The Doberman was created sometime in the late 19th century by Louis Dobermann who lived in Apolda, in the Thuringia district of Germany. His job as they local tax collector exposed him to dangerous and unpredictable people who might want to attack him on his rounds. Since he was also a local dog catcher, he usually had a dog or two with him for protection. This created the idea of breeding a dog with the traits of fearlessness, ferocity, and loyalty, which eventually became the Doberman Pinscher.
There are no records that tell us which dogs were used to create this breed, but it is often speculated that the German Pinscher, Black and Tan Terrier, and the Rottweiler were part of the combination. When Herr Doberman died in 1894 he took the knowledge of the breeds creation to the grave. Because he was the originator of the breed, it is names in his honor.
When the breed was being created, Herr Dobermann kept his focus on the development of temperament, and not a standardized appearance. In the late 1800's into the 1900's fanciers of the breed took on and further defined both aspects. An athletic, sleek physical appearance became standard and the sharp temperament was softened considerably. The Doberman will always be a faithful and fearless guardian, but notable contributors such as Otto Goller and Phillip Greunig sought versatility rather than fierceness. They, along with many others, worked to breed and promote intelligence and obedience. Today the breed is a medium sized dog with a powerful, yet elegant appearance. The standard calls for dogs that are 24 to 8 inches at the whither, with bitches being slightly smaller than dogs. Accepted colors are black, red, blue and fawn. White NOT an accepted color for the breed, as it is a genetic mutation, and breeders of repute do not promote the white Doberman.
The first Doberman was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908, and the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in 1921. The breeds appearance, intelligence and bravery were quickly recognized by police and military, and dogs were brought on board as prized assets. The breed was used extensively for scouting and sentry duties in World War II.
There are no records that tell us which dogs were used to create this breed, but it is often speculated that the German Pinscher, Black and Tan Terrier, and the Rottweiler were part of the combination. When Herr Doberman died in 1894 he took the knowledge of the breeds creation to the grave. Because he was the originator of the breed, it is names in his honor.
When the breed was being created, Herr Dobermann kept his focus on the development of temperament, and not a standardized appearance. In the late 1800's into the 1900's fanciers of the breed took on and further defined both aspects. An athletic, sleek physical appearance became standard and the sharp temperament was softened considerably. The Doberman will always be a faithful and fearless guardian, but notable contributors such as Otto Goller and Phillip Greunig sought versatility rather than fierceness. They, along with many others, worked to breed and promote intelligence and obedience. Today the breed is a medium sized dog with a powerful, yet elegant appearance. The standard calls for dogs that are 24 to 8 inches at the whither, with bitches being slightly smaller than dogs. Accepted colors are black, red, blue and fawn. White NOT an accepted color for the breed, as it is a genetic mutation, and breeders of repute do not promote the white Doberman.
The first Doberman was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908, and the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in 1921. The breeds appearance, intelligence and bravery were quickly recognized by police and military, and dogs were brought on board as prized assets. The breed was used extensively for scouting and sentry duties in World War II.