INTRODUCTION

The Dobermann is a breed of dog of German origin named after Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German who, at the end of the 19th century, took the initiative to create a new breed of dog that would effectively serve his difficult job as a tax collector.

THE HISTORY OF THE DOBERMANN

In the last century dogs were valued not for their beauty but for their usefulness. Some for their strength, others for their fierceness, others for their dexterity with livestock, for their speed in hunting, and so on.

In the town of Apolda, in the state of Thuringia, in south-central Germany, between 1834 and 1894 lived a man named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Herr Dobermann held various jobs, such as running a slaughterhouse, night watchman, tax collector and municipal animal collector for stray and abandoned animals.

Considering the dangers he faced as a tax collector and due to his contact with stray dogs, in 1880, he began to develop the idea of creating a guard dog to protect and defend them. Dobermann did not intend for his dogs to have any other function than guarding and protection, so he did not pay attention to the aesthetic aspects, which enabled him to create a breed of strength and character like no other.

It is surprising that the selection work carried out to fix the breed's traits was achieved in a period infinitely shorter than the time required for the evolution of most dog breeds.

Unfortunately, there is no documentation or absolutely reliable evidence of the origins and crosses used by the Dobermann in its early days. The truth, as to the origin of the breed, is difficult to determine as the history is initially contradictory and based on hearsay from local people.

There are many breeds mentioned as components of the breed, but perhaps it would be best to rely on the research carried out by the German Dobermann Club in 1933, where old breeders and their offspring were consulted. Among them were Goswin Tischler (1859 - 1939) owner of the kennel ‘Von Grönland’, who knew Herr Dobermann personally, and his son Robert.

The Dobermann breed is the only breed named after its creator.

According to Robert, the inhabitants of the Apolda region were frightened at the sight of a black dog with yellow spots. Dobermann referred to them as ‘my dogs’ so that after a while they became known as ‘Dobermann's Pinschers’.

Max Künstler, a close friend of Otto Göeller, said in 1925 that instead of Dobermann Pinscher the breed should be called ‘Apoldauer Pinscher’ or ‘Thüringer Pinscher’, thus indicating its geographical origin as by then the breed had evolved and did not resemble Herr Dobermann's Pinschers at all.

Otto Göeller (1852 - 1922) owner of the kennel ‘Von Thüringen’ was a judge of the breed and perhaps the man who did most to have the breed recognised as such. He was the founder of the first breed club (27.8.1899) and a very active breeder whose dogs were sold all over Germany.

Göeller claimed that purebred dogs were rather an exception in Germany before 1870 and that none of the black type with yellow markings were known in Apolda.

According to Robert, Herr Dobermann had a female German Pinscher type with grey and very woolly coat called ‘Wattenrock’. This female was covered by a German Pinscher producing the female ‘Bismarck’, whose name was later changed to ‘Bisart’, which had yellowish markings.

Bisart’ is believed to have been the foundation bitch for Herr Dobermann's breeding programme. ‘Bisart’ was in turn crossed with other German Pinschers and in her first breeding she had some grey puppies among her black puppies.

In 1924, Otto Settegast, a pioneer of the breed, wrote in the German magazine ‘Our Dobermanns’ that he firmly believed that the butcher dog, well known throughout Germany, was part of the origins of the Dobermann breed; especially as the early Dobermanns were used as herding dogs, a typical task of the butcher dog. These dogs were long of back and with powerful necks, they possessed an incomparable courage as needed to guide loose and aggressive bulls. They had a strong combat urge.

In 1933 the German Dobermann Club, after a thorough study, concluded that the ancestor par excellence of the Dobermann is the German Pinscher. Dobermann wanted to achieve a dog that weighed 15 times more than the German Pinscher and was more alert and fierce than the German Pinscher.

Philipp Gruenig, the breed's most scientific breeder, judge and author of one of the most informative books, stated that the Dobermann from 1890 to 1900 showed a remarkable resemblance to the Rottweiler. He mentioned that the strong jaws and broad skulls observed in the early specimens showed that the Rottweiler and the herding dogs had a major influence on the formation of the Dobermann's head. The Rottweiler is a herdsman of excellent temperament, a zealous guardian of cattle and master, heavy, short-legged, broad-headed and of great dignity. On the other hand Otto Göeller categorically denied that the Rottweiler had been used, but admitted that in the movement of cattle from southern Germany to the Thuringian area, it was possible that some Rottweilers had been crossed with the female Pinschers in the area before Herr Dobermann started breeding in 1880. It could therefore be accepted that the Rottweiler was part of the origins of the breed and that possibly that first bitch named ‘Bisart’, which produced black puppies with yellow markings, had some ancestor in this breed. On the other hand, the Rottweiler's coat grew longer and the height attained was not yet what was desired.

Both Philipp Gruenig and Max Künstler claimed that some descendants of the ‘indigenous Weimar hunting dogs’ (Weimaraner - Weimar Pointer or Weimar Pointer) were used in the creation of the Dobermann. Their use increased the size and improved the coat. It is thought to be possibly responsible for the blue colour.

This dog, of French origin, has very similar characteristics to the Dobermann, especially as regards the head, which is the part that resembles it more than any other breed. It comes in the same 4 colours as the Dobermann (black - brown - blue - isabella) and with the typical tan markings. Philipp Gruenig believed that the Beauceron breed was possibly part of the origins of the Dobermann.

He thought that it was likely that some of the breed had passed through Germany with Napoleon's army and that it would therefore be logical to think that they had been crossed with German bitches. After the fall of French power some dogs must have remained in Germany.

This now extinct and forgotten sheepdog was very common in Germany between 1860 - 1870 and it is undisputed that it was crossed on numerous occasions with the German Pinscher, producing the type of dog that Herr Dobermann used as a breeding basis. The mark of this dog was evident in the breed for years, until it came to be dominated by the strong influence of the Manchester Terrier. Dogs of this breed were often born tailless and this was also true of the early Dobermanns: Pinko a daughter of ‘Bisart’ produced puppies with this characteristic. Attempts were made to maintain it by using short-tailed or tailless males and females but it was found that dogs born tailless lacked the desired tan markings, which took precedence over the former characteristic.

This black and tan breed was very popular at the turn of the last century and many breeders felt it was appropriate to incorporate it into the formation of the breed. The major influence of the Manchester was the elimination of the long, woolly coat, replacing it with a short, glossy coat and reaffirming the primitive tan markings. The head became more elongated and less coarse, as did the neck.

The typical shepherd's body became more compact and shorter with a different front angulation and closed cat-like feet.

On the other hand the size was reduced and black spots appeared on the feet and toes. The original Dobermann character lost some of its ‘hardness’. The first success of this mixture was ‘Prinz Von Ilm-Athen’ born in 1901, son of ‘Lady’, a half Dobermann, half Manchester bitch.

He was introduced in 1909 through a bitch called ‘Stella’, daughter of a black English greyhound. ‘Stella’ was crossed with a Dobermann called “Lord Von Ried” and produced a litter of Greyhound bitch “Sybille Von Langen” who, despite being much criticised for her typical greyhound head, became German Champion.

It was thanks to the Greyhound that the Dobermann regained his energetic and determined character which the Manchester Terrier had come to modify.

It also gave him a superior height.

WHAT IS THE DOBERMANN LIKE?

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Medium sized, strong and muscular. The sleek lines of his body, the haughty attitude, the temperamental nature and the expression of a determined dog, correspond to the image of the ideal dog.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: The body shape is rather square, especially in males. The length of the trunk (measured from the point of the sternum to the ischial tuberosity) in relation to the height at the withers should not exceed 5% in males and 10% in bitches.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION: Strong, appropriate to its general appearance; seen from above, it presents a sharp wedge; the transverse line of its crown, seen from the front, should be almost horizontal, that is to say, it should not fall over the ears. The line between the parietals, starting from the bridge of the nose, falls on the nape of the neck with a slight rounding. The eyebrow area is well developed, but not protruding. The frontal furrow is visible. The occipital bone should not be too conspicuous. Seen from above and from the front, the sides of the head should not be too bulging. The slight lateral rounding of the upper jaw and the zygomatic arch should be in harmony with the overall length of the head.
The muscles of the head are strongly developed.

STOP: Frontonasal depression is slight, but must be recognizable.

FACIAL REGION:

NOSE: Well developed, broad rather than round, with large nostrils, but not protruding. In black dogs it should be black, in brown dogs it should be of a lighter colour.

HOCOCO: Should be in correct relation to the skull, well developed, deep. The mouth opening should reach almost to the molars. It should also be sufficiently wide in the area of the upper and lower incisors.

BELPHOS: Should be tight and close fitting to the jaws and show a rigid seal at the corners of the mouth. Darkly pigmented; in brown dogs may be slightly lighter.

JAWS / TEETH: Jaws strong and broad, both upper and lower jaw. Scissor bite, with 42 teeth (according to the dental formula), of normal size.

EYES: Medium sized and oval, dark in colour; a slightly lighter shade is permissible in brown dogs. Eyelids well fitting. The corners of the eyes are furred.

EARS: The ears, which are left natural in Europe, set on both sides at the highest point of the skull, ideally close fitting to the cheeks.
In America and Asia ear cropping is permitted provided it is done correctly by a professional.

NECK: In relation to the head and body, of good length. Compact and muscular. Its line is upward and gallantly curved, standing straight, showing gallantry.

BODY

Withers: Should protrude in height and length, especially in males, so that the back shows an upward trajectory from the croup.

BACK: Short, hard, broad and well muscled.

LOIN: The lumbar region should be broad and well muscled. Bitches may have a slightly longer lumbar region, as they will need this space during gestation.

Croup: Forms a small slope from the sacrum and towards the set on of the tail, not very noticeable, giving a rounded impression, neither straight nor drooping. Very broad, with strong musculature.

CHEST: The length and depth of the chest should be related to the length of the trunk, so that the depth of the chest (with slightly protruding ribs) is about 50% of the height at the withers. The chest has good width and is very noticeable in front (forechest).

BOTTOM LINE AND BELLY: From the end of the sternum to the pelvis, the belly is clearly tucked up.

TAIL: The tail is left natural and ideally carried high in a slight curve, never carried over the back or croup. When docked, two vertebrae are left in bitches and three in males.

LIMBS:

FOREQUARTERS: FORELEGS:

GENERAL APPEARANCE: Seen from any angle, they should be straight, perpendicular to the ground and of strong structure.

Shoulders: The shoulder blade should be well attached to the rib cage, well muscled on both sides and overlapping the upper vertebral spines. Preferably well laid back and well laid back, forming an angle of 50 degrees to a horizontal line.

Upper arm: Good length, well muscled.

ELBOW: Close to the body, not twisted outwards.

FOREARM: Strong and straight, well muscled. Length should be in harmony with the whole body.

HINDQUARTERS: Strong.

Pastern: Strong boned, seen from the front: straight on the sides, with a slight slope.

HANDS: Short and closed. Fingers are rounded and upwards (cat foot), nails short and black.

HIND LIMBS:

GENERAL APPEARANCE: In general, seen from behind and due to their good pelvic and rump musculature, broad and rounded. The muscles running from the pelvis to the thighs and legs result in a very broad thigh, knee and leg area. The hindquarters are strong and parallel in position.

Upper thighs: Well muscled, broad and long, with strong musculature. Good angulation at the hip joint. The angle in relation to a horizontal line should be 80 to 85 degrees.

KNEES: The joint is strong, formed by the thigh, lower thigh and kneecap.

LEG: Medium length, in harmony with the whole limb.

Hock joint: Moderately strong, parallel. Here the bones of the lower thigh join the metatarsal bones.

HINDQUARTERS: Short and perpendicular to the ground.

FEET: Like the forefeet, the toes are short, rounded and closed; nails short and black.

GAIT / MOVEMENT: Of particular importance both for working ability and appearance. The movement is elastic, elegant, agile, free and spacious. The forelegs lunging forward as far as possible. The hindquarters give the necessary strong drive, achieving good distance. The foreleg on one side and the hindlegs on the other side drive forward at the same time. Good stiffness of back and joints.

SKIN: The skin is well pigmented and tight all over the body.

HAIR: Should be short, harsh and dense, close fitting and smooth, evenly distributed over the whole surface of the body. No undercoat permitted.

COLOUR: The Dobermann is bred in two colour varieties: black or brown with well defined rust-red and light markings (tan markings).
These markings are found on muzzle, cheeks, eyebrows, throat, two chest patches, on metacarpals, metatarsals and feet, inner thighs, perineal region and iliac protuberances.

SIZE / WEIGHT:

HEIGHT AT WITHERS:

• Males 68 - 72 cm
• Bitches 63 - 68 cm

WEIGHT:

• Males 40 - 45 kg
• Bitches 32 - 35 kg
  
  

FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and its ability to perform its traditional work.

• Absence of sexual dimorphism. Too little substance, too light, too heavy, weak bones.
• Head too strong; too thin, too short, too long. Stop too conspicuous or almost unnoticeable. Sheepish nose. Parietal line too sloping. Weak lower jaw, round or slanting eyes; light eyes, too deep set or too bulging; cheeks too large, lips not attached. Ears set too low.
• Angle of muzzle open.
• BODY: Back too deep, convex, insufficient depth of chest or narrow front, tail set on too low, drooping croup, belly too little or too tucked up.
• LIMBS: Too little angulation of forelegs, hindquarters with too little or too much angulation, loose elbows; when standing, keep legs too close together or too wide apart; cow or curled limbs, feet open and soft, toes crooked, nails light coloured.
• HAIR: Very light tan markings, without good definition or cleanliness, very dark mask, large dark patches on limbs. Chest markings almost imperceptible or too large. Long, soft, dull or wavy coat, as well as patches of hairless or sparse hair.
• Any measurement differing from the standard by up to 2 cm is punishable.
• Movement which is not harmonious, in particular pacing.
  
  

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:

• Aggressiveness or extreme shyness.
• Any dog showing clear signs of physical or behavioural abnormalities.
• Yellow eyes (bird of prey eye), eyes of different colour.
• Undershot bite, level bite, undershot bite, absence of teeth according to dental formula.
• White markings, visible undercoat.
• Dogs measuring more or less than two centimetres from the standard will be disqualified.
• Blue (dilute black), Elizabethan (dilute brown), albino, merle or any other colour than tan black or tan chocolate.
  
  

N.B.:

• Male dogs should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs of typical breed conformation should be used for breeding.
  
  

DOBERMANN HEALTH

The Dobermann is a breed affected by several genetic diseases which can be detected and correctly selected for through various genetic tests prior to breeding, usually the Russian lines are the most affected and the normal average life expectancy of the Doobermann is 10-12 years and can be as long as 14 years.

• VON WILLEBRAND'S DISEASE: This disorder is very similar to haemophilia in humans. Affected dogs can bleed a lot, and these bleedings are very difficult to control even if they are small scrapes and cuts. But the worst is when surgical procedures have to be performed as they can be fatal.
  The dobermann can carry the gene for this clotting problem without showing symptoms, but if it is a dog that is to be used as a breeder it can easily pass it on to its offspring. If both parents carry this gene, the result is catastrophic.
  Nowadays there is a genetic test that tells us if our dog is a carrier of this gene.
  
  
  
• HIP DYSPLASIA: Hip dysplasia is a multigenic and osteoarticular disease that can be hereditary and degenerative. Therefore, there may be different factors with which to try to predict whether the disease can be developed or not. It is necessary to bear in mind that, although it may be a hereditary disease, it does not always have to develop as it is possible that the dog does not transmit it to its descendants.
  
  
  
• ELBOW DYSPLASIA: Canine elbow dysplasia is a condition consisting of multiple abnormalities of the elbow joint. The elbow joint is a complex joint made up of three bones (the radius, ulna and humerus). If these three bones do not fit together perfectly as a result of growth disturbances, an abnormal distribution of weight on different areas of the joint occurs, causing pain, lameness and leading to the development of arthritis.
  
  

• DILATED MYOCARDIOPATHY: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. In the Dobermann there is an enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart. During your dog's annual check-up, your vet should examine your dog for any symptoms of heart disease. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy in this breed include weakness, coughing, exercise intolerance, tachycardia, arrhythmias....
  Sometimes there are no signs of the disease and the dog may die suddenly. There is no genetic test to indicate whether the dog is a carrier of the gene. Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram confirm the pathology if there are signs of the disease. However, a specimen that does not show symptoms ‘does not guarantee’ that it will not develop in the future. This makes prevention somewhat difficult. It is very important to know that a simple annual electrocardiogram or echocardiogram can lead to early detection of the disease and this detection in the hidden phase is key to increasing life expectancy.
  Sudden death is often the first and only physical symptom of the disease in 17% of Dobermanns with this pathology. There is no cure; however, therapies are available to help them live a near-normal life. Once the signs appear the prognosis is not good. Pulmonary oedema often appears acutely and the animal dies or must be euthanised because of the irreversibility of the lesion.
  
  

• WOBBLER'S SYNDROME: The official name of this disease is usually cervical vertebral instability. The cause is not known, however, the high incidence of this study in the breed suggests that genes are a contributing factor.
  Generally, this pathology is presented as a chronic degenerative disc disease normally present between the cervical vertebrae. This results in ventral compression of the cervical spinal cord and nerve roots with severe consequences. The reason for this is thought to be an instability of the space between the cervical vertebrae or a degenerative disc lesion.
  Clinical signs often progress gradually over several months or years. However, in some circumstances the manifestations are often acute. It is most commonly seen in the hind limbs. The hind limb toes may be dragged. The abnormalities are most easily seen when the dog rises from a lying position.
  The forelegs often have a short, uncoordinated gait. The deficiency of these limbs is usually mild compared to the hind limbs. The neck is often carried in flexion. This position results in less compression and the animal tends to have less pain with this posture. Extension of the neck or sudden movement often produces a lot of pain; but more importantly, it can increase compression and aggravate symptoms. It is diagnosed by its signs, x-rays of the cervical vertebrae and by CT scan. It is impossible to know in advance if a dog is predisposed to Wobbler syndrome.
  A veterinary neurologist can recommend whether surgery is an option for your dog.
  
  

• STOMACH TORSION: Like many large dogs with large, deep chests, the Dobermann is subject to stomach torsion. The dilatation and subsequent torsion is often very fast acting, so that a dog that appears to be doing very well can die within an hour. In this extremely painful problem, the twisting of the stomach cuts off the blood flow affecting also the spleen and the only thing that can help to save the dog is emergency surgery.
  
  

• HYPOTHYROIDISM: Hypothyroidism is nothing more than a lack of thyroid hormone production and the Dobermann is a predisposed breed. The good news is that treatment with thyroid supplements is usually very easily accessible and inexpensive. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include common infections, hair loss, lack of energy and weight gain.
  
  

• CHRONIC IDIOPATHIC HEPATITIS: Affected Dobermanns usually present with weight loss, anorexia, polyuria, lethargy and pilodipsia, jaundice and eventually symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy as the most noticeable symptoms. It may initially go unnoticed by the owner. The exact cause is not known, although it is thought to be due to an accumulation of copper in the liver.
  It is a familial chronic hepatitis that is very commonly seen in certain bloodlines.
  The affected animal is usually ill for days, weeks or months until death. It is diagnosed by its symptoms, blood tests, ultrasound and basically liver biopsy.
  
  
  
• DILUTED COLOURS NOT ALLOWED:
  
  -BLUE AND LILAC: Blue and lilac are diluted colours. The first (blue) comes from black (and is suspected to be also a Weimar heritage) and the second (lilac) comes from a mixture of blue and chocolate. Blue and lilac dogs are not only less able to retain heat in appearance, but can often suffer from alopecia and skin problems.
  
  -ISABELINO: This colour occurs in the Dobermann and is the dilute chocolate tan pattern, these dogs are much more prone to sunburn, skin lumps (warts) and premature ageing. It is a colour which occurs naturally in the breed as well as the blue but which should not be bred on purpose, specimens of these colours should only be used for companionship and should be neutered when they reach the appropriate age.
  
  
  
• ALBINISM: Albinism (as we talked about in another article) is a completely natural and recessive gene that in small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs...) does not cause any health problems, but in the case of dogs it causes many problems that we can also observe in humans, such as blindness or deafness.
  
  
  
• MERLE GENE: The merle pattern also has its own article but although it is a natural gene in many breeds (in others it is the result of crossbreeding) and very popular, it must be handled with care, as the union of two merle dogs will give rise to double merle dogs that will be blind, deaf or deafblind (as well as with malformations such as microphthalmia). In the Dobermann it arises from crossbreeding and is lately becoming popular, which is a very serious mistake.
  
  

THE PERSONALITY OF THE DOBERMANN

It should never be forgotten that the Dobermann is an athletic and sporting dog, endowed with great energy and extraordinary strength. But it must also be remembered that the breed was selected as an auxiliary to man and that, therefore, the Dobermann feels a special attachment to his owners and likes to be in permanent contact with his family. It is not a dog that tolerates life in a kennel or likes to be alone for long periods in the yard or garden. He is also a very cold dog, like his Pinscher ancestor, who loves to spend his resting hours indoors lying at his master's feet.

The Dobermann needs contact with man and to feel that his owner plays the role of leader to be admired, followed and obeyed. It is an extraordinarily loyal and faithful dog, tolerant, devoted and affectionate to all members of the family, but at the same time very determined, courageous and proud when work or circumstances require it.

It is a very intelligent breed and easy to train, which does not mean that such work can be done by anyone. He needs a firm, sure hand to lead him in the right direction. His loyalty is unwavering, but if he perceives a lack of fairness or injustice in his handler's actions, he may question his leadership and may challenge his training. With the Dobermann, leadership must be exercised with a natural and permanent authority and not only by the person who works with him or who is considered to be the apex of the social pyramid of the pack. All members of the family should participate, in one way or another, in the education of their dog in such a way that the dog considers them above themselves on the hierarchical level. Otherwise he can become stubborn and rebellious, especially if he is not given proper attention.

The Dobermann is one of the best guard and protection dogs and hardly needs any training for these tasks. Above all, the work with the breed should focus on being able to keep the dog under control, to follow his master's commands and, especially important, to subject him to an intense socialisation process and early stimulation so that he can discern when he is in a situation that requires his intervention and when it is simply an everyday event, however stressful it may seem.

There should be no qualms about training a Dobermann properly. Many of the behavioural problems in this and other breeds are caused by an exaggerated tendency to humanise dogs and to gauge their feelings, actions, reactions and relationships in the affective terms of interpersonal relationships. Dobermanns are dogs and should be treated as such: with affection and respect but with the firmness necessary to have a stable, balanced and controlled animal. Dogs like to know their place in the family, in their pack. This gives them security and makes them emotionally stronger. If they are not educated and made to understand what their place is then they try to find it for themselves and, logically, they will always want to be in the highest position possible. It is not, therefore, the most suitable breed for inexperienced owners, although if they show a real interest in the breed and put themselves in the hands of more experienced people who can help and advise them at all times, it is more than possible that the relationship will end up being satisfactory.

This breed needs a lot of dedication, stimulation, work and exercise and it is highly recommended that he be enrolled in an organised activity, either individually or as part of a working group. An educated, physically satisfied Dobermann with an activity to do becomes a safe and stable animal and an excellent family dog. His relationship with children is very good, as long as he has been accustomed to them from an early age and the children know the characteristics of their dog and how they should behave with him. However, it is always advisable for a responsible adult with authority over the dog to supervise the relationship between the dog and the children, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.

Contrary to its reputation, the Dobermann is an outstanding therapy dog. With sick children and the elderly he is gentle, patient and delicate, which does not prevent him from defending his master in a dangerous situation with the utmost ferocity and dedication, if necessary.

CONCLUSION

Dobermans need physical and mental activity. They must be properly trained, as a bored dog will have behavioural problems. If socialised early with other dogs, pets and children, the Doberman can be a delightful family dog. He is loyal, affectionate and will protect the home. It tends to be a one-master dog and will not tolerate provocation, so children must be taught to behave appropriately towards the dog. The owner has to be responsible for the behaviour of the animal. If you are unable to devote time or have no experience with dogs, this is not the right breed for you.