Why Read a Breed Profile?
Each breed has a story intertwined into man’s history. A breed might have been developed to herd in certain weather, control animals, or work on specific terrain. When we look at the country and timeframe of a breed’s development, we uncover new insight into the ongoing, evolving relationship between man and dog. Lets take a little closer look at The Doberman Pinscher.
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the few breeds named after its breed developer, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann of late 19th century Apolda, Germany. So who is Dobermann? Well he held more than one job; He was a tax collector, often beleaguered by bandits. He was also a night watchman and was in charge of the local dog pound. Fed up with harassment and wanting a companion, Dobermann began developing a new dog breed. He was searching of strength, intelligence, protection and companionship. And because Dobermann controlled the local pound, he could combine strays with breeds such as the Rottweiler and the German Pinscher. The Doberman Pinscher was born! The particulars of what breeds and ratios went into the Doberman today are unknown because Dobermann was bad at keeping records.
The Doberman was used by Germany in World War I as messenger dogs, guard dogs, and mercy dogs searching for the wounded. Their small and slender frame and being faster than humans, made them perfect to be able to maneuver obstacles and navigate rough, muddy terrain more easily. In World War II they were used on both sides of the conflict. Known by “Devil Dog,” (early Dobermans were described as “robust, with no trace of fear-not the devil himself”) they guarded camp, searched for and rescued wounded soldiers, discovered enemy mines, and delivered messages. The dogs also kept watch at night even slept in foxholes with the men.
Today’s Doberman
Many people see a Doberman and imagine them in a protection role, in reality only a few are used in police and military work these days. They are mainly family dogs, excelling in rally, agility, dock diving, and any other sport the family is in to. Athletic and muscular, the Dobe needs daily exercise! Dobe’s are working dogs by nature and they crave interactive workouts, not solo workouts. Dobe’s do well with active families where they get played with and get exercise everyday, they don’t do well with seniors that cannot actively work with them. They are very easy to train and eager to learn, they do not like to be ignored, this is because of their willingness to please their owners. Doberman’s require little grooming so weekly brushing would suffice.
Many Dobes show reserve around newcomers, and usually save the I-love-you for their family. A well-bred Doberman is usually loving and protective with the family’s children; a well-socialized dobe should show calmness and confidence around unknown children.
-Article reference “Who’s that dog?” by: Lynn M. Hayner
Fun “Dobe” Facts
- The average life span for a Dobe is 10-12 Years
- Dobe’s generally shy away from cold and rain due to short hair coat.
- Dobe’s come in 4 colors: Black, Red, Blue (gray), and Fawn (tan).
- A white Doberman is not albino, they are to be considered a genetic mutation, as well as all black.
- Males weigh about 75-95 pounds, Females 60-80 pounds.
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Dobermans have some health problems including heart disease and some cancers.