· Find Doberman Pinscher Puppies · Watch Related Dog Videos · Doberman Pinscher Forum · Information About Doberman Pinschers · Rescue a Doberman Pinscher · Doberman Pinscher LinksThe Doberman Pinscher was developed over 100 years ago in Southern Germany. Louis Dobermann crossed German pinschers, shepherds, the Weimaraner, the Manchester Terrier and the Greyhound. The result was a fearless loyal dog that was made for guard work. Today's Doberman retains its protective instincts but has lost its outward aggression and sharp temperament. Louis Dobermann's work was followed by more honing breed designations and work by Gruening and Goeller, producing the modern Doberman Pinscher.
The Doberman is often found with a docked tail and ears. While many theories abound on why this is, the crux is that their normally long tail is easily injured, and since this Pinscher was bred for Guard, Watch and Police dog work, it needs to ensure that there are no external factors to interfere with its job. Also, cropping their ears allows for the doberman to more acutely hear and track noises around him, making the dog more sharp. Oddly, this docking is illegal in many places throughout the world, though the US, Russia, Japan and a few other countries where the population is large of this dog. Docking usually occurs on Doberman puppies as young as 8 weeks and as old as 12 weeks.
Because of its long history as a military and guard dog the Doberman is still viewed with fear. This breeds reputation is undeserved, as the Doberman Pinscher today makes a wonderful family pet. Dobermans are very intelligent, caring and very protective of their human families. Usually, a Doberman will only attack a human if it is mistreated or beaten, and is more likely to attack another dog than a human. With proper socialization and early puppy obedience training this breed can be a gentle companion for children and other pets. They are naturally protective of their family and property. They need plenty of exercise daily and excel in activities like obedience and agility. Keeping them in apartments rarely works unless you have access and time to take them outside to dog parks. Their short lying coat requires little care, and a brief brushing once a week will suffice for the Doberman.
Dobermans have served in several wars, there is even a memorial for the 25 dogs that died while liberating Guam with the United States Marine Corp in 1944.
The 1970's film, "They Only Kill Their Masters" is based around Dobermans being deadly and is purely fictitious.
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