While Doberman Pinscher were originally bred as guard dogs, they have transcended their role into becoming excellent police and military dogs, as well as sought-after rescue and therapy dogs. Their high levels of intelligence, along with their alertness, make them valuable in these roles. This breed is driven, strong, and sometimes stubborn, however, they are also quick to learn.
HISTORY
Dobermanns were first bred in the 1880s by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany. He was a tax collector, who ran the Apolda dog pound. Dobermann set out to breed a new type of dog that would exhibit impressive stamina, strength, and intelligence, and that would perform a protection role. Five years after Dobermann’s death, Otto Goeller, one of the earliest breeders, created the National Doberman Pinscher Club and is considered to have perfected the breed, breeding and refining them in the 1890s. Specialists acknowledge that the Dobermann Pinscher is a combination of several breeds including the Beauceron, German Pinscher, Rottweiler, and Weimaraner. It is also widely believed that the old German Shepherd was the single largest contributor to the Dobermann breed. During World War II, the United States Marine Corps adopted the Doberman Pinscher as its official war dog, although the Corps did not exclusively use this breed in the role. The first-ever Doberman was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Today the Doberman is one of the most popular and recognized breeds in the United States. Although the breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs, the size of male dogs should be between 68 to 72 centimeters (27 to 28 in) at the withers. The size of female dogs is 63 to 68 centimeters (25 to 27 in),
The Doberman was originally intended as a guard dog, so males typically have a muscular and intimidating appearance. Females are usually thinner, but should not be spindly. The Dobermann has a fair frame; its length should equal its size to the withers and the length of its head, neck, and legs should be in balance with its body. The ideal weight of male dogs is 40 to 45 kilograms (88 to 99 pounds), and the ideal weight of female dogs is 32 to 35 kilograms (71 to 77 pounds).
Two different color genes exist in the Dobermann: one for black and one for color dilution. There are nine possible combinations, which can result in four different color phenotypes black, blue, red, and fawn. The phrase of the color dilution gene is a condition called Color Dilution Alopecia, a kind of canine follicular dysplasia. Although not life-threatening, these dogs can evolve skin problems.
The Dobermann’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. The recorded reason for docking is to confirm that the tail does not get in the path of the dog’s work.
Docking and cropping
Docking has always been controversial. Docking and cropping have been written out of the Breed Standard by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and dogs born after 2016 will not be allowed to participate in Fédération Cynologique Internationale shows without a full tail and natural ears. This is mirrored in most EU and Commonwealth countries. In the UK, dogs with docked tails have been banned from the show for several years and the practice is now illegal for native-born dogs.
Importing Dobermans
Veterinary Certificates are needed as proof to bypass prosecution of imported animals. It has also been made forbidden in many different European countries, including Australia. Docking is a common practice in the United States, Russia, and Japan (as well as several other countries with Dobermann populations), where it remains legal. Dobermanns often have their ears cropped, a procedure that is thought to be done for functionality for both the classic guard duty and sufficient sound localization. Like tail docking, ear cropping is illegal in many nations and has never been permitted in some Commonwealth countries.
LIFESPAN AND HEALTH
Dobermann’s lifespan is about 10–13 years on average. The breed is inclined to several health concerns. One of the more serious health problems includes Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which is an inflammation of the heart muscles. Many Dobermanns die of this condition. Other serious health problems include von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder for which genetic testing has been available since 2000) and prostatic disease. Cervical Vertebral Instability compresses the spinal cord which can cause a lot of pain and eventually leads to another disease called the Wobbler Syndrome. Less profound common health concerns possess hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. The canine compulsive disorder is also common. Studies have shown that the Doberman Pinscher suffers from prostatic diseases, (such as bacterial prostatitis, prostatic cysts, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and benign hyperplasia) more than any other breed.
PERSONALITY
The Doberman takes a while to grow up. They remain puppy-like until they are about three years old. Although Dobermanns are known to be alert guard dogs, they are also tenaciously loyal companions. The personality of each Doberman is unique. While the attack may be a hereditary trait in Doberman Pinschers, it has been proved that current Dobermans aren’t as fierce as their ancestors were. The Doberman Pinscher has been ranked amongst the most brilliant dog breeds in practical examinations and expert evaluations. The Dobermann is one of the most trainable breeds of dogs. Dobermanns are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive, especially in movies, however, the well-bred Doberman is a wonderful family dog. He is trustworthy and protective of the children, as long as he has been socialized and trained appropriately.
Dobermann’s aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years. Today’s Dobermanns are known to have a much more even and good-natured temperament. He is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless, and obedient. Dobermans can easily learn to respect and protect their owners, and are, therefore, considered by many to be excellent guard dogs. Given that they are properly socialized from a young age, they are generally sociable toward familiar humans, and can also be sociable with other dogs. They are highly unlikely to show aggressive behavior toward their owners.
BREEDING
Dobermans are low-maintenance dogs and generally have a healthy litter. The Doberman’s pregnancy is generally an easy one and doesn’t need much human assistance. This breed is known to naturally birth their offspring and a cesarean is rarely required. On average, Dobermans give birth to a litter of six to eight puppies. No matter which breed of dog, breeding should only be undertaken by experienced and registered Breeders who are breeding to improve the breed. Ensure that the necessary genetic tests are done to ensure that your Doberman is not suffering from any of the genetic disorders.
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