The Doberman Pinscher is a smooth-haired working dog breed. The first thing I want to tell you is that this is a very kind, sociable and cheerful dog. However, thanks to her appearance, service in the police and army, metal collars and several films have given many people the opposite opinion. Read to the end and you will understand everything yourself.
| Place | Germany | |
| Time | 1890 | |
| Height | males | 68-72 cm |
| bitches | 63-68 cm |
| 40-45 kg | |
| bitches | 32-35 kg |
Doberman - meaning
The Doberman Pinscher dog, or simply Doberman, appeared in Germany around 1890. The dog received this name for the breed thanks to the surname of the person who selected it - Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. He himself called these dogs Thuringian Pinschers. After his death, this breed was called the Doberman Pinscher, and then simply Doberman.
Doberman Pinscher = Doberman
Photos of Dobermans
Doberman Pinscher photo Doberman dog photo Doberman standing
what does a doberman look like
Doberman breed photo photo of black Doberman white Doberman photo Doberman beautiful photo
adult Doberman
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A strong, graceful figure with an athletic and muscular structure is familiar to many amateurs.
A proud and unapproachable character, an amazing color pattern combined with eye color is the calling card of the Doberman breed. The height and weight of a pet depends on gender. As a rule, males are larger and taller than females. On average, the height of a male dog reaches 72-75cm, and weight 40-45kg.
In terms of intellectual and instinctive characteristics, females and males are equal. Females have a calmer and more measured disposition.
Doberman - the character of the breed
Louis Doberman - founder of the breed
History of the breed. So that you can better understand whether a Doberman is kind or evil, let us tell you a little history. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann became the creator of this popular breed. Doberman worked as a tax collector and in his spare time ran a shelter for stray dogs. While collecting taxes, Doberman needed protection and at that time he could not find a suitable dog for protection. And then he decided to breed the necessary breed himself. At one of the exhibitions, he bought a pair of Old German Pinschers, from which the Bismarck bitch was subsequently born, which was used for breeding. This is one of the few facts that are known for certain. Accurate information about all the breeds that took part in the appearance of the Doberman has not been preserved. And from different sources, data can vary dramatically. Karl Doberman created a dog that was fearless, resilient, fast, strong and did not require special care. An ideal dog for police service, because she also has an excellent sense of smell. Her speed and size did the trick. The fame of the vicious Thuringian Pinschers spread quickly.
Police Doberman Pinscher Club. One of the first Dobermans in service in Russia
Doberman Pinschers became popular as bodyguards and security guards. Otto Geller continued the work of the “father of the breed”. He was engaged in softening the character of the Doberman and was very successful in this. Which had a positive impact on their further spread throughout Europe and then throughout the world. It is thanks to him that we now know Dobermans as they are. good, kind and obedient dogs. By the way, Dobermans were brought to Russia in 1902 and of course they immediately became popular search dogs.
Doberman Day
It was on this day in 1958 that the International Canine Association decided to officially assign this name to the breed, instead of the previous one - “Doberman Pinscher”. And today, Dobermans are the only dog breed that bears the name given by the surname of the “godfather” of all Dobermans - Ludwik Dobermann.
Symbolism of Doberman tattoo
In general, the Doberman tattoo does not represent thoughtless, but very intelligent, even rational aggression. Who could it be? People who serve in the police, army, those who prefer control and order. Dobermans are the image of a discreet predator, a personal guardian and a strong friend. He is smart, fearless and obedient - but only to his master.
Visually, the Doberman is a tall, muscular and fit, fast-moving type of dog. Doberman tattoos look great on the body of physically developed people with good athletic shape. And such people, as a rule, are distinguished by perseverance, intelligence, speed of decision-making and pronounced intuition. They can respond to an insult quite effectively, defending their dignity in word and deed, and can even physically punish for any damage. But at the same time, they are adequate; there are not many criminal types among tattoo wearers.
These dogs remain active and vigorous until the end of their lives; this is a symbol of health, strength, and tirelessness. They love to learn and develop, to move forward. Doberman owners are responsible and strong-character people, very caring.
Often women with a Doberman tattoo on the shoulder or other part of the body need protection, they are vulnerable and want care. They love animals, are romantic and sensitive, but deep down they harbor militant traits. They need a male patron who will save them from adversity and be a worthy companion.
The owner of a Doberman tattoo will not waste words and time, although he may be eloquent. The main thing for him is to punish his offenders, in this he is adamant and irresistible. But he will not take risks without a reason, nor will he boast of his strength. This is a faithful friend, sincere and taciturn, he will not betray, on the contrary, he himself will not forgive betrayal.
Doberman tattoo owners react normally to criticism, but only to justified criticism. They can repel the attack of the aggressor and calm the offended one. You shouldn't laugh at these guys - they don't like irony and witticisms addressed to them, as well as condescending comments. In return they will despise you, and this is in the best case.
Pros and cons of the Doberman
Pros:
- Friendliness and peacefulness are the most striking character traits of this breed;
- Doberman and children - dogs truly love to play with kids and show great affection for them;
- Poise, intelligence and strength;
- Excellent trainability;
- External attractiveness of the dog.
Minuses:
- Aggressive in defending territory – Dobermans tend to defend their family and their territory. It will never attack unless its owners are, in the animal's opinion, in danger;
- The need to demonstrate the owner’s strong character for harmony in the “dog-owner” relationship. However, this is a conditional minus, since a strong character of the owner is required for any breed;
- Pet's psyche and wayward character.
Image Types
Women often like the sketchy silhouettes of Doberman tattoos, as well as those complemented by details - flowers, patterned ornaments. Sometimes the artist is asked to add a watercolor style, transparent elements, soft hazy and pastel colors around the main character of the picture.
The male gender should take into account that the image of a Doberman tattoo requires him to have a toned body, pumped up muscles, and muscle definition. Otherwise, a formidable animal on a loose body will look caricatured and inappropriate.
Girls love colored portraits of Doberman tattoos, and men love monochrome ones. But all owners of such a cool design, as a rule, want to indicate their qualities - strength and self-control. This can mean affection either for your pet or honoring its memory. In the case of a memorial picture, it is made from a photo of a departed animal.
If we see a grinning muzzle on a Doberman tattoo, then the bearer of the picture is a brave defender of his family and territory. A calm dog, with intelligent eyes and a steady gaze, appreciates peace and harmony, which he keeps under control. Men with Doberman tattoos are calm, wise, they have kindness, but it is very targeted, they do not spray their intentions on everyone.
Look at sample images, photos and videos with examples of Doberman tattoos. They will help you navigate the choice of sketch and character of the dog to apply to the body.
Doberman - description of the breed
Let's look at the breed standard, relevant for the summer of 2022. The Doberman breed standard was adopted on December 17, 2015. Below is a brief description, an approximate translation of the official standard.
Head
When viewed from above, it appears as a blunt wedge.
Forehead
flat, the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is small, but clearly visible.
Muzzle
deep, fairly wide, with tightly fitting lips.
Teeth
white, scissor bite.
Eyes
medium size, dark. For brown and ash dogs, lighter shades are acceptable. Protruding eyes are a fault.
Ears
left natural and of appropriate size (FCI-St. N° 143 / 12/17/2015). They should be located on both sides at the highest point of the skull and fit perfectly to the cheeks.
Neck
Set on high, dry, muscular. A short, thick neck, a dewlap attached to it are defects.
Withers
tall and long, well developed.
Back
short, strong. The loin is elastic, muscular, short, slightly convex.
Croup
wide, sloping.
Breast
moderately wide, oval in shape, reaching to the elbows; barrel-shaped, flat, narrow chest is a defect.
Stomach
tucked up, forms a beautiful curved hem line.
Forelegs.
The angle of the glenohumeral joints is about 100°. The forearms are straight and vertically directed. Elbows pressed to the chest, looking strictly back. The wrists are wide and strong. The pasterns are short, elastic, set almost vertically. Paws are arched, in a ball. The muscles of the forelimbs are prominent and dry. Incorrect angles of joints, twisted elbows, clubfoot, dislocation, lack of muscles are defects.
Hind limbs.
The hips are wide and muscular. The hock joints are dry and strong. The hocks are set vertically. The shins are quite long and set obliquely. Faults: closeness of hock joints, incorrect angles of articulations, dewclaws.
Tail.
Remains natural (FCI-St. N° 143 / 12/17/2015) and ideally carries high in a slight curve.
Doberman movements
light, elastic. The step is free and sweeping. The run is easy, beautiful, fast. Ambling is a vice.
Wool
short, stiff, shiny, tight-fitting.
Color
black, dark brown, with rusty red, always clearly marked, having a certain pattern of tan marks. Faults: soft and wavy coat. Light or darkened tan marks, white markings, thick, visible undercoat.
The tail and ears are NOT docked (FCI-St. N° 143 / 12/17/2015)
Dobermans live up to 16 years .
Since the ears are not cropped, there are no problems with the placement of the Doberman's ears .
Morphological standards
The skull has the shape of a blunt wedge, is proportional, fairly wide, and matches the silhouette of the body.
The jaw has pronounced muscle lines, is quite deep and strong. The teeth are proportional to the size of the jaw, long, snow-white, with regular growth. The bite is even and has no gaps. The nose is of sufficient width, in the form of a rectangle.
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The neck has a pronounced muscular frame, the skin fits tightly. The withers, back and chest are quite wide.
The front legs are long and even, straight, and the hind legs are more massive due to well-developed muscles. The paws are strong, the toes are elongated and rounded at the end, the claws are not long and black. Long tail - docked, leaving two vertebrae.
Doberman colors
Although only two colors are indicated in the description of the breed, walking around the city you can see a variety of colors, we found the most common ones on the Internet.
white Doberman or albino Doberman
black Doberman brown or chocolate Doberman red Doberman blue Doberman
Related article:
Dangerous dog breeds - lists of the TOP 10 breeds abroad and in Russia . Perhaps you like a certain breed and want that particular dog, but is it on the list of dangerous dog breeds? You can find out about this by reading a separate article, where a list of aggressive and angry dogs is published.
Types of Dobermans
- european doberman
- American Doberman
- sometimes the Russian Doberman is also distinguished
Similar breeds:
- german pinscher
- miniature pinscher or mini doberman
Left: American Doberman, Right: European Doberman
Apart from slight differences in appearance, American and European Dobermans also have slightly different personalities/temperaments.
American Dobermans are very affectionate, tend to jump on their owners, and have a goofy behavior reminiscent of Golden Retrievers.
European Dobermans love all family members, but for this reason they are more wary. Sometimes their excessive care causes a number of problems. These dogs are more energetic and always give their best. Larger version of the Border Collie. This is a plus for a working dog, but a minus for an apartment companion dog.
German Pinscher. Sometimes called the German Doberman. Considered the progenitor of the Doberman Pinscher. In appearance they are closer to the American one, but the coloring is close to the European one. The German relative is medium in size, ideal for apartment living.
The Miniature Pinscher or Mini Doberman is absolutely identical to its counterparts, and the main difference is only the size.
The so-called Russian Dobermans are similar in every way to their German relatives, since it was from there that they were brought to us in Russia.
Tattoo meaning for men
When choosing a tattoo theme for yourself, a man should remember that a Doberman tattoo looks good only on a strong body with elastic, prominent muscles. Dogs of this breed are very lively and energetic animals, real long-livers, remaining active until old age, so their image is used as a symbol of good health and a tireless desire to do business, move forward, and learn new things.
A tattoo of a Doberman's grinning muzzle perfectly characterizes the owner as a brave defender of family and loved ones. This man will never waste his strength and eloquence, but at the right moment he unfolds with a powerful spring, rightly striking the offender. Such guys make decisions instantly, have a courageous character and are not afraid of anything, but they will not take risks without a reason and will not boast of strength. A Doberman tattoo means that the owner is a devoted and faithful comrade, a sincere person, incapable of betrayal.
The image of a calm dog with a sharp and intelligent look says that the main thing for the owner of the tattoo is to maintain complete harmony. These men are wise and kind, they know how to respond correctly to criticism, easily repel aggression, and calm the offended. But when communicating with such guys, you cannot adhere to a condescending or mocking tone - they will put anyone in their place with a caustic and well-aimed, witty remark.
Diseases of Dobermans
Dobermans are generally healthy and strong dogs. However, they are prone to the following diseases:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloating (volvulus)
- Compression of the cervical vertebrae (Wobbler syndrome)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand disease
- Melanoma
- Cutaneous histiocytoma
- Lipoma
- Fibrosarcoma
- Hair loss
- Cataract
- Entropy
- Diabetes
- Lick granuloma
- Chronic hepatitis
- Portosystemic shunt
Keeping a Doberman. At home or on the street?
two Dobermans
You can never say exactly where you should keep a dog: at home, in an apartment, or vice versa in the yard on the street (of course, except for small decorative breeds of dogs, everything is obvious here). On the one hand, a dog is comfortable in a house or apartment, a soft sofa, favorite toys, always clean, but you won’t get much speed.
In the yard or paddock there is space, fresh air, the smells of nature, but there is a real lack of human communication. Especially if there is only one dog. No matter how large the yard is, the dog will soon explore it, find the most comfortable place and lie there all the time.
By the way, the editors of our site are categorically against keeping dogs on a leash and on a chain. This is not acceptable in any form and for any animals. The only place where you should tie a dog is to the owner's hand with a leash when walking in public places. But let's return to Dobermans.
Firstly, Doberman needs constant communication with a person. Secondly, like any smooth-haired dog, they are cold in winter and hot in the sun in summer. We can conclude that it will be much better for a Doberman to live in an apartment or in a house. But if you regularly pay attention to the dog and provide comfortable living in different temperatures, then keeping it in an enclosure is possible. The main thing is regular communication with the dog, joint walks and at least minimal training. You don't need much of a Doberman to be happy.
Keeping a Doberman in an apartment is not as troublesome as it might seem. These wonderful dogs require virtually no grooming. Like any other dog of similar size, it should not be bathed more than 2-3 times a year. You can simply wipe with a wet towel if necessary. With frequent bathing, dogs lose the protective properties of their skin and coat.
Dobermans do not shed much; brushing once a week during the shedding period will be more than enough.
The claws will still need to be trimmed periodically.
Character
Good upbringing and training can turn him into a self-sufficient, confident, brave, unflappable pet. Doberman puppies already have character and keen intelligence.
However, genetically deformed changes in the psyche cannot be corrected. Therefore, choosing a puppy should be done carefully and without haste.
The Doberman sees in its owner a leader and leader, a person with character. This breed is suitable only for strong, strong-willed and determined people.
One person must train the dog. A well-trained pet will follow the commands of not only the owner, but even the child. If you give free rein to the dog, it will be a big disaster for you and those around you.
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Stubbornness, character, integrity, cunning and resourcefulness of the Doberman breed will prevail over your pet.
The learning process is a huge amount of work and responsibility, daily care and concern from the moment you purchase a puppy until the dog is 2-3 years old.
What to feed a Doberman?
Feeding will also not be difficult. The easiest way is to choose dry food based on your dog's weight. If the food is of high quality and well balanced, this will be enough. Just remember to leave plenty of fresh water for your dog. Doberman Pinschers also eat natural foods very well. The main thing is not to forget that there should be at least 50% meat in a serving of food, and it is better that 3/4 of the bowl is meat. Diversify a little with cereals and vegetables to get vitamins and essential minerals.
Ideally, a Doberman should combine elegance and power. You need to monitor the dog's weight; it is easy to overfeed a Doberman. But the dog should not look like a “bicycle”. It is considered ideal when the dog’s ribs are not visible, but they can be easily felt.
Let's talk a little about specific products; this paragraph is relevant for most breeds.
- Milk. It is better not to give to adult dogs. They simply will not digest it, and they will also receive a decent dose of sugar in the form of lactose. For the same reason, it is better to exclude ice cream.
Pure cow's or goat's milk can only be given to the smallest puppies under the age of 1.5 months (in small breeds) and up to 3 months (in the largest breeds). Only young organisms can digest it and be useful.
- Sweet. Definitely not. Neither adults nor puppies. This also includes chocolate.
- Eggs. Sometimes it is possible, for example once a week. You can either raw or boiled, but boiled is better digestible, just don’t forget to cool.
- Apples and other fruits. Sometimes you can. It’s just very important NOT to give the whole fruit. The seeds, cores, and stalks contain many harmful substances. Give only what you eat yourself.
- Pasta. In general it is possible, but not necessary. There is absolutely nothing in pasta that is essential for dogs. Only if you fill your stomach with at least something. And only boiled, not raw pasta.
The meaning of tattoos for girls
To decorate the body, girls most often prefer to make a Doberman drawing colored and bright. Often, a realistic portrait of a dog in the Old School style is painted in honor of the pet, as a sign of strong affection and love. As a memorial symbol, a Doberman tattoo can be made as a copy of a photograph of a real animal, denoting longing for a departed pet. Tattoo owners treat dogs with care and kindness, they are caring and responsible.
The recognizable silhouette of a Doberman with its pointed ears and fit, muscular figure is a wonderful decorative element, suitable for girls with good physical fitness. In addition to sporting achievements, these individuals are distinguished by a decisive, fearless disposition and a sharp mind. The owner of the tattoo will be able to respond to the offender not only with a well-aimed strong word, but also with cruel physical punishment.
Romantic animal lovers complement the Doberman tattoo with images of delicate flowers and plant patterns, preferring the softness and transparency of the watercolor style. Such drawings mean that the owner of the tattoo is a vulnerable and weak girl who really needs the help of a strong and caring person, a protector. In this case, a tattoo acts as a sign that attracts the attention of men, making them want to become a patron, to protect a fragile beauty from life’s adversities.
How to raise a Doberman? Doberman training
This is a separate big topic on which you can write endlessly. Therefore, we invite you to get acquainted with the basics of raising Dobermans. And for more detailed information, if necessary, contact instructors or other sites dedicated to education. At the end of this article we have prepared for you some useful links on this topic.
So. Let us immediately note the main character trait of the Doberman - the desire to work. Training Dobermans is a pleasure; they are extremely happy to carry out any instructions from their owner. It brings them joy; they hardly even need additional motivation. Let us just note that the dog must be taken care of. By exercising we mean both physical and mental training. Otherwise, a Doberman left to its own devices will drive you crazy. No dog becomes obedient on its own.
First year. The main thing that is required in the first year of your pet’s life is to take a place in the pack. The puppy needs a leader with whom she feels confident, calm and will happily follow any orders. A dog must be raised by a leader. Don't leave this to your wife or kids unless it's their dog.
The puppy is constantly trying to learn and, if possible, expand the zone of his control. If the puppy wins this battle, you will both end up losing. You will have an uncontrollable dog, and the dog will grow up hysterical, capricious and unhappy. How to avoid this? Here are some tips.
Persistence . If you give your dog any command, make sure it is fully obeyed. If you teach a dog to sit, it should sit even if you have a bowl of food in your hands, even if you have been away from home all day and finally come, even if there are other animals nearby. If you say “sit,” the dog should sit and sit, at least until you switch it to another action, for example, allow it to go to the bowl to eat. Be friendly and patient. Sometimes, in order for a puppy to follow a command not just for show, the command will have to be repeated 40 times.
A command for a tick means that the dog follows the command only in order to get what it wants. For example, you say “sit”, the dog sits down and immediately gets up and wags its tail with impatience. Or he sits on half-bent legs, ready to take off at the first opportunity. Make sure that the dog understands that this will not work with you, if you say “sit” you will have to sit on your butt and calm down.
Every time you think that “well, this is a puppy, he probably doesn’t understand yet, he’ll go anyway,” know that this is what the Doberman was trying to achieve. They are extremely smart and quick-witted. And they know perfectly well what you want from them.
Start raising your puppy from the first days you come home. Don't put it off until later. From the first day, decide what the dog is allowed in the house and what is not. If your dog is not allowed in the kitchen, kick him out of there from day one.
Feeding from the table. Always a sore subject for dog breeders. It’s impossible to resist that pitiful, hungry look of a little puppy! Remember one rule. If you tell the dog “no, you can’t”, and then after half an hour they still give (you or someone else) “here, just leave me alone,” then all is lost. Your word “no” will be fixed in the dog’s head as “no, but if you continue to ask, then yes.” We do not recommend sharing your food with your dog; this almost always leads to the dog starting to climb on the table in your absence.
Patience, endless. In the first year, a puppy of any active breed of dog, including Doberman puppies, will test your patience several times a day. So stock up on them. If you kick the puppy out of the kitchen, he will definitely try to come in again. Once again. And further. And many many more times, he will test you endlessly. “Maybe it’s already possible?” You must be restless and calm about this and continue, continue to drive him out of the kitchen. Until “no” is no longer “maybe.”
Logical and timely. If you were away from home for a long time, and the puppy chewed up your phone charger out of boredom, there is no point in scolding him when you arrive. The puppy will simply be offended by you and will in no way connect your displeasure with his action. Even if you poke your broken charger in his nose. Only by catching him red-handed at the crime scene can you wean the puppy off.
Emotions and friendship. Firstly, you must be the leader of your pack, and secondly, you must be a friend to your dog. You should be fun and interesting with each other. You organize games for the puppy all the time and gradually, completely freely and happily move on to training. This way, training will not be a burden, but a joyful activity for the two of you.
Walking. The most important thing for you to understand is the following. On the street, you are not walking with a puppy, but the puppy is with you. Remember this very important rule. Don't mind your own business on a walk, mind your puppy!
Barking. A fairly common problem in dogs of this breed. Dobermans are very temperamental and inquisitive. Which leads to unexpected barking from passers-by, cyclists, other dogs, or simply something incomprehensible. What not to do: cannot be ignored, cannot be calmed, stroked, or given treats at this moment. What you can do: the most effective thing is to distract the dog with a game, a ball, a toy, a stick, just call the puppy and run away in the other direction.
Motivation . The best motivation for Dobermans is praise. Use your intonation. If something doesn’t work out for the puppy, correct the puppy with a leash or your hands. If the puppy succeeds, always praise him. Do it emotionally. The main difference between Dobermans and German Shepherds is that Dobermans are not capable of routine work. Alternate work with rest. For Dobermans, there is nothing worse than routine or boring waiting.
We study everywhere. Smart Dobermans will quickly understand that you need to obey 100% on the court, but sometimes you don’t have to obey outside of it. Avoid such situations, let the dog understand that he must obey everywhere the same. If you have learned any command with an instructor, make sure that the puppy performs this command exactly the same 1:1 in the park, in the elevator, and at home. This is a fairly common problem when the dog is obedient only where it is taught, for example at home.
How to care?
First of all, it is worth discussing ear cropping. As a rule, if a puppy is bought after 2 months of life, the ears and tail are already cropped, but if you buy a puppy 4-5 weeks old, then you will need to contact qualified veterinarians who will perform this cosmetic procedure. It is important to note that subsequent care and treatment of stitches is your responsibility.
New technologies offer a modern frame that is installed on the pet's ears to subsequently stretch out the cartilage and form high, pointed and straight ears.
The structure of the hair coat does not allow keeping the dog outdoors in cool weather. As a rule, pets live with their owners at home. The Doberman needs active long walks and vigorous exercise.
Ongoing care includes: Weekly bathing and brushing. You can purchase special wipes and shampoos, individually selected for the type and length of hair. Cleaning the ears with special antibacterial oils, trimming the nails, cleaning the eyes and teeth.Nutrition is an important element in the life of a Doberman. You can choose natural feeding.
Preparation will take you a lot of time and money, moreover, it must be balanced and include vitamins and supplements; the dog’s nutrition is reflected in the richness of the coat, teeth and physique.
Modern high-quality feeds are more economical in financial terms, properly balanced and save your time.
Love for animals and responsibility will allow you to give yourself and your loved ones many happy moments with a Doberman dog.
