Friday's Feature: The Doberman Pinscher

According to Professor Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs, the Doberman Pinscher ranks fifth out of seventy nine breeds evaluated for obedience intelligence.  Most owners would declare the Dobie to be adept at discerning the character of strangers as well, as the Doberman Pinscher Club of America points out.  All things considered, the breed definitely blends speed, strength, and trainability due to its large, agile frame and over a hundred years of selective breeding.

A Brief History

Tax collecting agencies have never been very “appreciated” by their populace.  Going from area to area collecting revenue in late 19^th century Germany could be downright dangerous.  For that reason, tax agent Karl Dobermann began considering which of several breeds would be an ideal companion for his dangerous trips.  Since he was also the manager of his local shelter, he was able to use breed stock from various dogs such as Greyhounds, Manchester Terriers, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, and others to develop the ultimate protector and companion.

The breed was first recognized in 1898 by the United Kennel Club.  Ten years later, the AKC followed suit, adding the Doberman to the club’s Working Group category even though Pinscher means “terrier” in German.  Since then, the Doberman has won Best in Show four times, tying for fourth place for most wins.  It’s easy to see why the Doberman has jumped from the 23^rd to the 12^th most popular breed in the U.S.