Breed Spotlight: Doberman Pinscher

Coat Type and Colors

Doberman pinschers have a short, sleek coat. Their colors include:

• Black and rust
  
• Blue and rust
  
• Red and rust
  
• White (non-standard)
  
• Fawn and rust

Ears and Tails

Traditionally, a Doberman pinscher’s ears are cropped, and their tails are docked. Although they are considered breed standards for Dobermans by the American Kennel Club (AKC),³ cropping and docking is generally considered unnecessary and sometimes cruel.⁴

Shedding and Grooming

Due to their short, sleek coats, Doberman pinschers require minimal grooming. They are an extremely clean dog and rarely have any sort of odor. Even though the Doberman has a short coat, they are moderate shedders and need to be brushed weekly to minimize shedding.

Behavior

Dobermans are extremely intelligent, alert, and loyal. They are an excellent family companion and protector. They have quite a fierce reputation, which sometimes leads to people fearing them, especially those who don’t know or understand Dobermans. Those who understand Dobermans know they are extremely loving. They are only aggressive if they have to be, and if they perceive a threat to their family, they will fight to the death. When they don’t perceive a threat, Dobermans will gladly allow people to spend time with them.

Exercise Needs

The Doberman is not the choice for everyone due to their large size and demanding need for activity. They require a significant amount of exercise to remain mentally and physically healthy. They are not meant for the sedentary or laid-back type. Dobermans need a family who is constantly active and ready to involve them in daily activities.

Good With Other Pets?

While not outright aggressive, Dobermans are less likely to be friendly towards other pets. There is no need to be overly concerned about how your Doberman will interact with others, but it’s still important to know how any dog will individually react to other animals at home and in public.

Trainability

The Doberman pinscher is an intelligent, easy-to-train breed. They easily become bored and require mental and physical challenges throughout the day to prevent behavioral problems.

They require early socialization and training. If they aren’t properly socialized, they may become timid as an adult. Early socialization and training of your Doberman will ensure they are well-rounded.

Good with Kids?

The Doberman pinscher is very good with kids. They enjoy being part of a family and prefer to be close to them at all times. Although a great breed for children, all dogs, especially larger breeds like the Doberman, should be supervised around young children and kids who don’t interact with dogs often.

If you’re worried Dobermans aren’t the right companion for your children, there are plenty of dog breeds for families with kids.

Barking Level

Excessive barking is generally not a problem with Dobermans.

Doberman Pinscher History

The Doberman pinscher, affectionately known as the “Dobie,” is a widely popular breed of dog. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908, the Doberman is one of America’s most popular working breeds.⁵

The Dobie was created by Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector and breeder, in 19th century Germany. The Doberman is believed to have been bred from the black and tan terrier, German pinscher, and rottweiler.