Dobermans were first developed in Germany around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Dobermann. After his death in 1894, the Germans named the breed after him calling it the Dobermann-Pinscher. A half century later the pinscher was dropped on the grounds that this German word for Terrier was not appropriate. Karl Dobermann was a tax collector that traveled through many rough areas and needed protection from any situation that might arise. He started to develop a breed that would be a perfect combination of loyalty, intelligence, strength, and viciousness. The Dobie is believed to have been created from several breeds that had the traits the Mr. Dobermann was looking for included the German Shepherd, Pinscher, Black Greyhound, Beauceron, Rottwelier, Manchester Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer, Weimaraner, and the Great Dane, although this still remains uncertain to this day. The single exception is the documented cross with the greyhound.

History

Dobbies are a highly intelligent breed that when socialized properly and trained will make very nice family pets. They are also very good guard dogs and will attack if there is a threat. Dobermans are also used as protection and guard dogs for the military and police. Those that are familiar with the breed consider it an excellent companion and family pet that will get along very well with children if properly socialized as a pup. Dobbies are often sterotyped in movies and games giving people the impression that they are a vicious breed. Although there are variations in temperament, a typical dobbie will attack only if it has been mistreated or if it feels his family is in danger. According to the US Centers of Diesease Control, Dobbies are less frequently involved in attacks on humans resulting in fatalities than several other breeds such as, pitbull type dogs, Rottweilers, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds. The Dobbie is well known as a loyal and loving family pet.

Behavior

The Dobbie is a powerful, strong breed with a deep broad chest and a square muscular body. The ears and the tail of the Dobbie are usually clipped to give the dog a more sleek look. At birth the ears naturally fold over and the tail is long. The Dobbie comes in a variety of colors such as black and brown, blue, red or rust, fawn, and white. The white Dobbie has a special gene called the Aqouti signalling peptide or the chinchilla gene that leaves the coat and eye color pale. This same gene is shared white tigers and white lions. Dobermans of this color faced increase risk of sun exposure due to the pale fur and abonormal development of the retina.

Appearance