Doberman
Pinscher
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 Description:
The Doberman Pinscher is named
after its creator Louis Dobermann - a German
tax collector who also ran the local animal
shelter in his area. A skilled breeder,
he set out to create a medium-sized working
dog that would accompany and protect him
during the day on his travels. Most educated
guesses suggest that crosses of the Rottweiler,
the German Pinscher, the Manchester Terrier
and perhaps the Greyhound were used to perfect
the breed by 1899. At first the Doberman
Pinscher was unpopular with most dog fanciers
but did catch the eye of those interested
in a medium-sized security dog. Further
refinements were made and the breed was
officially recognized in Germany and then
shortly after in America in 1908. Americans
are credited with developing the handsome
and reliable Doberman Pinscher we know today.
The breed thrives well in both city and
country if he is provided with daily exercise.
Height:
The height of a Doberman Pinscher
is 27.5" (69.8cm) for dogs, 25.5"
(64.8cm) for bitches
Weight:
The weight for a Doberman Pinscher is between
66 - 88 lbs (29.5 - 39.3 kg)
Coat
Type: The glossy Doberman
Pinscher coat is short, dense and hard.
It is smooth and lies flat on the body.
Grooming needs are minimal.
Color:
Colors of the Doberman
Pinscher's coat include solid black, red,
blue, or fawn with rich tan markings. Grooming
needs are minimal. NOTE: White color in
a Doberman is not only a disqualifying fault,
but a serious health issue for the individual
dog and a threat to the integrity of the
breed. White dogs are Tyrosynase Positive
Albinos; this condition causes marked photosensitivity
(squint or shut eyes in sunlight) and increased
risk of solar skin damage including cancer.
To help to eliminate this recessive gene
from the Doberman Pinscher gene pool, the
American Kennel Club has traced back to
the original dog that carried this trait;
further the AKC includes the letter Z in
all litters that trace back directly back
to this dog, as well as to litters with
a white parent. You can help by not buying
or breeding from litters with a Z in the
litter registration number.
Temperament:
Originally an ill-mannered breed,
the Doberman Pinscher today is credited
as a keen, loyal, friendly and obedient
family pet. He does, however, maintain his
watchful, determined, and alert instincts.
Health
Problems: Doberman
Pinschers can be susceptible to health issues
which include von Willebrand's disease,
prostatic disease, dilated cardiomyopathy
and (CVI) - cervical vertebral instability.
This breed can also be prone to hip dysplasia
and hypothyroidism which are both much less
serious. The average life span of a Doberman
Pinscher is between 10 - 14 years.
Special
Interest: Champion
Dictator of Glenhugel, one of the breed's
most renowned stud dogs, is remembered for
passing along two distinctive traits. The
first was an excellent temperament, the
second, which has been found in tenth-generation
descendents, was a cowlick at the nape of
the neck. Dogs with this cowlick are said
to have the "mark of Dictator."
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
FCI: Group 2
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
NZKC: Utility
UKC: Guardian Dogs
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