Doberman Pinscher

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Germany

Group: Working dog

Height: 24-28 in.

Weight: males 75-100 lbs., females 66-90 lbs.

Life span: 10-14 yrs.

Trainability: high

Good with children: with early socialization & supervision

Good with other pets: with early socialization, may show aggression to other dogs

The Dobie is an elegant-looking dog, very protective of loved ones, with the strength to back it up.

The Doberman Pinscher can claim its ancestry from several dogs – Great Danes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Pinschers with perhaps a little Beauceron and English Greyhound blood. Louis Dobermann, who traveled in unsafe areas working as a tax collector decided he needed a dog that would be a bodyguard and a watchdog as well as a companion. He then carefully created the Doberman Pinscher in the late 1800s, the dog which bears his name.

What does the Doberman Pinscher look like?

The Dobie is a very elegant and muscular dog. Height is 24-28 inches tall. Weight for females ranges from 66-90 lbs; males, 75-100 lbs. It has strong teeth and a scissors bite. Docking of the ears and tail has been banned in several countries. If left in their natural state, the ears and tail are similar to a hound. The short hair is thick and hard and close to the body. The chest is deep and broad. Coat colors are black, black and tan, blue grey, red and white. Breeding white dogs has been discouraged due to health risks and behavioral problems.

What is the Doberman Pinscher’s temperament?

The Doberman is an enormously strong dog, intelligent and easily trained. You should never show fearfullness when disciplining your Doberman. Family members should take part in the training. Dobermans are fearless but they are not generally vicious or aggressive if bred by reputable breeders and well trained. They are very protective and loyal members of their family. A Doberman generally attacks only if it believes the family is in danger or it is being mistreated. They can live in apartments but need plenty of regular exercise.

What are the Doberman Pinscher’s uses?

Dobermans have been bred to be guard dogs and watchdogs. They are used by the police and military, in therapy work with the elderly and search and rescue. They do well in competitions and Schutzhund.

Possible Health Issues

Cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), Wobbler’s Syndrome, bloat/gastric torsion, von Willebrand’s Disease, lick granuloma.