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Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher

A sleek, alert guard dog first bred by a German tax collector in the 1890s.

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Quick facts

Origin
Germany
Size
Large
Energy
High
Bred for
Guarding
Lifespan
10–12 years
Temperament
Alert, fearless, devoted
Exercise
75 min/day
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Training
Easy
With children
Good
Apartment
No

Where the Doberman Pinscher comes from

Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector, bred the Doberman in the 1890s to be a loyal protector. They went on to serve as police and military dogs.

Personality and daily life

Alert, fearless and devoted. Dobermans are affectionate with family and need consistent training and socialisation.

Dobermans are sleek, loyal and intelligent. They want to be with their people and need training and exercise.

Exercise, grooming and health

About an hour of exercise a day. The short coat is easy to care for. Heart disease, bloat and von Willebrand's disease are concerns.

Is a Doberman Pinscher right for you?

Experienced owners who want a loyal, athletic dog. Not for first-time owners.

  • Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
  • Easy to train, good for beginners
  • Sheds little
  • Easy to groom

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Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.