About Doberman Pinschers

Doberman Pinschers (also known as Dobermanns or Dobies) are elegantly powerful dogs that look far more aggressive than they really are. They are suprisingly strong dogs, even though they are not heavily muscled. They are high-energy dogs that need to be kept busy. This is not a breed recommended for first-time dog owners. Dobermans may have a bad reputation for being mean, but with patient training, make loyal and helpful companions.

  1. History

    • Dobies were developed in the 1890s by a German tax collector, Louis Doberman. It's thought the dogs he bred that still bear his name were a mix of Rottweilers, Greyhounds, Manchester Terriers and short-haried local herding dogs. They became the preferred breed for the German police for their speed, agility and ability to scare the bad guys.

    Function

    • Dobermans were bred to be the ultimate guard dog. Although they look aggressive to strangers, they would be affectionate and adoring of the people and livestock they were to protect. Dobermans are highly intelligent and are making the transition from guard dog to family pet very well. They are still used as guard dogs, but also as pets, as show ring superstars and as therapy dogs.

    Size

    • They are a large dog, weighing an average of 70 to 80 pounds and standing between two and three feet at the shoulder. There is a smaller variety that is now its own breed, the Pinscher. The Miniature Pinscher is a separate and far older breed than the Doberman Pinscher.

    Identification

    • Dobies are the canine equivalent of a mature riding horse--with the long legs of a shepherd or Greyhound, but with solid muscle underneath the slim body. They have large eyes and an alert expression. Their coats are short and often very glossy. The usual color is black with rusty-tan points on the face, belly and legs, but they can also come in all red and albino (although the albino is not allowed to be registered or shown).

    Misconceptions

    • Doberman Pischers are born with floppy ears and a long, slim, curving tail. The ears and tail were originally cropped to make the dog look more threatening to intruders. Ear cropping and tail docking are now illegal in many countries, but sadly is still seen in America.