7 Things To Love About The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a remarkable breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, and courage, these dogs have been valued as protectors, companions, and working dogs for generations.

Whether you’re a long-time Doberman lover or just discovering this wonderful breed, there are plenty of reasons to appreciate these incredible dogs.

Origins of the Doberman Pinscher

These days, some people scorn designer breeds, believing them to be the passing fad.  But the Doberman Pinscher offers an absolute celebration of what can be achieved by skillfully mixing established breeds with a clear purpose or role.

Far from being a fad, the Doberman remains a popular breed renowned for its bravery, intelligence, and unstinting loyalty to its very privileged owners.

The Doberman is a late nineteenth-century early designer bred by Louis Dobermann in Germany, who decided as a tax collector in the 1890s, he would require protection from robbery and perhaps the inevitable bouts of unpopularity that go with the job of extracting money from people.

But he also knew a thing or two about dogs because the Doberman must be recognized as an exemplary act of breeding brilliance.   This dog is a loyal companion who makes for a brilliant guard dog whose immense power is always controlled.

The exact combination of founding breeds is not definitive but is thought to include: the Rottweiler, the German Shepherd, and German Pinscher.  Later influences are thought to include the Greyhound, the Manchester Black, Tan Terrier, and the Weimaraner.

The result is a breathtaking combination of speed, agility, intelligence, and power.  No wonder the Doberman Pinscher has collected so many die-hard fans among dog lovers worldwide.

This spirit of combining breeds has continued, with the Doberman itself being successfully used as a founding breed.  One example of the fantastically powerful and exciting resulting hybrid breeds includes the Doberdane, a combination of the Great Dane and the Doberman Pinscher.

Interestingly, the Great Dane adds size to the many other admirable qualities of the Doberman, making it a formidable and loyal guard dog when required but also a soft-hearted, playful family dog.  Click here to find out more about the colossal Doberdane.

A versatile and adaptable working dog

If hiring an employee, you might look at their resume or working history.  But if you are looking for a breed with a stellar work record, look no further than the Doberman Pinscher.

Since the early 1900s, the army and police services in Europe and America have employed this intelligent and versatile dog in several roles.  This hyper-trainable breed was even brought into both world wars to carry messages, find wounded soldiers and guard military positions.

Due to its intelligence, the Doberman could be described as the perfect example of controlled aggression.  Although powerful enough to bring an intruder to the ground, with neatly interlocking scissor-like teeth, the Doberman is highly trained. It has proven biddable even in the most hazardous of situations.

These admirable qualities have easily transferred into the home. The Doberman Pinscher was recorded as the second most popular breed in the United States in 1977 and has remained a much-loved and highly valued breed worldwide.

So, just for those who have never had the privilege of owning one of these incredible dogs, here are 7 good reasons to love the Doberman:

7 Things Only a Doberman Pinscher Owner Would Understand

#1 A formidable guard dog

If you ever see Dobermans in films, they are usually playing the part of intimidating guardians in rich homes or on military bases.  This is with very good reason, as the Doberman Pinscher is celebrated for being one of the most effective guardian breeds available.

These dogs have blistering speed gained from the Greyhound heritage and are very agile.  This speed is combined with formidable muscular power and athleticism.  If this were not enough, the Doberman’s needle-sharp scissor-like teeth all mean that this is one dog that no intruder would like to meet on a dark night or, indeed, on any other occasion.

But the innocent visitor need not be afraid.  To be a truly effective guard dog, turning on and off the aggression must be possible.  The Doberman, thought to be one of the five most intelligent dog breeds, will immediately follow its owner’s instructions, ensuring there are no unwanted attacks.

Indeed, the Doberman Pinscher, in any context, will always look to their owners for direction, making them highly controllable.  Their natural wariness toward strangers will be put aside if their owner clarifies that people are welcome.

#2 A relaxed and doting family dog

Everybody loves a fun, relaxed companion who is easy company and naturally good with kids.

These dogs may be able to rise to the occasion when there is a threat. Still, with their family at home, the Doberman can put away his serious side and become a doting and loyal family pet who is very patient and tolerant towards children.  Contrasting their treatment of intruders as fearsome guard dogs, a well-socialized Doberman will have developed a ‘soft-mouth’ or sense of bite inhibition in play.  But, like all other breeds, a Doberman should not be left unsupervised when playing with children.

So although tough on the outside, indoors with the family, the Doberman is as warm-hearted a pet dog as you could hope to find. Instead of jumping up for attack, they are far more likely to be attempting to jump onto laps.  The Doberman is a very affectionate and tactile dog who always wants to be as close to his beloved family pack as possible.

Admittedly this breed has a high energy level and requires lots of stimulation and exercise.  But with that in place, the Dobermans have a reputation for being very calm and relaxed in the house, and although they will bark an alarm if a stranger approaches, they will not yap unnecessarily.

They will also not drop hair everywhere as they rarely molt and require little grooming.

Good fun and low maintenance.  What’s not to love?

#3 A  hyper-trainable hound

As its service in the military and police spheres would indicate, the Doberman Pinscher is a hyper-trainable dog.

The Doberman will likely be top of the class in any training sessions.  Not only does this breed have high intelligence, but they are also known to have good focus and are not easily distracted like some other breeds.  Instead, they will be completely focused on you.  They are also known to be very eager to please their owners.

This dog will quickly pick up routines and a range of commands. They will also learn to behave in the desired way in various situations and always look to you for approval.  This dog will never embarrass you on a walk and is bound to draw admiring and even envious glances from other dog owners for his faultless behavior.

#4 A  great exercise buddy to help you stay fit

So these dogs are good on a walk, but how about on the run?  If you love to exercise, you will love this dog.

The Doberman will not be happier than accompanying you on a long hike, a run, or even trotting beside a bicycle.  Yes, this dog has Greyhound in his genes, so he is a sprinter.  But he also has the endurance of a marathon runner from the terrier, and Weimaraner influences its breeding.

The Doberman Pinscher is perfect for an active owner or family who loves the great outdoors.  Even better when you have a dog with perfect recall while you run or jog along.

#5 Dobermans mature early

Do you hate immaturity and silliness?  Do you want a grown-up canine companion rather than a playful pup who pushes boundaries?

If so, you have another good reason to love the Doberman.

The Doberman is a breed that matures quickly.  Their acute mental focus means they can be socialized relatively easily as they will always take their instructions from you.  These dogs are mentally mature and develop high levels of ‘cognition’ or understanding of a huge range of commands quickly and without much repetition.

They have a good focus, can manage distractions outside, and are not impulsive.  While some other breeds of dogs will be looking for mischief, the Doberman will maturely look to you for approval.

#6 Adaptability and resilience to change- They only want to be with you

Because the Doberman Pinscher is happy as long as they are with their beloved humans, making them adaptable and resilient to change.

Many dogs become upset and agitated by changes in their routine, house moves, or some other big change.  The Mastiff is an example of a dog that becomes unsettled by changes in routine.  The Doberman, however, is very adaptable and can handle any changes in living circumstances as long as he can be with you.

This also means they are the perfect dog to take away on holiday with you.  The Doberman will remain calm, well-behaved, and not over-excited by staying in a new environment or being over-stimulated and distracted on new walks.

Another reason to love the Doberman is that although the places and people change around them, they will stay the same calm, obedient, and balanced canine companions they have always been.

#7 A very sporty dog

Who can help but admire a sporty but modest type?

The Doberman excels in all obedience, agility, and Schutzhund trials. What’s more, these dogs love to compete.  Dobermans enjoy being physically and mentally stimulated and participate in all dog sports with skill, enthusiasm, and an unfailing desire to please their handlers.

Dobermans regularly prosper as champions in such competitions.  So if you love to see a dog who can perform amazing feats under pressure, then the Doberman Pinscher will never disappoint.

Conclusion

With their sleek appearance, fierce loyalty, and gentle nature, it’s no wonder Dobermans have been beloved by many people over the years. Whether you’re looking for a loyal and devoted companion or a capable working dog, the Doberman Pinscher is a breed to consider.