🐕 Doberman Pinscher
Temperament
Intelligent, loyal, alert, sensitive. Dobermans bond intensely with their family and can be reserved with strangers. Despite the imposing reputation, modern Dobies are usually friendly with people and other dogs when socialised early.
Exercise
90+ minutes of daily exercise plus mental work. Excels at agility, schutzhund, obedience, scent work.
Grooming
Short coat, weekly brush.
Health
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM — the leading cause of death in the breed; annual cardiac scans recommended). Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder — DNA test). Hip dysplasia. Wobbler syndrome. Bloat / GDV.
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🐕 Rottweiler
Temperament
Confident, calm, courageous. Rotties are famously affectionate with their own people (and lean — the "Rottie lean" is iconic) but reserved or aloof with strangers. Early, ongoing socialisation is non-negotiable. Not naturally aggressive — but they will defend if they feel they need to.
Exercise
60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily, plus mental work. They excel at obedience, tracking and weight-pulling. Heavy bones and slow growth mean puppies under 18 months should avoid impact (jumping, jogging, long runs).
Grooming
Short, dense double coat — moderate shedding year-round, heavier twice yearly. Weekly brush, more during moults. Bath every 6–8 weeks.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is sadly common — early neutering may worsen risk; many vets recommend waiting until 18–24 months. Aortic stenosis. Bloat / GDV. Lifespan is short for the breed (8–10 years).
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