HISTORY

Around 1890 Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman of Apolda, Germany combined several dog breeds to create the Doberman Pinscher. He was a tax collector and ran the local pound. He selected dogs with courage, loyalty, and emotional sensitivity so that he could count on them as companion and protector. The Doberman soon came to America and was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1908. By 1941 they were the 15th most popular dog breed and making many accomplishments at shows and in the working field. In 1944 and into WWII, Dobermans served as sentries, messengers, and scouts in the war. They continued to make accomplishments in many venues and serving our communities. Dobermans assisted with recovering human life as Search and Rescue dogs at Ground Zero, World Trade Center on 9/11. In 2008 we celebrated the 100 year Doberman centennial! …for photos of this timeline and more detail visit http://dpca.org/breed/breed_history.htm 

TEMPERAMENT

The breed standard defines desirable Doberman temperament to be: energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

The Westminster Kennel Club states, “The Doberman Pinscher is best described as “an elegant athlete in a tight-fitting wrapper.” This square, compact and muscular dog gives the immediate impression of grace, beauty and nobility, while at the same time being energetic and fearless. It has made its mark through the years as a police, military and service dog. But it is best known today as an intelligent, affectionate and obedient companion.”

Dobermans are commonly referred to as “velcro dogs” because they stick to their people. Also they are called “dog with the human brain” because they are so sensitive and in-tune with their people, it is as if they were a human themselves almost! 

There are several different “rankings” for intelligence among dog breeds but the Doberman is always in the top. Generally the Border Collie is considered first, Poodle second, and after that there is some debate between Doberman and German Shepherd. Bottom line: Dobermans are incredibly intelligent.

The breed definitely is active and athletic, and they need plenty of opportunity to exercise and for brain exercise too. But they should not be “hyperactive.” The personalities within the breed will vary, some are more serious and some are more goofy. Some have a little more energy or sociability while others are more home-bodies and relaxed. As reputable breeders with the breed standard as our blueprint, we aim for what the standard describes. A well bred dobe should exhibit those characteristics and be a joy to live with.

APPEARANCE

From the breed standard, “The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.”

COAT TYPE

Dobermans have a smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close lying coat. Yes, they do shed. Any living thing with hair will have some hair loss. However, shedding is quite minimal and the dogs are generally odorless with minimal grooming needs. They are one of the only breeds to lick themselves clean like cats, making them perfect home pets. Because their coat is short, they have a strict indoor requirement and are not tolerant of extreme weather/climate conditions.

COLORS

Dobermans come in 4 colors: Black, Red (brownish/reddish, in Europe referred to as brown), Blue (grayish), and Fawn (a light tan or camel color, also called Isabella). The rust or tan markings should be sharply defined and appear above each eye and on the muzzle, throat, forechest, on all legs and feet, and below the tail. According to the standard a small white patch on the chest not exceeding 1/2 square inch may be permissible.

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Height at the withers: Males (dogs) 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27 1/2 inches. Females (bitches) 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25 1/2 inches. There is no “standard” for weight but the ideal Doberman would have sufficient size for an optimal combination of strength, endurance, and agility. Females may weigh around 60-75lbs and males 75-90lbs (this is a general estimate). 

HEALTH & LONGEVITY

Like any breed of dog, the Doberman does have some health concerns to be aware of. An informal study conducted by the DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) found the average lifespan to be near 9.5 years. There is a program started that notes the lifespan of the dog by awarding a longevity certificate to dogs that exceed the average. For a detailed list covering the diseases/conditions/available tests applicable to the Doberman please click HERE.

LIVING WITH A DOBERMAN PINSCHER

Overall the Doberman is a loving, loyal, smart, athletic, and attached companion. They are pretty clean and must be indoor dogs due to short coat and their desire to be with and near their people. The basic needs are to be with the family, a comfortable place to call their own within the house (large dog bed/crate), good quality food for a larger sized/athletic breed, clean water available always, kind discipline and training, basic but quality veterinary care, grooming needs are minimal but teeth brushing is advised just like for any dog for good canine oral health, weekly or bi-monthly nail trim/dremel, regular bath as needed, regular exercise (a “walk” is not sufficient, they need free run/play), and a loving/interactive environment in order for them to be truly happy dogs. 

If you take care of your Doberman, providing those things along with kindly enforcing basic obedience and manners rules, your Doberman will reward you with a love and devotion like no other. They will live to be near and please you. They adapt very well to the lifestyle of their owners as long as their basic needs are met.