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DOGS BY BREED :: DOBERMAN PINSCHER
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher originates from Germany and was bred originally as a guard dog. Its origins can be dated back to the 1800's. The Doberman Pinscher is also known by the other name of the Dobermann and was named after Louis Dobermann of Apolda in Thuringen, Germany. Dobermann was a tax collector and dog pound keeper who wanted watchful guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. It is believed that he crossed many breeds including the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Terrier, Greyhound and Weimaraner to produce the Doberman Pinscher. This dog is classified as one of the Working Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Doberman Pinscher was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1908. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to as the German Pinscher and the Dobermann Pinscher. The word Pinscher is often misspelled as Pincher and Pinsher.
Dog Character and Temperament
Working dogs, like the Doberman, are medium to giant size and are strong, often independent, domineering and difficult to manage. This, together with the immense sizes of many of the breeds, make many of the working dogs unsuitable as a normal family pet or first time dog owners. These dogs require firm control and must be properly trained. Formal obedience training should include a proper socialising program. Training need not be difficult as Working dog breeds are generally quick to learn and intelligent. Some of the working dog breeds are easier to handle such as the Newfoundland dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, the Samoyed and the Saint Bernard.
Coat and Colors
The Doberman Pinscher's coat is normally a shade of black, brown, blue and fawn with rust marking on their head, body and legs. The coat is normally short, smooth, thick and close.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Doberman Pinscher, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Doberman Pinscher can include:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
- Gastric Torsion
- CVI (cervical vertebral instability) also known as "Wobbler Syndrome" a disease of the spinal column of the neck
Grooming and Care
The Doberman Pinscher requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Doberman Pinscher dogs.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 Ð 15 years.
Age comparison between the Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Puppy Information
The following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:
- Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
- Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
- Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
- Exercising requirements for the Doberman Pinscher breed
- Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
- Family - child suitability
Working Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Working group, which include the Doberman Pinscher, were developed to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as herding, droving, pulling, hauling, herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding. The very nature of many of these tasks require a big, strong dog. These dogs have a long and close association with man and have provided invaluable help to their owners. The working dogs are generally large, intelligent, and protective of their masters. Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets to their owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as horses when none such animals were available. Advanced technology and machinery have negated some of the working requirements of these dogs but strength, courage and a fast reactions ensure that this partnership will continue long into the future.
Working Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Working Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various Working breeds, including the Doberman Pinscher, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as:
- Guarding premises
- Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
- Pulling or hauling various vehicles such as carts and sleds
- Hunting which could range from all kinds of smaller animals to big game including lions and tigers
- Performing water and mountain rescues
In this day and age not every Doberman Pinscher might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbor the skills and characteristics that made the original Doberman Pinscher breeding program successful. Many of the Working dogs group are still gainfully employed as:
- Guard Dogs
- Police dogs
- Sled dogs
- Rescue dogs
