Doberman Pinscher
History
- Louis Dobermann was a door-to-door tax collector in Germany who needed a good guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. In the late 1800s he set about to create the ideal dog for his needs, combining a shepherd-type dog with a German pinscher, with later crosses to the black and tan Manchester terrier, greyhound, and weimaraner.
- By 1899 the breed had developed to the point that a breed club was formed.
- The first Doberman pinscher arrived in America in 1908.
- Dobermans gained favor as police, guard and military dogs, and their popularity grew following both World Wars.
- Dobermans were the second most popular breed in America in 1977.
- In some communities they have been the target of breed specific legislation.
Doberman Pinscher Behavior Concerns
- Makes a loyal and protective companion, an excellent guardian and watchdog.
- Playful and generally gentle with children.
- Tends to be reserved with strangers.
- Not very friendly towards strange dogs, and may not be good with small pets.
- Learns quickly, and enjoys mental challenges.
- It is actually quite sensitive, and does best with a firm but gentle owner who can combine reward-based training with good control and leadership.
- Some owners train their dogs in Schutzhund, a sport that combines obedience, tracking, and protection.
- Dobermans are among the top obedience dogs in competition.
Doberman Pinscher Suggested Exercises
- Makes a calm yet alert housedog given adequate exercise. Otherwise it can be overactive and destructive.
- Requires daily exercise in the form of a long walk, or preferably, long jog. Games and sprints can also help burn off energy.
- The Doberman enjoys cool weather for exercising but cannot live outside in it because of its short coat.
- Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides.
- Agility training is an excellent way to challenge its mind and body.
Doberman Pinscher Grooming
- Coat is short, smooth and hard.
- The coat needs only occasional brushing, once every week or so, to remove dead hair.
- Shedding is average.
Suggested Doberman Pinscher Nutritional Needs
- Dobermans tend to stay in good weight or be slightly overweight.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
- Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate but not final size. This may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.
