History

Dobermans are well known for being fierce guard dogs. Nick-named  "Devil Dog" due to their military roll in World War II, they are the only breed created specifically for personal protection. Louis Dobermann created the breed around 1890 in Germany. Louis was a tax collector and the nature of his job put him in constant jeopardy of being mugged. He needed a loyal, powerful, brave dog with the stamina to work all day/night to protect him from being robbed. He gave the dog cropped ears and a docked tail t0 avoid being grabbed during a fight and to give the dog an intimidating appearance to ward off potential attackers. Although no one knows his exact recipe for the Doberman, the following breeds were thought to be involved in his creation:

*Old German Shepherd - added intelligence, physical strength, and mental soundness.

*Manchester Terrier - added quick reaction time and a spit fire attitude. The dobermans well known colors and markings are thought to originate from the Manchester Terrier.

*Rottweiler - added bravery and natural guarding ability. The Rottweilers markings also help solidify the dobermans signature markings and colors.

* Wiemaraner- contributed hunting, retrieving and scenting abilities.

*German Pinscher - added fearlessness

*English Greyhound- contributed a lot of the physical appearance like the broad chest and lean body. The greyhound also added speed to make the doberman fast and agile.

The combination of these great breeds created the loyal, fearless, protective powerhouse that is the doberman.

Personality and Appearance

Dobermans are extremely intelligent. In fact, they are known as the 5th smartest dog in the world! They tend to have playful and goofy personalities which makes them a very fun breed to own. They are easy to train and love to learn new things! However, dobermans are not for everyone. They can get bored easily which can make them very destructive if left to their own devices. Daily physical and mental stimulation is necessary to keep this breed happy.

The FCI and AKC standard both state that Dobermans are a medium sized dog but differ slightly on height/weight. European dobermans tend to have a muscular and stocky build with a strong working drive. American dobermans are more elegant, refined and make calmer family pets. Why are they different? American dobermans were bred more for the show ring rather than working sports. This created an elegant, refined structure and calmer disposition. European dobermans must pass specific working tests in order be  used for breeding which help preserve the natural working and protective ability of the breed.

FCI states males should range from 26.77 -28.34 inches and weigh between 88-99 lbs. Females range from 24.8-26.77 inches and weigh between 70-77 lbs. AKC standard states that males should range between 26-28 inches and weigh between 75-100lbs and females range from 24-26 inches and weigh between 60-90lbs. Dobermans should be well muscled yet elegant and graceful in appearance. They are watchful, alert, protective and very loyal to their family.

There are 4 allowed colors according to the AKC standard: Black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). All of these colors are matched with eye catching Rust markings. ~Vom Feuer does NOT condone the breeding of Albino Dobermans as this is a genetic mutation~