The Dobermann originated in Germany. In the middle of the nineteenth century a man named Herr Louis Dobermann lived in the city of Apoldo (East Germany) in the principality of Thueringen. He served as the town dog catcher, night patrolman and city rates collector among other duties. There apparently was a demand for sharp, fearless watchdogs and Herr Dobermann started selectively breeding the best of the locally available dogs for this purpose. Nobody knows exactly which breeds were orginally used, but the Great Dane, old German Shepherd, (not the German Shepherd Dog as we know it today), Weimaraner, Manchester Terrier, Greyhound and other breeds have been mentioned. Over a lifetime of sixty years of interbreeding dogs, Herr Dobermann achieved great success in establishing the required character and created a breed of dog which showed to a considerable extent similar exterior characteristics - in other words "bred true".
The Dobermann is known as the "Devil Dog" by the American Marines and is their mascot. It earned the name during World War II in the Pacific, where it used to go ashore with the marines and flush out the enemy. Although current research indicates their arrival was in fact a lot earlier, the Dobermann was re-introduced into Australia in 1952.
Average Lifespan
When considering a dog, please realise that you ae taking it on for its lifetime. Dobermanns live from between 12 to 14 years of age.
Breed Personality/Characteristics/Temperament
It is in the Dobermanns nature to be a trustworthy and loyal companion, usually gentle but as robust and tough as you care to make it. A great playmate for the children of its "family", it will quite happily join family members at the table and even sleep in their beds, if people are foolish enough to encourage it. In fact, it will become very "human" if you forget to remind it that it is a dog! Though affectionate and obedient to its owners, the Dobermann can be quite stand-offish to those it does not know. However, it should not be nervous or aggressive in normal circumstances, as a dog like this is unreliable and will react badly in times of stress.
Compatibility with other pets
Good.
Care Requirements
The Dobermann is a large, active and intelligent breed and you must be willing to provide the exercise and attention it needs. Anyone buying a Dobermann must realise that it requires daily training and exercise. A Dobermann needs some type of control if it is to fit happily into the family and tends to excel at obedience. Whether you just want to do basic obedience, or advance to the highest level and obtain obedience titles, both you and your dog will enjoy and benefit from this activity. A Dobermann must be housed on an adequately fenced property.
Please Take Note
Because the Dobermann was bred as a working dog, many see the dogs mentality and aptitude for learning as being just as important as its conformation. The purpose of the Working Aptitude Evaluation, in place for some time overseas, is to help determine if your Dobermann has the aptitude to do the type of work for which the breed was intended - that of companion and protector.
Ideal Owner/s
People who will train, socialise and exercise the dog.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little about the Dobermann and have decided this is the dog for you or you want more information, make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
