Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Doberman Pinscher is an agile, active dog. The dog will be 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder, with the bitch 2 inches less. Depending on the sex, the Doberman will weigh between 60 and 88 pounds. The Doberman Pinscher has a short, hard coat that can be black with tan markings, black, red, blue, or fawn. The ears are usually cropped, then taped so that they will stand upright. The tail is ordinarily docked. The Doberman is a very fast dog with great stamina. It is an extremely intelligent dog and is easily trainable. This dog can live to be 15 to 20 years old. The Doberman is also called the Dobe.

History: This breed owes its origins to a German tax collector called Karl Louis Doberman. He needed a dog to protect him when he carried sums of money through dangerous regions. Doberman was also in charge of a dog pound and used some of the inmates there in his breeding program. Because he was particularly fond of the way the Miniature Pinscher looked, he used it to develop the physical standard of the breed. By 1876, the Doberman Pinscher appeared in its first dog show.

Temperament: Many people regard the Doberman Pinscher as an aggressive dog. It is true that there can be considerable variation as far as temperament goes within the breed. The Doberman Pinscher bonds strongly with its human family and needs to interact with them. Because it is a large, strong dog, the Doberman needs a firm master. The humans in the family must be dominant over it. It is recommended that the Doberman be socialized both with children and other dogs.

Health Issues: A major source of health concern in this breed is congenital heart disease. The Doberman can also suffer from Von Willebrand's Disease (a form of hemophilia), and any dog considered for breeding should be tested for this terrible condition. As with most larger breeds, the Doberman can develop hip dysplasia. Wobbler Syndrome, which causes an erratic and wobbly gait, can sometimes be treated with medication. Stomach torsion, or bloat, is also a concern in the Doberman.

Grooming: Being possessed of a short coat that does not shed excessively, the Doberman Pinscher is an easy dog to groom. The dog benefits from a weekly brushing, but frequent baths are unnecessary. The dog's nails should be kept short and the teeth should be brushed regularly.

Living Conditions: The Doberman Pinscher needs to be with its human family. It bonds closely with them and suffers mentally if separated from them. The Doberman is not only protective of those it cares for, it wants to interact with them at all times. This dog should not be kept outdoors, not only for psychological factors, but also because it is not tolerant of the cold. An important thing to remember is that this dog has a very high energy level and needs a good deal of exercise every day. The Doberman will be a docile companion in an apartment as long as it gets enough exercise.