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Doberman Pinscher breed guide
AKC describes the Doberman Pinscher as compactly built, muscular, fast and powerful, with a glistening coat of black, blue, red or fawn and rust markings.
A noble wedge-shaped head and an easy, athletic way of moving have earned the breed a reputation as royalty in the canine kingdom.
- Height
- 26 to 28 inches male, 24 to 26 inches female
- Weight
- 75 to 100 pounds male, 60 to 90 pounds female
- AKC group
- Working Group
Doberman Pinscher temperament
Dobermans are very intelligent, learn easily, respond quickly and make loving, fun companions. AKC adds that they are very strong dogs and become pushy, destructive and unmanageable if not raised properly, so socialization and obedience training are imperative.
A well-conditioned Doberman on patrol will deter all but the most foolish intruder, in AKC's words.
Doberman Pinscher lifespan
Dobermans live 10 to 12 years. Bloat, a life-threatening digestive condition, is something owners should learn the signs of and genetic conditions that affect the breed include hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, von Willebrand's disease, progressive retinal atrophy, albinism and hypothyroidism.
Doberman Pinscher care
A mostly wash and wear breed, the Doberman Pinscher needs only a quick going-over daily with a short-bristled brush or grooming mitt to keep the coat shiny. Baths are infrequent, nails are trimmed at least monthly and the teeth need regular brushing.
An energetic athlete, the Doberman Pinscher needs a lot of exercise and free play: long daily walks or hikes and a large fenced area to run in, which AKC calls vital for its physical and mental well-being. Obedience, tracking and agility provide an outlet.
Doberman Pinscher history
The tax collector is never a welcome visitor and in parts of 19th-century Germany the reception was downright hostile. Taxman and dog breeder Louis Dobermann of Apolda hoped to breed an imposing but dependable protector to accompany him on his rounds.
His dog was a larger, less refined version of the pinscher that bears his name today, minus an n that was dropped along the way.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 4 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |
More Working Group guides
Sources
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Doberman Pinscher by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0
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