Origin
Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German whose job was to collect taxes, is considered to be the man behind the success of the Doberman Pinscher. Around the 1890s, Louis Dobermann wanted to have a dog that can act as a guard dog to tag along with him during his rounds.
Mixing the old German short-haired shepherd and the German Pinscher, Louis was able to create a prototype of the breed that now bears his name.
Later, the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, Weimaraner, and greyhound were also crossbred.
The first set of Dobermans had round heads and heavy-boned bodies. But with the help of several breeders, the Doberman Pinscher was transformed into a more powerful breed.
These dogs continued to evolve extraordinarily, from being used as police and guard dog, and later as war dog. By the year 1899 in Germany, the first club exclusive for this breed was established—the National Dobermann Pinscher Club.
Due to their immense popularity, the Doberman Pinscher was brought to the US. As years went by, many families chose to have this dog as their pet.
A new challenge for the breed would arise in the 1970s — the emergence of the albinistic white Doberman. With this albino gene came a wide range of serious health conditions.
To decrease the chance of producing these dogs, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America convinced the AKC to tag the registration numbers of dogs with the likelihood of carrying the albino gene with the letter Z.
In 1977, the Doberman became the second most popular breed in the United States. Since then, the breed has kept its well-regarded status as both a guard dog and a family pet.
Traits and Behavior
The Doberman Pinscher is known for its alertness and excellent protection ability. Because of this skill, they possess a deep bark sound that affirms their instinct as guard dogs. They are also known as working dogs that are capable of doing specific tricks and tasks upon the command of their master or trainer.
They are intelligent, hard-working, and obedient dogs that are easy to train. Like pet dog, they possess a loving, affectionate, and friendly nature, especially to their family members. They love the attention of their owners or trainers to which they show extreme loyalty.
Socialization is recommended at an early stage to associate them with people and other pet dogs or animals since they can also be suspicious of unfamiliar people. They can adapt well to outdoor activities and likes playing things like fetching or Frisbee. This dog can develop a separation anxiety problem when left alone for long periods and thus can tend to be destructive and aggressive.
Pet Care and Diseases
Seldom brushing is okay while bathing takes place only when necessary since it has natural oils which protect them from skin problems.
They are naturally strong and active dogs and regular exercise, like running, walking, fetching, is recommended or involving them in sport dogs’ activities may provide them with a way of maintaining their energetic nature.
They work well in extensive and large grounds that can allow them to roam, walk or even do guarding posts as needed.
Normally, the Doberman Pinschers are healthy and hearty breeds. Some recorded health problems are:
- Wobbler’s syndrome
- Cervical vertebral instability (CVI)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Canine hip dysplasia (CHD)
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD)
- Demodicosis
- Gastric torsion
- Albinism
- Narcolepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Appearance
The Doberman Pinscher has a powerful, muscular and compact build, giving it utmost speed, grace, strength, and endurance. It has an alert and proud posture. Adult males typically stand around 26-28 inches tall while adult females stand around 24-26 inches tall. Both genders could weigh 65-90 pounds.
Its coat appears short and smooth which comes in various colors including black, red, blue, and fawn. Markings (rust-colored) are found above both eyes, on the muzzle, neck and chest, base of the tail and as well as extremities.
General Information
The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The litter size is about 3-10 puppies. Other names include Doberman, Dobie, Dobermann and Dobynm (in other countries).
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Doberman Pinschers. Click this link: