Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed

The brave and intelligent Doberman is both a loyal and affectionate family dog and watchful guard dog.

Temperament

Doberman Pinschers are playful and intelligent dogs, despite their often undeserved aggressive reputation. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, the Doberman makes an excellent and affectionate companion.

A properly socialized Dobie is good with both children and other pets, though children must also be taught how to safely interact with him.

As an energetic breed, the Doberman needs plenty of exercise. He’ll enjoy going on long walks, runs or hikes with you and playing in a fenced-in yard.

The Dobie is smart, so he learns quickly. This can make training easy initially, but he can get bored, so you’ll need to find ways to keep the sessions interesting. Because he’s a physically strong and strong-willed dog, proper training is essential to ensure he becomes a good canine citizen.

Characteristics

The Dobie is muscular and athletic, with a sleek and regal appearance. Traditionally, their tails are docked and ears cropped. Dobermans have short, sleek coats.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Colors

When most people think of Dobermans, they think of the traditional black coat with rust markings.

Doberman coats can come in an array of colors, though, including black, blue, red, or fawn with rust markings. The rust markings are usually above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, feet and under the tail.

Shedding

The short Dobie coat sheds moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.

Health

Doberman Pinschers are a healthy breed overall. A primary concern, as with other deep-chested, large dogs, is bloat. Other genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism and progressive retinal atrophy are also possible.

Responsible breeders screen for medical conditions that could affect the dog’s health.

Best Dog Food for Doberman Pinscher Dogs & Puppies

Because Dobermans are such an active breed, you may want to feed yours a high protein dog food to support his energy levels.

A Doberman puppy will need a quality puppy food for the first year of his life to help him grow and develop into a healthy dog. For information on how much or when to feed your Doberman dog or puppy, explore our feeding articles here.

History

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany toward the end of the 19^th century. The breed is named for Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who bred the dogs to serve as protectors as he made his collection rounds.

Dobies soon earned a reputation as working dogs and were used by the police and military as early as World War I. They also worked as therapy and service dogs.

Dobermans made their way to the U.S. in the early 1900s and were registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America formed in 1921 and the dog is still considered one of the most popular working breeds in America.

Facts

• The U.S. Marine Corps used Dobermans during World War II.
• Louis Dobermann didn’t keep records of the breeds used to create the Doberman Pinscher, but some of its likely ancestors include the Rottweiler, German Pinscher and the Black and Tan Terrier.
• A life-size, bronze Doberman statue known as “Always Faithful” stands guard in Guam, overlooking the war dog cemetery at the U.S. Naval Base there.