Doberman Pinscher

Description: The Doberman Pinscher is compactly built, muscular and powerful, and has great endurance and speed. They are elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. They are universally known as a police dog for their devotion to duty on the German Front during World War I. The Dobie is constantly alert and is a great companion or guard dog, yet shyness is a fault. Doberman Pinschers make admirable obedience and show dogs or wonderful family pets. They are also an excellent breed for a jogger to own. They may be a challenge because of their dominance for the elderly or disabled.

Other Names: Doberman

Type: Guardian Dog

Height: Males 26 – 28 inches, Females 24 -26 inches Weight: 66 – 88 lbs.

Colors: Solid black, brown, blue, fawn (Isabella) with rust marking on their head, body and legs. Coat: Smooth, short, thick and close

Temperament: Doberman Pinschers are bold, fearless, energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal. With Children: Usually gentle, but will upset with unruliness, best suited for older children. With Pets: Usually good, will adopt others to be boss. Special Skills: Guard dog, defense dog, family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High, suspicious of strangers. Guard-dog: Very High

Care and Training: Doberman Pinschers need daily extensive exercise including running. They should be groomed a couple of times a week with a soft cloth or brush. Puppies need firm handling and knowledgeable training and should be handled by numbers of people. Learning Rate: High, intelligent and creative

Activity: High energy. Needs daily, vigorous exercise Living Environment: Suburban or rural best, some can adapt to city life. A house with a fenced yard or kennel is essential for the Doberman Pinscher.

Health Issues: Wobblers Syndrome (disease of the spinal column of the neck). Lethal heart disorder. Von Willebrand’s disease is no longer a large problem.

Life Span: 12 – 15 years Litter Size: 3 – 8

Country of Origin: Germany History: The origins of the Doberman Pinscher come from Apolda in Thuringen, Germany in the 1890’s. Most authorities feel they came from a shorthaired shepherd, the Rottweiler, a German smooth-haired Pinscher and a Black and Tan Terrier. Their name comes from Louis Dobermann, a keeper of the local dog pound, who developed the breed as he was searching for the ideal guard dog and companion.

First Registered by the AKC: 1908 AKC Group: Working Class: Working Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC