Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

A quick and intelligent dog, the Doberman Pinscher has been bred to guard; it was used in the two World Wars to patrol on the front lines, and has been used as a police dog. As a pet, the Doberman Pinscher makes a devoted companion.

History:

According to popular legend, this dog was specifically bred by a German tax collector, Louis Doberman, in 1860, to guard him as he did his rounds. He had a variety of breeds to draw from, as he owned an animal shelter, including Pinscher, Rottweiler, Manchester Terrier, Beauceron, and Greyhound. The breed was further developed by another German breeder, Otto Goeller, who added the Pinscher to the name. The standard was established and recognized in German kennel clubs by 1900. The breed then migrated to America, and breeders there further enhanced the Doberman Pinscher's qualities.

Physical characteristics:

A medium-build, muscular dog. Height: 25 - 27 in (63.5 - 68.6 cm); under Canadian standards: 27 in (70 cm) for dogs and 25.5 in (64.8 cm) for bitches. Weight: 44 - 57 lb (20 - 26 kg). The head is long and has a truncated triangle shape. The stop is barely visible and the cheeks are flat. The jaws are broad with a scissor bite. The nose should match the color of the coat. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark, and with an alert expression. The ears are normally dropped. However, some ears are erect, set high, and small. The body has a long, muscular neck, square shoulders, and a firm, short back. Traditionally, the tail is docked at the first or second vertebra. The legs are straight and parallel at the front, and are broad-thighed and muscular in the hindquarters. The feet are high-arched and cat-like.

The coat is short and thick, flat and smooth. Colors of black, red, fawn, brown, or blue, with well-defined red-rust markings appearing above the eyes, muzzle, throat, forechest, legs, feet, and underside of the tail.

Behavior:

The Doberman Pinscher is a noble animal. Some would say the Doberman is at the very pinnacle of breeding in dogs. This superb dog can be both an excellent protective service dog and a truly loyal companion.

Over the years, the Doberman Pinscher has established a reputation for excellence in its capacity both as a watch-dog and as a real guard dog. Having both a strong sense of territory and incredible speed, this large and determined dog acts as a powerful deterrent to would-be intruders. The Doberman Pinscher is intelligent and highly trainable. In some roles, the Doberman Pinscher works under the strict control of a handler for controlling crowds of people. Or its handler may send the dog to chase and disarm an intruder. However, Dobermans are also able to work without handlers. They are brave and intelligent enough to guard a property on their own, sometimes against several people.

These same dogs can be very gentle with people they know, and often make wonderful companion animals. As they are large dogs, most people start off by being very firm with them and having little or no problems as the dogs mature. As a rule, Dobermans get along very well with other dogs. However, their stature can be a little intimidating. Wise owners will be careful not to let shorter dogs become too fearful and make a pre-emptive attack on their Doberman.

Careful checking with reputable breeders will reduce the chance of purchasing a dog with hip dysplasia or other joint problems. Overall, this is a marvelous dog for protective services under an assertive and caring owner.