Dobermann

Dobermann or Doberman Pinscher is a medium- to large-sized dog breed. It originated in Germany about 1890. It was named after a tax collector, Friedrich Louis Doberman (1834-1894), who wanted a dog as a companion and for protection. 

Doberman Pinschers are known for being very intelligent, loyal and fearless. They are used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and guide dogs for blind people.

 Description 
 Size 
The Doberman is a dog of medium to large size. 

Breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs. However, according to the FCI standard, the dog typically stands between . The Kennel Club in the UK says that  tall is ideal. 

The female is typically somewhere between . According to the UK Kennel Club, the ideal height is .

 Colors 
Dobermans have short smooth coats, usually black.Julie Fiedler, Doberman Pinschers (New York: PowerKids Press, 2006), p. 6 Less commonly, Dobermans can be reddish-brown, blue, or fawn-colored. Blue and fawn- colored Dobermans usually have rust-colored (reddish-brown) markings on their legs, chest and heads.Charlotte Wilcox, The Doberman Pinscher (Mankato, MN: Capstone Press, 1998), p. 5

 Ears and tail 
Normally a Doberman puppy has floppy ears and a long tail. Their tails are often shortened by surgery (called "docking"), which heals quickly and causes the puppy very little pain.Raymond Gudas; Betsy Sikora Siino; Michele Earle-Bridges, Doberman Pinschers: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Training and Behavior (Hauppauge, NY: Barron's, 2005), p. 19 During this surgery, the ears are cut to a point, so they stand up (called "cropping"). This takes longer to heal. Cropping is considered by many to be unnecessary and is illegal in much of Europe. But it is still done in the United States and is part of the standard.

 Temperament 
The American Kennel Club describes the Doberman this way:

 Fears about violence 
People who think Dobermans are often vicious and dangerous are mostly wrong. It is true that any dog that is mistreated or not taken care of can become dangerous. Viciousness is a learned behavior and few dogs, including the Doberman, are naturally vicious. 

Dobermans can be protective and guarded, or they can be sweet and eager to please. To get the desired temperament, training should start when the dog is about 8 months old.

 Bite and attack style 

Dobermans can bite with much more force than the average dog. A Doberman's bite force is between 245 and 305 pounds per square inch (PSI). This is strong enough to break human bones. Meanwhile, the average dog's bite force is 150 to 200 PSI.  

Dobermans have a "scissor bite" where their upper and lower teeth align closely, creating a slicing action. When they are attacking something, they often attack in quick succession over a broad area. 

Doberman bites can cause deep cuts and injuries that may require medical attention. 

 References 

Category:Dog breeds originating in Germany
Category:FCI breeds