Dog Breed Spotlight: Doberman Pinscher

  Posted on August 5, 2013  by Joy of Living  No comments

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany just over 100 years ago. Tax collector Louis Dobermann is credited with creating the breed around 1890. Dobermann wanted a medium-sized dog who could act as a guard dog and companion. The Doberman Pinscher was bred from the old shorthaired shepherd in Germany, the Rottweiler, the Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher.

The breed quickly became popular in the United States and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.

The Doberman is an athletic, energetic dog. He is known for being watchful, fearless and obedient. In the home he is affectionate, loyal and very playful. Dobermans routinely rank near the top in canine intelligence tests. They require regular, frequent exercise to be at their best.

The Doberman Pinscher is medium-sized with a compact build. They are muscular and powerful. They are a noble-looking dog, determined and alert. Dobermans are fearless, loyal and obedient.

Males are about 26-28 inches tall at the top of the shoulder, weighing 75-100 pounds. Females are about 24-26 inches tall, weighing 60-90 pounds.

Dobermans should never be shy or vicious. Their great intelligence and their fearless dispositions have made them invaluable as police dogs and war dogs.  A life-sized bronze statue of a Doberman Pinscher called “Always Faithful” is located in Guam at the war dog cemetery at the U.S. naval base in Orote Point.

Doberman Pinschers typically live 10-14 years. The breed does suffer from several possible health problems: dilated cardiomyopathy, cervical vertebral instability, von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder for which there is now genetic testing), and prostatic disease. If you are interested in getting a Doberman you should talk to the breeder about the dog’s health background as well as the background of the dog’s parents and other relatives.

There have been concerns about the breed’s temperament and whether Doberman’s have a tendency toward being aggressive. Like any dog originally bred for guarding and protection, and any very intelligent dog, the Doberman does do best if they receive some obedience training.

The Doberman Pinscher today is a loyal, intelligent dog. Dobermans are capable of learning anything you want to teach them or they are happy to simply guard your home and spend time receiving your affection. The Doberman makes a wonderful companion.