Doberman Pinscher

Breed Profile

The Doberman Pinscher was originally developed by Louis Dobermann in Germany. Several breeds, including the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Manchester Terrier, Greyhound, and others, were used to create a protective, alert and agile dog. During World War II, the breed made a name for himself for his bravery under fire.

Although the Doberman was originally bred as a guardian, he is also an excellent tracker and is often used for Search and Rescue as well as Police work. Truly a versatile breed, Dobermans have been used as herding dogs, hunting companions, guide dogs and therapy dogs.

The well-bred Doberman is affectionate and obedient. He is a people dog who becomes extremely devoted and loyal to his family. He is known for his intelligence and his uncanny reasoning ability. He is energetic, watchful, trainable, and courageous. Caution needs to be taken when encountering other dogs — while some Dobermans will enjoy playing with other dogs, others do not. It should also be noted that male Dobermans are known to be territorial and normally will not accept other males in any situation.

The Doberman is either black, red, blue and fawn (also called Isabella). Rust markings appear above the eyes and on the muzzle, throat, forechest, legs and feet and below the tail. He has a wedge shaped head with a well arched neck that flows into his shoulders and blends into a firm topline. He has an air of nobility giving the impression of aristocracy with a fearless and inquisitive expression in his dark eyes.

• Important Information About the White “Albino” Doberman
• Policy of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America Regarding the Albinistic “White” Doberman (From the Doberman Pinscher Club of America)

Health Issues

Dobermans are generally healthy but, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health problems. The Health Concerns document includes information on some of the known health concerns found in the breed.

If you are considering the adoption of a Doberman Pinscher puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)

Recommended Health Screening:

For the Doberman Pinscher, the CHIC^{NOTE 1} database includes health screenings for:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Autoimmune Thyroiditis
• Von Willebrand’s Disease
• Working Aptitude
• Eye Examination by a board Ophthalmologist
• Congenital Cardiac Database

Additional Health Resources:

• Health Concerns
• The Doberman – Health From the Doberman Pinscher Club of America
• Canine Inherited Disorders Database — Doberman Pinscher
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) – Doberman Breed Requirements — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• OFA – Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

Early socialization is very important for the Doberman Pinscher breed. He has a natural instinct to protect and any socialization or obedience training will not deter this instinct. However, further guardian training is not necessary.

• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Doberman Pinscher Club of America Longevity Program — Any Doberman Pinscher whose age can be verified and who has lived to age 10 or greater, or is the product of parents who have lived to age 10 or greater, is eligible for this program. Any Doberman Pinscher which is registered with the official breed registry of its country is eligible. This includes, in part, AKC, CKC, UDC, FCI, KC, Australian KC, etc.
• Doberman Pinscher Club Of America Breeder/Exhibitor Education
• Puppy Buyer’s Guide…Before you Buy — From the United Doberman Club
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.