Doberman Pinscher

Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Height: 24 - 28 inches

Weight: 65 - 90 pounds

History

Louis Dobermann was a door-to-door tax collector in Germany who needed a good guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. In the late 1800s he set about to create the ideal dog for his needs, combining a shepherd-type dog with a German pinscher, with later crosses to the black and tan Manchester terrier, greyhound, and weimaraner.
By 1899 the breed had developed to the point that a breed club was formed.
The first Doberman pinscher arrived in America in 1908.
Dobermans gained favor as police, guard and military dogs, and their popularity grew following both World Wars.
Dobermans were the second most popular breed in America in 1977.
In some communities they have been the target of breed specific legislation.

Makes a loyal and protective companion, an excellent guardian and watchdog.
Playful and generally gentle with children.
Tends to be reserved with strangers.
Not very friendly towards strange dogs, and may not be good with small pets.
Learns quickly, and enjoys mental challenges.
It is actually quite sensitive, and does best with a firm but gentle owner who can combine reward-based training with good control and leadership.
Some owners train their dogs in Schutzhund, a sport that combines obedience, tracking, and protection.
Dobermans are among the top obedience dogs in competition.

Makes a calm yet alert housedog given adequate exercise. Otherwise it can be overactive and destructive.
Requires daily exercise in the form of a long walk, or preferably, long jog. Games and sprints can also help burn off energy.
The Doberman enjoys cool weather for exercising but cannot live outside in it because of its short coat.
Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides.
Agility training is an excellent way to challenge its mind and body.

Coat is short, smooth and hard.
The coat needs only occasional brushing, once every week or so, to remove dead hair.
Shedding is average.

Dobermans tend to stay in good weight or be slightly overweight.
Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
Puppies should be fed a large-breed growth food, which slows their growing rate but not final size. This may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.