About the Doberman Pinscher
History of the Doberman
The
Doberman Pinscher has its foundations in Germany, in the late 1800’s. Herr Karl Freidrich Louis Dobermann was born January
2, 1834, and lived in Apolda, a city in the state of Thuringen located in central Germany. Herr Dobermann held various job
responsibilities in his time, ranging from local tax and rent collector, a policeman and occasional night watchman and caretaker
of the local pound. It was this last job that allowed him access to fulfill his desire to create the ultimate protection dog
for his lifestyle.
Although it is undisputed that
Herr Dobermann is to thank for the breed, he did not keep records of the matings that led to its creation. Because there were
no mandated records, the breeds that led to the creation of the Doberman are not completely clear. Most agree that the Manchester
(black and tan) terrier, German Pinscher, Greyhound, Rotweiller, German Shorthair Pointer, Weimaraner and Great Dane played
a part, as well as some pound “mutts”.
The
result of Herr Dobermann’s efforts was an alert, muscular, medium-size dog, fearless in disposition. Initially, they
were known as “Dobermann’s dogs”, “Thuringen pinschers”, “Soldatenhunds” (meaning
“soldier dogs”). After Herr Dobermann’s death in 1894, a friend of Dobermann’s and a fancier of the
breed, Otto Goeller, worked to have the breed recognized and named. In 1899, he founded the Doberman Pinscher Club of Apolda,
and in 1900 the German Kennel Club recognized the breed.
Contrary to the aggressiveness of the original Dobermans, today’s specimen is known more for its
steadfast temperament, intelligence and loyal obedience to its family. The Doberman has served successfully as service dog,
police dog and military dog. When properly socialized, the Doberman is great with kids of all ages, while still alert to danger
and protective of its clan. When threatened, the breed will stand its ground firmly, ready to defend if necessary. Some negative
publicity towards the breed actually helps to keep unworthy “would-be” owners at bay, while allowing the rest
of us to enjoy them and continue to better the breed. In our years in the Doberman business, we have heard it many times:
“Once you are owned by a Doberman, you will always want another.”
Their short hair makes them low-maintenance for care and grooming.
They shed only minimally, without the odor of longer haired breeds. Over-bathing can dry out their skin. The only grooming
required is nail clipping and the occasional whisker trim, if so desired.
