of good quality food will aid your pups health and growth. A carrot or other vegetables will be a good treat for him from time to time and is better than allot of the treats offered from the pet store. An adequate fat content of his diet will provide a smooth, healthy coat, we recommend a tablespoon of organic coconut oil daily. Most of all remember your Unique Doberman puppy will only develop and mature as well as you feed and exercise him!


Here are some of our suggestions for Exercise:

​​Exercise makes the dog.... Free running in a fenced yard improves the gait and hardens the muscles of Dobermans of any age. We do not recommend hard work for Dobermans younger than 18 months of age.


Your Unique Doberman was raised on 13 acres and from weaning he has been exposed to many different sights and sounds both inside and outside, this develops his idea of his world, Boldness, Courage, Curiosity and Intelligence.


We take great care to introduce him slowly to new situations and experiences to develop his full potential, nothing is allowed to frighten or harm him. 


When your Doberman is nearing 2 yrs of age they will begin to feel protective of you and your family, some earlier and some later.


Here are some of our suggestions for Handling:

Your Unique Doberman puppy has been handled since birth. We begin stacking him up for evaluations as soon as they are standing. He is accustomed to being stacked for the show ring since he can remember!


While you are handling or exercising your puppy, be particularly careful of his feet, a crushed foot can end a potential Show / Schutzhund career. Do not lift your puppy up by the shoulders or front legs! The proper way to pick up your puppy is by gently placing your hands or arms under and in front of his front legs and behind the rear legs.


Your Unique Doberman puppy is used to having his toenails filed down with a dremel tool, please continue this each week when they have their bath and or ear posting changes.


Keep any practicing for the sport ring fun and rewarding and you will retain his winning willingness to please attitude!

Here are some of our suggestions for Housebreaking:

There are as many different theories as people on this topic. Housebreaking really can be quite easy and quick. Your Unique Doberman puppy has now reached or will soon reach the age that permits effective potty training. Nearly all dogs are intrinsically "Clean" and will avoid soiling their own premises if at all possible - their mother has already taught them this. In fact, when they leave here they already know howto use a doggy door to go outside so they are essentially already housebroken and the major problem for you  is to avoid un-training them!


To continue their housebreaking, merely take your puppy outside where you wish him relieve himself EVERYTIME he wakes up no matter how briefly he slept and EVERYTIME he finishes eating or gets up and stirs around looking around for a spot to relieve himself. When he's still small PICK HIM UP because of his young age and inability to control his bladder he might not be able to hold it that long! 


Work hard on housebreaking for the time necessary to potty train him is short and it if you are not paying attention to your young puppy you will pay for every accident you let happen as it is a huge step backwards and causes confusion for your pup.


Prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you will create him or confine him to a very small area at night, when you are gone for an hour or two or when you are too busy to watch him constantly it will certainly speed housebreaking. No puppy wants to sleep right beside the mess he has made and so he will make a huge effort to wait until he is PICKED UP AND CARRIED OUTSIDE each morning. 


We recommend keeping your puppy crated at night until he's approximately 12 months old and is very dependable. This way they make excellent house dogs for the rest of their lives.


Here are some of our suggestions for Chewing:

Your Unique Doberman puppy will chew to help bring in his adult teeth, this is a natural process that should not be discouraged. He will chew regardless of scolding, etc. The proper solution is to keep him away from valuable chairs, shoes, electric cords and similar items until this stage in his life passes. Do not allow him the run of the house at night and or when you are not home to supervise him. Provide him appropriate toys for his necessary tooth development. A crate is a great help when you are not there to watch him.


We give all of our Dobermans raw chicken bones at 6 months and up, then beef and chicken bones for the rest of their lives, this keeps them mentally comforted and their teeth sparkling clean.

Here are some of our suggestions for Puppy Training:


We recommend you teach your Unique Doberman puppy to walk on a leash while he's still a baby, along with riding in the car, basic obedience i.e. sit, stay and down, and preliminary  training which includes daily stacking.


We also highly recommend obedience classes while your puppy is young (5-6 months of age) regardless of whether you plan to show him or not. Unique Dobermans recommends Leerburg Kennels DVD's on raising your family companion or beginning Schutzhund training.

A Word About Bloat ~ 


Bloat is a disease common to deep-chested dogs that can involve twisting or torsion of the stomach with a subsequent blockage of the esophagus at one end and the intestine at the other.


Bloat happens quickly and is often fatal without immediate veterinary attention and surgery.


Its symptoms include retching with no vomiting, extreme salivation, obvious discomfort, and distention of the abdomen. Gulping kibble can bring on an attack of bloat, and Unique Dobermans recommend that our Dobermans should be fed twice daily to avoid the hunger pangs that lead to eating too fast.


We also believe that foods containing soybeans, corn or peas shouldn’t be fed to breeds that are susceptible to bloat because the beans can produce gas, those are 100% GMO Food unless labeled ORGANIC.


Many cases of bloat occur in the evening, after the dog has perhaps shared the family snack of pizza or some other highly-spiced food and then exercised. Treatment is expensive and not always successful. Feeding moistened dog food and postponing exercise for a couple of hours after eating their high quality kibble may help prevent bloat. Please contact Unique Dobermans for our recommendations on high quality kibble that won't expand inside their stomachs.


Here at Unique Dobermans we have been fortunate to have never had a Doberman suffer from Bloat or torsion. 


A Doberman puppy buyer called from the midwest to ask our opinion on having her female Dobermans stomach stapled while she was being spayed to "Prevent Bloat", we told her it was our practice to not try and fix something that wasn't yet broken as there are substantial risks involved with stomach stapling. While speaking to our local veterinarian about this topic they also told us that the stomach stapling surgery is not without it's own risks or complications.

​Bloat is a problem of deep chested Dobermans, possibly why we've never had issues with bloat is that our breeding dogs are athletes, competing in mentally and physically challenging IPO/Schutzhund sports and come from German and European bloodlines, not American show dogs that can be "Overdone" in the front which creates the deep and in our eyes an unbalanced body as shown by the champion show dog here.

This is a photo of our Gero vom Fachenfelde, he was imported from Germany and was a working dog. He was not overdone in the chest and had a strong and correctly built back, loin, thigh and hind leg which was able to carry him over large jumps.


​The father of the American show dog on the left is sadly reported to have died of Bloat at 7 yrs of age. 

     All of our personally owned Unique Dobermans are DNA tested through the Doberman Diversity Project at Embark Vet and better bred DNA with UC Davis' Veterinary Genetics Lab

 A Guide to Doberman Pinschers February 27, 2019 (from Doberman Diversity Project)


If you’re considering adopting a Doberman Pinscher, look no further than this guide! We have everything you need to make important decisions about their care, including basic information about this breed, grooming tips, nutrition advice, and much more. If you have any questions after reading this guide, email howdy@embarkvet.com and our award-winning customer service team will be happy to assist you! 


Your Guide to Doberman Pinschers


Doberman Pinschers are intelligent, lovable, and very protective of their chosen people, according to Vetstreet.com, This particular combination of traits makes these pups highly enthusiastic companions. Because of their large build and abundant energy, your Doberman will require plenty of attention, leadership, and activity. You might want to take this into account when considering adding a Doberman to your family. 


Embark has proudly partnered with the Doberman Diversity Project to provide high-resolution genetic data and analysis for every dog enrolled. Embark’s mission to end preventable disease in dogs aligns with that of the DDP – to reduce the incidence of heritable diseases by addressing the depression in the overall genetic diversity of the Doberman breed. Embark’s genetic testing will be a key ingredient in achieving this goal, as we aim to test 1,000 Dobermans in an effort to identify specific areas of the Doberman genome that are associated with a breed-specific disease.


Fun facts Check out these fun facts from The American Kennel Club:

  • Taxman and dog breeder, Louis Dobermann from Germany, hoped to breed an imposing but dependable protector to accompany him on his rounds. Thus, the Doberman Pinschers early relative, the Doberman was born.

  • The “Tax Collector’s Dog” quickly gained an international reputation as a working dog supreme. The Doberman Pinscher has excelled at police and military K-9 duty, as therapy dogs and service dogs for the disabled.

  • During World War II, the U.S. Marine Corps Dobermans of the Pacific won the breed great fame.

  • A Doberman Pinscher named Storm won Westminster’s Best in Show 2 years running, in 1952 and ’53!

Physical characteristics


The Doberman Pinscher is a powerfully built breed! According to PetMD.com, male Dobermans range from 26 to 29 inches and weigh between 70 to 75 pounds. Female Dobermans are usually 24 to 26 inches and weigh between 60 to 65 pounds. PetWave.com writes that these pups have a smooth, short coat with colors black, red, blue, and fawn. They have rust-colored markings found above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, chest, tail, and legs. 


Bringing your new Doberman Pinscher home Your first few weeks at home will be easier for you and your new pup if you maintain a consistent routine. You might try feeding and walking your Doberman at the same times each day; this will allow you both to adjust more quickly to your new life together.


If you are looking to adopt a Doberman Pinscher from an animal shelter or find a breeder, it’s important to look for breeders that can provide detailed health records for their puppies (and parents!) as well as genetic testing for health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and their Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) maintains a voluntary database of Doberman Pinschers and their health screening results.


Nutrition 


Petcarerx recommends Doberman Pinschers eat food that is easily digestible. An important ingredient might be a meat source such as chicken, beef, or lamb, followed by whole grains such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. You might decide to look for a commercial diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, an organization that ensures the food is nutritionally balanced.


Talk to your vet about the right portion size, feeding schedule, and appropriate foods for your Doberman Pinscher.


Playtime


Your Doberman Pinscher will require a lot of exercise. Chewy.com recommends activities that will challenge their brilliant minds. They’re designated by the AKC as a Working Breed, which means they constantly need jobs to do. They will also likely need training. As when training any dog, Doberman or otherwise, use positive reinforcement—treats and praise to reward good behavior—rather than harsh correction.


Grooming Your Doberman Pinscher will not require an excess of grooming. According to the AKC, a short-haired bristle brush can be used daily to keep your pups coat shiny and healthy. This breed does not need to be bathed often, but their nails will need to be trimmed regularly. 


Health & aging


Doberman Pinschers are a robust breed, according to Animal Planet. Keep an eye out for symptoms of eye disease, hip dysplasia, or von Willebrand disease. Doberman Pinschers are also particularly prone to bloat, a condition that requires immediate attention from your veterinarian. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) and contact your vet at once if you suspect your dog might be suffering from this ailment.


An Embark Dog DNA Test looks at the following health conditions in Dobermans:


Deafness and Vestibular Syndrome of Dobermans (DVDob, DINGS)


Other Systems (Other Systems)


Gene: MYO7A


Inheritance type: recessive This disease affects the hearing and balance mechanisms of the inner ear. Affected puppies exhibit signs of vestibular disease such as mild head tilt and poor balance; these signs can often progress with age. Deafness is definitively diagnosed by auditory testing (BAER test).


Degenerative Myelopathy


SHOW MORE…


Brain and Spinal Cord (Neurologic)


Gene: SOD1


Inheritance type: recessive A disease of mature dogs, this is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord that can cause muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. Affected dogs do not usually show signs until they are at least 8 years old, where the first signs of neural degeneration appear in the nerves that innervate the hind limbs. You may notice your dog scuffing the tops of his or her hind paws, or walking with a hesitant, exaggerated gait. In advanced cases, lower motor neurons are also affected leading to weakness or near-paralysis of all four legs and widespread muscle wasting. Given the advanced age at the time of onset, the treatment for DM is aimed towards making your dog comfortable in his or her old age and includes lifestyle changes and physical therapy. SOD1 codes superoxide dismutase, an enzyme important in neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species, both of which are produced as a byproduct of cell metabolism. If not neutralized, these are injurious to the cell and will cause premature cell death. The first system to show effects of this is the nervous system given the highly specialized and delicate nature of these cells. Please note that these mutations are reported to have incomplete penetrance: that is, while a dog with two copies of this mutation has a much greater chance of developing DM than a dog with one copy of the mutation, or none at all, other genetic and environmental factors will also contribute to whether your dog develops DM.


Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM1)


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Heart (Cardiac)


Gene: PDK4


Inheritance type: dominant The most common acquired heart disease of dogs, this is a progressive disease of the heart ventricles: early diagnosis and treatment is key. The ventricles are the heavily muscled chambers that pump blood away from the heart. In DCM, the ventricles gradually lose muscle mass, leading to ventricular dilation, loss of heart contractility and an inability to pump oxygenated blood to the body. DCM typically presents in adult dogs in the end stages of the disease, when the heart is on its last legs. Signs include weakness, cold toes and ears, blue-grey gums and tongue, and respiratory distress: all signs of heart failure. Once a DCM dog comes to the vet, DCM can be diagnosed using specialized tests to evaluate the shape and activity of the heart muscle.


Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM2)


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Heart (Cardiac)


Gene: TTN


Inheritance type: dominant The most common acquired heart disease of dogs, this is a progressive disease of the heart ventricles: early diagnosis and treatment is key. The ventricles are the heavily muscled chambers that pump blood away from the heart. In DCM, the ventricles gradually lose muscle mass, leading to ventricular dilation, loss of heart contractility and an inability to pump oxygenated blood to the body. DCM typically presents in adult dogs in the end stages of the disease, when the heart is on its last legs. Signs include weakness, cold toes and ears, blue-grey gums and tongue, and respiratory distress: all signs of heart failure. Once a DCM dog comes to the vet, DCM can be diagnosed using specialized tests to evaluate the shape and activity of the heart muscle.


Von Willebrand Disease Type I


SHOW MORE…


Blood (Hematologic)


Gene: VWF


Inheritance type: recessive Coagulopathies, disorders of blood clotting, can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding. Dogs with coagulopathies are often at risk for excessive bleeding during veterinary procedures; your veterinarian should be informed so that appropriate blood products are at hand in case a transfusion is required. Affected dogs may also require close monitoring during their daily lives. If informed of your dog's condition early, you and your veterinarian can discuss precautionary measures now.


Getting your Unique Doberman pup tested with Embark will arm you with as much information as possible to ensure your dog is healthy while potentially avoiding preventable diseases. Get your test today!

Every Doberman puppy for sale at Unique Dobermans has been thoughtfully and carefully planned and considered long before the breeding has taken place. Your new Unique Doberman puppy (if you are so lucky to be chosen as one of our elite Doberman puppy owners) comes with a pedigree sporting German, Russian and European Dobermans full of world champion show dogs plus each one has been worked to at least a BH in Schutzhund, IPO, IGP, Family Personal Protection dogs, Therapy dogs, French Ring sports and competitions. What do all of these Doberman working titles and Doberman show titles actually mean to you as a "pet owner" that doesn't plan on showing or titling your Doberman puppy? EVERYTHING! Your new Doberman Puppy's parents have passed strict temperament testing, tracking trials to test their nose and scent capabilities and personal protection courage testing of their character and most importantly their nerves. 


The genetics behind your Unique Doberman puppy shows that his genes are free of hip dysplasia, eye diseases, bad temperament and poor conformation. 


A Doberman dog that cannot hold up to the extreme athleticism that is required to obtain working titles is a poorly conformed dog and will break down, a Doberman dog that is not readily and willing to immediately obey with a strong desire to please it's master is not a pleasant Doberman to live with inside the home and certainly will never be able to obtain these working titles.


If you have been looking for the best Doberman Family Guard Dogs, with a World Champion pedigree, Schutzhund, IPO, IGP, VPG and ZTP Working Titles in Personal Protection, Tracking, Obedience and Agility with Beauty and Brawn to match then give us a call, text, email or Facebook message.

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