Doberman Pinscher | The Loyal, Alert & Protective Dog Breed
The Doberman Pinscher or ‘Doberman’ as it is more commonly known, is a sleek, powerful and highly intelligent dog breed with strong loyalty and protective instincts. Dobermans have been bred originally for protection and police work and hold a reputation as one of the most fearless and loyal breeds. Dobermans are guard dogs and companions alike due to their strong physique, sharp intelligence and alertness. In this video I am going to dive deep into the Doberman pinscher including its history, personality, care and more.
History of the Doberman Pinscher
Developed in Germany in the late 19th century by a German tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, the Doberman Pinscher was born. He wanted to have a dog that would be both intelligent and protective with him when he would go out collecting taxes. Dobermann selected dogs for their strength, loyalty and guarding abilities, and bred the Doberman Pinscher which was a dog noted for its alertness and fearlessness.
First bred for protection and guarding, the Doberman soon became well known for its use in police, military, and service work because of its sharp intelligence and obedience. Nowadays, the Doberman is still employed in protective and working roles, but it is also a popular family companion, which is known for its loyalty and loving nature.
Classification of the Doberman Pinscher
By Purpose
The Doberman Pinscher was first bred as a working dog, whereby they were used mainly for guard and protection duties. Due to its natural alertness, intelligence and guarding instincts it was a good choice for work in law enforcement, search and rescue and military work. Although today there are many Dobermans that live a family life, the breed is still excellent in protection, obedience training, and dog sports.
By Size
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large breed dog that is sleek and muscular. Males range from 75 to 100 pounds; females from 60 to 90 pounds. At the shoulder they measure from 26 to 28 inches. Dobermans are graceful and agile for their size and have a smooth, athletic appearance.
Most Popular Doberman Pinscher Traits
Doberman Pinscher is known for its fierce look, loyalty and alertness:
Dobermans appear sleek and athletic, with well defined muscular structure. They come in many colors, black, red, blue and fawn, and may have tan markings on the face, chest and legs. They have a square body, a long neck, and a poise of nobility and confidence. Cropping their ears to stand erect is common but is becoming less so.
Dobermans are high energy dogs that need daily physical and mental exercise. They can do great in an environment where they can participate in activities like running, walking and playing etc. They are energetic and therefore need a good deal of exercise to prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
They are loyal and protective, and known to have a high level of alertness and attentiveness to their surroundings. And they are affectionate and loving, especially with their owners. Naturally reserved with strangers, Dobermans make great watchdogs but with proper socialization they can be friendly and well mannered in all sorts of social situations.
Factors to Choose a Doberman Pinscher
There are several things to consider before adopting a Doberman.
Dobermans are a high energy breed and therefore require daily physical and mental activity. They must be walked on a regular basis, played with and trained. Active individuals or families who can give the Doberman the exercise it needs will find the Doberman to be an ideal companion because they excel in dog sports like obedience, agility, protection training, etc.
Grooming: The Doberman has a short coat that does not need much grooming. Brushing once a week should keep their coat shiny and healthy on a regular basis. They shed moderately, so they will need to be brushed to keep up with this. Another point to note about Dobermans is the fact that they need to have their nails trimmed, ears cleaned and receive dental care on a regular basis in order to maintain their overall health.
Training: Dobermans are high intelligent and they are eager to please so they are not really difficult to train. They can, however, be independent and strong willed, so training and good positive reinforcement methods work best, even if they are consistent. They need to be socialized early and obedience trained to be well behaved and balanced dogs. Structure and clear leadership along with a solid routine will serve the Doberman well.
Dobermans are generally healthy, but they are prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, heart problems (like dilated cardiomyopathy) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). To keep them in their fittest form one needs to get them checked regularly at the veterinarian, give them a balanced diet and exercise properly. Genetic testing is advised to look for health issues that might be present in breeding dogs.
Tips for Responsible Doberman Pinscher Ownership
Dobermans are high energy dogs that need adequate exercise: Provide sufficient exercise for your Doberman as they have a lot of energy and will be happy and healthy. Walk daily, run and play together. Dobermans are good to do obedience and agility competitions if you want to do dog sports.
Dedicate yourself to training and socialization: It’s essential to train your Doberman early on in life to help them grow into a well behaved and obedient Doberman. In order to help them build more confidence and react less to different situations, you should socialize them with other dogs, people, and different places.
As Dobermans are naturally protective, they can be reserved around strangers. Through proper socialization and training they will learn to distinguish between normal and threatening situations in order to prevent unnecessary aggression.
Keep an eye on their health: They need to visit their vet regularly to detect possible health problem early. Taking care of your Doberman’s health is something that you should be proactive about, from doing vaccinations, flea prevention, and even maintaining their dental health.
Fun Facts About Doberman Pinschers
Although Dobermans are commonly shown in movies and pop culture as fierce protectors, Dobermans are actually known for being affectionate, gentle and loving toward their families.
Doberman pinscher belongs to the fastest dog breeds and can cover up impressive distances as fast as 30 miles per hour.
Because of this reputation for loyalty and alertness, the breed has been used in police work, military service, and search and rescue operations.
As Dobermans have a very strong prey drive, they will chase small animals such as squirrels or rabbits so you will need to keep an eye on them when they are outside.
For Sale: Where to Find Doberman Pinscher
If you are planning on adopting a Doberman, pick a breeder that has health and temperament as the main priority. A responsible breeder will also provide health clearances for hip dysplasia and heart disease. Additionally, you can choose to adopt a Doberman from a rescue organization which is also a great experience for you and the dog.
FAQs about Doberman Pinscher
Conclusion
Doberman Pinscher breed is strong and intelligent and loyal and makes a fine guard dog and family companion all alike. Although they need lots of exercise, training and grooming, the rewards of owning a Doberman are great. They are one of the most devoted, loyal and reliable dog breeds because of their loyalty, protective instincts and loving nature. A Doberman will be a treasured family member for years if you are willing to meet their needs.