While Dobermans were originally bred as guard dogs,they have transcended their role into
becoming excellent police and military dogs, as well as sought after rescue and therapy
dogs. Their high levels of intelligence, along with their alertness, make them valuable in
these roles.
This breed is driven, strong, and sometimes stubborn, however, they are also quick to
learn.
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HISTORY.
Dobermanns were first bred in the 1880s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Apolda,
Thuringia, Germany. He was a tax collector, who ran the Apolda dog pound.
Dobermann set out to breed a new type of dog that would exhibit impressive stamina, strength
and intelligence, and that would perform a protection role.
Five years after Dobermann's death, Otto Goeller, one of the earliest breeders, created the
National Doberman Pinscher Club, and is considered to have perfected the breed, breeding and
refining them in the 1890s.
Experts believe that the Dobermann Pinscher is a combination of several breeds including
the Beauceron, German Pinscher, Rottweiler and Weimaraner.
It is also widely believed that the old German Shepherd was the single largest contributor
to the Dobermann breed.
During World War II, the United States Marine Corps adopted the Doberman Pinscher as its
official war dog, although the Corps did not exclusively use this breed in the role.
The first ever Doberman was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Today the
Doberman is one of the most popular and recognized breeds in the United States.
Although the breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs, the size of male dogs should
be between 68 to 72 centimetres (27 to 28 in) at the withers. The size of female dogs
is 63 to 68 centimetres (25 to 27 in),
The Doberman was originally intended as a guard dog, so males typically have a muscular
and intimidating appearance. Females are usually thinner, but should not be spindly.
The Dobermann has a square frame; its length should equal its height to the withers and
the length of its head, neck, and legs should be in proportion to its body.
The ideal weight of male dogs is 40 to 45 kilograms (88 to 99 pounds); and the ideal
weight of female dogs is 32 to 35 kilograms (71 to 77 pounds).
Two different color genes exist in the Dobermann: one for black and one for color dilution . There
are nine possible combination, which can result in four different color phenotypes being black,
blue, red, and fawn.
Expression of the color dilution gene is a disorder called Color Dilution Alopecia, a
kind of canine follicular dysplasia. Although not life-threatening, these dogs can develop
skin problems.
The Dobermann's natural tail is fairly long, but individual dogs often have a short tail
as a result of docking, a procedure in which the majority of the tail is surgically removed
shortly after birth.
The historical reason for docking is to ensure that the tail does not get in the way of the
dog's work. Docking has always been controversial. Docking and cropping have been written out
of the Breed Standard by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and dogs born after
2016 will not be allowed to participate in Fédération Cynologique Internationale shows
without a full tail and natural ears.
This is mirrored in most EU and Commonwealth countries. In the UK, dogs with docked tails
have been banned from show for a number of years and the practice is now illegal for
native born dogs. Veterinary Certificates are required as proof to avoid prosecution
on imported animals.
It has also been made illegal in many other European countries, as well as Australia.
Docking is a common practice in the United States, Russia, and Japan (as well as a number
of other countries with Dobermann populations), where it remains legal.
Dobermanns often have their ears cropped, a procedure that is thought to be done for
functionality for both the traditional guard duty and effective sound localization.
Like tail docking, ear cropping is illegal in many countries and has never been legal
in some Commonwealth countries.
LIFESPAN AND HEALTH
The Dobermann's lifespan is about 10–13 years on average.
The breed is prone to a number of health concerns.
One of the more serious health problems include Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which is an inflammation
of heart muscles. Many Dobermanns die of this condition.
Other serious health problems include von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder
for which genetic testing has been available since 2000) and prostatic disease. Cervical
Vertebral Instability compresses the spinal cord which can cause a lot of pain and eventually
leads to another disease called the Wobbler Syndrome.
Less serious common health concerns include hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. Canine compulsive
disorder is also common.
Studies have shown that the Doberman Pinscher suffers from prostatic diseases, (such as
bacterial prostatiti, prostatic cysts, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and benign hyperplasia) more
than any other breed.
PERSONALITY
The Doberman takes a while to grow up. They remain puppy-like until they are about three
years old. Although Dobermanns are known to be alert guard dogs, they are also tenaciously
loyal companions. The personality on each individual Doberman is unique.
While aggression may be a genetic trait in Doberman Pinschers, it has been proved that
contemporary Dobermans aren’t as aggressive as their ancestors were.
The Doberman Pinscher has been ranked amongst the most intelligent dog breeds in experimental
studies and expert evaluations. The Dobermann is one of the most trainable breeds of dog.
Dobermanns are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive, especially in movies,
however, the well-bred Doberman is a wonderful family dog. He is trustworthy and protective
of the children, as long as he has been socialized and trained appropriately.
The Dobermann's aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years. Today's
Dobermanns are known to have a much more even and good-natured temperament. He is known
to be energetic, watchful, fearless, and obedient.
Dobermans can easily learn to respect and protect their owners, and are therefore, considered
by many to be excellent guard dogs. Given that they are properly socialized from a young
age, they are generally sociable toward familiar humans, and can also be sociable with other
dogs. They are highly unlikely to show aggressive behaviour toward their owners.
BREEDING
Dobermans are low maintenance dogs, and generally have healthy litters. The Doberman’s pregnancy
is generally an easy one and doesn’t need much human assistance. This breed is known
to naturally birth their offspring and a cesarean is rarely required.
On average, Dobermans give birth a litter of six to eight puppies.
No matter which breed of dog, breeding should only be understaken by experienced and registered
Breeders who are breeding to improve on the breed. Ensure that the necessary genetic tests
are done to ensure that your Doberman is not suffering from any of the genetic disorders.
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