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Table of Contents
Loyal and fearless, the Doberman Pinscher is known for its sleek coat, athletic build, and aristocratic appearance. One of the world’s finest protection dogs, Doberman Pinschers do well in police and military work, and even in dog sports and as family watchdogs and companions.
See the fact file below for more information on the Doberman Pinscher or alternatively, you can download our 19-page Doberman Pinscher worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
HISTORY
- In the latter part of the 19th century, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Thuringia, Germany, developed the breed. His job of collecting money was troubling because there were thieves in the area who sometimes ambushed him as he made his rounds.
- Since he also ran a dog pound, he often had a dog with him for protection. He started breeding dogs with the idea of a loyal companion and guardian in mind; thus, he bred the early breeds of the Doberman Pinscher.
- Records show no trace of what dogs Dobermann used to develop the breed; however, some assume that the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Black and Tan Terrier completed the mix.
- In 1876, the first Doberman was shown to the public, and welcomed with great enthusiasm.
- The breed’s popularity declined when Dobermann died in 1894. Because of his contributions in developing these dogs, Doberman Pinschers were named in his honor.
- At the end of the 1800s, German breeders who carried on with Dobermann’s work primarily focused on the dog’s function rather than its appearance; they aimed to create a “super dog”. Initially, these breeders developed the bravest, smartest, quickest, and toughest strains, making the breed known for being headstrong and aggressive.
- Otto Goeller, another breeder, helped shape the Doberman into a more usable dog. In 1990, the German Kennel Club acknowledged the breed.
- In 1908, Dobermans were imported to the United States. Some say one of the first Dobermans brought to the USA was displayed in a dog show and bagged the “Best in Show” award at three consecutive shows before any judge tried to open the breed’s mouth to check his teeth. It was also in this same year when the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
- In 1921, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was established. After a year, it embraced Germany’s standards for the breed.
- In 1936, the breed reached its critical point; its numbers in Europe declined during World War I when, because of starvation, people could not afford to own large dogs.
- Dobies who survived were kept by the military, police, and rich people. Breeding was for the rich and well-off; only the very best were bred.
- World War II also put the breed’s life in peril in Germany. The United States Marine Corps adopted the Dobie as its official war dog, although it did not solely utilize the dog in this role.
APPEARANCE
- Generally, male Dobies are slightly larger than the females, standing at 26 to 28 inches tall; females reach 24 to 26 inches. Dobermans weigh around 60 to 80 pounds.
- Dobermans have long and wedge-like shaped heads, in both frontal and profile view. They have moderately deep set almond-shaped eyes, with red, blue, or fawn-colored irises that blend well with their markings. Their pointed ears are normally cropped and their nose is jet black on black Dobies, dark brown on red ones, dark gray on blue ones, and dark tan on fawns. Ear-cropping is a procedure done for functionality for both traditional watchdog duty and effective sound localization.
- They have well-curved necks, broad chests, well-tucked bellies, and broad hips. They are born with long tails, but some dogs have docked tails (most of the tail is surgically removed after birth).
- Dobermans have short and smooth coats which can be four different colors: black, blue, red, and fawn. In 1976, a “white” Doberman Pinscher was born. White Dobies are cream in color with white markings and blue eyes.
HEALTH AND CARE
- Von Willebrand’s Disease. Dobermans experience a hereditary blood-clotting disorder.
- Hip Dysplasia. An abnormality in the hip socket causing crippling lameness and painful joint inflammation, such as arthritis.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy. An eye condition that may lead to blindness.
- Hypothyroidism. Underactive thyroid glands that are believed to cause epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, dark patches on the skin, and other skin disorders.
- Cardiomyopathy. A condition where muscles contract, causing an enlarged heart. Owners should get their pet checked at least once a year, and have any murmurs or similar symptoms examined by a veterinarian.
- Albinism. Dobermans with this genetic disorder are not just white dogs, they also have pink skin and noses, and blue or light-colored eyes. Albinos are highly sensitive to sunlight and can be plagued with cancer and eye problems.
- Narcolepsy. This is a neurological condition where the brain cannot regulate wake-sleep patterns; they may suddenly become sleepy and fall asleep.
- Color Mutant Alopecia. Blue or fawn Dobies, and sometimes the red ones, are affected by this incurable condition. Dogs with Color Mutant Alopecia are initially born with normal coats; they develop brittle hair and patches of hair loss at four months to three years of age. Only the blue sections of the coat are plagued.
- Bloat. Also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, this condition is the number-one cause of Doberman deaths. It involves gas buildup and twisting of the stomach, a common health problem of giant-breed dogs. Dobermans are well-suited to a suburban or country home, with a securely fenced yard.
- They need a lot of physical exercise and mental training every day, but should not be left alone for long hours or chained in the backyard as an outside dog. Dobies, despite their fearless personality, also crave love and companionship from their family.
Doberman Pinscher Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Doberman Pinscher across 19 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Doberman Pinscher worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Doberman Pinscher which is known for its sleek coat, athletic build, and aristocratic appearance. One of the world’s finest protection dogs, Doberman Pinschers do well in police and military work, and even in dog sports and as family watchdogs and companions.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Doberman Pinscher Facts
- Fearless Dobie
- Breed Standards
- Fetch Some Facts
- Dobie Growing Up
- Doberman FAQs
- Other Protection Dogs
- Taking Care of Dobie
- Pros and Cons of Dobie
- Adopting Dobie
- Doberman Stereotypes
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Link will appear as Doberman Pinscher Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, May 4, 2020
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