Doberman
Pinscher
 Description:
The Doberman Pinscher is named after
its creator Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a German
tax collector who also ran the local animal shelter
in his area. A skilled breeder, he set out to
create a medium-sized working dog that would accompany
and protect him during the day on his travels.
Most educated guesses suggest that crosses of
the Rottweiler, the German Pinscher, the Manchester
Terrier and perhaps the Greyhound were used to
perfect the breed by 1899. At first the breed
was unpopular with most dog fanciers but did catch
the eye of those interested in a medium-sized
security dog. Further refinements were made and
the breed was officially recognized in Germany
and then shortly after in America in 1908. Americans
are credited with developing the handsome and
reliable Doberman we know today. The breed thrives
well in both city and country if he is provided
with daily exercise.
Height:
27.5" (69.8cm) for dogs, 25.5"
(64.8cm) for bitches
Weight:
66 - 88 lbs (29.5 - 39.3 kg)
Coat Type:
The glossy Doberman coat is short, dense and hard.
It is smooth and lies flat on the body. Grooming
needs are minimal. Colors include solid black,
red, blue, or fawn with rich tan markings. Grooming
needs are minimal. NOTE: White color in a Doberman
is not only a disqualifying fault, but a serious
health issue for the individual dog and a threat
to the integrity of the breed. White dogs are
Tyrosynase Positive Albinos; this condition causes
marked photosensitivity (squint or shut eyes in
sunlight) and increased risk of solar skin damage
including cancer. To help to eliminate this recessive
gene from the Doberman gene pool, the American
Kennel Club has traced back to the original dog
that carried this trait; further the AKC includes
the letter Z in all litters that trace back directly
back to this dog, as well as to litters with a
white parent. You can help by not buying or breeding
from litters with a Z in the litter registration
number.
Temperament:
Originally an ill-mannered breed, the
Doberman today is credited as a keen, loyal, friendly
and obedient family pet. He does, however, maintain
his watchful, determined, and alert instincts.
Special Interest:
Champion Dictator of Glenhugel, one of
the breed's most renowned stud dogs, is remembered
for passing along two distinctive traits. The
first was an excellent temperament, the second,
which has been found in tenth-generation descendents,
was a cowlick at the nape of the neck. Dogs with
this cowlick are said to have the "mark of
Dictator."
Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility
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