Description
History
The Doberman Pinscher, Dobermann in some parts of the world, is a breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann (1834–1902), a tax collector from Apolda, Germany. The Dobermann was named after its creator and is best known for its use by police to guard prisoners.
The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world; it has also been featured prominently in media and works of fiction, such as movies and video games.
Doberman dogs are one among several breeds that are used extensively by security organizations because they are large enough to be intimidating to intruders but not so aggressive that they cannot distinguish their handler from an assailant. Doberman Pinschers also have a remarkably high tolerance to physical pain. Dobermans are very intelligent and obedient, but can be strong-willed and must be trained properly. Doberman Pinscher puppies should not be given too much physical exercise until they are older or else their growth will be stunted, slowed, or stopped by joint problems brought on by premature strenuous exercise that is beyond the Doberman’s ability.
Doberman Pinschers are known for having one of the most powerful bites among canines; this has earned them the nickname “the biting breed”. Dobermans are frequently hired by police forces as guard dogs. They need extensive training because of their innate aggression. Doberman Pinschers are very loyal and get along well with children if raised with them, but Dobermans should be supervised around small children because a Doberman adult may be too rough when playing with a child. Doberman Pinschers can compete in dog agility trials, carting, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured when Doberman puppies are of appropriate age. The Dobermann has been bred primarily for protection so they naturally have the instinct to guard their owners or family members.
History of the Doberman
The breed’s origins can be traced to Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann (1834–1902), who emigrated to Apolda, Germany, in the late 1800s. Dobermann was a tax collector whose duties included collecting dog taxes. Dobermann was said to have had a bad temper which he took out on dogs by poisoning them or breaking their legs. As well as being an animal lover Dobermann prized strength and courage above all other qualities enabling his dog to protect him from any danger. Dobermann wanted to develop a watchdog that was not only big and strong enough to defend him but also smart enough to tell friend from foe. Dobermanns were eventually crossed with various breeds such as the German Pinscher, Weimaraner, Black and Tan Terrier, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Old English Bulldog (a Doberman with a shorter jaw and wider head than the modern Doberman), and even the Manchester Terrier. Dobermann died in 1894 and in 1913, his body was exhumed so that his remains could be studied and preserved. His skeleton is still kept by the Anatomy Institute at the University of Jena where it lies in a glass sarcophagus
Doberman In The Media
Today Dobermans are major celebrities among dog breeds. Dobermans have been featured in countless movies such as The Doberman Gang (1972), where Dobermans were shown to talk to each other through a “telepathic” ability allowing them to commit robberies without human assistance; A Kick in the Head (1962); and Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (1961). Doberman Pinschers are also featured in video games, including the Fallout series. Dobermans have even appeared on postage stamps. Dobermans are one of the many breeds that have been used to portray Dracula’s Dog in cartoons, movies, and comics.
Characteristics and Temperament
Doberman Pinschers are very loyal dogs but they are not for everyone. Dobermans require an owner who will take time to train them properly or else they can be aggressive towards other animals and people, especially strangers. Dobermans do not belong around small children because Doberman puppies may mistake a child as prey. Dobermen love their owners unconditionally unless the dog has been mistreated by them which could result in dangerous consequences so Doberman owners should always treat Dobermans as friends and not as possessions. Dobermans are very active dogs and like to be kept busy with games such as fetch, tug-o-war, hide and seek etc. Doberman puppies grow up to become Doberman adults but they never stop growing which is why Dobermans typically live for 10–14 years on average.
Looking after the Doberman
Dobermans do shed a lot especially during the change of seasons and it’s important to brush them regularly so their undercoat doesn’t mat and tangle with their top coat which can cause discomfort or pain for the dog. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week will prevent tooth decay by removing tartar build-up on the teeth caused by leftover food particles. Dobermans are also susceptible to various health problems such as Von Willebrand’s Disease, color dilution alopecia, entropion, dermatitis, congenital heart defects, hip dysplasia, Dermoid sinus and Wobbler syndrome. Doberman Pinschers are also one of the breeds that are more likely to suffer from Megaesophagus which is a condition where the esophagus is enlarged abnormally restricting proper movement of food down into the stomach. Doberman whippets have even been bred so Dobermans can have longer legs but Doberman whippets tend to be taller than Dobermans because whippets have longer bodies than Dobermanns. Doberman Pinschers should never be overfed or else they can develop obesity which can cause numerous health problems for Dobermans. Dobermans also need lots of exercise because Dobermans were originally bred to be guard dogs and Dobermanns must be trained from a young age that the owner is in charge otherwise Dobermanns could become aggressive towards their owners, other animals or even people especially if Dobermanns are not socialized properly. Dobermans also have a very keen sense of smell which makes them excellent trackers
