Doberman Pinschers are intelligent dogs that learn quickly and are loving companions. Their noble qualities make them a great pick for a family dog, with consistent training. Here are some more facts about Doberman Pinschers:

1. They Were Bred by a Tax Collector

Dog breeder and tax collector Louis Dobermann resided in the town of Apolda, Germany. As the job of tax collector was often met with hostility, he wanted a dog that could protect him as he carried large amounts of money.

His goal was to breed a medium-sized dog that was intimidating but elegant. His result was a bit larger and less refined than the Dobermans of today. Dobermann wasn’t so good at keeping records, but most believe Doberman Pinschers are a mix of Beauceron, German Pinscher, Greyhound, Weimaraner, Great Dane, Manchester Terrier, Black and Tan Terrier, and Rottweiler.

2. They’re Up for Any Job

No job is too big for a Doberman Pinscher. Their intelligence and athleticism make them the perfect choice for any task you might have for them. As one of the smartest dog breeds, they’re known for working a variety of jobs.

Dobermans are often used as military dogs, police dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They can also be used in scent tracking. This breed is also a great pick for therapy or guide dogs.

3. Doberman Pinschers are Protective

Originally bred as guard dogs in 1800s Germany, the Doberman Pinscher’s protective disposition is innate. However, being protective does not mean being aggressive. Unless they or their family are under threat, there is no reason for a Doberman to get aggressive.

This trait is actually what draws many people to own Dobermans, as they know that their companion will keep them safe and stay by them through thick and thin. This protective nature isn’t a bad thing, but rather an attribute that many dog owners seek. However, this protective instinct does make early and ongoing socialization and training essential for a well-balanced Doberman Pinscher.

A well-socialized Doberman will not be aggressive without good reason, but poor socialization is one of the common causes of aggression in dogs. When you get Dobermans as puppies, it’s smart to put them through strict obedience training and start socializing them as soon as you can. Also, playing impulse control games with them will help train them to not react impulsively to perceived threats.

4. Historically, They Docked Their Tails and Ears for a Reason

Since Dobermans were bred as guard dogs, the chances they would be in a fight were fairly high. Some owners decided to dock ears and tails to eliminate these spots and reduce the risk of injury to them during a fight.

Although Dobermans are no longer used for fighting, these appendages may still be docked in some individual cases for health reasons. Dobermans’ tails are thinner and weaker than most dogs, which can make them prone to breaks, and floppy ears can lead to infections. However, many see this process as unnecessary cruelty and some countries have banned the practice.

5. Dobermans are Extremely Affectionate Towards Their Owners

While some dog breeds tend to be more independent and aloof, others are dependent on their family’s affection, and will reciprocate it back in droves. Despite their imposing presence and strong will, Dobermans are extremely affectionate towards their owners.

Doberman Pinschers are fiercely loyal dogs, and will express that in love towards their family. Compared to most breeds, these tough-looking canines are total softies with their families and people they trust.

However, if an owner doesn’t give their dog affection, build a trusting bond with them, or train and socialize them to be confident, then that Doberman may not show this affectionate side of their personality and may also have behavioral issues. After all, the pedigree is just part of a dog’s overall disposition.

Dobermans traditionally don’t play the best with other dogs, mainly due to their possessive, protective nature, unless they have been well-socialized with other animals. Through diligent socialization and training from a young age, a Doberman will be more open to strange dogs, but it does take work as their initial instinct will be to protect you.

These are just a few facts about Doberman Pinschers. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Doberman Pinscher puppies. You could end up finding your new best friend!