History

History of the Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher originated in Apolda, Germany around 1890. It takes its name from Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Herr Dobermann crossed old-type German Shepherds with German Pinschers to achieve his perfect dog. Rottweilers, Black-and-Tan Terriers, and Greyhounds also added to the brew. Louis Dobermann was aiming to breed a giant terrier for agility combined with strength and guard-dog qualities. The breed was originally called Doberman's Dog. The name Pinscher which means terrier was later added.

The Doberman has absorbed the good qualities of the breeds that have contributed to its foundation. The exact genesis of the Doberman is not known, but listed below are suggestions that appear to make up the ancestry of the Doberman:

▪	The Rottweiler was used in the development of the breed due to its massiveness and intelligence. This very solid dog also possessed great stamina, and had excellent tracking ability. Sometimes the Rottweiler strain can be seen in a Doberman with a "wavy" coat.

▪	The Old German Pinscher (now extinct) - Black and tan, smooth coat, and energetic. Alertness and aggressiveness

▪	The Black and Tan German Shepherd - Giving the early Doberman a heavy grey undercoat.

▪	The Beauceron contributed size and color to the Dobermann bloodline. The Beauceron was a solidly built dog, very alert, and was known to be intelligent as well.

▪	Sporting Dogs were used to lengthen the head - attentive, loving, and territorial.

▪	Weimaraner - Points, retrieves, good nose for tracking. Possible introduction of the gene for producing the blue Doberman.

▪	Blue Dane - Ferocious - used for boar hunting.

▪	Manchester Terrier - It was used to improve the coat, head type, eye color, and rust markings. This cross was used again six years later.

▪	English Greyhound - Would account for the black in color, additional height, stamina, and the speed of the Doberman.

The first official records of the Doberman appear in the stud books of the Dobermannpinscher Verein stud book of 1890 in Germany.

Otto Goeller, who became very interested in the breed and used the kennel name of Thuringen, is credited with further refining and stabilizing the breed. In 1889, Herr Goeller established the first "Dobermann Pinscher Club." . Herr Goeller, along with a fellow townsman Herr Gorswin who bred dobermans bearing the kennel name of Groenland, produced several of the most important Dobermans in the breed's history. These dogs can be found in the ancestry of the modern Doberman.

Doberman Pinscher Characteristics

Bred for a century to be an outstanding guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher is intense and energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. Versatile and very easy to train. Determined, fearless and assertive, but not vicious.

The Doberman is naturally protective and does not need additional "protection" training to be a fine guard dog. In fact he should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent over-protectiveness. Mental stimulation is important for a truly well-adjusted and happy Doberman. The Doberman must be consistently and thoroughly trained to be a good pet. Training should be through positive reinforcement. Dobes can be good family dogs if well trained and raised with children from early when they were puppies.

Doberman Pinschers have many talents including:

▪ Conformation

▪ Tracking

▪ Watch dog

▪ Guarding

▪ Police work

▪ Military work

▪ Search & rescue

▪ Therapy work

▪ Competitive obedience and schutzhund

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America, founded in 1921 has continued to this day to foster the breed.