Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are well known for their intimidating demeanor. They are highly intelligent, athletic and alert—all things that make them great guard dogs, which is what they were bred to do. And Dobies take their job as guard dog extraordinaire very seriously. This drive, along with their imposing physical appearance, has earned them a reputation of being notoriously protective. But when the pup parent provides the proper training, socialization and structure, these dogs are also a loving member of the family.

You’ll soon discover that, along with their formidable presence, Dobermans possess a deep devotion to their people. In fact, they bond so deeply with their humans and are so dedicated to their families, these affectionate dogs are sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs.”

In addition to their work as guard dogs, Dobermans have a long history as police and military dogs, dating back to the early 20th century. Dobermans even assisted U.S. Marines during World War II. Today, Dobermans work as therapy, service and emotional support animals.

Caring for a Doberman isn’t rocket science, but there is definitely some work involved, as with any dog. While their grooming needs are fairly easy to keep up with, Dobies require daily exercise and lots of training. With all that training and time spent together, you’ll quickly build a tight bond with this super-smart dog.

Hopefully, your Doberman is a healthy dog who happily reaches their 10- to 12-year lifespan with little or no trouble. That said, there are some Doberman health problems and conditions that commonly affect this breed.

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is an inherited disease that affects the heart muscle and is commonly seen in Dobermans. In dogs with DCM, their heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood effectively. Over time, this leads to heart enlargement (dilation) and can result in complications like abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), difficulty exercising and heart failure. Screenings should be done annually. Several drugs are used to treat the symptoms and help prolong life.
• Von Willebrand Disease: This is a genetic disorder that affects the ability of blood platelets to clot properly, which can lead to excessive bleeding from injuries. One study showed that over 70 percent of Dobermans are carriers, although not all show signs of the disease. Your veterinarian can screen your dog for it.
• Wobbler Syndrome: This is a problem with larger dogs like Dobermans. Issues with the spinal cord in the neck cause considerable pain and may affect the legs (especially the hind legs). Dobermans may begin showing signs of the disease—like a lack of coordination—around age 6, and some are treated with medications while others may need to undergo surgery.
• Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited issue involving the hip joint that results in pain, muscle loss and lameness. It’s a degenerative disease, but there are many treatments and therapies available. Hip dysplasia can affect any dog, but it’s more common in larger breeds like German Shepherds or Dobermans.

So what is the origin of the Doberman dog? Once upon a time in 19th century Germany, a tax collector named Louis Dobermann decided he needed a dog to be his companion and protector as he went about his duties. He wanted a dog who would be loyal and strong but intimidating too. Over time, he developed the breed now known as the Doberman. (The breed was named for him, but with only one N.) Several breeds are believed to have influenced the Doberman’s development, including the English Greyhound, the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, the German Shepherd, the German Pinscher, the Weimaraner and the Rottweiler.

MORE: A Comparison Of The Doberman Pinscher And German Pinscher

By the early 1900s, the Doberman breed had arrived in America, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1908. Doberman population growth in the United States was slow in the early years but received a boost thanks to George Howard Earle III, a Doberman enthusiast and politician. (He was later governor of Pennsylvania.) Earle was one of the founders of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA), which was formed in 1921. The breed was admired for its excellent skills and qualities, especially as a protective and loyal guard dog. And the rest, as they say, is (Doberman) history.

During the 1970s, a random albino mutation gene occurred, and while it resulted in a new color for the breed (white), the albino gene wasn’t without its accompanying health issues. The specific gene has since been identified, and breeders can use a simple DNA test to help avoid albinism in Dobermans.

Today, the Doberman is a highly popular breed, currently ranking 18th in popularity out of the 195 breeds recognized by the AKC. Along with 30 other breeds, the Doberman Pinscher is part of the AKC’s Working Group classification, which recognizes breeds that have historically performed jobs (search-and-rescue dogs or guard dogs, for example).

So, where is the best place to find Doberman puppies? You can find a list of reputable Doberman breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. What’s the average Doberman price? Depending on the breeder, expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a pup. But for that, you usually are getting a dog who’s been screened for health and temperament issues, and they might even come with pedigree papers. You can also reach out to Doberman Pinscher rescue organizations to adopt a Doberman or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter.

It’s easy to see why so many pet parents love their Dobermans. These devoted dogs are happiest when spending time with their families and provide lots of affection and protection. Their short coats make grooming a breeze, and their intelligence makes them easy to train—plus Dobermans are bold, brave and beautiful. What more could you ask for?