Dobermans Guard and Serve as Loyal Companions

Doberman Pinschers are often thought of as aggressive dogs, and though most serve as excellent police and guard dogs, a properly bred and trained Doberman dog is a very loyal companion.

The Doberman’s ancestry is thought to be German in origin. Possible ancestors include the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Manchester Terrier and Greyhound. Louis Doberman, a German tax collector, is credited with the breed’s creation. He wanted a strong, loyal breed to accompany him and protect him during his tax collection rounds. The breed’s intelligence and trainability put it in great demand as a guard dog as well as a police and war dog. It possesses a short, durable coat that requires minimal grooming — brushing weekly will suffice. Coat color ranges from black to reddish and light tan; some even possess blue overtones.

The ears of a Doberman dog are usually cropped so that they stand erect.

This member of the American Kennel Club’s Working Group needs regular exercise to expend its energy. The Doberman stands 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm). It is tall at the shoulder and weighs 66 to 88 pounds (30 to 40 kg). The AKC recognized the Doberman Pinscher in 1908.

A squarely built, muscular dog, the Doberman is known for its endurance as well as speed. In addition to military and police work, Dobermans have been used as search and rescue dogs. They also perform well in competition events such as flyball and agility.

Some cities have profiled the Doberman as an aggressive breed and thereby apply strict ownership laws, including outright banning of the breed. However, they can have an excellent, gentle nature and have been used as therapy animals.

Dobermans possesses great courage and make excellent watchdogs. Toward its kind yet firm owner, the Doberman is affectionate and obedient. This breed is not the aggressive attack dog that many people perceive. Although strong and a good guard dog, the Doberman bonds tightly with its master and, therefore, also makes a wonderfully loyal and loving companion for the right owner.