Doberman Pinschers

Although at first glance a Doberman Pinscher may not appear to be a great companion or family dog it actually is. It is a domestic bred dog and is among the most common pets. They are extremely intelligent and loyal making them great animals to have around the house. In earlier days they were used and seen as guard dogs or police dogs, but today they are seen and used differently. Through careful breeding Doberman Pinschers have become energetic loveable dogs and a lot of fun to have around.

Appearance

Your first look at a Doberman Pinscher will tell you that they are very powerful dogs, yet they also have some elegance to them. Males usually weigh between seventy five and one hundred pounds and females can weigh between sixty and ninety pounds although it is not unusual to find them weighing more than they "ideal" weight. They were originally bred to have a powerful square muscular body, but more recently some have bred a slimmer sleek looking Doberman. Most however still want the original body build as they like to have a dog that can protect them if need be.

History

Doberman Pinschers were first bred in Germany around the 1890s. It was so named after Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. It was bred with the intent to create a perfect breed of dog that exhibited perfect qualities of strength, loyalty, ferocity, and intelligence. This perfect Doberman Pinscher is believed to have been created from many different breeds of dogs but no one is quite sure what the mixing ratios were.

Disposition

Doberman Pinschers are generally very gentle, intelligent, and loyal animals. Although they have been pinned as the type of dog that will "attack" they will only do so if it has been mistreated or believes that itself, its owner, or family are in danger. That's why they make exceptional guard dogs. In fact according to studies Doberman Pinschers have been involved in fewer attacks than many other breeds of dogs such as Pit bulls or German Shepherd Dogs. They are excellent with young children if they have been properly socialized and have even been known to be great with cats. This dog will be a devoted family member as long as you continue to treat them respectively. They are given an aggressive stereotype because they are given such roles in movies and television shows; making most people afraid of them. They are misunderstood somewhat in the role they play in every day society.

Health

A healthy Doberman Pinscher usually lives about ten years but can experience some common healthy problems. Some of the common problems associated with Doberman Pinschers are dilated cardiomyopathy and wobbler disease. Some of the following healthy problems have also been found in Doberman Pinschers are hypothyroidism, cancer, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Hip dysplasia, and Copper Toxicosis.

If you're thinking of getting a Doberman Pinscher for a house pet then you will do well to remember that they are fun energetic and can make great guard dogs. They usually love children and will not attack unless they feel they are being threatened or their owner or family is being threatened. They have been used in the military, with police units, and in loving family situations; all have proven well with Doberman Pinschers and it seems that these dogs are well suited to whatever they are trained for.

P.S. Here is a Doberman Pinscher coloring page.

More Dog Breeds

More Dog Breeds

« Dachshunds | Only Dog Beds | German Shephards »