Doberman Pinscher History

Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, created the Doberman Pinscher breed in 1870.    

As a tax collector he was frequently traveling through forests and open lands to collect taxes and was often robbed.  

As the local dog catcher he realized that none of the breeds currently fit the bill for a suitable companion for his travels.  He was in need of a dog which was of medium size,   highly athletic,  loyal,   capable of traveling many miles in a day yet able to protect him in the event of a problem.    

As a result,  he combined many breeds that were available in his day to come up with the attritributes he was seeking.     Although the exact breeds are not known, a few of the generally accepted breeds are the Rottweiler,  the German Pinscher,  Manchester Terrier and the  Greyhound.       If you stop and think about these breeds and todays Dobermans it is not difficult to see what each of these breeds contributed,  whether it's the coloring and protection instinct of the Rottweiler,  the sleekness of the Greyhound or the tenacity of the Pinscher and Terrier.

Todays dobermans have come a long way from the aggressive dogs which Louis first produced but still possess many of the original qualities.   

Although Dobermans are highly energetic and incredibly intelligent they are also known as "velcro" dogs with their desire to be right close to their human counterparts no matter where they may go.

Dobermans are extremely fearless and are the US Marines war dogs of choice, however,  they are more than happy to watch TV and be a part of your everyday life.

Dobermans require early socialization,  lots of activities and firm owners.   Their abiltity to perform any job required of their owners is amazing and their desire to be companions is a given.