It was in the 1870′s in Germany, that Louis Dobermann, a tax collector who needed an alert and intelligent bodyguard dog, bred the Doberman Pinscher, to protect him on his rounds from bandits.

It was developed presumably by crossing several different breeds of dogs, to find the characteristics that Dobermann was looking for.

This included German Pinschers, Rottweilers, Beauceron, Black Greyhounds, Black and Tan Terrier, Thuringian Shepherd Dog, Great Dane and the German Shepherd Dog to create the sleek and smart guard dog with a fearless nature.

The Doberman Pinscher is medium to large in size, compactly built, muscular and graceful this breed reflecting great nobility and temperament.

The color of the Doberman coat may be black or black and tan, deep red or red and tan, deep reddish-brown with tan markings, fawn (Isabella variety) and blue.

The coat of the Doberman Pinscher is smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close-fitting.

Many people are afraid of Doberman Pinschers. However, healthy and well-trained Dobermans are in general a loving and intelligent breed who will almost never attack without a perceived provocation.

Noble, devoted and affectionate with its family, it likes to be physically close to his members, this is a very people oriented breed, but not suggested for home with small children.

The Dobermans Pinscher breed vary greatly in temperament, some are dominant while others can be submissive. Some bond only to one person and some are family dogs.

Generally healthy, the Dobermans Pinscher may be prone to cervical spondylitis (wobbler syndrome), congenital heart (Cardiomyopathy) and bleeding disorder (Von Willebrands disease), it may also suffer from skin, liver diseases and be subject to hip dysplasia. It is also important to keep their tooth cleans to prevent early loss. The Doberman are not an outside dog and they do not do well in cold climates. Dobes are average shedders and requires minimal grooming, onlyDoberman Pinscher occasional brushing and when necessary bathe or dry shampoo will be ok.

The Doberman Pinscher is versatile, highly intelligent and easy to train but they are not recommended for inexperienced owner who is not willing and able to discipline him. The Doberman must be trained with consistency and positive reinforcement and don’t try to use heavy-handed methods with this dog. Naturally protective, the Doberman Pinscher does not need additional “protection” training to be a fine guard dog, it excels also in competitive obedience, search and rescue, police/military work, schutzhund and as a therapy dog.

The highly energetic Doberman require daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. They enjoy family play sessions and make an excellent breed for a jogger. It will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised but do best with at least an average-sized yard.