Doberman Pinscher

The history of Dobermen Pinscher

In 1870 a German named Louis Dobermann began blending ingredients to produce the dog he wanted, one built along Terrier lines but with the size and strength of a working Shepherd. About 1890 he got it and the breed that today occupies a large place in the canine scene was created. The dogs were called “Dobermann's Dogs," later Dobermann Pinscher. Other breeders became interested and a superb guard, police and war dog was developed through the years.

Although this "manufactured” breed is of such recent origin, the ingredients Dobermann used are open to as much conjecture as those in so many of the older ones. It is probable that the Rottweiler, a similar but heavier dog, was part of the foundation and that short-haired Shepherds formed another. The English Manchester Terrier may have played a part, certainly was in later breeding.

You can read about "Rough Collie" here

The breed sold well and ultimately reached America, where the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in 1921. The early "Dobermann Dogs" were bred for ferocity, one early enthusiast saying, “They were certainly robust, had absolutely no trace of fear-not of the devil himself--and it required a great deal of courage to own one."

The modern dog remains among the bravest, but while shyness is penalized, so is viciousness. He makes a wonderful war dog and also a gentle, intelligent guide for the blind. During World War II he was chosen the official breed of the United States Marines. The dog is a compact, clean-limbed, smooth-haired one that weighs 65 to 75 pounds in the adult male but appears to be lighter. 

Characteristic of Doberman Pinscher

Superlative guard god; brave, loyal and intelligent; must be properly trained from an early year age; can be wilful; very good with own family's children and otehr pets; need space.

Color: Black, red, blue and fawn (Isabella); all with sharply defined rust markings. 

Height: Dog 26-28 in, bitch 24-26 in

Coat type: Smooth-haired, short, close-lying; needs ocaasional rub-down with a hound glove or rough towel.

Exercise: Very energetic; needs lots of exercise to keep fit. 

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