Dobermann Pinscher
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic Dobermann Rescue SA. If looking for a Dobermann, do contact them, or have a look through internet for other Dobermann Rescue near you.
https://www.facebook.com/dobermann.rescue.sa/
This is a breed of relatively recent origin. It was developed in Germany in the 1860s by a German tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Dobermann had to travel frequently through bandit-infested areas, and decided to develop a watchdog and bodyguard capable of handling any situation that might arise. He ran the Apolda dog pound and thus had access to dogs of many breeds, presumably he crossed the old Shorthaired Shepherds, German Pinschers, Rottweilers, Beaucerons, Manchester Terriers and Greyhounds. Later, Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening continued to develop the breed to the dog that is seen today. After Dobermann's death in 1894, the Germans named the breed Doberman-pinscher in his honour.
They have many talents including tracking, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search and rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience
Doberman Pinschers are medium-large size dogs with a square, compact, athletic build and a short coat that comes in black, black with tan, blue-gray, red, fawn and white.
Personality
Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive. As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits - it had to be large and intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command. These traits served the dog well in its role as a personal defence dog, police dog, or war dog, but were not ideally adapted to a companionship role. The Doberman Pinscher's aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years, and today's Dobermans are known for a much more even and good natured temperament, extreme loyalty, high intelligence, lots of energy and suitability for companionship and family life. They are loving, affectionate and dedicated to their families. Determined, bold and assertive while working, they are very adaptable, highly skilled and versatile
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
They are not recommended for apartment life, they are quite energetic and require a reasonable size yard. They are also very sensitive to cold weather (due to their short coats) and are thus best suited to live indoors.
Dobermans, while loving to their families, can be very protective and suspicious of strangers, and are therefore considered to be excellent guard dogs as well as watch dogs. If they think their handler is being threatened, they will do anything to keep them out of harm’s way. They are, however, very unlikely to show aggression toward their owners. They like to be with their owners and are not suited to kennel or backyard life - they are people-oriented and crave attention, positive reinforcement and quality time with their family. However; this breed is not for everyone, they needs an owner who is firm, confident and consistent with setting rules and sticking to them. If they are allowed to have their own way for too long they can become stubborn and wilful.
Although they have a reputation of being a very aggressive, this is just not the case. In fact they make great therapy dogs, they are sweet and gentle with nursing-home patients - tippy-toeing over IV tubing and walking at the resident's speed (which can be very slow), while at the same time will fiercely defend their masters if it becomes necessary. Issues arise when they are not socialized and trained properly or have an owner who does not display the proper leadership and/or does not provide enough exercise.
These dogs are very energetic with great stamina and need a lot of exercise, daily walks or jogs will not be sufficient. A good solution to this is to put yourself on wheels, take them for a run on a bicycle or roller-blades - this will allow you to keep up with their pace, and if a chest harness is used you can allow them to pull you. They also enjoy to run in a large open area and love to play games like fetch a ball or catch a frisbee. Another way to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is to take part in dog sports such as flyball, obedience and agility. If the Doberman does not get enough physical and mental exercise they can develop behavioural problems like digging or chewing up your furniture.
In a nutshell, a Doberman Pinscher is for you is you:
They have many talents including tracking, watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, search and rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience
Doberman Pinschers are medium-large size dogs with a square, compact, athletic build and a short coat that comes in black, black with tan, blue-gray, red, fawn and white.
Personality
Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive. As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits - it had to be large and intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command. These traits served the dog well in its role as a personal defence dog, police dog, or war dog, but were not ideally adapted to a companionship role. The Doberman Pinscher's aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years, and today's Dobermans are known for a much more even and good natured temperament, extreme loyalty, high intelligence, lots of energy and suitability for companionship and family life. They are loving, affectionate and dedicated to their families. Determined, bold and assertive while working, they are very adaptable, highly skilled and versatile
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
They are not recommended for apartment life, they are quite energetic and require a reasonable size yard. They are also very sensitive to cold weather (due to their short coats) and are thus best suited to live indoors.
Dobermans, while loving to their families, can be very protective and suspicious of strangers, and are therefore considered to be excellent guard dogs as well as watch dogs. If they think their handler is being threatened, they will do anything to keep them out of harm’s way. They are, however, very unlikely to show aggression toward their owners. They like to be with their owners and are not suited to kennel or backyard life - they are people-oriented and crave attention, positive reinforcement and quality time with their family. However; this breed is not for everyone, they needs an owner who is firm, confident and consistent with setting rules and sticking to them. If they are allowed to have their own way for too long they can become stubborn and wilful.
Although they have a reputation of being a very aggressive, this is just not the case. In fact they make great therapy dogs, they are sweet and gentle with nursing-home patients - tippy-toeing over IV tubing and walking at the resident's speed (which can be very slow), while at the same time will fiercely defend their masters if it becomes necessary. Issues arise when they are not socialized and trained properly or have an owner who does not display the proper leadership and/or does not provide enough exercise.
These dogs are very energetic with great stamina and need a lot of exercise, daily walks or jogs will not be sufficient. A good solution to this is to put yourself on wheels, take them for a run on a bicycle or roller-blades - this will allow you to keep up with their pace, and if a chest harness is used you can allow them to pull you. They also enjoy to run in a large open area and love to play games like fetch a ball or catch a frisbee. Another way to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is to take part in dog sports such as flyball, obedience and agility. If the Doberman does not get enough physical and mental exercise they can develop behavioural problems like digging or chewing up your furniture.
In a nutshell, a Doberman Pinscher is for you is you:
- Are an active person and want a large dog that can keep up
- Want a good watch- and guard dog
- Want a dog that does not need a lot of grooming
- If you don’t mind having a large dog indoors
- Are willing to spend the time training and socializing them
- Can give them the exercise they need
- Want a loving, affectionate dog that will protect you no matter what
- Can give them the attention they need
- Have a house with a large yard Want a energetic dog that will go anywhere and do anything with you
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Doberman Pinscher?
If well socialized they will get along with any other breed of dog.
A good choice however will be another larger dog so they can play together without worrying that the one will get hurt, a larger active dog will be perfect like a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Setter, Pointer, Spaniel, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
With proper socialization and training they can do very well with other dogs and even non-canine pets.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Doberman Pinscher?
If well socialized they will get along with any other breed of dog.
A good choice however will be another larger dog so they can play together without worrying that the one will get hurt, a larger active dog will be perfect like a Labrador, Golden Retriever, Setter, Pointer, Spaniel, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble - (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
With proper socialization and training they can do very well with other dogs and even non-canine pets.
Are they good with children?
If raised with and/or well socialized and trained they can do very well with children, however they are not recommended for families with small children. Dobermans are naturally very playful and rambunctious, especially when young, and they can easily knock over or hurt a small child. They are also very protective and may be confused when your children's friends come over and engages in innocent but rough play - they may attack your children's friends if they perceive that the child is in danger, even if he really isn't. Finally, Dobermans may feel overwhelmed by the noise and quick movement of small children, which could result in a shy or stressed dog.
Never leave this dog unsupervised with small children.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Dobermans are highly intelligent and very easy to train, they learn new commands quickly and thrive at obedience training. However, you will get nowhere with harsh training techniques. They need an owner who is firm, confident, consistent and uses non violent, reward based training methods.
Grooming
They have relatively maintenance free coat, it is short, barely sheds, easy to wash and dries quickly. They only need to be brushed occasionally or rubbed with a damp chamois about once a week to keep the coat gleaming, bath them only when necessary - regular bathing can strip their natural oils causing the skin to dry out.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week as well as trim their nail if they don’t wear them down naturally. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Common health problems that this breed is prone to include:
Life expectancy
About 10 to 13 years.
Interesting Facts
If raised with and/or well socialized and trained they can do very well with children, however they are not recommended for families with small children. Dobermans are naturally very playful and rambunctious, especially when young, and they can easily knock over or hurt a small child. They are also very protective and may be confused when your children's friends come over and engages in innocent but rough play - they may attack your children's friends if they perceive that the child is in danger, even if he really isn't. Finally, Dobermans may feel overwhelmed by the noise and quick movement of small children, which could result in a shy or stressed dog.
Never leave this dog unsupervised with small children.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Dobermans are highly intelligent and very easy to train, they learn new commands quickly and thrive at obedience training. However, you will get nowhere with harsh training techniques. They need an owner who is firm, confident, consistent and uses non violent, reward based training methods.
Grooming
They have relatively maintenance free coat, it is short, barely sheds, easy to wash and dries quickly. They only need to be brushed occasionally or rubbed with a damp chamois about once a week to keep the coat gleaming, bath them only when necessary - regular bathing can strip their natural oils causing the skin to dry out.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. You also need to clean their teeth about once a week as well as trim their nail if they don’t wear them down naturally. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Common health problems that this breed is prone to include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Cervical spondylitis (wobbler syndrome) due to fusion of neck vertebrae and compression of spinal cord
- Possible inherited blood disorder (von willebrands disease)
- Obesity in middle age
- Skin issues
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Congenital heart defects.
Life expectancy
About 10 to 13 years.
Interesting Facts
- The gene which produces the albino (white) Doberman is said to be the same gene which produced the famous white tigers and lions owned by Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas. Some also believe the gene is a masking gene, meaning it "takes over" and masks the colour that the dog would be otherwise. White Dobe fanciers say there is no evidence that this gene carries with it any deleterious or adverse health concerns that are sometimes associated with other white animals such as deafness, blindness or unstable minds. Some breeders beg to differ, claiming the gene does cause health issues.
- During World War II, the United States Marine Corps adopted the Doberman Pinscher as its official War Dog, although the Corps did not exclusively use this breed in the role
- A Doberman named Kurt saved the lives of 250 U.S. Marines when he alerted them to Japanese soldiers. Kurt became the first k-9 casualty, July 23, when he was mortally wounded by a Japanese grenade. He was the first to be buried in what would become the war dog cemetery and he is the dog depicted in bronze sitting quiet but alert atop the World War II War Dog Memorial. Kurt, along with 24 other Dobermans whose names are inscribed on the memorial, died fighting with the US Marine Corps against Japanese forces on Guam in 1944.
- Zeus & Apollo or “the lads” owned by Higgins of Magnum PI are two of the famous Dobermann Pinschers
- Another is Cinnamon from the famous doberman and fireman photo
- Alpha from the movie UP
- Tripoli from the movie Eyes of an Angel with John Travolta
- The Doberman Gang – 6 dobermans named after famous bank robbers: Dillinger, Bonnie, Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, and Ma Barker.
- Diablo (voice of Edward James Olmos) in ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pinscher.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/doberman.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doberman_Pinscher
http://www.gentledoberman.com/caring-dobermans-needs/exercise
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244365.asp
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Working-Group/Doberman-Pinscher/Personality.aspx
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/doberman-pinscher-puppy.html
http://www.gentledoberman.com/caring-dobermans-needs/grooming-and-hygiene/doberman-pinscher-grooming
Do’s
- Start training and socialization while they are still puppies and continue
- Give them lots of exercise and mental stimulation
- Give them lots of attention
- Make them part of the family and include them in activities
Don’ts
- Leave then unsupervised with small children
- Leave them alone for long periods of time with nothing to do
- Let them run the house, be firm and consistent with the rules
- Keep them indoors
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/pinscher.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/doberman.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doberman_Pinscher
http://www.gentledoberman.com/caring-dobermans-needs/exercise
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10244365.asp
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Working-Group/Doberman-Pinscher/Personality.aspx
http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/doberman-pinscher-puppy.html
http://www.gentledoberman.com/caring-dobermans-needs/grooming-and-hygiene/doberman-pinscher-grooming
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