Doberman Pinscher
AKA: Dobermann
Description: The Doberman Pinscher muscular and powerful dog coupled with elegance and intelligence. It has a well-proportioned chest, a short back, and a lean neck. Its short hair clings tight to its body. The legs are perfectly straight and powerful, and its gait is elegant and masterful.
The eyes of the Doberman Pinscher are lively. The ears are cropped (at the age of about 12 weeks). As a pup, the ears have to be taped for some months to make them stand up. The teeth are strong and closes in a scissors bite. The tail is usually docked. Recently, most owners leave the Doberman Pinscher as it is, without cropping the ears or docking the tails. The ears and tail will grow like that of a hound’s when left naturally.
Dynamics: The Doberman Pinscher makes an outstanding guard dog — intense, powerful, and highly intelligent with great strength and stamina. This breed is versatile, noble, assertive, and loyal to its family. It is especially watchful and devoted to its family. Every member of the family has to know how to handle the Doberman Pinscher without feeling fear, as this dog can become pushy and demanding when allowed his way too much.
The Doberman Pinscher is naturally protective. It has to be socialized well to avoid being overprotective. Mental stimulation is important in training the Doberman Pinscher. The training has to be through positive reinforcement and focuses on consistently teaching the dog to be a good pet. A female Dobeman Pinscher is more difficult to train than the male.
The Doberman Pinscher isn’t really an aggressive dog, as others consider them to be. It is kind and gentle and will only be fierce when it comes to defending its owner. It is even aggressive towards other dogs. It is a generally dominant breed, but there can be exceptions. The temperament of the dog would depend mostly on how it is brought up. Interaction and connection with its family is very important.
Breed Group: Mastiff, Working
Weight: 66-88 lbs (30-40 kg)
Height: males 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), females 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Color: The coat of the Doberman Pinscher comes in black, black and tan, blue gray, red, fawn, and white. White markings are considered a fault by some but it is generally accepted.
Country of Origin: The Doberman Pinscher was bred in Germany in the 1860s, by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann. It was said to be a cross among German Pinschers with Rottweilers, Beauceron, Pinschers, Greyhounds, and English Greyhound. The breed was first presented at a dog show in 1876.
Activities: The Doberman Pinscher has a great amount of stamina and needs to be exercised frequently. This breed is used for tracking, as a watchdog, as a guard dog, for police work, military work, search and rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund.
Other Info: The Doberman Pinscher has a life expectancy of up to 13 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but veterinary check is recommended, especially before purchasing a puppy. It is prone to possible cervical spondylitis (or the wobbler syndrome), blood disorder or Von Willebrands disease (inherited), obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disorders.
The albino (white) Doberman is said to have the same gene as that of the famous white tigers and lions owned by Siegfriend and Roy. Some believe it is a masking gene, which covers the color that the dog would be otherwise. It is not yet certain whether this gene really does cause problems for the Doberman’s health.
The Doberman will be fine in an apartment, but it should be frequently exercise and taken outdoors. This breed does not like the cold and is sensitive to it.