Doberman Pinscher

 Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Originally bred to be a fierce dog, the breed’s temperament has toned down over the years and the dog is now a loving and devoted family pet. The breed is known to be bold, alert and loyal with a strong desire to please.

Its innate guarding instinct makes it a good watchdog. Despite being loyal and protective, if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean or aggressive.

The Doberman is intelligent and can be domineering and it is not unusual for this breed to produce one-man and one-family dogs because of their great loyalty.

The Doberman must have constant human companionship and social interaction, not only with its owner but also with all kinds of people and other dogs. This is essential to the well being of the breed.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The dog enjoys both an indoor and outdoor lifestyle, and does not like to be abandoned in the backyard or away from its family. The Doberman is very sensitive to cold as they have very thin hair and should not be left outside in the cold or overnight. As long as the dog is well exercised, it can adapt well to living in a flat.

Dobes are large dogs with great intelligence and a high prey drive, which can make them a formidable breed for the first time dog owner.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

A well-socialised Dobermann is capable of displaying gentleness and devotion to children and other animals in the home. Both puppy and children should be taught to respect each other from the start. Despite being loyal and protective, if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean or aggressive and is not a good choice for first time owners or families with toddlers who could get hurt by the dog’s bulk.

They can be very good with other dogs, especially if they all are of good temperament. Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC breed standard.

How to take care of the Doberman Puppies?

A well-socialised Dobermann is capable of displaying gentleness and devotion to children and other animals in the home. Both puppy and children should be taught to respect each other from the start.

Despite being loyal and protective, if improperly bred or raised, the breed can be mean or aggressive and is not a good choice for first time owners or families with toddlers who could get hurt by the dog’s bulk.
   

They can be very good with other dogs, especially if they all are of good temperament. Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC breed standard.


Description of the Dog

The Doberman is a very muscular and powerful dog and has many elegant features. The dog is well proportioned, compact, has a muscular neck, lean body, and an unmistakeable air of aristocracy, nobility and elegance.

The ideal Doberman head is wedge-shaped with eyes blending in with the color of the coat. Dark eyes are much preferred over other shades and should be relatively deep set. A Doberman's expression should display his great intelligence and vigorous character.

The dog’s ears may be cropped, though cropping is illegal in many countries including Great Britain and Australia but many others, including American Doberman fanciers, believe that an erect, cropped ear enhances the appearance of this breed. The dog’s tail is usually docked at birth at approximately the second joint of the spine.

Coat

The short, gleaming coat is typically black with rust markings or red with lighter rust markings. Less common, but also acceptable in the breed, are blue and fawn (Isabella) with lighter markings.

The rust markings should appear on the muzzle, the throat, above the eyes, the front of the chest, beneath the tail and on all legs and feet. A small white patch less than one-half inch square is permissible on the chest but no other white is allowed. White Dobermans may not be shown, as this is a disqualifying fault.

Height

Male: 26 and 28 inches at the shoulder
Female: 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder.

Weight

The weight of an adult dog will typically range between 60 and 85 pounds depending on size and sex.