Dobermann

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]

Dobermann
Other names	Doberman Pinscher
Common nicknames	Dobie, Doberman
Origin	Germany
Traits Height Males 68 to 72 cm (27 to 28 in)[1] Females 63 to 68 cm (25 to 27 in)[1] Weight Males 40–45 kg (88–99 lb)[1] Females 32–35 kg (71–77 lb)[1] Coat Short Colour Black & tan, red & tan Life span 9–12 years
Kennel club standards VDH standard FCI standard
Dog (domestic dog)

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

Size

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

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

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

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

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

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.