Breed History & General Information

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

Height at the withers: Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27 1/2 inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal.  For full Standard  go to http://dpca.org/breed/breed_standard.php

By: John T. Brueggeman

Although Doberman temperament has undergone a gradual but steady decrease in overall sharpness during recent years, today's Doberman is still a dog that requires intelligent handling and does offer good protection for his owner, family, home, auto and business. But due to his energetic nature and super intelligence, many people do not make good owners although he isn't nearly as difficult to own as he was in those earlier days when the Doberman earned his reputation as being the sharpest thing on four feet! The uneducated public still harbors a pronounced fear of the Doberman Pinscher, and strangely enough, this has been a lasting blessing for the breed. But how then, can the Doberman breed with such a reputation, be one of the ten most popular breeds in the United States today.  The answer is simple enough. The Doberman has always been, for the most part, extremely loyal and very trustworthy to his master to a greater extent than most other breeds. He is also a dog that becomes an important and enjoyable part of the family. He requires close association with those he loves and when this love is present, his temperament makes him a natural protector. He is trustworthy around his master's children, friends and even company if he is treated with reasonable respect. His physical makeup such as his medium size, short hard hair and overall clean-cut trimness has always been a blueprint of the ideal house dog, but it wasn't until his sharpness mellowed, making him easier to handle, that he could reach his present popularity.

It must not be assumed that all Dobermans have like temperament and it is wise for all prospective owners of the breed to see and become acquainted with the parents of puppies or grown dogs before any purchase is made. On the whole, present-day breeders are doing a good job of producing sound temperament in their breeding efforts. There still is a small percentage of shy, as well as vicious, Dobermans in existence but fortunately they are diminishing. On this point, you need the help of a reliable breeder or breed authority to help you make the best selection for your own particular situation. Once you have had the pleasure of owning a Doberman Pinscher of correct breed temperament, you can't help but be spoiled for life.We are pleased that you are considering joining the ranks of many happy Doberman owners, and would like to offer you a few tips in selecting not only the right puppy. but the right breeder, which is the most important step you will take. While we cannot do this for you, we can offer some advice to perhaps get you off to a good start If at all possible. do go and pick up the puppy yourself, even if it means a long drive. This will not only enable you to meet the breeder of your puppy. but also see the dam and the conditions under which the litter was raised. Of course, make an appointment. as breeders are generally quite busy and have many visitors.

If you are looking for a docile, uncomplicated dog, a Doberman is not for you.  The Doberman needs a firm, kind and loving person to guide and train it.  A Doberman cannot live happily in a total kennel situation but must have a great deal of time with his owner or owners in a close family relationship.  You as owner must be willing to make the effort it takes to be the "Master:" or else the delightful and responsive puppy may turn into an unruly, headstrong dog which will be hard to handle as he matures.  Dobermans thrive on a fairly rigid schedule and learns when to expect his food, his walks and the arrival of his loved ones.  Dobermans are very susceptible to extremes of heat and cold.  They must be an indoor dog.  Shop around when looking for your puppy.  Don't buy on impulse.  Find a reputable breeder by asking Doberman owners, clubs or visiting the DPCA breeders directory.  Dog shows are also a great place to talk to owners about the breed and find breeders.  Visit the sellers home, ask to see the parents of the puppy.  Spend time with the breeder.  A good breeder will be eager to help you develop a relationship with you as they want the best home possible for their puppies that they have spent so much time and money.  Watch the puppies play together.  Male vs Female... the difference is personality between a male and female can be great.  Know that what ever your decision your Doberman will need a firm hand because of both strength, attitude and intelligence.  Note that not every puppy in a "SHOW" litter is a SHOW DOG.  Very few entire letters are suitable for showing.  But most are good stock and well raised.  Buying a puppy as a pet from such a litter and from such a breeder can be a step in the right direction as this puppy should be of correct size, disposition and temperament.  Start training your puppy early.  There are two very important kinds of training you must start as soon as your puppy comes home.  that is housebreaking and leach training.  A doberman is eager to learn and will absorb what you teach him both positively and negatively so start out on the right foot.  A formal puppy obedience class is a must.  Both patience and consistency with your puppy will go along way.  Crate or kennel training is a positive way to start out with housebreaking your new puppy as it satisfies the dogs natural instinct as a den.  This helps as it is natural for a dog to not soil where it sleeps.  Keep the crate close to where you spend a great deal of time or close to where you sleep so that the puppy doesn't feel too lonely.  In a short time your puppy will be accustom to his crate and you can remove the door or leave it open and he can come and go has he pleases.  Above all remember that a Doberman is a working dog and will need a great deal of exercises and mental simulations to become a happy and healthy dog.

Originating in the late 1800's, the breed was named after Friedrich Louis Dobermann, of Apolda, province of Thuringen, Germany.  The dog catcher in his small town, Herr Dobermann's breeding experiments with reputedly involved in the Dobermans early development.  He needed a sharp and aggressive dog to accompany him in his other roles as tax collector and night watchman.  No records were kept, but the old German Shepherd, the German Pinscher, later the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, the black English Greyhound, and the Weimaraner are believed to have contributed to the only Working dog bred to be a personal protection dog.