|
About the Information
Well, the info page contains many flaws. It would be nice if these websites
(this is not the only one) would do more research on their breeds before putting up
information. Louis Dobermann (Friedrich is confusing because some use it and some do not,
so who knows if it really belongs there or not) was indeed a tax collector and dog catcher.
He created the Doberman for the sole purpose of protecting him on his rounds. Dobermans can
very well have hunting instinct, but this is the first time I have heard that hunting
ability was in his mind when he created them. Louis Doberman died in 1894, leaving the
breed in Otto Goeller's hands. No records have been kept on what kind of dogs were used
to actually create this breed, so one can only speculate. The only breeds on record were
the Manchester Terrier to improve markings and the Greyhound for speed, mostly. These two
were added after Goeller took over. Their size in the standards are described as a
medium-sized dog, not a large one. Although many have been known to live over 10 years and
some in their teens, the average lifespan is actually 9. Black and brown are described as
the only allowed colors in FCI, they are different elsewhere. Since this is an American site,
I think the colors should reflect AKC/UKC. And those are black, red, blue and fawn...all
with rust or tan markings. Those are the colors permitted to show. There is a fifth color,
white, that is a disqualification in conformation.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a very common disease. Ones to add
are hypothyroidism, copper toxicosis (linked with chronic active hepatitis), hip and elbow
displasia and cervical vertebral instability (or Wobbler's), mammary cancer (#1 cancer
killer in females obviously), prostate cancer and eye diseases (cataracts, glaucoma,
diseases of the eyelids, lens, cornea, and other sections of the eye. Yes folks this is not
the healthiest breed in the world, but it could be worse. They are also a candidate for
bloat because they are a deep-chested breed.
When looking for a breeder you MUST make
sure the breeder does the necessary tests, unfortunately many don't do all the necessary
ones (and this does include some that do show). Testings should include cardio (there is no
DNA test for carriers/affected but they should have a holter or ECG done annually), thyroid
panel, DNA test for vWD (don't buy from those who breed affected to carrier or affected to
affected, they are knowingly breeding puppies with a bleeding disorder!!), CERF
certification on eyes every year and OFA and/or PennHIP at least hips (most don't do elbows)
. Also most don't do liver panels but they should.
Posted by darkwriter on Wednesday, September 06, 2006
|
|
|