The Doberman Pinscher is named after its creator Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a German tax collector who also ran the local animal shelter in his area. A skilled breeder, he set out to create a medium-sized working dog that would accompany and protect him during the day on his travels. Most educated guesses suggest that crosses of the Rottweiler, the German Pinscher, the Manchester Terrier and perhaps the Greyhound were used to perfect the breed by 1899. At first the breed was unpopular with most dog fanciers but did catch the eye of those interested in a medium-sized security dog. Further refinements were made and the breed was officially recognized in Germany and then shortly after in America in 1908. Americans are credited with developing the handsome and reliable Doberman we know today. The breed thrives well in both city and country if he is provided with daily exercise.

Height: 27.5" (69.8cm) for dogs, 25.5" (64.8cm) for bitches

Weight: 66 - 88 lbs (29.5 - 39.3 kg)

Coat Type: The glossy Doberman coat is short, dense and hard. It is smooth and lies flat on the body. Grooming needs are minimal. Colors include solid black, red, blue, or fawn with rich tan markings. Grooming needs are minimal.

NOTE: White color in a Doberman is not only a disqualifying fault, but a serious health issue for the individual dog and a threat to the integrity of the breed. White dogs are Tyrosynase Positive Albinos; this condition causes marked photosensitivity (squint or shut eyes in sunlight) and increased risk of solar skin damage including cancer. To help to eliminate this recessive gene from the Doberman gene pool, the American Kennel Club has traced back to the original dog that carried this trait; further the AKC includes the letter Z in all litters that trace back directly back to this dog, as well as to litters with a white parent. You can help by not buying or breeding from litters with a Z in the litter registration number. For more information, please see the article that the DPCA has published; go to: http://www.dpca.org then click on the Operation White Out article.

Temperament: Originally an ill-mannered breed, the Doberman today is credited as a keen, loyal, friendly and obedient family pet. He does, however, maintain his watchful, determined, and alert instincts.

Special Interest: Champion Dictator of Glenhugel, one of the breed's most renowned stud dogs, is remembered for passing along two distinctive traits. The first was an excellent temperament, the second, which has been found in tenth-generation descendents, was a cowlick at the nape of the neck. Dogs with this cowlick are said to have the "mark of Dictator."

Classifications:
AKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
CKC: Group 3 - Working Dogs
KC: Non-Sporting - Working Group
FCI: Group 2
ANKC: Group 6 - Utility