Doberman Pinscher

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 photo sensitivity (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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