History of the Doberman Pinscher
Feb 17th, 2008 by Teri
It never ceases to amaze me just how interesting the history of many dog breeds are. This is especially true of the Doberman Pinscher.
Many years ago, during the 1800s, a man named Louis Doberman from Thuringen in Germany had in part of his career undertaken the task of collecting taxes. Every day Herr Doberman would set out on foot and literally walk door-to-door asking people to pay their overdue taxes. He was also a night watchman and needed a dog that would provide protection on his rounds.
Needless to say, these jobs were obviously quite rough and Mr. Doberman needed an excellent guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. He then set out with the goal of creating such a breed by cross-breeding several types of breeds to create the perfect companion - guard dog.
The most likely mix came from the old German Shepherd and the German Pinscher, with later crosses using the Greyhound, Weimaraner, and the Black & Tan Manchester Terrier.
Soon enough Mr. Doberman gathered the perfect prototype of the breed which today bears his own name. The original Doberman dogs looked a little different than today’s Doberman Pinschers, with rounder heads and a thicker bone structure, which in time was bred to have a more narrow race-like look.
After Mr. Doberman died in 1894, the Germans named the breed in his honor after his own name Doberman -Pinscher. But fifty years later they dropped the Pinscher name because that was the word for Terrier and it was not an appropriate name.
By the year 1900, the Doberman Pinscher became so popular that it had its own breed club.
The first Doberman Pinscher found its way to the United States in the early 1900s. Both the US and European nation took to this breed has a perfect police dog and guard dog. After World WarII the GI’s brought the first Doberman back to the United States, and it became an attractive breed for dog fanciers. Much like the soldiers in Iraq today are adopting and bringing home dogs that have become their companions the Dobermans were appreciated for their compact build, muscular bodies and distrust of strangers.
In time, it was also used as a war dog. In time, these valuable functions became the desire of many household families, in addition to the sleek, defined appearance of the animal. By the year 1977, the Doberman Pinscher was the second most popular dog breed in the United States.
Doberman Personality
The Doberman Pinscher is a highly intelligent animal that is one of the most capable guard dogs and watchdogs a family could own. Not only is it a highly dependable family protector, Doberman Pinscher dogs are also one of the most easiest breeds to train. They are alert and always ready to serve. These dogs are quite sensitive, obedient, reserved with strangers, and are committed to loyalty. Dobermans were once part of the working dog family that were trained in Police and military work. Since they lack an undercoat for changes in temperature, they are most used now for residential security and household pets.
Taking Care Of Your Doberman Pinscher
Upkeep of the Doberman Pinscher takes more than average daily exercise. Bundled with enormous pockets of energy, this dog can become very frustrated and even destructive when kept indoors too long without physical and mental stimulation. Families considering owning a Doberman Pinscher should be prepared for a lifelong commitment of daily brisk walks and plenty of vigorous dog games to play outside. Dobermans Can live outside in both hot and cold temperatures, but is more comfortable when inside with its family.
Health Information
The Doberman Pinscher has a lifespan of up to 12 years, with 11 being the average. Veterinarians suggest that these dogs get specifically tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems, cardiac issues, and DNA for vWD.
Major health concerns that may arise are gastric torsion, demodicosis, vWD, and osteosarcoma. Occasionally, minor health problems sometimes include PRA, albinism, narcolepsy, and hypothyroidism.
Dobermans are such a beautiful sleek and protective dog and a great addition to any family. They do have a bad reputation however one can admire them from a distance.
tag: dobermans, doberman Pinscher, history of dobermans, health information for dobermans,
