Dobermann

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dobermann
Dob-3ans.jpg
Other namesDoberman Pinscher
Common nicknamesDobie, Doberman
OriginGermany
Traits
Height Dogs 68 to 72 cm (27 to 28 in)[1]
Bitches 63 to 68 cm (25 to 27 in)[1]
Weight Dogs 40–45 kg (88–99 lb)[1]
Bitches 32–35 kg (71–77 lb)[1]
Coat Short
Colour Black & tan, red & tan
Life span 9–12 years
Kennel club standards
VDH standard
FCI standard
Dog (domestic dog)

Dobermann or Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large dog breed. It originated in Germany about 1890.[2] It was named after a tax collector, Friedrich Louis Doberman (1834-1894), who wanted a dog as a companion and for protection.[2] Doberman Pinschers are known as being very intelligent, loyal and fearless dogs. They are used by police forces, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs and as guide dogs for blind people.

Description[change | change source]

Size[change | change source]

The Doberman is a dog of medium large size. Although the breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs, according to the FCI standard the dog typically stands between 68 to 72 centimetres (27 to 28 in) and The Kennel Club in the UK quote 69 centimetres (27 in) as being ideal.[3] The female is typically somewhere between 63 to 68 centimetres (25 to 27 in).[4] A height of 65 centimetres (26 in) is considered ideal.[3]

Colors[change | change source]

Dobermans have short smooth coats which are most commonly black.[5] Less common are red (reddish-brown), blue, or fawn-colored coats.[5] Blue and fawn colored Dobermans usually have rust-colored (reddish-brown) markings on their legs, chest and heads.[6]

Ears and tail[change | change source]

Normally a Doberman puppy has floppy ears and a long tail. While still a puppy, the tails are often shortened by surgery (called "docking") which heals quickly and causes the puppy very little pain.[7] The ears are cut to a point and so they stand up (called "cropping").[7] This takes longer to heal. Cropping is considered by many to be unnecessary and is illegal in much of Europe.[7] But it is still done in the United States and is part of the standard.[7]

Temperament[change | change source]

People who think they are like any other dogs or are often vicious and dangerous are for the most part wrong.[8] It is true that any dog that is mistreated or not taken care of can become dangerous. Viciousness is a learned behavior and few dogs, including the Doberman, are naturally vicious.[8] Dobermans can be protective and guarded or they can be sweet and eager to please.[9] To get the desired temperament, training should start when the dog is about 8 months old.[9]

The American Kennel Club describes the Doberman as"

He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular daily exercise. Some early specimens were quite sharp and aggressive, but today's Doberman temperament has undergone a gradual but steady decrease in overall sharpness. Not all Dobermans have the same temperament. A Doberman Pinscher of correct breed temperament is trustworthy with his master's children, friends and company. Doberman Pinschers are not well suited to being kennel dogs or isolated outdoor dogs, nor is it advisable to house two adult males together.[2]

References[change | change source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Dobermann breed standard" (PDF). FCI. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Meet the Doberman Pinscher". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "UK Kennel Club: Doberman Pinscher breed standard". The Kennel Club (UK). Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  4. "Dobermann breed standard" (PDF). FCI. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Julie Fiedler, Doberman Pinschers (New York: PowerKids Press, 2006), p. 6
  6. Charlotte Wilcox, The Doberman Pinscher (Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 1998), p. 5
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Raymond Gudas; Betsy Sikora Siino; Michele Earle-Bridges, Doberman Pinschers: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Training and Behavior (Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 2005), p. 19
  8. 8.0 8.1 "The Truth About the Doberman". Gentle Doberman. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Wendy Bedwell-Wilson (10 July 2012). "Training Secrets for Doberman Pinschers". Dog Channel/I-5 Publishing, LLC. Retrieved 17 January 2016.