Motivated, elegant, athletic, obedient, and loyal. The words describe a unique and special breed of dog that is smooth coated, has a compact muscular body type, and an appearance that is a majestic animal and a sight to behold like no other. It has cropped ears and a docked tail and a shiny coat of black, blue, red, and fawn with defined rust markings. It moves with grace and dignity and isn’t afraid to tackle any stumbling block that falls in its way. Imposing and intimidating, this dog stands proudly among the world’s greatest protection dogs and displays superior loyalty to its owner like a true friend. This dog is none other than the Doberman Pinscher.
The Doberman Pinscher was developed in Germany in the late 19th century by a tax collector, who was named Karl Frederic Louis Dobermann. Mr. Dobermann had a very dangerous job of collecting taxes where he often worked in the dangerous areas of town. Because of this dangerous task, he set out to create a breed of dog that would protect him on his tax collecting rounds. Fortunately, Mr. Dobermann had access to the dog pound, so he had a good variety of dogs to choose from to create his new breed.
Some of the breeds that were believed to develop the Doberman include the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Beauceron, Weimaraner, Greyhound, and Manchester Terrier. Mr. Dobermann wanted his new breed of dog to look intimidating but also be an effective guardian as well as an obedient and loyal companion. Thankfully, he succeeded. Soon after the Doberman breed was created, it gained a reputation as a working dog supreme, and the Doberman was recognized by the AKC in 1908.
During WWII, the Doberman served as sentries, messengers, and scouts. During the bloody battle of Guam, many Dobermans gave their lives to help liberate the island and warn the American soldiers of the Japanese invaders. Today, there is a war dog cemetery in Guam, where those dogs that gave their lives during the war are buried, where a statue of a Doberman was erected in their honor. There are plenty of truly amazing stories of how the Doberman contributed to the benefit of humankind. Creating the only dog breed that was ever developed for personal protection, Mr. Doberman had no idea of how his dogs would have a major impact on the canine world.
The only breed of dog that was created for personal protection, the Doberman is a perfect choice for anybody who wishes to have a personal protection dog. However, the Doberman must have an owner who is willing to provide them with the proper care and upbringing. The Doberman must be trained and socialized from very young puppyhood. If not, he can become aggressive and annoyingly destructive as well as exhibit undesirable behavior. Proper training and socialization will help avoid these issues. The Doberman is a star when it comes to training because he is one of the most obedient and intelligent dogs in the world. Believe it or not, Dobermans are the fifth most intelligent dog of all breeds.
Grooming requirements for Dobermans are minimal because they only need an occasional brush and bath to remove dead hair and keep their coat in sparkling condition. Unfortunately, Dobermans suffer with many health issues which include hip dysplasia, bloat, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand’s Disease, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Because of this, a healthy nutritious diet is essential for the health of the Doberman. Interestingly, Dobermans do not do well on grain free diets.
The Doberman is a strong and powerful working dog that is highly intelligent so they must have a minimum of one to two hours of exercise daily as well as mental stimulation. The Doberman excels in many activities including conformation dog shows, obedience, agility, therapy work, search and rescue, police and military work, and protection dog sports.
The star of all dog breeds, the Doberman, with its outstanding loyalty have not earned themselves the nickname “Velcro dogs” for no reason. These are among the most loyal of dogs and will stick to their people like glue through good times and bad. The Doberman is willing to defend its owner, even to the point of giving up its life. The care and upbringing of a Doberman is a very beneficial and rewarding experience. Dobermans are truly dogs like no other. The Doberman Pinscher is none other than a true canine hero and a beautiful canine masterpiece.
