Doberman Temperament

Dobermans are nicknamed "Velcro-dogs" because they tend to stick to their people. Some Dobes begin to demonstrate this within minutes of meeting their new owner, while others may take several days or weeks. Regardless of how much or how little your dog seems to enjoy your company, he needs plenty of contact with you to become a happy, well-adjusted member of the family. Take time to play with him, train him, go for walks, and sit in quiet companionship. While you may have a hard time imagining that your boisterous new Dobe would enjoy curling up to watch a movie with you, a good workout can transform him into a calm companion, at least for a few hours.

Many people associate the proud and beautiful Doberman Pinscher with guard dogs. Truly, this elegant and loyal animal can be an effective protector for you, but his sweet nature, like that of most dogs, craves loving care as the number one priority in a good home.

If you provide your Dobe with his basic needs, he will reward you with undying love and devotion, and amaze you every day with his playful antics and perceptive nature. When he cocks his head and fixes on you with his soulful, intelligent eyes, you'll know you've been repaid for all of your care and efforts.

Today's Doberman Pinscher is one of the most popular and respected members of the canine clan. Developed first as a guardian dog in 19th Century Germany, this breed has always excelled as a watchdog, guardian and protector. In addition, the breed has been remarkable as a guide dog for the blind, as a military dog, and last but not least, as a pet.

Dobe History

The Doberman, or Dobe as he is called by his friends, is a product of Germany. Herr Louis Dobermann developed this versatile breed in the Apolda region of Germany to suit his own need for a loyal, obedient, protective dog to accompany him on his nightly rounds as a policeman. Since he also worked as the local dogcatcher, Herr Dobermann had access to a wide variety of dogs to develop his large "pinscher" or terrier.

Some of the breeds used to shape the Dobe include the Pinscher (a smaller black and tan dog very similar in appearance to the modern Doberman and the Manchester Terrier), Rottweilers and Thurigian Shepherds. Other breeds that contributed their genes are the black Greyhound for elegance and sleekness, the Great Dane, the Weimaraner, and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The resulting dog possessed an uncanny intelligence, bravery, loyalty, stamina, and protectiveness in a medium-to-large working dog with an easy-care, short, dense coat. It was with great pride that this breed became known as "Dobermann's Pinscher."