Creature feature | PETS
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the lounge and even in bed! Robust and agile,
the Dobermann is bold in appearance and
comes in a variety of colours: black, brown, blue
or fawn with rust red markings. The breed has
a low-maintenance, smooth, short coat.
PROTECTIVE AND LOYAL
According to Ray Nunn of Camden, NSW, a
breeder for many years, the Dobermann has
an extremely loyal following. Ray says he was
initially attracted to these dogs because they
are big sooks. He actually went to buy a German
Shepherd “but then this big black thing came
bounding in. It wasn’t intentional, but I just
liked the look of them”.
Ray describes the Dobermann’s personality
as very loving and intelligent. Bred as a
protector, the Dobermann is as protective as
you want it to be. “It all depends on how you
bring them up,” he says.
He adds that these dogs love nothing more
than activity — running, walking, agility or
obedience — but also enjoy being couch
potatoes. “Don’t let them see the lounge or
they will be on it,” Ray laughs.
He also points out that the Dobermann
needs an owner who is active and strong-
willed. “They are like naughty two-year-olds,
and if you can’t control a two-year-old in the
supermarket, you will never be able to control
a Dobermann,” he says.
ENERGETIC BREED
In terms of maintenance, the Dobermann is a
breeze, requiring very little grooming. They do,
however, have an abundance of energy and
require moderate exercise and a reasonable-
sized backyard to run around in.
“If you want a Dobermann to run 24 hours a
day, it will run,” Ray says. “It is not a breed you
can just put in the backyard and leave. They
thrive on attention and like to be part of the
family and get plenty of mental stimulation.”
There are a few hereditary diseases to be
aware of. Von Willebrand’s disease (VWD),
detected by a simple DNA test, is an inherited
bleeding disorder, which can also aff ect other
breeds. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a
disease of the heart, while cervical vertebral
instability (CVI), otherwise known as “wobblers”,
is a compression of the spinal cord, usually seen
in dogs seven to eight years of age. To avoid
these hereditary diseases, Ray recommends
acquiring your dog from a reputable breeder.
Another devoted owner of Dobermanns is
Alannah Cargill of Glenhaven, NSW, who has
been involved with the breed since the mid-
1980s. Alannah has two Dobermanns, Sammy,
14, and Stanley, eight. She says she initially
chose a Dobermann because her husband was
away a lot and she wanted a dog that people
would be wary of but, as it turns out, her dogs
are somewhat humanised, spending most of
their time indoors.A FAMILY DOG
Alannah describes the Dobermann as very easy-
going, obliging, adaptable and a lot of fun. She
says they can look intimidating but just crave
attention and love company, content to be
inside all day with the family.
Alannah says her Dobermanns love nothing
more than to race around. “We have a property
at Scone and we take them up there to belt
around and have a good time, enjoying all the
smells,” she says.Grooming:^
Exercise:^
Size: Large
Lifespan: 10–14 yearsAt a Glance
For more information on the Dobermann
or to contact a local breed club, visit
your state canine council website via
ankc.org.au. New Zealand readers can
visit nzkc.org.nz for information.