Alice White
Dobermans are healthy, active dogs that can live up to 16 years of age. Their lifespan is influenced by many factors, ranging from food quality to veterinary care. In order for a pet to live as long as possible, it is necessary to provide it with competent care, which consists of a balanced diet, timely treatment, and sufficient physical activity.
Doberman’s Lifespan
On average, Dobermans live up to 15 years. The life span measured by it can be influenced by several factors:
genetic characteristics (hereditary diseases, like any other artificially bred breed);
correct care (Doberman dogs are strong and hardy, but need additional insulation in the cold season);
diet (proper nutrition is the key to the long life of any animal).
It is interesting! Female Doberman Pinschers live on average longer than boys. In addition, they are less susceptible to breed diseases.
How to Determine the Age of a Doberman Pinscher
You can determine the number of years a pet has lived by the teeth:
If a Doberman puppy has no molars at all, we can talk about a maximum of 2 weeks of age.
Fangs begin to erupt at 3 weeks.
At 1 month, the incisal row appears.
By the age of 2 months, the puppy has grown all the molars, but so far only milk ones.
By the age of 4 months, the process of replacing the incisors and hooks takes place.
At 5 months, the side rows change.
At the age of six months, the baby loses all milk teeth.
As a rule, new teeth grow in a dog by 8 months.
By the age of 2 years, the dog’s lower incisors wear out.
By the age of 4, the upper hooks wear out. The enamel goes from shiny to matte.
At the age of 5, the canines begin to lose their sharpness. The enamel may acquire a yellowish undertone.
By the age of 6 years, the incisors acquire a somewhat concave appearance. The enamel turns yellow.
Canines and molars wear out at the age of 8–10. Plaque up to stone can appear on the teeth.
At the 10th year of life, dogs’ teeth begin to deteriorate and even fall out.
How to Extend the Life of a Doberman Pinscher
Important in the life expectancy of dogs, like humans, are not only physical but also emotional. A happy pet who feels loved can live much longer.
Dobermans are generally healthy dogs. To keep the dogs in this condition, it is important to show them to the veterinarian every year, as well as to follow the general rules for caring for animals. Among other things, it is worth remembering about a balanced diet of your pets.
Another item is physical activity. Dobermans need quality walks with games and mental challenges throughout their lives. This is especially true for the dogs living in apartments.
The Diet
Important! When purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder what the baby ate. A sharp change in diet can harm him. The transfer from one type of feeding to another should be gradual.
Natural nutrition must be built on the following principles:
balance;
a clear schedule of food intake throughout life;
the firmness of the food (the Doberman needs to train a powerful jaw);
if physical activity increases, the amount of protein in the diet also increases.
The pet’s menu must include:
meat (lean) and fish (oceanic) – up to 800 grams;
cereals – up to 700 grams;
cottage cheese – 300 grams;
fermented milk products – 200 grams;
vegetables, fruits – 200 grams.
Important! The dosages shown represent the amount of food consumed per day, not at one time.
Doberman should not be given fatty, salty, smoked, and spicy.
When keeping on dry food, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are always printed on the pack.
The Need for Physical Activity
Dobermans are energetic creatures. They need long walks, jogging, active games. Without this, the life of the dog will be significantly reduced.
If for one reason or another, the dog did not receive physical activity, it is necessary to accustom him to it gradually, over and over again increasing the duration of the walk. The optimal time is 1.5 hours.
Health
This is a healthy breed, but no dog is immune from genetic diseases.
In addition, Dobermans are prone to:
cardiomyopathy (dangerous by the inability to diagnose at the initial stage);
volvulus, torsion, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (more often manifested in males in the 4-7th year of life);
cancer (females are at risk since tumors often develop in the mammary glands);
mental hereditary abnormalities (therefore, it is important to look at the tests of the puppy’s parents).
Any disease is easier to treat at an early stage. In this regard, you need to drive the dog for periodic veterinary examinations. Vaccinations play an important role in maintaining the health of the Doberman. The individual vaccination schedule for a dog at puppy age is made by a veterinarian. In the future, an adult dog is revaccinated annually.
Important! A week before vaccination, you need to remove the worms from the dog, as well as treat it from ticks and fleas.
Hygienic Сare
Dobermans do not require increased attention in terms of grooming. Recommendations for their content are generalized:
combing wool – once a week;
bathing – once every six months;
eye cleaning – as needed;
ear cleaning – as needed;
washing bowls – after each feeding;
wash toys, wash bedding – weekly.
Important! Hypothermia of the short-haired Doberman should not be allowed in the cold season.
Causes of Premature Death
Usually, the premature death of the Doberman is associated with genetic diseases that are characteristic of all artificially bred breeds.
Dobermans are not immune from accidents, so it is important to train the dog well, as well as socialize it in a timely manner. It is quite difficult to accustom an adult Doberman to strangers, animals, and the sounds of a noisy city. This is especially true of wayward males, who can get involved in a fight or run out onto the road, smelling, for example, a female in heat.
In this regard, the behavior of the owner himself is important. Do not let the dog off the leash if the owner is not sure of its obedience. For a full-fledged upbringing of a Doberman, it is worth taking a general training course under the guidance of a professional dog handler. This can save your pet from an accident.
Signs of Aging
The fact that the pet has entered the last stage of life can be guessed by the following age characteristics:
the dog has become less mobile and playful;
he gets tired faster;
his fur and eyes have lost their luster;
the condition of the teeth has worsened.
Special attention should be paid to such a dog:
load less on walks;
feed only high-quality products;
give vitamins and minerals;
drive more often for preventive examinations.
Dobermans can live a long life if their owners comply with a number of conditions. It is important to take good care of your pet, feed it the right food and give it the necessary mental and physical activity. It should be borne in mind that this breed is prone to certain diseases, therefore, annual veterinary examinations are the key to the health of the Doberman.
