A BRIEF HISTORY
The Dobermann originated in Germany. In the middle of the nineteenth century a man named Herr Louis Dobermann lived in the city of Apolda (East Germany) in the principality of Thueringen. He served as the town dog-catcher, night patrolman and city rates collector among other duties. There apparently was a demand for sharp, fearless watch dogs and Herr Dobermann started selectively breeding the best of the locally available dogs for this purpose. Nobody knows exactly which breeds were used in this early breeding but the Great Dane, the old German Shepherd, (not the German Shepherd as we know today) the Weimaraner, the Manchester Terrier, Greyhound and other breeds have been mentioned. Over a lifetime of sixty years of interbreeding, Herr Dobermann achieved great success in breeding the required character and created a breed of dog which showed to a considerable extent similar exterior characteristics - in other word "bred true".
Another breeder, Otto Goeller, was attracted to these dogs and through his efforts the breed was recognised as the Dobermann Pinscher (the word Pinscher being dropped later) in 1899. Otto Goeller and later Philip Gruenig played a tremendous role in refining and developing the breed to its present form.
Since the beginning of the present century, the Dobermann has spread rapidly over Europe and America. Strangely enough, it was not until after World War II that the breed was introduced into England on any scale. The Dobermann was thought to have been introduced into Australia in 1952 although current research now indicates that their arrival was in fact a lot earlier. There have been numerous dogs imported from all over the world by devoted breeders.
The Dobermann was known as the "Devil Dog" by the American Marines and is their mascot. He earned his name during World War II in the Pacific where he used to go ashore with the marines and flush out the enemy. This name, together with his reputation as a guard and protector, has stuck in the minds of the public throughout the world. So today, a small sign on the front gate stating "Dobermann lives here" is usually sufficient to deter intruders. Certainly, a Dobermann by one’s side gives a person a supreme feeling of security.
DOBERMANN CHARACTER
It is in the Dobermann’s nature to be a trustworthy and loyal companion, usually gentle but as robust and tough as you care to make him. A great playmate for the children of "his family" he’ will quite happily join the family at the table and sleep in your bed... if you are foolish enough to encourage him. In fact, he will become very "human" if you forget to remind him that he is a dog! Though affectionate and obedient to his own the Dobermann can be quite stand-offish to those he does not know. However, he should not be nervous or aggressive in normal circumstances. A dog like this is unreliable and will react badly in times of stress.
ARE YOU THE RIGHT PERSON?
The Dog Control Acts of the various local councils authorities list your responsibilities as a dog owner. You are obliged to register your dog with the local council and provide adequate food, shelter and control over your dog at all times. The Dobermann is a large, active and intelligent breed and you must be willing to provide the exercise and attention this dog needs.
Anyone buying a Dobermann for the Show or Obedience Trial ring must realise that they require DAILY training and exercise. All Dobermanns, pets included, must be housed on an adequately fenced property. Most local by-laws require this, and certainly all Dobermann Club members insist on this before they will sell a puppy.
ACQUIRING A DOBERMANN
Every registered breed of dog has a "Standard" that describes in detail the true Breed Characteristics. In the Show ring, the Judge uses this Standard to asses the entrants. While not all pedigree dogs meet the Standard, a genuine pedigree guarantees that accurate records have been kept of the dog’s parentage. The pedigree can be a guide to the dog’s looks and character.
As the Dobermann breed is popular, it is important to sort the "wheat" from the "chaff" when it comes to breeders.
You should when viewing a litter be able to meet and handle the dam, but the sire does not necessarily belong to the breeder and therefore would not be available to see.
If you are buying a puppy for breeding in the future, or for the Show or Obedience Trial ring, the puppy must be registered with an affiliated State Controlling body.
You should never purchase a puppy "without papers". All reputable breeders are almost certainly members of an affiliated Dobermann Club. You should view your puppy’s registration papers at the time of purchase.
OBEDIENCE AND SOCIALISATION
Obedience and socialisation is highly recommended for all Dobermanns. Dobermanns generally need some type of control if they are to fit happily into the family and tend to excel at obedience. To use the words of the nursery rhyme. "When they are good they are very very good, and when they are bad........".
There are All-Breeds Obedience clubs in most areas In addition the Dobermann Club of Victoria has its own Obedience section. Whether you just want to do basic obedience, or advance to the highest level and obtain obedience titles, you and your dog will enjoy and benefit from this activity.
