Health

The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal guardian and faithful companion to many. The DNA makeup of a dog undoubtedly plays a significant role in their health, but there are also a lot of everyday lifestyle decisions that go into raising the healthiest dog possible.

In 1997 the DPCA approved a longevity program to identify dogs and lines with strong longevity. The DPCA maintains a Bred for Longevity listing. It can be viewed on the DPCA website. Bred for Longevity Listing | DPCA.

Any Doberman Pinscher of an allowed color and not Z factored who has lived to age 10 or greater, or has parents who have lived to age 10 or greater, is eligible for this program. The Doberman Pinscher must be registered with the official breed registry of its country. This includes, for example the AKC (American Kennel Club), CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), UDC (United Doberman Club), FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale), Australian KC.

Here is how the Longevity Program works:

• Longevity Certification (LC): Doberman Pinschers that reach age 10 may receive LC recognition. Dogs are issued a certificate such as LC-10L, which designates their age of 10 and “living” status. When a dog dies, owners are encouraged to notify the program, so the online database can be updated and a final certificate can be issued with the age at death and the ending changed to D for “deceased.” Ideally, owners will provide a presumed cause of death. Dogs also can be submitted for recognition posthumously even if they passed away many years ago.
• Bred for Longevity (BFL-1 and BFL-2): Doberman Pinschers of any age whose sire and dam are longevity certified (LC), or lived to at least 10 years of age, are eligible for BFL-1 recognition. Those whose sire and dam as well as all four grandparents lived to 10 years old are eligible for BFL-2 certification.

Here, we’ll share common information we’ve seen used to good effect in raising a happy & healthy Doberman Pinscher.