Sleek yet powerful, intelligent, keen, and magnificent, the Doberman Pinscher dog is considered canine nobility for good reason. Even though lean in its build, the Dobie is muscular, fast, and powerful, making it a great fit for whatever role its human companions assign it — a protection dog, a working dog, or a loving family pet.
Its glistening coat of black, fawn, or red, with rust markings, elegant, athletic body, and a classic wedge-shaped head make the Doberman Pinscher stand apart. While there is no denying Doberman Pinschers are a popular breed of dog, there are also a host of misconceptions and stereotypes associated with this breed. These may leave you wondering: Is the Doberman a good family dog? Is Doberman a dangerous dog? Is it okay to have a Dobie as a pet in a home with kids?
These are all legitimate questions. If you are considering getting a Doberman Pinscher, it is important to do your research and ensure that you are prepared to provide them with the care and attention they need. To that end, let’s take a close look at Doberman Pinscher dog temperament, personality, health, and care, as well as history and breed information, so you can make an informed decision about whether it will be a good fit as a pet for you.
Doberman Pinscher History
The Doberman Pinscher dog was bred in the late 19th century in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany, by a tax collector named Louis Doberman (after whom the breed is named). Given the nature of the job, he felt he needed protection while on his rounds. Since he was also the town’s dogcatcher, breeding a loyal canine companion to meet this need felt like the perfect solution. This led to the birth of the Doberman Pinscher.
Even though there is a lack of clarity on which exactly breeds were used to bring to life the glorious Dobie, it is speculated that it comes from a mix of German Pinscher, Black and Tan Terrier, and Rottweiler. After Louis Doberman’s passing in 1894, other German breeders took over, aiming to hone the Doberman into some kind of a “super dog” — brave, agile, tough, headstrong, and aggressive.
It was a breeder named Otto Goeller who took a departure from this approach and shared the Doberman into a more practical and highly trainable dog. In 1900, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. And eight years later, in 1908, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) was established in 1921.
The following decade-and-a-half had a significant impact on this breed’s development. The economic strain of World War I limited its breeding to a large extent. Only the best pedigree dogs were bred and those too were mainly owned by the military, the police, and the affluent.
The years of World War II weren’t any easier and placed the breed at peril in Germany. But since it had, by then, already secured its place in the United States, it managed to survive. Over time, breeders have successfully tempered down the Doberman Pinscher’s highly aggressive and over-protective personality, turning it into a dog that is affectionate, loyal, and protective of its humans.
Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Information
The Doberman is a large-sized dog characterized by its compact build, muscular and powerful body, great endurance, and speed. This breed can be best described as,
- Elegant, with a proud carriage
- Exhibiting great nobility and temperament
- Energetic
- Watchful
- Determined
- Alert
- Fearless
- Loyal
- Obedient
Let’s take a look at the Doberman Pinscher dog breed information and standard, as listed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), that make it so:
Doberman size
Doberman height at the withers
Male: 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27½
Female: 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches
Doberman shape and appearance
The head is long and wedge-shaped in both frontal and profile views. In the frontal view, the head appears wider around the ears, which are cropped and erect. The almond-shaped eyes are moderately deep set and carry an energetic expression, with colors ranging from medium to darkest brown.
The neck is well-muscled and has a proud stance, and length well-proportioned to the body. The nape of the neck widens gradually, blending seamlessly into the body. The withers are pronounced and form the highest point of the body whereas the belly is tucked up and extends like a curve line. The tail is docked around the second joint, flowing like an extension of the spine.
Dobermans have a smooth, short, hard coat in colors of black, blue, red, and fawn with sharply defined rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, the throat, the fore chest, and the legs and lower end of the tail. The Doberman Pinscher dog’s appearance is regal, and in large part, it is due to its free, vigorous, balanced gait. When running or in a trot, the rear leg muscles display a strong drive while the leg remains firm and stable.
Doberman Personality and Temperament
Is Doberman a dangerous dog? Is a Doberman loyal to one person? Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? These are some common questions associated with this breed. That’s why understanding the Doberman Pinscher dog temperament and personality is so vital to knowing what you’re signing up for if you choose to have one as a pet.
The Doberman Pinscher personality is rooted in two key traits — a sharp, intelligent mind, and boundless energy. This means you need to keep your Dobbie constructively occupied, both physically and mentally, to hone them into well-behaved pets. Despite being super intelligent and with a mind of their own, Dobermans are not excessively stubborn or resistant to training. With kind and consistent leadership, you can groom them to be loving, playful, obedient canine companions.
Another unique aspect of their personality is their prolonged puppyhood, which can last for three to four years. During this time, a Doberman’s personality is playful, curious, and people-friendly. However, to a large extent, their temperament can also be influenced by genetics — apart from factors like socialization and training. Assessing the temperament of your dog’s parents, siblings, or other dogs in the bloodline can give you a good sense of what your pet will grow into.
They also require early socialization, which entails exposure to diverse environments, settings, visitors, crowds, and so on, to develop a well-rounded, amenable personality. It is vital to remember that even though Dobermans do not display aggression without a cause, they can be fiercely protective of their families. When not properly socialized, any unfamiliar setting can seem like a threat to them.
In the absence of the right training, mental and physical stimulation, and socialization, a Doberman Pinscher dog can turn destructive, pushy, aggressive, and all in all, unmanageable. So, when people ask, “Is Doberman a dangerous dog?”, it is usually because so many of these dogs do not get the right training and upbringing, making them hard to handle — thus, giving rise to stereotypes that raise questions about whether Doberman Pinschers make good family dogs.
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the right environment, a Dobbie thrives into a devoted and dynamic canine companion.
Caring for a Doberman Pinscher
Bringing home a large-sized dog always equals taking on a huge responsibility. While any pet is an enormous responsibility, caring for a big dog is always more effort-intensive in every sense of the word. So, if you’re considering getting home a Dobie, you must have a realistic idea of the responsibility you’re signing up for. What are some common Doberman Pinscher problems you can expect along the way? What is the weakness of Doberman? Are there too many Doberman Pinscher health problems you may to content with? What about grooming? Nutritional needs? Training? Exercise? Let’s find out:
Doberman Pinscher health problems
Doberman Pinschers are relatively healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems. The most common among them are:
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A genetic blood disorder that impairs clotting, leading to excessive bleeding after injury. It can also cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and bleeding in the stomach or intestines. While there’s no cure for it, the condition can be managed with transfusion from healthy dogs
- Hip Dysplasia: Another hereditary condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint the right way, leading to lameness and pain, especially as the dog ages
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A cluster of eye diseases that cause a progressive loss of vision, resulting in night blindness or complete blindness
- Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can, in turn, trigger obesity, skin problems, hair loss, and epilepsy
- Wobblers Syndrome: A suspected hereditary condition that leads to a malformed spinal canal or cervical instability, causing neck pain or leg paralysis
- Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that can cause heart enlargement and subsequent failure
- Albinism: Another genetic condition that results in pink skin and nose, and light eyes
- Bloat: A life-threatening condition that deep-chested breeds like Doberman Pinscher are susceptible to, in which the stomach gets filled with gas, becomes distended, and twists, cutting off the blood supply. It can prove fatal if not addressed promptly. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, retching, and weakness.
Nutrition
Good quality food for appropriate life stages is critical for a Doberman’s health. It’s vital that you feed your Dobie a diet approved by a veterinarian, the dog’s breeder, or a good nutritionist. A lot of Doberman Pinscher health problems can be avoided by focusing on the right nutrition.
Whether you choose packaged dog food or homemade meals, high-quality ingredients and the right proportions of nutrients are crucial. Although these lean dogs aren’t typically at risk of obesity, proportion and calorie control is strongly advised. You must also ensure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times.
Grooming
When you think about possible Doberman problems, grooming isn’t one of them. This is a low-maintenance, “wash and wear” breed. However, some sort of grooming routine is essential for your dog’s overall health. This includes:
- Occasional baths
- Brushing with a short-bristled brush 2-3 times a week
- Trimming nails monthly
- Cleaning ears regularly
- Offering dental chews or bones for oral hygiene
Training
Dobermans are strong and sharp-minded dogs that can become destructive and dangerous if not trained the right way. That’s why proper, consistent training, preferably under the guidance of a skilled trainer/behaviorist is crucial for raising a well-mannered, obedient, and happy canine companion.
The good news is, that Dobermans are very intelligent, learn easily, and respond quickly to commands. Given their super intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher can also be a delight to train. However, since they are quick learners, keeping the training sessions engaging can be a challenge, so you will need to mix things up to make sure your pet stays interested in the training process.
Exercise
The Dobie is an indoor dog that needs to stay in close quarters with its humans, and not be left unattended outdoors. At the same time, this is an energetic, athletic breed that requires a lot of exercise and playtime to be happy and content. You know what that means, right?
You have to be prepared to carve out time in your day to take your dog for long walks and engage with them in free play. Hikes over the weekends and visits to areas where your Dobie can run with abandon are crucial for their mental and physical well-being.
Adaptability with kids and other pets
Is a Doberman loyal to one person only? Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? Are they suitable for homes with children and other pets? By now, I’m sure, you realize that these questions often stem from myths and misinformation about this breed. A well-bred and well-raised Doberman Pinscher makes for an excellent family dog.
They are known for their protective nature, loyalty, and playfulness, which makes them a great addition to any family unit. But as I have been reiterating over and over again, “well-raised” is the operative word here. A Dobie can be an asset to a family as long as it is well-trained and socialized. Once you do your bit, your Doberman pet will become a gentle and trustworthy friend to the children in the family, and also, fiercely protective of them.
However, it is vital that the adults set the right boundaries and ground rules. While you train your dog, it is also important to teach your kids to be respectful and kind. They must be taught to never disturb the dog while they’re eating or sleeping or take away an item of food or a favorite toy they seem to be guarding. Adults must also supervise interactions between the dog and young children, to prevent any rough play that might lead to accidents.
Dobermans can also be affectionate and playful with other pets in the house but are likely to be wary of unfamiliar dogs. So, if you plan to bring home another pet after your Doberman has established the home turf as their territory, you need to proceed cautiously. Early socialization can go a long way in making your dog more accepting of such changes in the household dynamics. As long as you take care of these basics, you should have no trouble integrating a Doberman Pinscher into your family and your home.
A Doberman is a glorious dog by every measure. With the right kind of human leadership, you can forge the most rewarding relationship with them.
