Doberman Pinscher Temperament

Proud, noble, and alert, the Doberman Pinscher is a dog with plenty of devotion and love to give. These dutiful dogs tend to have an even, well balanced temperament, and are intelligent, creative, and quick to learn. The Doberman Pinscher excels in obedience training when it is positive and includes treats and lots of praise. They are one of the most intelligent and fastest learning of all breeds.

These dogs are best suited to those who can establish themselves as "boss" from day one, as this breed can be strong willed and stubborn. These dogs definitely do not take kindly to being teased or treated roughly. It is important to ensure that you provide the Doberman Pinscher with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, otherwise he can get bored and restless, which can result in behavioral issues.

History
The Doberman Pinscher originates from Germany, and the breed takes its name from the man that developed it, Louis Dobermann. He was developed and bred as a companion and a guard dog, and the breed was registered with the AKC in 1908.


Appearance
The Doberman Pinscher is a sturdy, athletic, and powerful dog, with great agility, stamina, and endurance. These handsome dogs have a close fitting, smooth, short coat, and ears can be cropped to stand erect or left hanging naturally. The hard, sleek coat of the Doberman Pinscher can vary in color and the coloring of these dogs includes fawn, blue, brown, black, with rust colored markings on the head and legs. The height of the Doberman Pinscher is around 22-28 inches, and the weight 65-85 pounds.


Grooming
The grooming requirements for the Doberman Pinscher are pretty low, and all that is required to keep the coat looking good is an occasional brushing. You can also use a damp cloth occasionally to keep the short coat looking glossy and conditioned. These dogs are medium shedders, and may shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, which means that you may need to step up the grooming during these times.

Health
The life expectancy of the Doberman Pinscher is around 8-12 years, and there are a number of health problems and disorder linked to the breed. This includes cancer, bloat, vWD, thyroid problems, liver problems, and spinal problems. The parents of the Doberman Pinscher puppy should have OFA certificates.

Coat
Smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close lying. Invisible gray undercoat on neck permissible.

Colors
Allowed Colors:- Black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). Markings :- Rust, sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and fore chest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. White patch on chest, not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible. Disqualifying Fault : -Dogs not of an allowed color.

Head
Long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile views. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually toward the base of the ears in a practically unbroken line. Eyes- almond shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous, energetic expression. Iris, of uniform color, ranging from medium to darkest brown in black dogs; in reds, blues, and fawns the color of the iris blends with that of the markings, the darkest shade being preferable in every case. Ears- normally cropped and carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when held erect, is on a level with the top of the skull.

Chest
Chest broad with forechest well defined. Ribs well sprung from the spine, but flattened in lower end to permit elbow clearance. Brisket reaching deep to the elbow. Belly well tucked up, extending in a curved line from the brisket. Loins wide and muscled. Hips broad and in proportion to body, breadth of hips being approximately equal to breadth of body at rib cage and shoulders. Tail docked at approximately second joint, appears to be a continuation of the spine, and is carried only slightly above the horizontal when the dog is alert.

Forequarters
Shoulder Blade- sloping forward and downward at a 45-degree angle to the ground meets the upper arm at an angle of 90 degrees. Length of shoulder blade and upper arm are equal. Height from elbow to withers approximately equals height from ground to elbow. Legs -seen from front and side, perfectly straight and parallel to each other from elbow to pastern; muscled and sinewy, with heavy bone. In normal pose and when gaiting, the elbows lie close to the brisket. Pasterns -firm and almost perpendicular to the ground. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet well arched, compact, and catlike, turning neither in nor out.

Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hip Bone- falls away from spinal column at an angle of about 30 degrees, producing a slightly rounded, well filled-out croup. Upper Shanks- at right angles to the hip bones, are long, wide, and well muscled on both sides of thigh, with clearly defined stifles. Upper and lower shanks are of equal length. While the dog is at rest, hock to heel is perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the legs are straight, parallel to each other, and wide enough apart to fit in with a properly built body. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed. Cat feet- as on front legs, turning neither in nor out.

Disqualification
Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch, undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth. Dogs not of an allowed color.

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