DOBERMAN PINSCHER


The Doberman originated in Germany around 1890, and is named after his originator, Louis Dobermann. At that time, the Doberman was used almost exclusively as a guard dog. Today, the well bred Doberman makes a loving and obedient family companion.

The appearance is that of a dog of good middle size, with a body that is square: the height measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers equaling the length. The Doberman should be elegant in appearance, with proud carriage, reflecting great nobility, and should be compactly built, muscular and powerful for great endurance and speed.

The Doberman should be neither shy nor vicious. The Doberman originally bred for protection, today is a very much loved member of the family. Does well with other dogs, cats, kids and more. Like any other breed of dog, they need to be socialized and introduced to those things you want them to be used to. Noises, different places, people, anything that you want your dog to view as ' everyday ' you socialize them to those things. The dog that is aggressive, fearful or shy, is the dog that has not been well socialized. The best time to socialize your dog is when he is a puppy and more open to new experiences.

 


Dobermans come in 4 colours that are accepted by the kennel club. Black/Rust, Red/Rust, Blue/Rust and Fawn/Rust. Generally you don't see many Blue and Fawn Dobermans, not because they are rare, but because breeders generally avoid breeding those colours due to the health and coat problems that can sometimes be associated with them. They are not rare, they are not special, so if someone offers you a blue or fawn, and is selling them as rare or special, walk away. They are accepted colours just like the black and reds, and they are no more special and they are not worth any more than the 2 basic colours.



Dobermans being a very people oriented breed, do better when they are born and raised in the home with the family. They should be crate trained, socialized early to those things you want them to easily accept.. kids, bikes, other people, new places etc. Also training classes are recommended to make sure that you end up with a nice well rounded dog that listens and is an asset to you and a joy to spend your life with.

Of course you want to make sure you finish the vaccination set before taking your puppy out into public amongst other dogs.


The Doberman is a smart breed, that loves to spend time with people. They do well when crate trained young, and taught that it's okay to spend time alone, that you are coming back. They are a breed that very much wants to be with people, and insists on being close and staying involved, no matter what you are doing. If you don't like the idea of a dog that likes to stay close and is close on your heals, you should reconsider the Doberman.

The Doberman doesn't need a whole lot of exercise, but they do like to get out and run. Along with regular walks, a good run in the field, they also need mental stimulation. They absolutely love to learn new things.

They are a breed that can participate in many of the dog sports and do very well. Agility, obedience, flyball, Schutzhund, conformation, Search and Rescue, and more, all are activities that Dobermans do excel in.

 



Dobermans are normally seen with their cropped and erect ears. Many people think that they are born this way. In reality the ears are cropped by the vet, stitched, and allowed to heal in the upright position. Stitches removed, and the ears posted for sometimes months, training the ears to stand erect. Now, more and more people are electing to have their Dobermans ears left natural. It is a different look, doesn't change the nature or personality of the dog at all. They do tend to look a little softer. I find the dogs with natural ears are more approachable by people, and are far easier to socialize. You don't get that fear from people with the natural ears as you do with the dogs with the traditional cropped ears.

Dobermans were originally cropped so that when they were working, guarding, the burglar would have less dog to grab. Docked tails and cropped ears, would make it harder for someone to catch a Doberman.

Today the tails are still docked, but it is far more common to see natural ears. It's a good idea to get your puppy from a breeder who is willing to get the ears cropped for you. If you get them done by the breeder they are more likely to be done right, and the breeder can teach you how to tape and care for the ears. Ears are cropped approx 7 - 9 weeks of age.