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Doberman
Patronage: Germany
Classification:
- FCI Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser and Swiss Mountain Dogs
- Section 1: Pinscher and Schnauzer
Height at the withers:
- male 68-72 cm
- bitch 65-68 cm
- male approx. 40 kg
- bitch about 35 kg
The Doberman got its name from its first breeder, Friedrich Louis Dobermann (January 2, 1834 – June 9, 1894) from Apolda. E paired some particularly "sharp" dogs for breeding, including his favorite bitch, the mouse-grey "Schnuppe", which was neither a German Shepherd nor a Pinscher, and was therefore nothing more than a cross product from the dog population that existed around Apolda at the time. He mated this bitch with a butcher dog, a kind of forerunner of the Rottweiler, mixed with a kind of shepherd dog, which was found in Thuringia mainly in black, with rust-red markings. to give the dog a slimmer line. This resulted in a utility, working and guard dog breed, which was not only alert, but also "steadfast farm and house dogs". They were used early on as police dogs, which led to the nickname "gendarme dogs". When hunting, they were mainly used to fight predatory game. In the two world wars, the Doberman was used primarily in the German army as a reporting, mine detection and medical service dog. Even today, the Doberman is always a welcome police and guard dog, as well as a good family and companion dog.
DescriptionThe Doberman is an elegant Pinscher-type dog, measuring up to 72 cm tall and weighing up to 45 kg, with a smooth coat and glossy coat that is black with reddish-brown markings and dark brown with reddish-brown markings. Other colours, which are not allowed to be bred in Germany: isabell, blue and white. The Doberman's ears are typically medium-sized, rounded and hanging. The tail and ears were often docked in the past (now banned in most European countries), resulting in erect ears. The Doberman breed strives for a medium-sized, strong and muscular dog, which, despite all the substance in the body lines, shows elegance and nobility.
UsageLike the Giant Schnauzer, Rottweiler, Hovawart, Airedale Terrier, German Shepherd Dog or Boxer, this dog breed is one of the working dog breeds. The Doberman is also very suitable for dog sports.
CharacterThe basic mood of the breed-typical Doberman is peaceful, very affectionate in the family, loyal and fond of children. In addition, he is sensitive, attentive/vigilant, very intelligent and obedient. With a medium temperament, medium sharpness is required. A medium stimulation threshold is still required. With good leadership and joy of work of this breed, performance and courage are important. With appropriate attention to the environment, special emphasis is placed on self-confidence and fearlessness. It's also worth noting that the Doberman tends to be a one-person dog, meaning they tend to get particularly close with one specific person. The prerequisite here is that the reference person is recognized as the pack leader. In addition, the Doberman is a very active dog, which means that he needs a lot of exercise to be balanced and happy. This is not a dog for the insecure or inexperienced in dog training.
Racial IssuesAlthough the Dobermann was never used as a fighting dog, but only as a protection dog (police dog), like the German Shepherd Dog, it was (temporarily) included in the list of potentially dangerous dogs (category 2, list dogs) in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia.
Diseases typical of the breed Congenital Vestibular Syndrome is more common in Doberman Pinschers. This is an inherited disorder of the inner ear that causes impaired balance and deafness. This dog also has a predisposition to Wobbler Syndrome. Likewise, DCM (also known as Doberman cardiomyopathy) is a very aggressive form of heart disease that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The Doberman pinscher is rarely prone to hip dysplasia.
