Doberman Pinscher - Overview

Doberman Pinscher is among the most common and recognizable pet breeds in many countries. The Doberman is a very muscular and powerful dog and has many elegant features. The dog is well proportioned, compact, has a muscular neck, lean body, and an unmistakeable air of aristocracy, nobility and elegance.

The  doberman were first originated from Germany in the 1860′s & was presumably by crossing among the old shorthaired shepherds, German Pinschers, Rottweilers, Beaucerons, Manchester Terriers, and Greyhounds. The resulting dog possessed an uncanny intelligence, bravery, loyalty, stamina, and protectiveness, and was easy to care for. It was with great pride that this breed became known as “Doberman Pinscher.”

The Doberman Pinscher was first presented at a dog show in 1876. It was immediately a big success. The Doberman was first recognized by the AKC in 1908. Doberman Pinschers have many talents including tracking, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience and schutzhund.

Below are several traits of Doberman  Pinscher as follows:

• Size : medium-large size

• Coat : typically comes in black, black with tan markings, blue-gray, red, fawn and white.

• Nose :The color of the nose depends on the color of the dog’s coat, black on black dogs, dark brown on red dogs, dark gray on blue dogs, dark tan on fawn dogs and pink on white dogs.

• Teeth : The teeth meet in a scissors bite.

• Eye : The color of the almond shaped eyes is various shades of brown, depending on the coat color of the dog.

• Ear : The dog’s ears may be cropped, though cropping is illegal in many countries including Great Britain and Australia but many others, including American Doberman fanciers, believe that an erect, cropped ear enhances the appearance of this breed.

• Tail : The Doberman Pinscher’s natural tail is fairly long, but individual dogs often have a short tail as a result of docking, a procedure in which the majority of the tail is surgically removed shortly after birth. This practice has always been controversial. It is legal in North America, Russia and Japan. In many European countries, docking has been made illegal, and in others it is limited.

• Height :

1. Male: 26 and 28 inches at the shoulder
2. Female: 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder.

• Proportions : males should have a masculine, muscular, noble appearance. Females are thinner, but should not be spindly

• Weight:  66-88 pounds (30-40kg.

• Litter Size: 3 to 5 pups.

• Life Span: 10 to 14 years.

Doberman Pinscher Temperament

Originally bred to be a fierce dog, the breed’s temperament has toned down over the years and the dog is now a loving and devoted family pet. The breed is known to be bold, alert and loyal with a strong desire to please.

Its innate guarding instinct makes it a good watchdog. Despite being loyal and protective, if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean or aggressive.

This study found that the Doberman Pinscher ranked relatively high on stranger-directed aggression, but extremely low on owner-directed aggression. The Doberman Pinscher ranked as average on dog-directed aggression and dog rivalry

Although recent studies do not rank Doberman Pinschers as the most aggressive breed, their size, strength and aggression towards strangers makes them potentially dangerous. Studies of dog bites and dog bite fatalities have shown that the danger of attack by Dobermans is relatively high

Doberman Pinscher Intelligence

The Doberman is intelligent and can be domineering and it is not unusual for this breed to produce one-man and one-family dogs because of their great loyalty. The Doberman Pinscher has ranked amongst the most intelligent of dog breeds in experimental studies and expert evaluations.

Living Conditions

The dog enjoys both an indoor and outdoor lifestyle, and does not like to be abandoned in the backyard or away from its family. The Doberman is very sensitive to cold as they have very thin hair and should not be left outside in the cold or overnight. As long as the dog is well exercised, it can adapt well to living in a flat.

Doberman Pinscher Exercise

Exercise is critical for to health and well being of the dogs. They were bred and born to work and have a great deal of energy to burn. Most Dobermans require about an hour of exercise a day to keep fit. Long walks and frequent play sessions in secure areas will make your dog fit and keep him from becoming nervous. Other exercise alternatives can include playing fetch, swimming or hurdle jumping. The Doberman that is given plenty of opportunity to exercise is a much happier and healthier dog.

The Doberman must have constant human companionship and social interaction, not only with its owner but also with all kinds of people and other dogs. So share your time to love and care for them and you’ll get loyal lifetime companions