Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in central Germany in 1880, was probably not the most beloved visitor to his fellow citizens. In addition to his work as a tax collector, he also worked as a night watchman and manager of a local kennel.
Tired of the hostility and concerned for his personal safety, Dobermann decided that he needed a companion to protect him on his rounds. Thus arose the idea of creating a new breed of dog that combined strength and intelligence. To do this, he selected the best dogs from the pound, although even today there is no absolute certainty about the breeds involved. The ancestors of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, and probably the German Pinscher are known to have contributed.
After the death of Karl Friedrich in 1894, the breeders of the time decided to honor him by naming the breed Dobermann Pinscher. However, a few decades later, the word pinscherwhich means terrier in German, was removed as inappropriate. While in Europe the term stopped being used, in the United States and Canada it was maintained, although with a small variation in the surname, from which a final ‘n’ was removed.
The success of the ‘tax collector’s dog’
Although the initial idea for the breed was the work of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, the success and development of the Dobermann as we know it today was largely due to his friend Otto Göller. Five years after Dobermann’s death in 1894, Göller founded the breed’s first club, in addition to collaborating in writing the first standard. Their hatchery, known as von Thuringen, It housed around 80 dogs, many of which were exported to other countries.contributing to the dissemination and popularity of the breed.
The Dobermann of that time, however, differed significantly from the one we know today. It was at the beginning of the 20th century when the breed began to take its current form. thanks to the incorporation of other breeds into the breeding program, such as the black and tan Manchester terrier and the English greyhound, which provided certain physical and behavioral characteristics.
The breed’s formal introduction was made in 1897, at the Erfurt dog show, and it quickly acquired an international reputation for its abilities as a versatile working dog. The Dobermann proved to be excellent in roles as a police and military dog, a hunting dog, a therapy dog, and a search and rescue dog, which contributed to its popularity, especially in the United States and during World War II.
However, although they became the official war dog of the United States Marineswere on the verge of extinction after the war. Breeding purebred dogs was not a priority in a country like Germany, with destroyed cities and a large number of human and canine casualties. This led to no litters being registered for almost a decade, putting at risk the continuity of the breed, which survived thanks to the specimens exported to the United States.
Balanced, obedient and affectionate
What was once a crude and essentially functional defense dog has evolved to become a versatile and balanced companionwith a character that combines protection and affection.
Dobermanns are energetic and determinedand have a natural inclination towards protecting their family and environment. It is very important to emphasize that they are extremely responsive, attentive and intuitiveable to perceive the emotional state of their guide, which includes the detection of possible threats. At home they are fun, affectionate and dependent on their family unit, which means they need company and do not like to be left alone for long periods. QThat’s because of their reputation and appearance, they are not animals to live outdoors or to be ignored.; They require time, attention and shared activities, as they greatly enjoy play and exercise.
In the field of education and training, the Dobermann is recognized for being one of the breeds most predisposed to learning, which makes them ideal candidates for a wide range of dog sportseven those that would not initially be associated with a Doberman, such as tracking or urban herding.
Dobermanns naturally have a long tail and floppy ears. Although the practice of docking the tail and surgically modifying the ears persists in places such as the United States, Canada and China, in Spain it has been prohibited since 2018, after the entry into force of the European Convention on the Protection of Pets.
For more information about breeders who work with ethical and health standards, including the prevention of hereditary diseases, it is recommended to contact the Spanish Association of Friends of the Dobermanna collaborating entity of the Royal Canine Society of Spain. It is essential to turn to responsible breeders who comply with animal welfare conditions and offer health guarantees..
It is equally important to avoid purchasing puppies through online advertising platforms or at suspiciously low prices, since these offers are usually associated with unscrupulous breeding farms that do not meet the minimum health guarantees or welfare conditions for the animals. animals.
If it is considered that the necessary conditions to live with a Dobermann are met and we opt for adoption, there are associations such as Adopt a Dobermann either Adopt me: Molosser finder in Spainwhich promote the reception of pure specimens or crosses waiting for a second chance.
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