Doberman Pinschers and Doberman mixes are most often noble, loyal and affectionate with the family. They like to be physically close to the family members so they can watch over them. Doberman Pinschers are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with digestive upsets and nervous behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Dobermann's dog pound provided a perfect resource for his breeding experiments. He was an admirer of the larger, more aggressive dogs in his shelter, yet realized the difficulty in managing such a large animal.



Doberman Pinschers have many talents including tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience and schutzhund. Aggression towards other dogs is accepted in the AKC standard. Dobermans can come in black, tan, bluish gray, fawn, red and white. Overall, they have a courageous, determined and proud look. Doberman puppies will grow into great guard dogs. They are intense and energetic by nature.

Doberman Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs , watch dogs , or police dogs , this is less common today. Doberman911.org is an organization of people with a common goal of helping senior and special needs Dobermans. That need may be financial or just giving information and/or moral support for the owner of a Doberman with a serious illness or injury. Dobermans are even now, and once more extensively, used in police work and in the military and are top fighting dogs if trained properly. In these roles, they inspire fear.

Doberman Pinschers are also prone to bloating and hip dysplasia . In addition, they are prone to obesity in middle and old age.

Dogs can also become dehydrated in the sun, so provide plenty of cool, clean water. Limit their exposure to the heat during hot summer days and exercise them in the morning or evening hours, when temperatures are cooler. Dogs do bite and I have at one time or another been bitten by every dog I have ever had. I am sure people will tell you I am doing something wrong, but dogs are pack animals and it is in their nature to try at times to asertr themselves within the pack. Dog shows, obedience competitions and all the activities Dobermans can participate in are discussed. Five appendices include useful resources and top dogs in the breed.

Doberman Pinschers typically have a deep, broad chest, and a powerful, compact, and square muscular body of medium size. However, in recent years some breeders have primarily bred, shown, and sold a slimmer or more sleek-looking Doberman Pinscher. Doberman Pinschers are vulnerable to canine hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, von Willebrand'ss, narcolepsy and progressive retinal atrophy. Doberman Pinschers naturally have floppy ears of medium length. In order to have the pointed ears that many associate with the Doberman Pinscher, it is necessary to do the cosmetic surgery that is known as ear cropping.

Dobermans may also have heart problems, bleeding disorders, eye defects, skin diseases, and hypothyroidism. Bloat is also a major threat to any Doberman and owners are urged to consult with their veterinarian for advice on preventing this problem.