Doberman Pincher. History Of The Doberman - A Dog Completely Misunderstood!
With their sleek black and red coats and their alert heads, Doberman Pinschers are easily recognized wherever they go.
Although they have a great deal of fame as police dogs and guard dogs, this fierce looking breed is known as a gentle, energetic companion dog is quite commonly and successfully kept as a family pet.
Doberman pinschers were first bred in Germany in 1890.
Their name is a testament to the man who founded the breed, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
They were originally smaller than their current size, as the word "pinscher" refers to a terrier, and that part of the name was dropped in Germany and in England, though it still sees some usage in the United States.
Doberman pinschers were originally bred as guard dogs that would combine the positive qualities of intelligence, ferocity, loyalty and strength.
Dobermann himself was a tax collector who needed such a dog as he often traveled through fairly lawless areas. He also had a second job as a dog impounder, giving him a ready supply of breeding stock.
It is thought that Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening continued Dobermann's work and that they were the ones who produced the modern version of the Doberman Pincher.
From the records kept, it is thought that several dog breeds went into making the modern Doberman pinscher.
The Rottweiler, the Thuringian Shepherd dog, the Great Dane and the German Shepherd were all thought to have contributed something to the Doberman pinscher, though the exact bloodlines and crosses were soon lost to time. It is thought the German Shepherd contributed the most to this breed.
Though Doberman pinschers have a fierce reputation, they are actually quite gentle and loving.
Part of its reputation comes from being an extremely territorial breed that will attack if it feels that its family or property are endangered. They are large dogs however, and if you decide to adopt one, some serious time should be put into training him and socializing him.
All individual dogs will vary in temperament, however and while some dogs are stubborn and headstrong, others take very well to training. A properly trained Doberman can be trusted with young children, other dogs, and even cats.
As with many larger dogs, Doberman pinschers live about ten years. Though they are a fairly healthy breed, they are prone to wobbler disease, dilated cariomyopathy and Von Willebrand's disease, a disorder which is often tested for in puppies.
Doberman pinschers require a fair amount of exercise and stimulation.
They were originally bred to be working dogs, and if left on their own, may begin to bark or engage in destructive behaviour
Though their role has now been usurped by German Shepherds, they were previously highly desirable dogs for police and military work.
"This has lead to the misconception on the part of many people who believe that the Doberman is naturally vicious"
This is a common believe despite the fact that Doberman pinschers have never had as many attacks linked to them as other breeds, like bull dogs, German Shepherds or Alaskan Malemutes.
Proper care, training and exercise will create a wonderful family pet and companion out of a Doberman pinscher.
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