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 First Impressions
Sleek, well muscled and elegant in appearance.
The History Of The Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is also known as Dobermann. They originated in Germany during the 1800's.
A German tax collector named Louis Dobermann wanted a dog to accompany him on his rounds. The breed he created n the 1880's was named after him. He achieved his goal by crossing dogs such as the Rottweiler, German Pinscher and Black and Tan Terrier to achieve an intelligent and courageous guard dog.
The Doberman Pinscher made its debut in the American show circuit in 1921. Today it is one of the top twenty most popular breeds in the US.
Description Of The Doberman Pinscher
The hanging ears are cropped to an erect point in the US. Tail is docked short.
Dogs are 26 - 28 inches tall at the shoulder, with bitches from 24 - 26 inches. They weigh in at between 68 - 88 pounds.
The Doberman Pinscher is elegant, muscular and very powerful. It has a well proportioned chest, a short back with a lean, muscular neck.
White markings are considered a fault in some clubs, while in others it is accepted. Its teeth are strong and close in a scissors bite. Eyes are dark with a lively, intelligent expression. Ears are cropped at the age of about 12 weeks. Pup's ears are taped for a couple of months to make them erect.
Coat & Grooming
The coat is short, fine and close lying. The permissible colors are black, deep red, blue or fawn. All colors have sharply defined rust markings above each eye, on muzzle, throat, fore chest, legs, feet and below tail.
Doberman Pinschers need little grooming and are average shedders.
Temperament
Bred to be an outstanding guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher has great strength and endurance. Very intelligent and easy to train. Fearless and assertive but not vicious. Loyal and affectionate with members of their family and like to be physically close to them.
The Doberman needs an owner who is able to discipline the dog without being afraid. All of the family should learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to be.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Doberman Pinscher is around Up to 13 years.
Reported health problems are cardiomyopathy. Subject to hip dysplasia. Susceptible to bloat. Suffers from bleeding disorder. Skin diseases. Hypothyroidism. Liver disease. Wobbler's Syndrome. Subject to fatty tumors.
A veterinary check is advised before purchasing a puppy.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
Will be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised, but does best with at least an average-sized yard. Dobermans are very cold intolerant. Which is why police in cold areas are not able to use them.
The Doberman is very energetic and needs plenty of exercise.
For More Information on the Doberman Pinscher
To get more information, check out the Doberman Pinscher web site:
www.dpca.org
There may also be rescue dogs available. Check for details on:
www.dpca.org/Rescue/
Summary
Sadly over breeding has left a superb working dog with a multitude of physical and temperament problems. Breeders are working hard with good success to overcome these shortcomings.
Not recommended for families with small children or limited space.
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