Relatives of the Doberman

The Doberman pinscher was named in honor of its creator Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann of Germany. He worked as a dog catcher, tax collector and police officer. Dobermann wanted a dog who was a companion, intelligent, agile, devoted and fearless. Therefore, Dobermann began breeding a dog in 1880 with those characteristics. Dobermann used breeds such as Rottweiler, German pinscher, greyhound, Beauceron, German shepherd and terriers. It took several years, but Dobermann finally got his companion. In tribute to Dobermann's love of dogs, the breed was named Doberman pinscher after his death in 1884.

  1. Doberman

    • Doberman pinschers become bored and destructive without social interaction.

      Doberman pinschers are loyal, agile and affectionate toward their families. According to the website Just Dog Breeds, the Doberman pinscher is an intelligent, perceptive and sensitive companion that requires firm leadership and obedience training. It's a loyal protector and functions well as part of the family, not chained up. Dobermans need mental stimulation and daily long walks and jogs. Doberman pinschers are working dogs who do best when given a task. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, and they learn commands quickly. They also make wonderful service dogs for search and rescue, guarding, tracking, therapy and police and military work. However, they do not like the cold or rain.

    Beauceron

    • The Beauceron has many similar traits to the Doberman pinscher. It's great with children, loyal, intelligent, agile and prefers to be at its master's side. This fearless dog is energetic, playful and protective of those it knows. However, the Beauceron tends to be reserved around strangers. This French herding dog is easy to train and learns commands quickly. It has been used to guard and herd between 200 and 300 sheep up to 50 miles per day, according to the American Kennel Club. The Beauceron was first recorded in 16th century France.

    German Pinscher

    • Although German pinschers are smaller than the Doberman, they proudly exude the intelligence, agility and great stamina of their relative. This working breed has a natural hunting instinct and desire to protect its family. The German pinscher has lots of energy; therefore, it needs to be exercised vigorously each day with enough room to run and trot. No walking for the German pinscher. It can be independent and assertive, so German pinschers need strong leadership and reinforced discipline training. Even though it can be trained to respond to commands, it's a slow learner. However, according to Just Dog Breeds, German pinschers can be house trained quickly. Be mindful how you treat this native German dog; it has a great memory and can hold a grudge if mistreated.

    Rottweiler

    • Rottweilers work alongside police.

      The Rottweiler is loyal, courageous, confident and protective. This working dog is best when given a job much like its relative the Doberman. Rottweilers are intelligent and strong with great endurance. They are considered great guard dogs. In the family unit, Rottweilers are territorial and protective of the family. According to the American Kennel Club, it is not friendly with strangers "until properly introduced." Instead, the Rottweiler will be reserved and cautious, making it an excellent guard dog rather than a watchdog because it doesn't do much barking. Rottweilers have been used as therapy dogs, service dogs, to herd cattle and in police work. The Rottweiler dates back to 73 A.D. with the Roman invasion of Germany and the city of Rottweil.