The Doberman Pinscher
Elegant, muscular, built for speed and endurance
, the beautiful Doberman Pinscher is easily recognizable. These highly intelligent dogs can be a wonderful family friend and guardian, especially when they are properly trained.The Doberman Pinscher, like the German Shepherd, originated in Germany just over 100 years ago. Tax collector Louis Dobermann is credited with creating the breed around 1890 and they became an official breed in 1900. Herr Dobermann wanted a medium-sized dog who could act as a guard dog and companion. It's thought that the Doberman Pinscher was bred from the old shorthaired shepherd in Germany, the Rottweiler, the Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher. We no longer have some of these dogs anymore.
The breed quickly became popular in the United States and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
The Doberman Pinscher today is an athletic, energetic dog. He is known for being watchful, fearless and obedient. In the home he is affectionate, loyal and very playful. Dobermans routinely rank near the top in canine intelligence tests. Dobermans do require regular, frequent exercise to be at their best.
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized dog with a compact build. They are muscular and powerful. Their appearance should be elegant with a proud carriage. They are a noble-looking dog, determined and alert. Dobermans are fearless, loyal and obedient.
Males are about 26-28 inches tall at the top of the shoulder. Females are about 24-26 inches tall. Dogs typically weigh between 75-100 pounds; females may weight between 60 and 90 pounds. The Doberman's eyes should be almond shaped and deep-set. Their ears are cropped and carried erect. Tails are docked in the United States and many other countries.
The Doberman's coat should be smooth haired, short and hard. Colors allowed include black, red, blue and fawn (called Isabella). Sharply-defined rust-colored markings are acceptable above the eyes, on the muzzle, on the throat and forechest, on the legs and paws, and below the tail.
Dobermans should never be shy or vicious. Proper temperament is very important in all Doberman Pinschers.
Doberman Pinschers have always excelled as police dogs and as war dogs. Their great intelligence and their fearless dispositions have made them invaluable in these fields.
A life-sized bronze statue of a Doberman Pinscher called "Always Faithful" is located in Guam at the war dog cemetery at the U.S. naval base in Orote Point.
Doberman Pinschers typically live 10-14 years. The breed does suffer from several possible health problems: dilated cardiomyopathy, cervical vertebral instability, von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder for which there is now genetic testing), and prostatic disease. If you are interested in getting a Doberman you should talk to the breeder about the dog's health background as well as the background of the dog's parents and other relatives.
There have been concerns about the breed's temperament and whether it has a tendency toward being aggressive, particularly in Europe. However, decades of breeding for good temperament have developed a dog that makes a very good companion in the home without temperament problems. Like any dog originally bred for guarding and protection, and any very intelligent dog, the Doberman does do best if they receive some obedience training.
The Doberman Pinscher today is a loyal, intelligent dog. Dobermans are capable of learning anything you want to teach them or they are happy to simply guard your home and spend time receiving your affection. The Doberman makes a wonderful companion.
by: Tristan Andrews