Pets> Dog Breeds> Doberman

Image: Doberman & a Cat

Image by: Birdfreak.com

Text by: Tanya Munshi
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Overview:
The Doberman belongs to the Pinscher breed of dogs. Pinscher is a category of dogs where their ears and tails are cropped. The Doberman breed also belongs to the domestic category of dogs and they are known for their intelligence, loyalty, alertness and strength.

Dobermans have been used as guard dogs (in some cases still are), watch dogs, or police dogs, but this trend declining in the recent times. Today, Dobermans are also used as show dogs by various dog breeders and pet owners.

A Doberman is usually known as a ‘one man dog’, wherein, it is loyal to only its owner who gives him complete attention, love, care, food and often plays with him. In most cases, a Doberman is more close to a stay at home mom (or a housewife) as she is the only individual the Doberman sees regularly. If rescued from an ill-treated family, the Doberman is fiercely protective and loyal to its rescuer.

Dobermans can be gentle and loving if they are treated with love and care. It is their training and the treatment that determines whether they become a ferocious guard dog or a loving family pet. A pet Doberman is known to attack only if it finds that his family and home is under threat or if it has been ill-treated by a particular person.

Keeping a Doberman is not all that easy. He needs enough space for exercise, and enough mental stimulation to keep him active. If you have a front lawn and a backyard, a bungalow or a single row house or a farm house, a Doberman will be the happiest there.

Size:
The Doberman belongs to the medium size breed of dogs. A male Doberman is about 34 to 45 kgs, while a female Doberman would weigh around 27 to 40 kgs. However, the standards in weight may differ from one kennel club/ breeder to another. Dobermans have a broad and a firm chest and a strong, powerful and toned body.

Coat:
Dobermans have a smooth coat that is short, thick and hard. When well maintained their coats shine like velvet.

Colour:
The Doberman can be found in two colours – black and a deep chocolate brown.

Occupation:
Police dogs, watch dogs, guard dogs and military dogs

Life Expectancy:
A Doberman’s average life expectancy is around 10 years. A Doberman’s overall health depends on the correct breeding standards that encourage this breed to be healthy, strong and fit for as a family dog.

Favourite Name:
My favourite name for a Doberman (when I plan to keep one) – Arrow.
I had rescued a one year old chocolate brown Doberman who was abandoned by his owners on Baner Road, near the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. This Doberman was suffering from a medical problem (that was the reason he was abandoned). I named him Choco and had taken the help of Animal Farm in Pune, to provide him the necessary medical attention and care. He was well looked after. Choco died peacefully in his sleep a few months later.

Pets> Dog Breeds> Labrador

Image1 by: IDS.photos

Image2 by: phwadsworth's

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Overview:
The Labrador belongs to the retriever family of dogs and is one of the most popular breed of dogs worldwide.

Labradors as a breed are known to be very intelligent, cordial, gentle, fun-loving, and playful. These very characteristics make Labradors a good pet or a working dog. That’s why you’ll notice that Labradors are extremely good with kids and the elderly.

They can be rather unruly if not properly trained and cared for, but Labradors are known to assimilate and respond positively to a pat on the back, love, care and attention. They thrive on love and attention, so make sure you’re the kind who can give your pet Labrador all the love and attention he needs. Labradors love food, so ensure you involve a lot of exercise in his daily routine.

Generally, Labradors are known to be very dependable, lovable, loyal, obedient and extremely intelligent. So if you’re planning on a Labrador, it’s a good idea!

Size:
Labradors fall into the big or large dog categories. Males are heavier (about 30–36 kg), while females are less heavy (25–32 kgs). Since Labradors have a fetish for food, if they don’t get enough exercise, they tend to bloat.

Coat:
Labradors’ coats are short, smooth and velvety if well groomed. Their tail is straight and strong.

Colour:
You can choose between a chocolate brown, jet black and yellowish Labradors.

Occupation:
Labradors do extremely well as family dogs, police dogs, army dogs, guide dogs.

Right Age:
Ensure that the Labrador pup that you bring home is at least 7–10 weeks old, if not younger.

Life Expectancy:
A Labrador’s life expectancy is usually between 12 to 13 years or may be a few years more if coupled with proper medical care and attention.

Health Problems:
Owing to their size, Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This is where, an abnormal development of cells in the hip and elbow area can result in abnormal growth.
Luxating patella or the dislocation of the knee can be a risk factor for Labradors. That is why it is highly recommended to check with the dog breeder and the vet the family history of both the parents before you choose a particular Labrador pup, to be aware of any possible hereditary disorders.
Don’t forget to clean your Labrador’s ears often as sometimes due to the moister in the ears can cause some kind of ear infection. You can gently trim some part of the hair under the ear flap to allow some fresh air.

Favourite Name:
My favourite name for a yellow lab (who also happens to be my pet dog Lisa’s boyfriend) – Dumbbell

Pets> Perks of Having a Pet Dog

Image1: Hugging Pillow, the pet dog

Image2: Say hello to Tilli the Daschund

Image3: Early morning cuddle

Image4: Hey there!
Image by: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Unadulterated affection
Your dog jumps with joy and licks your face with the same excitement everyday whenever you come back from work. Doesn’t it surprise you one bit that the four legged pal of yours never gets bored of welcoming you daily for so many years? This is one unadulterated form of affection that most non-animal lovers miss out on.

Stress buster
The joy of being received and unconditional love has the power to shoo away all your work tensions in a jiffy. If you haven’t realized it by now, then next time you enter your home and your dog greets you, see how you feel.

Will keep you fit
A pet dog will never ever let you be lazy. If its time for walk, it will ensure that you get up from your couch and take it out for a run and play. Think about it in this way, your pet dog enjoys your company no matter what. You don’t have to be well dressed or clean shaven, you can play any kind of silly, on the spot games and it will respond to your command. A pet dog offers you conditional fun. What more do you want?

A friend
With a pet dog around, you normally don’t feel lonely. Believe it or not, your pet dog can give you company when you’re in the lowest moods. It will be there for you, it may not talk but it surely does understand emotions. Dogs are highly sensitive, they know when you are low and will be by your side.

Will listen to you
Had a bad day? Sit in front of your pet mutt and pour out all your day’s worries to it. Its eyes will respond and you will know it understands.

Healthy you
If you are enjoying your pet’s company and vice versa, imagine what it can do to your health? You tend to laugh more, play more and live life to the fullest. This way, a pet dog can help keep you healthy.