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Dobermann

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The Dobermann was created by Herr Louis Dobermann in Southern Germany to protect and assist him in his duties as a tax collector; he wanted to produce a dog who would offer him protection and be sufficiently intimidating to tardy payers that they would be encouraged be more co-operative. He began his breeding programme in the late 1860s and was aiming for a larger dog than the German Pinscher  and established the basis for the breed quite quickly by breeding the Pinscher with the old-style German Shepherd.  This gave him the basic dog he was seeking but he continued with outcrosses to enhance the qualities of scenting, strength, speed and coat; other probably breeds used were Weimaraner, Rottweiler, Greyhound and Manchester Terrier and perhaps the Beauceron.  At that time the Manchester Terrier was a much larger dog; it is easy to see where the coat colour would have come from with three black and tan breeds involved.  The first Dobermann was registered in Germany in 1893 and the first Breed Club established in 1900.  Otto Gueller carried on with developing the Dobermann, adding Pinscher to the name; it is only in the UK that he is known simply as the Dobermann.

After the First World War the breed was under serious threat and it was saved by American serviceman taking dogs back to the US with them and developing the breed there.  Herr Dobermann had spent 60 years developing the ultimate in a protection dog and his success was validated by police forces in Germany and the military adopting it. The US Marines used Dobermanns in the Second World War to flush out the enemy and they earned the nickname "Devil Dog".

Since his introduction to the UK in the late 1940s he has become exceptionally popular.  A medium sized dog, ideally 69cm and solidly though not heavily built he is very elegant with proud head carriage and when moving covers the ground easily and is capable of fast and easy running. His short smooth coat is easily kept; a hound glove and a chamois leather for a polish is all that is needed; boiled linseed oil added to the feed produces a wonderful gleam in a black coat.  Colours are black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella) all with rich tan markings.

He will readily adapt himself to whatever kind of home he finds himself; he will play with children and guard them and make himself quite comfortable in the heart of the family.  As with any of the other working breeds he needs clear direction as to your expectations of him from the outset.  Get that right and you will have a wonderful family member who will deter anyone foolish enough to have considered stealing the family silver.

Click here to read the Dobermann Breed Standard.

Dobermann Breed Clubs

Dobermann Rescue and Rehoming

The Dobermann Rehoming Association

Mrs C Omar  01276 855326

Dobermann Rescue

Mr and Mrs Bradley   Sussex   01273 684830
Mr & Mrs Winterbourn    Lincs     01205 750570
Mrs V Griffiths   Shropshire   01952 409474
Mr & Mrs Le Bez    Norfolk     01760 722037
Miss H Townsend   Suffolk   01473 832301
Mrs A Weston    London   0208 3042942
Mr & Mrs Gibbons   Essex   01268 733353
Edwina Charlton   Flintshire   07879 230589 Fax: 01352 741 281   Email

Dobermann Welfare Association

Mrs D Stevens   Herefordshire   01568 708502

Dobermanns In Need

Mrs V McDonald (Co-ordinator)  01243 542545   (9 till 6pm)    Email