THE DOBERMANN AND IT'S LEGACY - ROLE OF THE BREED

In the city of Apolda, in southern Germany, between 1834 and 1894 lived a man named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a simple manager of a slaughterhouse, night watchman, tax collector, executor of judicial embargoes and municipal manager of collecting stray animals.

Concerned by the great dangers to which he was exposed in his work, around 1880, he began to develop the idea of creating a watchdog to protect and defend him. Dobermann did not expect any other function from his dogs than that of guard and protection, for which he did not pay attention to the aesthetic aspects, which allowed him to constitute a breed of strength and character like no other. He should be a dog that commanded respect by his mere presence. The inhabitants of the Apolda region were afraid when they saw a black dog with tan spots. Dobermann referred to them as "my dogs" so that after time they were known as the "Dobermann Pinschers" finally receiving the name of Dobermann Pinscher.

The Dobermann was recognized as a breed in 1898. It is surprising that the selection work carried out to fix the breed's traits has been achieved in a period infinitely less than the time required for the evolution of most canine breeds. However, it is not known exactly what dogs Louis Dobermann initially used in his beginnings, nor the breeds that he gradually incorporated, nor the crosses made. Only the reports, comments from his son Robert and from former breeders, made it possible to establish and rebuild the controlled breeding plan that would exalt and select the sought-after characteristics, discarding the unwanted ones. For Louis Dobermann, the main reason for creating his ideal dog was undoubtedly to satisfy his work needs. It is accepted that Dobermann started from the old German Pinscher to which he sought, with the incorporation of other breeds, a considerably larger size, giving it greater height and substance.

The essence of the creation of the Dobermann breed was to obtain a different dog. With a natural instinct for protection, whose strength and nobility reflected his personality, with a haughty attitude, muscular, temperamental in nature and who, when observing him, would present the expression of a determined dog. It had to have a great learning capacity, be of medium size and energetic. The aggressive behavior intended for protection makes it an excellent guard dog. It shouldn't be afraid of anything or anyone. The mere presence of it would inspire fear. Originally it was accepted to think that whoever owned a Dobermann should have a good share of bravery and courage.

Although over time, the original violence of his temperament was modified, it continues to be the working breed par excellence. It requires intelligent management with logical limits of coexistence. The current Dobermann is aesthetically very different from the original. Its elegant lines give an aristocratic and athletic look to your image. It is essentially friendly, affectionate and needs constant physical contact with its owner. The Doberman's look reflects the image of a firm and self-confident dog. He is happy being part of the intimate family nucleus and for having a close relationship with the people he loves, being very dependent on his environment. Innately he protects and defends his loved ones. It is common to see a Dobermann accompany his owner through all the rooms of the house, even to the bathroom door. It adapts very well to large and small spaces as long as it can be with its owner. It was not born to be in a kennel. The high pain threshold that a Dobermann presents is striking. It is extremely stoic and supports without showing where it hurts no matter how much one is examining the affected area. It's a highly sensitive dog, where usually its owner can simply handle it by changing the tone of voice when giving commands. Those who have never had contact with the breed may have a pronounced fear of it. However, whoever has lived with a Dobermann knows its loyalty and devotion and it is very difficult to ever change breed.

For the winning and stable training that a true Dobermann must present, the stimuli it receives between two and eight months of life are essential. Although this stage is usually just as important for most canine breeds, it is undoubtedly more important for the Doberman. The inheritance that he receives added to the treatment and the early conditions in which he grows and develops are fundamental. The possibility of facing the puppy to different stimuli and situations is an extremely important training that will surely help it to present a stable social disposition. Proper training and early socialization will allow you to withstand the pressures of high competition.

In the long process of it's evolution the Dobermann has been used to satisfy the most diverse needs fulfilling a great variety of functions thanks to its great versatility. It was used as a guard and protection dog by the military forces in the first and second world wars, as a police dog by the majority of the security forces around the world in the most diverse tasks, as a rescue dog in the face of the most difficult and unexpected catastrophes, as a guide dog for children with different abilities, in obedience tests as demanding as the Schutzhund, a must-have entertainer in show finals, but above all as a companion to children as part of their growth.

The great capacity that the Dobermann breed presents as a guard and protection dog, the jealous guardian of his family and defender of his loved ones has been more than enough reason for it to become one of the most well-known, widespread and respected breeds in the cinophile environment. The rapid acceptance that it had since its creation indicates the important utility that the Dobermann represents to its owners.

In the modern era we often see that the Dobermann is a pet that lives in major cities. Those of us who breed the breed responsibly have the legacy, the obligation and the challenge of preserving it, protecting it, always trying to perfect its natural qualities and defending the function for which it was created. We must not forget to breed seeking to preserve and improve the good temperament of the breed. The true personality of a Dobermann is reflected in its natural protective instinct, its boundless companionship and the close bond it develops with its owner, the main reason for its existence.