Lou-Ann Cloidt

As much a favorite in the United States as it is in its native Germany, the Doberman Pinscher remains one of the world’s most recognizable guardian breeds. Prized for versatility, intelligence, and sleek good looks, the Doberman excels in various forums, including dog shows, working trials, military and police work, assistance dog roles for the blind and deaf, and therapy work. As the history chapter depicts, the Doberman Pinscher was the brain child of Herr Louis Dobermann, who needed a protection dog to accompany him on his rounds as a tax collector. That the breed’s history only goes back to the mid-1830s makes the Doberman Pinscher a fairly new breed to come into the world of purebred dogs. A powerful and stanch protection breed, the Doberman is not a dog for everyone, as author Lou-Ann Cloidt explains in the chapter on characteristics. If a potential owner understands the demands and requirements of this breed, in terms of training, exercise, socialization, and so forth, and still believes that he or she will make a qualified, responsible owner, then this Comprehensive Owner’s Guide provides all the information a he or she wants and needs to become the best possible owner of a Doberman Pinscher.

New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, exercise, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.