Dobermann: Origin | Facts | Size | Heights | Weights

1. Origin and history

The Dobermann is a breed that has existed for just over a century: the first specimens appeared towards the 1885 that is to say about ten years before two other famous breeds, the German Shepherd and the Boxer.

On the other hand, there is a fundamental difference between these dogs: the German Shepherd and the Boxer can in fact boast of being the modern result of an ancient type of dog, a wolf shepherd in the first case, a fighting Molosser in the second, while the Dobermann represents a truly new type (it would be really difficult to find a similar dog in ancient writings or paintings).

The very name of the breed reveals its originality in the canine world, since it is that of its creator, a certain Friedrich Ludwig Dobermann (1834-1894), often described both as the manager of a municipal warehouse and as a bailiff from the city of Apolda in Thuringia.

In fact, this municipal employee cumulated multiple functions: he controlled the slaughterhouses, dealt with the slaughter of animals, hunted stray dogs, collected taxes, rents and various fees. In short, the burgomaster of Apolda charged him with all sorts of thankless and difficult tasks.

Due to his role, it is likely that Dobermann did not find many friends among the late taxpayers or among the citizens forced to pay a fine. In addition to this, when he circulated on horseback in this mountainous and forested corner of Thuringia, carrying sums of money that were sometimes substantial, he ran the risk of being attacked by some thug.

It was therefore natural that he had decided to be accompanied by dogs of character, capable of coming to his aid if necessary. Probably he had been able to notice some of those he had brought to the kennel or with whom he had dealt in the farms where he had been received unfriendly.

This selection, a little rudimentary, was however effective … Moreover, having access to the slaughterhouses, given his profession, he had no problem feeding a large pack of dogs with great appetite.

We don’t know which dog he adopted to create the breed that bears his name, since he has not left any written notes about his selection. On the other hand, at the beginning he probably did not have in mind to create a new breed, but limited himself to crossing dogs that had the characteristics that interested him.

The fame that these animals gained in the region, however, gave a turn to the story, since numerous dog lovers were interested in the specimen that, however empirically, he had obtained.

Given the lack of documentation about Friedrich Ludwig Dobermann’s experiments, the specialists had to settle for conjectures to try to reconstruct the path and trace the origins of the dog that we know today.

The French, therefore, given its black coat and fire, thought of theirs Beauceron. It can easily be argued that the morphological characteristics of the two breeds are quite different, but the French breeders of the 1920s had not selected a clearly “Dobermanized” Bas-Rouge, that is, refined and short-haired, almost satin?

To explain the presence of the French dog in Thuringia, it was speculated that some specimens had been left there by the Napoleonic armies during their campaigns.

It must be recognized, however, that this theory, although rewarding for the French nationalists, is above all a manifestation of the Germanophobia of that time, the same which led to denying against all evidence the German origin of the German Shepherd who preferred to be defined … Alsatian !

It must also be said that France did not have a monopoly on black and fire-coated dogs. They were also present beyond the Rhine, where they had given rise to the Rottweiler and the Hovawart and had been the ancestors of the German Shepherds themselves; therefore, it can be reasonably concluded that in part they are also responsible for the color and size of the Dobermann.

The latter, however, also recalls another dog, the Pinscher, which in the nineteenth century Germany was among the most widespread: when the use of the horse, saddle or draft was still very common, you could not do without on every farm and in the stables of such a formidable rodent hunter.

The Pinscher – whose name derives from English “to pinch”, “grab, grab” – in fact it can be considered the German version of the French mouse dogs and the English Terrier. Its origins are lost over time: the morphological type can in fact be combined with that of the Canis palustris, well known thanks to archeology.

This extraordinary “hunter” could have been coitus or striated, of a tawny, black or wolf-gray tint. The shaggy-haired Pinscher, i.e. the Schnauzer, soon met with great success, while the shaggy-haired Pinscher could only perpetuate itself through the Dobermann. The latter, in fact, which was originally significantly given the name of Pinscher, was characterized before the middle Pinscher.

It is therefore legitimate to consider the Dobermann as a sort of giant Pinscher: it had the same fighting qualities – up to biting – and liveliness of the German mouse dog, with the addition of a larger size that allowed him to become a dog guard and defense.

The idea of ​​obtaining a giant Terrier was also widespread at that time and, while in Great Britain it had brought to Airale, in Munich the first giant Schnaiuzer were created. The oldest depictions of Dobermann seem to confirm the role of the Pinscher in its origin.

F. L. Dobermann had in fact probably recognized in this rare one those qualities of courage and bite he was looking for. Of this opinion was the German magazine Unsere Hunde (cited by J. Mézières and A. Whilhelm, authors of reference works for this breed), who, in the December 1898 issue, wrote:

“Around 1870, Dietsch, then owner of the Apolda sandboxes, owned a gray-blue bitch, a sort of Pinscher who had a black Boucher mount it. This breeder already had the characteristic fire-colored patches and came from a cross between a dog as a shepherd and a Boucher Dobermann, who died prematurely for our misfortune, met descendants of these two specimens, who had become good hunting dogs, with German Pinschers. This is the origin of the current Dobermann. Since it was he who first selected them, we do not see why these dogs cannot perpetuate their name “.

If the Pinscher ascendant is recognized, there are another half dozen breeds that have – or would have – competed in this explosive cocktail known as Dobermann.

Looking at one with drooping ears (this is their normal shape when they are not cut) we can assume a contribution of German Bracco or del Weimaraner, which, in addition to having the role of finding, stopping and bringing back game, also served to eliminate harmful animals and to guard the game bag.

When Dobermann is attributed this aggressive character, one has to ask who is responsible for it.

To explain Dobermann’s elegance, some have thought of Greyhound. A bitch is often mentioned Greyhound (English greyhound) with black coat and very aggressive temperament. The German Great Dane also returns among his probable ancestors because of the size and the bluish complexion that he would have transmitted to him.

This is possible if we keep in mind that, at the end of the nineteenth century, this dog was less gigantic than it is today: in fact, the male was between 75 and 80 centimeters.

Finally, blood from the Dobermann veins would also flow Black and Tan Terrier (black and fire) which would have refined the morphology and would have been decisive for the fire color.

The fate of this breed would have been different if Mr. Dobermann’s friends and followers had not continued the work. In particular, the role of Otto Göller in the passage from the rude primitive Dobermann – compact, of medium size (from 50 to 60 cm), with a large and short head – to the superb athlete we know today: undoubtedly one of the most beautiful specimens of the whole dog breed.

Another founding father of the breed, Goswin Tischler, took care of the fate of these animals by founding a famous kennel, named “von Groenland”, named after a street in Apolda.

The first specimens collected by FL Dobermann – Lux, Landgraf, Rambo, Schnupp (the number one in the book of the new breed) – were thus added the specimens of Tischlen to his dogs Bosco and Caesi, for example, gave birth to the first champion of the breed , Prinz Matzi von Groenland, born on August 15, 1895.

Otto Göller, known as “von Thuringen”, obtained specimens from 1901. Hellegraf von Thuringen, born on 12 June 1904, stands out among his breeders, considered the patriarchs of the breed. Previously he had had a specimen from Tischler who thanks to him a remarkable runner turned out to be: Graf Belling.

In 1910, with the birth of two other great runners, Bodo and Bob von Egenfeld, with a head shaped and elegant almost as much as that of the current Dobermann, the training period of the breed ends.

After this date, several mergers with other breeds were attempted, with uneven results: the Manchester Terrier, for example, it has given a contribution of elegance and more decisive and regular colors, but also greater fragility.

Thus the English Greyhound led to a taller stature, but also to a flat ribcage and an excessive lengthening of the body. These crossbreeds had had unwanted effects that breeders strove to eliminate in the interwar period.

The choice was between two orientations: to preserve the original qualities of tenacity and courage proper to the breed and which have now become legendary, or to go towards a dog with a more refined character and morphology. All in all the first solution was chosen.

The Dobermann soon conquered a large number of fans in Germany and therefore in Europe. This rapid affirmation, rarely remarked, confirms the breed’s potential since its inception. The first club was founded by Otto Göller in Apolda in 1899.

Soon a dozen other associations sprang up, particularly in southern Germany, which they traced to join a national federation in 1912. Given its ability to conquer the public, the Dobermann was soon presented in exhibitions.

After the Germans, the Swiss were the most diligent; by founding a club in Arau as early as 1902 they showed their appreciation for this dog with a clear silhouette, undemanding and with a strong character.

The Dutch got in step in 1909 and were the first to notice its adaptability to the tropical climate, taking it to their distant colonies, particularly in the Philippines. In the same period the Alsacians discovered it and a first local club was founded in 1913.

A club for the whole national territory was instead inaugurated in 1920 in Strasbourgbut they had to wait until the 1960s for this dog to be present in most of the French regions.

The Americans learned at their own expense the qualities of valiant fighter of this dog, employed by the German army in the First World War; with the pragmatism that distinguishes them, after the end of the conflict they bought good breeding animals so that the race would also settle in with them: thus the American club was born in 1922.

Austria and Italy have also opened their doors to Dobermann, followed by hot countries such as Uruguay and Brazil which have made them their favorite watchdogs.

Britain, for once, came last. Due to the sixty-day quarantine, mandatory in this country, and the ban on cutting the ears (which significantly changes the physiognomy of the dog), the breed only settled there in 1947.

So, since the Dobermann became known it was almost always appreciated immediately and has become one of the most skilled and widespread guard dogs in the world.

2. Behavior

Conceived for work, the Dobermann was relegated to this function, for private and non-private use, for the first quarter of the 20th century.

It was the maximum in terms of courage, tenacity and timeliness, and to enhance these qualities those who used it had a tendency to exaggerate them, helping to create the reputation of a difficult, hard and poorly controllable dog.

In the twenties a famous Swiss breeder, Gottfried Licehti, expressed this attitude well by saying: “They were strong and feared nothing – not even the devil himself – and you had to have courage to keep one.”

Philipp Gruenig, historian of the breed, expresses himself in the same tone speaking of Alarich von Thuringen, born in 1897: “He was known for his incredible intelligence, which led to fear him even more».

It is true that intelligence combined with a certain hardness characterizes these dogs, but there is no need to talk about “absolute” audacity or “incredible” intelligence, as if he wanted to do it, with the complicity of the color of their coat, of evil creatures.

These exaggerations must be interpreted in the context in which they originated: at that time there was indeed great competition between German breeds selected simultaneously for similar jobs, but starting from different “families”: German Shepherd, Boxer, Rottweiler and Dobermann competed for the title of best guard and defense dog.

Today this representation corresponds only partially to reality: if the Dobermann, employed in police operations, is a working dog and successfully takes part in competitions for defense dogs, it must be borne in mind that only a small part of the dogs of this breed it is actually used in these sectors, while the others, for the happiness of their owners, remain for the most part those who are pleasantly seated in an armchair or on a soft cushion, some walking in the car, some running around the gardens, some taking care of their puppies.

Of course it must not be concluded that Dobermann suits any master and in every situation. This dog, not particularly nervous, is never bad – or simply aggressive – for no reason. It is a balanced animal, albeit of character.

The owner of a Dobermann cannot and must not be that of a Poodle. To prove its multiple possibilities, this dog requires that his owner also own some of them. Anyone who does not understand this breed and has never had a dog of this temperament is better than starting his adventure with a female.

More malleable, outgoing and docile, however, it has the same vigilance as the male. Those who, despite lacking extensive experience as a trainer, have a steady (but not brutal) hand and feeling with dogs will find great gratifications by measuring themselves with the decisive character of a male Dobermann.

However, one condition is necessary: ​​the velvet glove must be combined with the iron fist, that is, be very calm and patient. We therefore have no qualms about advising this dog against the unrealistic, the good-natured and those who are reluctant to give prose of authority.

A good master must know the deep nature of Dobermann well. It’s about a ruler: if the inexperienced person does not discover this characteristic in his three-month-old puppy, he will see it come out in the eight-month-old teenager.

The dog is simply trying to become a leader, which he sometimes succeeds in: he just needs to make himself heard and show his teeth to achieve his goal. It is therefore essential not to be impressed by these intimidations: the owner must be fair but inflexible.

This combination of justice and authority will appear all the more necessary the more it is taken into account that pride and the spirit of independence are two other characteristics of Dobermann. Although he is still very attached to the owners, this dog often tends to do his own thing when he is brought up without the necessary firmness.

Training on walking with a leash and without, therefore, on recall, must be conducted with rigor. Many owners of Dobermann rather than walking their dogs are carried around by the latter!

The pride of the Dobermann, which constitutes one of the most fascinating traits, is manifested in its own features: the majesty with which he poses the head and the confident gait well reveal his temperament, which at least can be defined as reserved.

It is certainly not part of those dogs that party to strangers and remains insensitive to compliments, perhaps a little forced, of any guests. It is evident that this distant attitude presupposes the presence of the master.

Otherwise, the dog will be much more active – intractable if not downright fierce – in surveillance of the house or car. Since his instinct to protect the territory is innate and overdeveloped. his vigilance is never surprised by a moment of distraction.

In this field, no specific training is necessary: ​​the dog reacts spontaneously. It naturally extends its protection to all those who live in the family environment, in particular to children, who, for their part, will have to learn to respect his presence.

With the other dogs, the Dobermann does not necessarily seek the fight, but in no case will he let himself be dominated. So, out of prudence, it is better to avoid opportunities for confrontation.

The Dobermann, born and selected exclusively for the protection of property and people, it is a very observant animal, with a remarkable memory, with great adaptability, he understands everything quickly and almost manages to predict, to guess, what his master doesn’t tell him.

He therefore has a great aptitude for training, even if his psychology is very different from that of the Sheepdogs, who are often a point of reference for trainers; since it has much less the sense of the hierarchy of a Shepherd Dog, it always maintains a dominant background, as well as a certain tendency towards independence, which must be controlled and contained.

To easily channel his skills, the trainer will have to manage his susceptibility, take into account his innate pride and above all motivate him, as the Dobermann is a passionate dog, who does not work well except for the love of his master.

Contrary to the reputation that is all too often attributed to it, the Dobermann is not a difficult dog but a demanding dog, which must be taken seriously.

In his country of origin, but also in the United States and in many other countries, including Italy, the Dobermann has as a favorite discipline the Schutzhund or ZTP (mandatory in Germany for the qualification of breeder).

The Germans, who have exported their defense dogs extensively, have managed at the same time to impose their work program, consisting of tests of obedience, docility, mordacity and defense of the owner, almost everywhere in the world.

Also the track it is a test in which the Dobermann can prove himself – several specimens have reached the highest levels in recent years. In this type of competition it finds the opportunity to demonstrate its sense of initiative and to give its best by using its natural enthusiasm and flair; training in this discipline (accessible to beginners) is of great psychological interest as it strengthens connivance with the owner.

Without a doubt it is in the ring that the Dobermann is less comfortable. His athletic abilities are obviously not questioned, but his bite is not very suitable for the needs of this discipline: the dog must in fact achieve a solid grip, with the whole mouth, for about fifteen seconds, while the Dobermann has, for its part, the tendency to bite for later grips, with the front teeth.

Job competitions only concern, for obvious reasons, a limited number of dogs; therefore, most Dobermanns do not have such an opportunity to vent their energies. Now, their balance imperatively requires intense physical activities; we must therefore offer them long walks and frequent (but short) exercises.

It would be decidedly aberrant to leave these legal dogs to a chain, or locked up in a kennel, or even make them guardians of a deposit, as the Dobermann needs human contact: as varied and early as possible, these contacts are essential to “civilize” the young Dobermann and will not disturb his vigilance at all. On the contrary, if sentenced to isolation, the animal risks becoming difficult to control.

From the point of view of health, the Dobermann is a robust, elegant dog full of “substance”. It has no particular weaknesses; at most, a certain sensitivity to skin diseases and external parasites can be detected in some specimens (especially in the very rare and beautiful blue and tan specimens).

Therefore, a relative frequency of heart disease, a problem common to many sports races, full of enthusiasm and power. Calculating the dogs victims of heart disease, the average longevity of a Dobermann that is a dozen years old, can drop to about ten years (specimens that reach the age of fourteen are rather rare).

Strict life hygiene throughout its existence and increased attention and surveillance since reaching the age of six to eight are therefore recommended.

The Dobermann was born and still lives, still today, under the sign of passion. His temperament cannot be satisfied with compromises or half measures and, for this reason, arouses opposite reactions in human beings: on the one hand he is a victim of prejudices, on the other he is energetically defended by his supporters.

3. Living space, nutrition, health, care and the abc of the perfect master

– LIFE SPACE, FOOD, HEALTH, CARE
■ Living space
As has been said, he is a sportsman: the power with which he runs, the elegance of his stride are special!
Although he is not a dog made for the apartment, in order to be close to the owner he will also willingly accept a studio, but it would be better to offer him a garden.
If trained properly, it will not loot your flower beds and make holes in the lawn. His favorite activity will always remain to stand guard, with his eye fixed on the road.
Its muzzle must not be able to pass outside the gate, since if an imprudent hand approaches it tends to bite, on several occasions, with the front teeth.
It is advisable to build a nice, dry and comfortable kennel in the garden; in fact, he will be delighted to have his own corner where he can be independent. He will bring you all “his” personal items, especially while growing up.
But be careful: you must prevent children from approaching him when he gnaws a bone. The Dobermann must maintain moments of intimacy, to be absolutely respected.

■ Power supply

This dog always has a good appetite. A 40 kg Dobermann willingly devours 600 g of meat every day, 300 of vegetables and 300 of rice, plus supplements.
You should always choose the largest bowl, even if its daily dose must be divided into two parts. If the Dobermann carries out many sports activities, the amount of protein must be increased.
It is also possible to feed it with canned food: your partner will be at the table with equal pleasure.

■ Health

On the veterinary level, it is a solid dog, but it can be weak in the intestine, especially in winter.
Note in some cases a sensitivity to skin diseases and external parasites (especially among the rare and beautiful blue and fawn specimens). Finally, we report the relative frequency of cardiac accidents, a problem common to many very lively dog ​​breeds.
It must therefore maintain a very rigorous life hygiene throughout its existence (it must not make too intense efforts) and be supervised when it reaches six or eight years of age.

■ Cure

Its short, hard, well-fitting hair only requires brushing every now and then. We must not forget to clean his ears, especially if he often goes out in the countryside, to cut his nails, and to wash his splendid
teeth, which must always keep very white

COURAGE, SUPERVISION, LOYALTY: ITS THREE STRONG POINTS

“They were robust specimens and were not afraid of anything, not even of the devil himself, and a good dose of courage was needed to possess one” in the 1920s wrote a renowned Swiss breeder, Gottfried Liechti.
At that time, the daredevil side, the tenacity and the speed of intervention of the Dobermann were exalted, tending to magnify his qualities.
Breeders were proud of this rude and unfriendly dog, “with absolute audacity and incredible intelligence”. He became a mythical animal, he was feared and admired at the same time.

At the time, the Dobermann suffered competition from other German breeds. Together with the German Shepherd, the Boxer and the Rottweiler, in fact, he aspired to the title of best guard and defense dog.

Of course Dobermann’s supporters had every interest in magnifying certain traits of his character, highlighting only his desire to win. Today this image partially corresponds to reality.

Although it has been and remains a valuable aid to the army, police and customs services, it is not a dangerous dog, provided that it is properly educated.

Trained firmly and lovingly, it reveals its many qualities. Those who have no experience with defense dogs should get help from a professional.
His role? To be useful! Once educated, he will spend his time rolling between one cushion and another in the living room, or he will accompany you on the car trips through the city. This dog dedicated to work can also enjoy the small pleasures of everyday life.

When it comes to rendering a service, the Dobermann is always present: he brings the newspaper, the slippers, everything that the owner may like. A simple caress of thanks fills him with joy.

And what about strangers? The almost exclusive attachment to the owner and family makes him very suspicious of strangers. It is not usual to celebrate the guests and it is quite insensitive to their signs of cordiality.
But once the ice is broken, it becomes more condescending. All newcomers to the house must be introduced to him.

Obedience to the master’s orders is essential to avoid accidents, but guests should avoid shouting at him or trying to socialize.

The ABC of the perfect master

■ Dobermann owners need to know that this animal cannot stand injustice. To deserve his esteem, and be able to control it, it is necessary to show security and consistency in all circumstances. If it is not understood and is mistreated it can become dangerous, even with the owner himself.
■ Its training must be carried out competently. The Dobermann does not work sweetly, he is too proud and independent for this. He obeys with love. It is so passionate that you have to know how to motivate it. He will never become a servile dog.
■ When going out, other dogs should be avoided. He does not systematically seek a fight, but if the dog encountered provokes him, he will begrudgingly endure: in the fight, nobody beats him.

TO DO
■ Show a lot of natural authority and always be righteous.
■ Don’t be afraid of your dog’s reactions; make them understand immediately who is in charge.
■ Teach him to obey since he was a puppy.
TO AVOID

• Being too permissive in his education.
• Allow strangers to enter the house when you are away.
• Push him to attack to play or not.
• Imposing a stressful life on him: even if his nerves are strong, he needs balance.