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Doberman Pinscher
Dog Breed Information
With its racial roots somewhat obscure, the Doberman
Pinscher became within a comparatively short time a dog of fixed
type, whose characteristics of both body and spirit have extended
its popularity in many lands. Originated in Apolda, in Thueringen,
Germany, around 1890, the breed was officially recognized in 1900.
Since that date the Doberman Pinscher has made fast friends in Europe,
in the Orient, and the Americas. It takes its name from Louis Dobermann
of Apolda.
Of medium size and clean-cut appearance, the dog at
first glance does not give evidence of its great muscular power.
The adult male in the peak of condition weighs sixty-five to seventy-five
pounds. So compact is its structure, so dense the laying on of muscle
under the short coat, and so elegant and well chiseled the outline
that the novice would probably underestimate the weight by fifteen
to twenty pounds. Weight is the only particular however, in which
the Doberman is deceptive. Its qualities of alertness, agility,
muscular and temperamental fire stand patent for any eye to see.
It is an honest dog, uncamouflaged by superfluous coat or the wiles
of the artful conditioner. One gains at once the impression of sinewy
nimbleness of the quick co-ordination of the well trained athlete.
There is also an air of nobility about the Doberman
Pinscher which is part of its birthright. More than most other breeds,
it gives the impression of a blue-blooded animal, an aristocrat.
From the strong muzzle and wedge-shaped head to the clearly defined
stifle, the outline is definite and sharply etched. The fearless
and inquisitive expression of the dark eye is in harmony with the
bodily characteristics. The Doberman looks upon the stranger boldly
and judges him with unerring instinct. He is ready, if need be,
to give prompt alarm and to back his warning with defense of his
master and his master's goods. Yet, he is affectionate, obedient
and loyal.
Traditionally compounded of the old shorthaired shepherd-dog
stock, with admixtures of Rottweiller, Black and Tan Terrier and
smoothhaired German Pinscher, the Doberman has been fortunate, with
the aid of selective breeding, to have absorbed the good qualities
of the races which have contributed to its heritage. It has been
from the beginning a working dog devoted to the service of mankind.
At first, the Doberman was used almost exclusively
as a guard and home watchdog. As it developed, its qualities of
intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training brought it
into demand as police and war dog. In this service its agility and
courage make it highly prized. An excellent nose adapted the dog
to criminal trailing, it has also led to its use as a hunting dog.
Among the endearing qualities of the Doberman has come to be its devotion
to hearth and home, and its discriminating service as friend and guardian
of the whole family. The properly bred and trained specimen has a
sane mind and a sound body; the heart and spirit of a gentleman. |
