Well from Texas now - I grew up in the UK, but I have lived here in Austin for over 20 years. I've just adopted my first Doberman "Buddy" - not my name choice, he chose it! He was Bradley at the rescue but did not respond to that name at all. My son was with me when we went to the rescue and was calling him buddy and the he was responding to the name, so Buddy he is. He is a 5 year old male, cropped and docked with one very endearing floppy ear! Well it does stand up when he is on full alert, but that is rare. He has been home now for two weeks. I have to thank the Doberman Rescue of North Texas for all their great work saving these dogs. True dedication from them.
I've owned some larger breeds in the past, two Australian Shepherds most recently, great dogs, but could not face the grooming requirements again. My girlfriend has a Doberman so I am familiar with breed. Buddy is a great dog. I really feel fortunate to have such a great companion. He does have a few of the Doberman issues - low thyroid level that may be contributing to a thin coat, and it could be that a food allergy that has played a role with that. He has a minor ear infection that we are treating. But the biggest concern at the moment are lick sores. I think the coat condition may have contributed, and knowing Doberman behaviors perhaps stress from the pound and rescue ordeals he has been through, poor fellow. Two of the three sores are healed now with one being more persistent as it was deeper to begin with.
I have to use an Elizabethan collar on him when I leave him for any period of time which makes us both feel rotten but does ensure that there is no licking and the healing continues.
I've owned some larger breeds in the past, two Australian Shepherds most recently, great dogs, but could not face the grooming requirements again. My girlfriend has a Doberman so I am familiar with breed. Buddy is a great dog. I really feel fortunate to have such a great companion. He does have a few of the Doberman issues - low thyroid level that may be contributing to a thin coat, and it could be that a food allergy that has played a role with that. He has a minor ear infection that we are treating. But the biggest concern at the moment are lick sores. I think the coat condition may have contributed, and knowing Doberman behaviors perhaps stress from the pound and rescue ordeals he has been through, poor fellow. Two of the three sores are healed now with one being more persistent as it was deeper to begin with.
I have to use an Elizabethan collar on him when I leave him for any period of time which makes us both feel rotten but does ensure that there is no licking and the healing continues.