Doberman Pinscher

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Size: Large
Other Names: Doberman, Dobermann, Dobermann Pinscher, Dobe, Dobie
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Doberman Pinschers are medium-sized with a powerful, compact, square and muscular body, and a deep, broad chest. More recently, some breeders have bred a slimmer, more sleek-looking Doberman, which has become popular. The Doberman’s tail is naturally fairly long. Markings are sharply defined, located above each eye and on the muzzle, through, fore chest, all legs and feet, and below the tail.

A short-coated working guardian for a house with training and exercise; little grooming, an honest bark, and too much dog for a casual apartment.

The Doberman Pinscher is among the most common of pet breeds. Today, the Doberman is less commonly used as a guard dog, watch dog, or police dog. The breed is believed to have been created from several different breeds, including the Pinscher, the Beauceron, the Rottweiler, the Thuringian Shepherd Dog, the black Greyhound, the Great Dane, the Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Manchester Terrier, and the old German Shepherd Dog, which is now extinct. The exact ratios of mixing, and even the exact breeds that were used, remains uncertain to this day, although many experts believe that the Doberman Pinscher is a combination of at least four of these breeds. The breed was used extensively by the United States Marine Corps in World War II, and 25 Marine War Dogs died in the Battle of Guam in 1944: there is a memorial in Guam in honor of these Doberman Pinschers.

Height: Male: 26-28 inches; Female: 24-26 inches
Weight: Male: 75-100 pounds; Female: 60-90 pounds
Color: Black, red, blue, and fawn (a dilute of brown and is a silvery beige colored, more like the color of a Weimaraner than the traditional fawn found in Boxers or Great Danes); markings are rust colored
Coat: Short, hard, and thick; smooth and close-lying
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Litter size: 6–10 puppies

Temperament

Generally, Doberman Pinschers are gentle, loyal, loving, alert, and intelligent dogs. Careful breeding has improved the disposition of this breed, and the modern Doberman Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed ideally suited for companionship and family life. Historically, the Doberman Pinscher has been used as a protection and guard dog, due to its intelligence, loyalty, and ability to physically challenge human aggressors. Because guard dogs are trained to neutralize unwelcome intruders, many people mistakenly believe that Doberman Pinschers are vicious. Due to these misconceptions it is not uncommon to see this breed mentioned in forms of breed-specific legislation. Most of the factors contributing to dog bites are related to the level of responsibility exercised by dog owners.

Training

Start early, be consistent, and keep the dog working. A poorly trained Doberman becomes pushy.

Care and grooming

Wipe the short coat weekly. Keep this athlete lean and give it a daily job.

Shedding

Low; the short coat needs only occasional brushing.

Health

Doberman Pinschers have a high rate of dilated cardiomyopathy and may also develop von Willebrand disease and Wobbler syndrome. Heart screening of breeding stock is strongly recommended.

Crosses that include the Doberman Pinscher

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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