The Doberman Pinscher
The “Dobie”

Dog breed info
Doberman Pinscher “Dobie”
Weight: 65 — 90 lbs
Height: 24” — 28”
AKC Rank 2008 #18
Lifespan: 10—12 yrs
Group: Working
Origin: Germany

• Breeders And Rescue Groups
• Dog Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info – Doberman Pinscher

A profile of my Dobie, “Max”

Breed Overview

Original function, guard dog. Today, police, military, guard dog and Companion.

In the late 1800’s, Herr Doberman had a need to produce a guard dog for his use. This came, most likely, by crossing the German Sheppard and German Pinscher with the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, Greyhound and Weimaraners.

By 1899, the first breed club was formed. The breed continued to attract attention and the first Doberman arrived in American in 1908. This combination was used throughout Europe and America as a police and guard dog and later as a war dog.

The breed eventually came to be the second most popular breed in American in 1977.

Be careful adopting Doberman Pinscher’s. If the individual dog was not socialized and handled properly as a small puppy (by the breeder) it could be aggressive and quite nasty to deal with. I know. I trained one.

Very trainable. The Doberman is smart and loves training. Be sure he knows who’s boss and use a strong voice with this dog because he is tough. Never let him think he is top dog or you’ll be in trouble. Definitely use clicker training with this dog. You’ll be glad you did. It not only works well, but the dog likes the method too.

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Doberman Pinscher puppy? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Most Doberman Pinschers and puppies are somewhat easy to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

There is no excuse to ever
put chains around any dog’s neck!

The Doberman Pinscher is an intelligent, capable guardian, always on the alert and ready to protect it’s family and home. It is also a loyal and adventurous companion. This dog is sensitive and very responsive to it’s owners wishes, although some can be quite domineering. The Doberman is usually wary of strangers. They can be aggressive with strange dogs. Some Doberman Pinscher’s may suffer separation anxiety if left alone all day but they can be trained out of it.

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

No. Speaking from experience, will pick a few dog friends but never put your Doberman in a dog park or loose on the sidewalk! They can be aggressive with dogs.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Maybe. Dogs of a breed are different. My Dobie got along with my cats and small dog just fine but it was a looong process getting there.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No. Be careful. The Doberman Pinscher is a highly protective, no-nonsense guard dog that is always looking for a threat. If a stranger comes in your door, assure your Dobie it’s all right.

Playfulness

The Doberman loves to play fetch with a ball or Frisbee, but not in the sense of running around the house playing chase. (They LOVE baseballs)

Moderately affectionate. Doberman Pinscher’s are loyal protectors that like their tummies rubbed but they don’t curl up on the sofa with you. The Doberman does love the company of his human family and is a bit beside himself when left alone for long periods.

Who says the Doberman can’t fly?

No. The Dobermans can be aggressive if provoked and will not tolerate much of the antics children dish out.

Good with Seniors over 65?

No. Not affectionate enough.

Living environment

House with medium to large fenced yard or farm. This dog loves games of fetch and a large fenced yard is ideal.

Apartment OK as long as the Doberman Pinscher can get outside two or three times a day for walks and exercise time WITHOUT GOING ON STAIRWAYS OR ELEVATORS. (If you are on the ground floor, or basement apartment, okay, but if you have to pass other dogs and people in close quarters with your protective Dobie, buy a farm.)

Needs to be an indoor dog and spend time with his human “family.”

Energy level

Moderate to high energy.

The Doberman Pinscher is an active breed that needs mental and physical exercise. A good walk around the block twice a day and a game of fetch will work.

I have done this using a regulation size baseball and throwing it down a long alley! “Max” would chase that ball and bring it back for a half hour straight and still want more.

Without enough exercise, this dog can become quite destructive.

Yes. Born for this.

Yes. Excels. Will guard his family to the death.

Brush the Dobie once a week. He’ll like the attention and you’ll get rid of dead hair.

The 3rd book from the left is “How To Train Your Doberman Pinscher,” a hard book to find.

Doberman Pinscher Breeders

In the event you decide to go looking for Doberman Pinscher puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that REALLY know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been VERY well socialized and started in obedience training.
Doberman Pinscher Breeders with puppies for sale.

Doberman Pinscher Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Dobie and are looking for a Doberman Pinscher rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Doberman Pinscher Rescue – (Nationwide) If you find one to adopt, try to locate any dog health records and keep them for possible future reference.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site that may give you some ideas. Also check your local dog pound or SPCA kennel if you have one, and look for Doberman Pinscher Rescue Groups or foster care folks.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog illness and medical problems this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Lick granuloma – (Acral)_A skin condition caused by the dog licking excessively on the same spot. Cause not certain, but possibly separation anxiety, boredom, allergy, and so on. The lesion is licked almost to the bone and can not heal. Anti-anxiety drugs have been tried. A cast over the lesion does not work because the dog starts a NEW location. Vets are now trying laser surgery for healing. Talk to you vet to learn if any new ideas have come up regarding stopping the licking itself.The Doberman Pinscher is prone to this problem and needs to be kept busy.