The site was last updated on

24 Aug 2000

Name of breed: Doberman
Class: Working
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, KC(GB), FCI, KUSA
Size: Height at withers: dogs 65-70cm (26-28in), bitches 60-65cm (24-26in).
Weight: Weight 29.7-39.6kg (66-88lb).
Coat: Smooth, short, thick and close.
Colors: Solid black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella), with rust markings on head, body and legs.

The Doberman was developed in the 1880’s by Louis Dobermann of Apolda in Thuringia, Germany, who happened to be the keeper of the local pound. He wanted a ferocious, short-coated, medium- to large-size dog with the courage and stamina and developed his stock around the German Pinscher, which was both alert and aggressive. To this he introduced the Rottweiler with its stamina and tracking ability, the Manchester Terrier, then a much larger animal, from which the Doberman inherited its markings, and possibly also the pointer.
The German National Doberman Pinscher Club was launched by Otto Goller in 1899, and the breed was given official recognition and a breed standard there in 1900. It was not until 1948 that the Doberman Pinscher Club was formed in Britain, and shortly afterwards the breed received recognition from the British Kennel Club.

Character and care

The Doberman is a fine obedience and show dog and can make a good family pet, but t needs knowledgeable handling and training, being wary of strangers and constantly “on guard”. It needs a lot of exercise, and should be groomed every couple days.