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Doberman Pinscher: Training, Temperament, Health
(Doberman, Dobe)
Group
Working (AKC)
Guardian (UKC) Also Known As: Dobermann Nicknames: Dobie, Dobe
Ranking: 17 in
KCGB
About
Doberman Pinscher
Country
of Origin, History of the Breed
The Doberman traces its
roots to 19th Century Germany, where it was
developed as a police dog by Herr Louis Dobermann-
a policeman and tax collector. The man required
a loyal, obedient and fiercely protective
dog to accompany him on his nightly rounds.
Since he also worked as the keeper of the
local animal shelter, he had a continuous
supply of breeding stock to help him develop
just such an animal.
Some of the breeds used to
shape the Dobe include the German Pinscher,
Rottweiler and German Shorthaired Pointer.
The resulting dog possessed an uncanny intelligence,
bravery, loyalty, stamina, and protectiveness,
and was easy to care for. It was with great
pride that this breed became known as "Dobermann's
Pinscher." |
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After Dobermann died in 1894,
his protégé, Otto Goeller, continued
his mentor's plans and is credited by many as the
true architect of the breed. Goeller organized the
National Dobermann Pinscher Club in Germany in 1899.
Shortly thereafter he and his committee members
wrote the first breed standard.
By 1890, the Doberman was born
and by 1900 the breed was officially recognized.
Soon the breed was imported to the United States.
By 1921, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was
founded and the dog quickly gained popularity as
a working breed.
Today's Doberman Pinscher has
lost the second 'n' from its name and has mellowed
in fierceness to become a family member capable
of displaying great gentleness and devotion to children
and other animals in the home. Having left behind
his terrier roots, he has also dropped the Pinscher
portion of the name in many countries.
Description of the Dog
The Doberman is a very muscular
and powerful dog and has many elegant features.
The dog is well proportioned, compact, has a muscular
neck, lean body, and an unmistakeable air of aristocracy,
nobility and elegance.
The ideal Doberman head is wedge-shaped
with eyes blending in with the color of the coat.
Dark eyes are much preferred over other shades and
should be relatively deep set. A Doberman's expression
should display his great intelligence and vigorous
character.
The dog’s ears may be cropped,
though cropping is illegal in many countries including
Great Britain and Australia but many others, including
American Doberman fanciers, believe that an erect,
cropped ear enhances the appearance of this breed.
The dog’s tail is usually docked at birth
at approximately the second joint of the spine.
Coat
The short, gleaming coat is typically
black with rust markings or red with lighter rust
markings. Less common, but also acceptable in the
breed, are blue and fawn (Isabella) with lighter
markings.
The rust markings should appear
on the muzzle, the throat, above the eyes, the front
of the chest, beneath the tail and on all legs and
feet. A small white patch less than one-half inch
square is permissible on the chest but no other
white is allowed. White Dobermans may not be shown,
as this is a disqualifying fault.
Height
Male: 26 and 28 inches at the
shoulder
Female: 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder.
Weight
The weight of an adult dog will
typically range between 60 and 85 pounds depending
on size and sex.
Personality
Temperament of the Dog
Originally bred to be a fierce
dog, the breed’s temperament has toned down
over the years and the dog is now a loving and devoted
family pet. The breed is known to be bold, alert
and loyal with a strong desire to please.
Its innate guarding instinct makes
it a good watchdog. Despite being loyal and protective,
if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean
or aggressive.
The Doberman is intelligent and
can be domineering and it is not unusual for this
breed to produce one-man and one-family dogs because
of their great loyalty.
The Doberman must have constant
human companionship and social interaction, not
only with its owner but also with all kinds of people
and other dogs. This is essential to the well being
of the breed.
Better suited to an indoor
or outdoor lifestyle?
The dog enjoys both an indoor
and outdoor lifestyle, and does not like to be abandoned
in the backyard or away from its family. The Doberman
is very sensitive to cold as they have very thin
hair and should not be left outside in the cold
or overnight. As long as the dog is well exercised,
it can adapt well to living in a flat.
Dobes are large dogs with great
intelligence and a high prey drive, which can make
them a formidable breed for the first time dog owner.
Are they suited to homes
with kids?
A well-socialised Dobermann is
capable of displaying gentleness and devotion to
children and other animals in the home. Both puppy
and children should be taught to respect each other
from the start. Despite being loyal and protective,
if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean
or aggressive and is not a good choice for first
time owners or families with toddlers who could
get hurt by the dog’s bulk.
They can be very good with other dogs, especially
if they all are of good temperament. Aggression
towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC breed
standard.
How
to take care of the Doberman Puppies?
A well-socialised Dobermann
is capable of displaying gentleness and devotion
to children and other animals in the home.
Both puppy and children should be taught to
respect each other from the start.
Despite being loyal and protective,
if improperly bred or raised, the breed can
be mean or aggressive and is not a good choice
for first time owners or families with toddlers
who could get hurt by the dog’s bulk. |
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They can be very good with other
dogs, especially if they all are of good temperament.
Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the
AKC breed standard.
Training
Highly intelligent, these dogs
are quick to learn and enjoy mental stimulation.
An energetic and versatile breed, the dog excels
in canine sports from obedience to agility. This
breed is full of quick learners and training should
be undertaken as soon as possible to control its
assertive nature. The Doberman can display undesirable
behaviours if it is deprived of exercise and training.
Doberman owners must accept from
the beginning that Dobermans can be mischievous
- they can cause damage to your house and garden,
and they can be noisy. If you are particularly house-proud
and can't bear the thought of a dog making a mess,
then this breed is not for you.
A well-trained and obedient Doberman
is, nevertheless, a joy to watch, and the breed
is used by police forces in various countries.
Activity
Level
Exercise Needs
Exercise is critical for to health
and well being of the dogs. They were bred and born
to work and have a great deal of energy to burn.
Most Dobermans require about an hour of exercise
a day to keep fit. Long walks and frequent play
sessions in secure areas will make your dog fit
and keep him from becoming nervous. Other exercise
alternatives can include playing fetch, swimming
or hurdle jumping. The Doberman that is given plenty
of opportunity to exercise is a much happier and
healthier dog.
Health
and Care
Genetic Problems
Overall, the breed is healthy
but can be prone to a few disorders including, Von
Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder),
Wobbler syndrome (disease of the spinal column),
gastric torsion (a life-threatening sudden illness
associated with the stomach filling with air and
twisting), skin diseases, hip dysplasia and dilated
cardiomyopathy.
Litter Size: 3
to 5 pups.
Life Span: 10
to 12 years.
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Breeder Club: Doberman
Pinscher Club of America, Doberman Pinscher Alliance
of America
Recognition: CKC,
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR,
APRI, ACR
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