Doberman Pinscher: A Peculiar and Elegant Breed
If there’s a peculiar and elegant dog that’s not for everyone, it’s definitely the Doberman Pinscher. They’re the type of dog that you either love or hate. However, it’s worth getting to know these majestic dogs more in depth. This article is intended to provide information on this beautiful breed and honor them for being a good pet and guard dog.
Traits of the Doberman Pinscher
Origin
The Doberman Pinscher is not a very old breed. They have been around since the 19th century. These dogs were bred from mixing other breeds such as the Rottweiler and Beauceron.
They were originally bred to protect their master and his/her family from attackers. Overtime, this breed was used as hunting dogs and became good pets. However, they are still very useful guard dogs due to their strong appearance.
Dobermans were named after Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman, who worked as a night guard and tax collector. Due to the danger of working night shifts, he needed an animal to protect him from attackers and thieves. He tried out different breeds, but none of them satisfied him. So, he started mixing breeds until he got the famous Doberman.
Although, there is a lot of speculation about the two main breeds that make up the Doberman, nothing can be confirmed without genetic testing.
Physical appearance
Their body is squarish and muscular, they have dark hair and small eyes. They are athletic, powerful and their thin body allows them to be good runners and chase down attackers.
The males usually measure 68 to 72 cm (26 to 28 inches) and weigh 40 to 45 kilograms (90 to 100 pounds). The females are around 60 to 65 cm tall (23 to 25.5 inches), and they weigh between 32 to 35 kilograms (70.5 to 77 pounds).
Their short, sturdy and shiny hair gives them an elegant appearance, which makes other breeds jealous. Their official colors are:
- Black and Rust
- Red and Rust
- Fawn or Isabella color is on different parts of the body such as the the dog’s skin, chest, throat, eyebrows, among others.
- Beige with brown colored markings
- Blue or commonly referred to as grey with copper markings
You will never see a completely white or black Doberman. If you do, they aren’t a purebred. The average life expectancy is approximately 13 years. Females can give birth up to eight puppies per pregnancy.
Character
Dobermans have a reputation for being violent sometimes, but this should not be taken as a precedent. Dobermans are loyal and well-balanced dogs. The problem usually doesn’t have to do with the breed, but rather the type of person who adopts them.
They are very intelligent, sensible, dominant, proud, and a very headstrong breed. Therefore, they need a loving yet strict owner, so the animal understands who is the leader of the pack and head of the family.
In spite of everything, they’re natural protectors. They are willing to sacrifice themselves for you or another family member. You will need to be patient with them due to their character, but they will learn to follow orders without a problem.
Remember, not all big dogs with these traits are meant for everyone. So, think carefully before deciding if the Doberman Pinscher is the right dog for you. Adopt responsibly.