Doberman Pinscher

One of the best-known German breeds, the Dobermann was the creation of Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who often had to carry money through risky areas and wanted a dog to accompany him. He used the Weimaraner, Manchester Terrier, Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and English Greyhound to produce a loyal, alert bodyguard that is fearless and resourceful in combat. The breed was an instant success when it was first shown in 1876, and has since become established across Europe and also in North America, where it is called the Doberman Pinscher and is usually seen with cropped ears. Its popularity as a guard dog has not always helped this sleek breed. Unscrupulous breeders have produced strains given to nervousness and fear biting, and careless owners looking only for a guard have not always socialized their dogs adequately. However, a Dobermann from a good breeder, integrated into the household, makes a fine companion. Unfortunately, heart disease is increasingly a serious problem for the breed.

Dog name synonyms: Dobe & Dobie

HISTORY

The breed was designed in the 1880s by a German tax collector, named Herr Louis Dobermann. He needed an alert and powerful dog with high stamina and fearless defending personality, to protect him, while on duty. The ancestors of the Doberman Pincher include several breeds such as Rottweiler, German pinscher, Weimarener, Manchester terrier Thuringian Shepherd dog, Great Dane and Beauceron. Later on, the foundation may have been refined with Pointer and Greyhound blood.
During World War II, the United States Marine Corp used Dobermans in combat as sentries, messengers, and scouts. After the war, they were used in many search and rescue missions. Today the Doberman is deemed as one of the top five smartest dog breeds.

PERSONALITY

Despite of their rather intimidating appearance and misleading vicious reputation, Doberman Pinchers are very affectionate and gentle dogs. They are very loyal and worship their owners with whom they love spending time. Dobes are alert, determined and powerful and therefore make good watch and guardian dogs, ready to alarm and protect their humans whenever necessary. All in all, they can be described as watchful, typically fearless, obedient and trustworthy.

Doberman Pinchers get along well with some other dogs and children. However inter-male aggression is known to be a common problem among this breed.

TRAITS

Doberman Pinchers are compact, athletic and muscular dogs with square proportions. They have graceful and powerful overall appearance with a refined outline and intelligent expression.

Dobermans have smooth, short coat consisting of hard, thick and close-lying hairs. Acceptable coat colors include black, red, fawn and blue. The legs, throat and face (muzzle and eye) are usually sharply marked with rusty pigmentation. Small white spots on the chests and an invisible gray undercoat on the neck are permissible. Unfortunately docking the tail and cropping the ears are popular trends, when it comes to the looks of this breed.

Males are about 26-28’’ (66-71cm) tall and weigh about 70Ib (32kg), while females are 24-26” (61-66cm) tall and weigh about 60-65Ib (27-29kg).

HANDLING

Doberman Pinchers do not tolerate harsh training methods. They respond well to non violent, reward based training methods. The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and capable of displaying natural authority over the dog. Since sometimes Dobermans can be stubborn and willful, the owner must be firm, confident and consistent and must stick to the rules. The dog needs to learn that he is the follower and his human is the leader.

In order to prevent skittishness, the Doberman Pincher needs proper socialization starting from an early age. Doberman Pinchers require a lot of mental stimulations and daily physical exercises in order to avoid destructive behavior.

HEALTH

Doberman Pinchers are known to suffer from several inherited conditions such as Wobbler’s syndrome, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia (CHD), von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), hypothyroidism and albinism. Blue Dobermans are prone to severe hair loss.

Occasionally seen health issues in Dobermans are demodicosis, gastric torsion, narcolepsy and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

The Doberman Pinscher is food possessive and has a tendency to eat everything, so he is prone to gaining weight. Therefore it is very important to constantly monitor the Doberman Pinscher’s weight and to adjust his daily food intake and exercise regimen. Monitoring weight is crucial, because all of the above mentioned conditions worsen in case of obesity.
The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.