Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed originating from Germany. They are known for their sleek, muscular physique, as well as their loyalty and intelligence. Dobermans are often used as guard dogs and police dogs, but they can also make excellent family pets.

General details

The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large dog breed that weighs between 35 and 45 kilos and measures between 61 and 71 cm at shoulder height. It has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years with proper care. According to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, it belongs to Group 2, which includes Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossers, mountain type dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Doberman Pinscher was developed in Germany in the late 19th century by a tax collector named Louis Dobermann, who also ran the city pound. Dobermann wanted a breed that would protect him on his rounds, so he crossed several breeds, including the German Pinscher, Rottweiler and Weimaraner, to create the breed, taking advantage of the fact that he had access to many different dogs. The exact combinations of dogs were not recorded, so they have been drawn from studies and assumptions. Five years after Dobermann's death, Otto Goeller founded the National Doberman Pinscher Club and finished developing the breed. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1911 and became popular in the United States after World War II, during which time the U.S. Marine Corps adopted it as an official war dog. Today, the Doberman Pinscher is often used as a guard dog, police dog and military dog, as well as a loyal and loving family pet.

Breed characteristics

The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, athletic breed with a muscular body. They have a long, narrow head with a distinctive prognathism and droopy ears that are often cropped to a point. Their eyes are dark and piercing and they often carry a docked tail. They have a short, soft coat, which is usually arranged in a single layer all over the body. The coat coloration can be black, red, blue or rust. Dobermans are known for their loyalty and protection towards their owners. They are intelligent and highly trainable, making them suitable for a variety of roles, such as police and military dogs. Due to the initial purpose of their breeding, they are dogs with a highly developed protective sense, willing and fearless, but thanks to their intelligence they are not very prone to aggression without permission from their owners. They are also affectionate and playful with their family, but can be wary of strangers.

Common health problems

Like all dog breeds, the Doberman Pinscher is susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health problems in the breed include Wobbler's disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand's disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends an advanced cardiac evaluation exam.