Dobermann
| Dobermann | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other names | Doberman Pinscher | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common nicknames | Dobie, Doberman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dobermann or Doberman Pinscher is a medium- to large-sized dog breed. It originated in Germany about 1890.[2] It was named after a tax collector, Friedrich Louis Doberman (1834-1894), who wanted a dog as a companion and for protection.[2]
Doberman Pinschers are known for being very intelligent, loyal and fearless. They are used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and guide dogs for blind people.
Description
[change | change source]Size
[change | change source]The Doberman is a dog of medium to large size.
Breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs. However, according to the FCI standard[clarification needed], the dog typically stands between 68 to 72 centimetres (27 to 28 in). The Kennel Club in the UK says that 69 centimetres (27 in) tall is ideal.[3]
The female is typically somewhere between 63 to 68 centimetres (25 to 27 in).[4] According to the UK Kennel Club, the ideal height is 65 centimetres (26 in).[3]
Colors
[change | change source]Dobermans have short smooth coats, usually black.[5] Less commonly, Dobermans can be reddish-brown, blue, or fawn-colored.[5] Blue and fawn- colored Dobermans usually have rust-colored (reddish-brown) markings on their legs, chest and heads.[6]
Ears and tail
[change | change source]Normally a Doberman puppy has floppy ears and a long tail. Their tails are often shortened[by whom?] by surgery (called "docking"), which heals quickly and causes the puppy very little pain.[7][additional citation(s) needed] During this surgery, the ears are cut to a point, so they stand up (called "cropping").[7] This takes longer to heal. Cropping is considered by many[who?] to be unnecessary and is illegal in much of Europe.[7] But it is still done in the United States and is part of the standard.[7]
Temperament
[change | change source]The American Kennel Club describes the Doberman this way:
| “ | He is ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but is also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular daily exercise. Some early specimens were quite sharp and aggressive, but today's Doberman temperament has undergone a gradual but steady decrease in overall sharpness.
Not all Dobermans have the same temperament. A Doberman Pinscher of correct breed temperament is trustworthy with his master's children, friends and company. Doberman Pinschers are not well suited to being kennel dogs or isolated outdoor dogs, nor is it advisable to house two adult males together.[2] |
” |
Fears about violence
[change | change source]People who think Dobermans are often vicious and dangerous are mostly wrong.[8] It is true that any dog that is mistreated or not taken care of can become dangerous. Viciousness is a learned behavior and few dogs, including the Doberman, are naturally vicious.[8]
Dobermans can be protective and guarded, or they can be sweet and eager to please.[9] To get the desired temperament, training should start when the dog is about 8 months old.[9]
Bite and attack style
[change | change source] | This article does not have any sources. |
Dobermans can bite with much more force than the average dog. A Doberman's bite force is between 245 and 305 pounds per square inch (PSI). This is strong enough to break human bones. Meanwhile, the average dog's bite force is 150 to 200 PSI.
Dobermans have a "scissor bite" where their upper and lower teeth align closely, creating a slicing action. When they are attacking something, they often attack in quick succession over a broad area.
Doberman bites can cause deep cuts and injuries that may require medical attention.
References
[change | change source]- 1 2 3 4 "Dobermann breed standard" (PDF). FCI. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 September 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Meet the Doberman Pinscher". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- 1 2 "UK Kennel Club: Doberman Pinscher breed standard". The Kennel Club (UK). Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ↑ "Dobermann breed standard" (PDF). FCI. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- 1 2 Julie Fiedler, Doberman Pinschers (New York: PowerKids Press, 2006), p. 6
- ↑ Charlotte Wilcox, The Doberman Pinscher (Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 1998), p. 5
- 1 2 3 4 Raymond Gudas; Betsy Sikora Siino; Michele Earle-Bridges, Doberman Pinschers: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Training and Behavior (Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 2005), p. 19
- 1 2 "The Truth About the Doberman". Gentle Doberman. Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- 1 2 Wendy Bedwell-Wilson (10 July 2012). "Training Secrets for Doberman Pinschers". Dog Channel/I-5 Publishing, LLC. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
