Cloidt - Doberman Pinscher

There are several hundred breeds of dog that have complicated ancestries. The true origin of many breeds is surrounded by speculation and uncertainty, and the Doberman Pinscher is no exception. This medium-sized working breed is the epitm of strength, agility and endurance. The breeds original purpose was two-fold. First, it was originally developed to control vermin. Second, and most important, its purpose was to protect man as a specialized guard dog. From the very beginning, the Doberman Pinschers reputation for strength of character and its influence as an imposing figure were widely recognized and valued. The breed was first developed as a working dog to serve mankind, and it continues to hold that purpose today.

In comparison with other breeds, the Doberman Pinscher is of relatively recent vintage. Karl Friedrick Louis Dobermann, born in 1834 in Apolda, Germany, is widely accepted as the developer of the breed that originated around 1890 in Apolda, in Thueringen, Germany. The breed was originally referred to as Dobermanns Dog. Pinscher, which translates to terrier in German, was later added to its name (in the United Kingdom, the breed is known simply as the Dobermann). The breed has always been a working animal, and the word pinscher reflects the original purpose of vermin control.

Louis Dobermanns background is as much of an uncertainty as the breed that carries his name. Dobermann was said to have held several different occupations before his death in 1893. He was a tax collector, night-watchman, meat cutter, dog catcher and manager of the animal shelter in his area. Regardless of his place of employment, his skills as a breeder were recognized despite his modest education. His intentions were to set out and create a medium- to large-sized working dog that would protect him during his travels throughout the day. Although Dobermann kept no breeding records, it was not long before he was successful with his attempts.

Its German brethren in black and tan, the Rottweiler contributed its unique coloration and some of its brawn to the Doberman Pinscher.

SCHNUPPS ANYONE?

In the Germany of yesteryear, the Doberman Pinscher was also known as Schnupps, which means police or soldier dogs.

Most agree that the Doberman Pinscher is a descendant of the Rottweiler, smooth-haired German Pinscher, Thueringian Shepherd and Great Dane. In the late 1800s, there were some indications that the breed was also crossed with the Greyhound, German Short-haired Pointer and Manchester Terrier. The Doberman Pinscher absorbed many positive qualities from each of these breeds; all of them greatly contributed to its foundation. For example, the Manchester was said to give the breed a darker eye and improve the quality of the coat with its shortness and deep tan markings. The Greyhound likely contributed to the breeds sleekness, and the Rottweiler supplied the black-and-tan coloration.

During the 1800s, the city of Apolda was a flourishing trade center. A popular annual event was known as the dog market. This festival took place each year on the seventh Sunday after Easter and featured a parade of dogs. The event attracted hundreds of spectators who crowded the streets to take part in the celebration. Participants enjoyed fine foods and refreshments but, most importantly, gathered anxiously to await the arrival of the dogs. Many local dog breeders arrived with their breeding stock for public sale. In those days, many of the dogs were mixed breeds. In all likelihood, Louis Dobermann proudly displayed his Doberman Pinschers at this annual event.

Some authorities claim that the German Shorthaired Pointer was used in the creation of the Doberman Pinscher, possibly contributing to the breeds intelligence and trainability.

Early specimens of the breed were extremely heavy-set, with stocky, coarse heads. Like several other working breeds of the time, the Doberman Pinscher was developed primarily for protection. Early specimens were very different from the square, muscular, compactly built Doberman Pinschers bred today. Louis Dobermann, and many other breeders who followed him during that era, were concerned more with the breeds guard-dog qualities and characteristics than its conformation. Early examples of the breed in the 1900s continued to have coarse heads, poor fronts and short legs.

After Dobermanns death, several other breeders continued to improve and move forward with the breeds development. They included Otto Goeller, Goswin Tishler and Gustav Krumbholz. Goeller was one of the first breeders who started to refine the Doberman Pinscher from its thick-bodied appearance. He began concentrating more on elegance as an important breed quality.

Early crosses with the Manchester Terrier improved the quality of the Doberman Pinschers sleek black-and-tan coat.

The German Pinscher is considered the most ancient of the three pinscher breeds. The Doberman is the largest, and the Miniature Pinscher is the smallest.

The first Doberman Pinscher was imported to the United States by E. R. Salmann in 1898. Unfortunately, little information is available about Salmann or his dog. According to the AKCs (American Kennel Club) Stud Book, Doberman Intelectus (a black-and-tan) was the first dog listed in this book in 1908. This dogs sire was Doberman Bertel, a German import, and his dam was Doberman Hertha. Doberman Hertha earned her championship in 1912 and became the first recorded American champion. Ch. Doberman Dix was the first male and first American-bred champion. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in February 1921.

THE DICTATOR STUD

Ch. Dictator of Glenhugel was one of the breeds most renowned stud dogs. He is remembered for passing along two distinctive traits: the first was his favorable temperament and the second was a cowlick at the nape of his neck. Dogs that have this cowlick are said to have the mark of Dictator.

In the beginning, prior to the start of the war in Europe, the style of the American Doberman Pinscher was tremendously influenced by the breeders of German and Dutch heritage. By the late 1930s and early 1940s, many influential dogs began to emerge. Ch. Westphalias Rameses was one of these instrumental dogs. Rameses produced Ch. Dows Illena of Marineland, who later produced 12 champions. This was quite an accomplishment for this time period. The record was broken first by Ch. Pattons Ponder of Torn, who sired 16 champions, and then by Ch. Browns Dion, who sired 35 champions. The Doberman Pinschers of this time had low croups, short necks, long backs, light eyes, short heads and poor fronts. Some other leading producers from the early 1940s through the early 1960s were Ch. Alcor v. Millsdod, Ch. Dictator v. Glenhugel, Ch. Delegate v. Elbe and Ch. Stebs Top Skipper.