THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER

     Louis Doberman, a German tax collector created the Doberman Pinscher breed in 1870. It is believed the breed originated from the mix of cattle and shepherd dogs.  In 1895, the dog was mixed with Manchester terrier and at the beginning of the 20th. century, Greyhound bloodline was introduced.  The Doberman at that time was not as finely chiseled and sleek at it is in today's Doberman.

     Today's Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, elegant dog, with a long head, flat skull and a long muzzle. The eyes are brown and almond shaped.  The natural ear is set high and folds down.  The cropped ear stands erect.   The short, smooth coat is colored  black/tan, red/tan, fawn or blue. Males stand at shoulder height between 26-28" and weigh between 70-90 lbs.  Females stand at should height 24-26" and are between 50-70 lbs.

     Dobermans have come along way from the fierce dog created by Louis Doberman.  Today's Doberman is an affection, loving family dog.  They are not for people who want a dog to look at from a distance.  Dobe's are intensely loyal to their families and demand attention.  A Dobe's priority in life is to be with you, love you, guard you 24 hours a day.  Wherever you are, there he is.  Some people have affectionately named them "velcro" dogs.  You will usually find a Dobe attached to you somehow, head on your knee, sitting on your foot, leaning up against you or laying beside you.  They are affectionate but in an elegant way, no sloppy kisses; in fact you'll be lucky to ever get a kiss at all, just adoring looks with big brown eyes.  Don't expect to keep a Dobe penned up an a small apartment.  Dobes are energetic and need to exercise  to release pent up energy.  Training is a must with this breed. They can be stubborn and willful and need to know that you are the "alpha dog" in the family.

     Dobermans are very versatile dogs. They possess the attributes of superior intelligence, strength, learning ability, agility and have a strong capacity to focus without being distracted that have caused them to be used successfully as working dogs for many years.  They served as war dogs in the North Pacific, saving soldiers lives, protection dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs and even search and rescue dogs.

The Guard Dog

A movement caught his noble eyes
His body ridged grew,
This was the stance of a killer
Who many enemies slew.
The ears like sensitive radar
Were tracking every sound.
This was the marvelous killer
Who brought his enemies down.
The sun danced on his deep black coat
And reflected its rich dark hue,
The muscles taunt and ready,
And his enemy never knew.
The Doberman's reputation-
IT rivals the Devil's own
For vicious strength and cunning
His legend large has grown.
Now my valiant guard dog
Prepared to spring and slay-
But just before his chance could come-
The butterfly flitted away!

Eileen Langston