The Doberman Pinscher breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Dobie's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
Impressive, elegant and imposing, the media rarely shows the Doberman as the friendly and devoted companion his fanciers know so well. Natural ears enhance the truly genial nature and appearance of this dog and as it is now acceptable in the showring world wide there is little reason to continue with the surgery (both for the discomfort to the dog and people) of ear cropping. Clearly one of the gems of the canine world, the Doberman is certainly NOT the dog for everyone but a dog that might inspire many to learn more.
Colors: black, blue, red or fawn with rust markings over each eye, muzzle, throat, forechest, each leg/feet, below tail, minimal white
Coat type: smooth, short, hard, flat
Recognized Registries: NCA, FCI, UKC, AKC and others
Overall Appearance: Impressive and athletic, the Doberman's smooth contours with long legs and somewhat shorter body create an image, when coupled with the dramatic coloration and smooth coat, of a powerful animal. Natural ears create a far more friendly expression and as they are allowed in all show rings, the reason for the harsh surgery of ear-cropping is inexplicable.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: moderate to high
General Nature:
intense and incredibly loyal, responsible socializing and training can make this into the best of all possible dogs, lack of or harsh handling can result in a hazard
with Children: generally good if supervised and carefully socialized to well behaved children, if only due to size not ideal with very small children
with other pets: can vary, attention needs to be paid to their interaction with cats and other smaller animals
with dogs: varies
Socialization requirements: high
Ideal home characteristics: Experienced in living with intense, intelligent, powerful, confident dogs requiring guidance and socializing to be well adjusted and well mannered companions. Not an ideal candidate for the inactive, two career household.
Temperament Notes: Intense, powerful, intelligent, intuitive, but also incredibly playful, loyal, devoted and attentive/responsive.
Training requirement: high; socialization, basic manners and some on-going interest
Trainer notes: The success of the Doberman Pinscher in EVERY circle of canine sport proves its exceptional abilities as an athelete, pupil and teacher. This ability combined with its history helps indicate that this is a breed that is happiest with a function. Deprived of a function offered by its family, it will often find one of its own accord which could very likely include one or more undesirable behaviors (digging, excessive barking, excessive protectiveness, chewing). As it is easier to prevent these issues than change them once instilled, the Dobe should be in a home that is attentive and inter-active from the start. Helping and enjoying the process of the development of the dog's full potential. Training techniques like clickertraining go far in creating a confident, educated companion that can participate as well as respond to exercises.
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: late 19th century
Country of Origin: Germany
Original Function: various working capacities; the breed was developed for all around character which enhanced its performance in all disciplines
History: Initially developed by Louis Doberman, after his death England and the US continued the work to the breed we have today.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard: excessive size, mismarking (with excessive white)
Health Notes: Hip dysplasia, bloat, eye problems, cardiomyopathy, thyroid issues, vWD, wobbler's syndrome, albinism
