About the Breed
The Doberman is a medium size, working breed that possesses an extreme degree of intelligence and trainability.
The breed was developed in Germany in the 19th century by Louis Dobermann. He used many local dogs of various backgrounds, as well as the Rottweiler, Greyhound, Manchester Terrier and other recognized breeds to add traits to his basic "black and tan" guard and personal protection dog.
Today, the Doberman is a beautiful, intelligent and loyal family member. He is known for his keen alertness and watchfulness and devotion to his family. He has gone through a long transformation over the last one hundred plus years to emerge as one of the truly versatile working breeds.
He is a dog that stands approximately 26 to 28 inches at the "wither" (highest point on the topline) for males, and he weighs approximately 75 to 90 pounds. The females are smaller, standing about 24 to 26 inches at the wither, and weighing about 55 to 70 pounds. The "ideal" height for males is 27 1/2 in. and for the females it is 25 1/2 in.. The over all appearance is a "medium sized, square bodied dog---that is compactly built, muscular and powerful---for great endurance and speed---elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, and reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. " These quotes are directly from the Official Doberman Standard approved by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America and the American Kennel Club. The "Official Standard" is the total description of the breed---from the tip of the Doberman's nose to the carriage of his tail. It describes how the "perfect" Doberman should look and act. It is this Standard that the Doberman is judged on when it is entered in a Dog Show in a Conformation Class. This judging that takes place at the Dog Shows, determines which Dobermans come the closest to being " the perfect or ideal" specimens. The Doberman Standard can be found on the DPCA website in it's entirety.
The Doberman comes in four recognized colors that are acceptable within the Standard. These are 1) Black and Rust 2) Red and Rust 3) Blue and Rust and 4) Fawn (Isabella) and Rust. All four of these colors are acceptable in the AKC Standard and can be shown in the Conformation Ring, which judges the future breeding stock for Championship points and the Championship Title.
The Doberman is a very versatile Breed. Dobermans are wonderful family members, but must be socialized, disciplined properly and kindly, trained to be good citizens, obedience trained, and properly cared for to ensure good health and a long life. Dobermans are fun and energetic dogs that can play catch, Frisbee or go jogging with you. You can do Obedience competition, Agility competition, and other sport venues that require an active breed. Dobermans can do Search and Rescue, and other activities that require a good "sense of smell". Dobermans can be found doing just about any activity that any other medium size breed does.
Dobermans are a short coated breed which means that there is NO CHOICE as to where he will stay. The Doberman is a HOUSE dog and cannot survive being in the cold or heat. Because his ears are erect and very thin, it is important to make sure he is not outside for long periods of time where he could get "frost bite" on the tips, or worse. If you live in a very cold climate part of the year, this is something to consider and be prepared for. Also, the heat is a problem, as he has very short and thin coat around the ears and muzzle, which can sunburn and blister. These are important considerations to remember.
The Doberman is a very active, lively and energetic breed. They are on the go and love to be where the "action" is at all times. They need to be around their family constantly. If your lifestyle is such that you cannot spend long periods of time with this breed, or you work long hours on end, this will not work with a Doberman. They are highly intelligent and require things to do and a family to interact with---being loose in a house all day, or locked in a dog kennel all day will only lead to bad habits and destructive tendencies. Exercise and a FENCED yard large enough for the Doberman to move about and run is a necessity---for the safety of the dog, to prevent injury from cars and also to allow for free exercise---not only on a leash.