The history of the Dobermann has been documented by many very reliable authors, who have sometimes spent a lifetime with this one breed of dog. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in including one of these magnificent animals in their family, to purchase and read at least one book (preferably more) that is written by these authors. It is also important that the potential new owner belong to a local Dobermann club & get to know the people who have experience in this breed, ask questions concerning training, nutrition, exercise and temperament of the breed. The Dobermann is a noble looking, elegant, powerful, and highly intelligent animal. The feelings between a Dobermann and its owner are reciprocal, the love and devotion that one has for the other is a mutual giving and receiving. That is one of the amazing benefits of ownership of this breed of dog.
The Dobermann had its beginnings in the city of Apolda, located in the state of Thuringia, Germany. Louis Dobermann was reputed to be a tax collector in this area, and was also responsible for keeping the strays in the local dog pound. Herr Dobermann carried money on his person, and wanted a dog for self protection. His ultimate aim was to possess a dog that was of average build, so that it could be intimidating to intruders or robbers. A dog with a short, smooth coat would be easy to care for, with a minimum of grooming. The dog would also have to have great stamina, be intelligent, and display alertness, and even aggression. So when he decided to use different breeds to develop this special guard dog, Herr Dobermann had a very specific end in mind. His choices were not slap hazard, he picked and chose the dogs very carefully. This is one of the reasons why the Dobermann Pinscher is referred to as "a man-made dog". Unfortunately, he did not keep any written records. However, some very good conjectures can be drawn from the knowledge we have of the anatomy and temperament of the Dobermann, and the knowledge of the type of dogs that were indigenous to that area and time.
The German Pinscher was probably the foundation breed that Herr Dobermann used to build his new strain of dog. This type of dog was described as being rather non-descript in looks, but the reputation of temperament that this dog had was one of alertness and aggressiveness.
The Rottwieler was used in the development of the breed due to its massiveness and intelligence. This very solid dog also possessed great stamina, and had excellent tracking ability. Sometimes the Rottwieler strain can be seen in a Dobermann with a "wavy" coat.
The Manchester Terrier contributed the black-and-tan colouration, and the short, shiny coat. The Dobermann inherited some of the elegant looks, the refinement and line of this breed of dog.
The Beauceron contributed size and colour to the Dobermann bloodline. The Beauceron was a solidly built dog, very alert, and was known to be intelligent as well.
Louis Dobermann passed away in the late 1800's. He left his bloodline in the keeping, and care, of Otto Goeller. It is speculated that it was Otto Goeller that added the Greyhound, possibly black in colour, to the bloodline. This would account for the additional height, stamina, and the speed of the Dobermann.
In 1899, the National Dobermann Pinscher Club was organized in Germany. One year later, Otto Goeller, and other fanciers, drew up a standard for their breed. The German Kennel Club immediately gave official recognition of the newest breed.
The first Dobermann's to enter the U.S. did so around 1908. In 1921, the Dobermann Pinscher Club of America was organized, and one year later, the standard that was written in Germany, was adopted as the standard in the U.S. & naturally the same standard is here in Australia. The next 15 years were very important years in the Dobermann's history. World War I had severely depleted the number of Dobes, due to the near, and actual, starvation of many of the people of Europe. The luxury of having Dobermann's as a family pet was too much for some, many puppies, as well as adults, had to be put to death. The military, the police, certain organizations, and the very wealthy were able to possess these dogs. So there was a need to be filled by the continued breeding of the Dobermann. But now the emphasis was on the best bred dog. After 1921, an American market opened up for these German bred dogs, and most of the Siegers and Siegerins, and virtually every German sire of reputation, sooner or later reached American shores, if not the dogs themselves. World War II was another close disaster for the Dobermann. If not for the fact that Americans had purchased so many Dobes, it is likely the breed would have come close to extinction. The American breeder had, from 1921 until around 1937, invited German judges to American Shows, and had asked for, and followed, their advice on how to breed the Dobe, traits to look for, and to be mindful of the temperament desired. In Great Britain, the Dobermann was rarely seen, not becoming known by the public until around 1947.
It is important that the public understand that in the early years of the Dobermann the breed was valued most for its aggressiveness. It had a use at that time, it was a working dog, used in guard work, military policing, and with the police. Today, the responsible breeder is more aware than ever before of the importance of temperament. The responsible breeder will not knowingly sell an aggressive tempered dog into a family situation. The aggressive types are undesirable & must be trained, and possessed, by a dominant (not abusive) owner, who has a job for the Dobe to do. A new owner to the Dobermann breed should have the common sense to research and get to know the breed very well before buying. Todays Australian breeders have mostly bred out any vicious Dobe, todays Dobes are great companions. People should not be getting the Dobe for the purpose of scaring his/her neighbours or their dogs. If that is the case, you will find it extremely difficult to find an Australian breeder that will allow you to own one of their Dobes. You possess an animal that can become dangerous in the wrong hands, yours. Just like a mishandled weapon, it's not the gun that kills, it is the mentality behind it.

There are a number of health issues which can occur within the Dobermann breed.

All breeds have health issues, we have chosen to display the Dobermanns below to better educate the potential or current Dobermann owner.

Unfortunately some breeders do not test their breeding stock & may be unaware of any health issues within their breeding lines.
This is one of the reasons why it is so important to always purchase your Dobermann from a registered breeder.

The Dobermann health issues below are not listed in any particular order.

von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - a blood clotting disorder

von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects many breeds, including Dobermanns. Dogs clinically affected by this disease have a reduced ability to produce von Willebrand's Factor in their blood - a substance needed to achieve blood clotting.

There is a definitive DNA test for Dobermanns to determine their vWD status. This test is a simple swab of the cells from inside the dog's mouth (cheek) which is then sent to a lab in the US for analysis.

Dobermann vWD DNA results can only be one of the following:

Clear = Does not carry the vWD gene

Will never develop the bleeding disorder vWD

At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD

Can not pass the vWD gene on to offspring

Carrier = Carries one copy of the vWD gene

Will never develop the bleeding disorder vWD

At no risk of clotting problems due to vWD

Can pass the vWD gene on to offspring

Affected = Carries two copies of the vWD gene

Will develop the bleeding disorder vWD (Type 1)

Potentially at risk of clotting problems due to vWD

Will pass the vWD gene on to offspring

Type 1 vWD is not of high morbidity, with most forms of the disease mild or in many cases subclinical.

The majority of Affected Dobes have no clotting problems at all, including during minor surgeries & live a normal, long and active life.

The the level of bleeding varies from dog to dog, some may bleed more than others & certain factors, like environment may influence the level of bleeding.

If your dog is genetically vWD Affected and requires surgery, your vet can help to minimise any risks by having extra clotting factor on hand, and also by doing a blood clotting test, usually a small cut in the dog's gum or cheek and timing how long it takes to clot, prior to surgery.

It should be noted that vWD is not a death sentence to dogs, in fact many dogs with the disease can live quite normal lives & show no complications.

Today, Breeders use the results of the vWD DNA testing to assist them in their breeding programs. Breeding results for vWD are:

Parents Offspring vWD Results:

Clear x Clear = 100% Clear

Clear x Carrier = 50% Clear, 50% Carrier (averages only)

Clear x Affected = 100% Carrier

Carrier x Carrier = 25% Clear, 50% Carrier, 25% Affected (averages only)

Carrier x Affected = 50% Carrier, 50% Affected (averages only)

Affected x Affected = 100% Affected

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - also referred to as "Cardio"

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle which causes the heart to enlarge and not function properly. The occurrence of DCM usually increases with age and typically has an age of onset between 4 and 10 years. The cause is still unknown although many factors strongly suggest a genetic cause.

It usually affects both the left and right sides of the heart with either side being more severely affected. Typically both the lower chamber and the upper chamber enlarge and lose their ability to contract and pump blood out to the body or the lungs. The consequence of this can be compared to a simple mechanical pump, which, if it fails, water backs up into the basement. Therefore, if the left heart fails, fluid backs up into the lungs and if the right heart fails, fluid backs up in the abdomen or in the space surrounding the lungs.

Long term prognosis varies considerably. Most dogs survive from weeks up to 24 months after diagnosis of DCM.

Treatment is aimed at improving the heart's function and controlling the signs of congestive heart failure. Drugs are used to help the heart contract better, diuretics can help control and prevent accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs. Drugs that control cardiac arrhythmias (electrical disturbances in the heart) are used as well.

It is important for you to monitor your dog's overall attitude and outward signs, so that if you notice any heavy/labored breathing, coughing, fainting spells, restlessness or profound lethargy, arrangements can be made to see your regular veterinarian quickly. Your observations and the administration by you of the prescribed medications is what will help your dog the most. You know your pet the best.

Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) - also referred to as "Wobblers"

Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI), commonly known as "Wobblers" is the compression on the spinal cord between the 5th, 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae located in the neck. It usually develops gradually and is seen in the affected canine typically between 7 and 8 years of age.

The early visual signs that the dog may have Wobblers is the dragging of hind feet causing abnormal wear to the dog's toenails. The hind legs will often be awkward and sway, making the animal walk like he is drunk - thus the name "Wobblers". The disease will progress from this point, eventually affecting all four limbs.

Occasionally, in more serious cases, there is a rapid decline in the dog's condition. This is associated with extreme pain, arching of the neck, and the dog is unable to raise his head higher than shoulder level. All four legs are extremely rigid and walking is impossible.

The inheritance factors for this problem unfortunately are not fully understood - often the onset of this disease occurs late in a dog's life after they have already produced offspring, so removing afflicted animals from the breeding pool is difficult.

Treatment for this disease can include pain medication and rest, surgery (though not always successful), through to alternative treatments of neck wraps (to immobilise the neck) and gold bead implants (currently being used with some success in the US).

Note: Not all Dobermanns will be affected by "Wobblers", and the extreme cases are rare.

Hip (and Elbow) Dysplasia

This is not a widespread problem within the Dobermann breed, however like any medium to large breed dog, there can be instances where Hip and Elbow Dysplasia occur.

Hip Dysplasia (HD) is the malformation in the development of one or both ball and socket joints in the hip. The hip joint is composed of the socket which is formed by the bones of the pelvis and the "ball" (head) of the thigh bone (femur). Normally, this joint is very tight fitting, however if suffering from dysplasia there will be too much movement in the joint leading to pain and lameness.

Hip (HD) and Elbow Dysplasia (ED) is a multifactoral, genetically based disease which is greatly influenced by environmental factors. The mode of inheritance of HD and ED is complex and the degenerative changes occur with growth if the genetic and environmental factors are present. Due to this complexity, normal hipped/elbowed dogs can produce offspring with all degrees of dysplasia and dysplastic dogs can produce normal offspring.

Some Breeders are now starting to x-ray their breeding stock and having these x-rays "scored" by professional veterinary graders. The lower score per hip/elbow, the better.

Treatment of HD is directed at alleviation of pain, and in severe cases major (and expensive) surgery to replace the joint.

Hypothyroidism (Thyroid Insufficiency)

Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone insufficiency) is fairly common in Dobermanns. Symptoms include lack of energy, weight gain, inability to keep warm, hair loss (especially in areas such as the dog's back and sides), and temperament changes.

Diagnosis is by blood test analysis by a veterinarian. If the thyroid hormone is below normal levels, then thyroid hormone supplementation is usually recommended.

Thyroid supplementation is via daily medication for the life of the dog.

Cancer

Some of our Dobermanns will get cancer during their lives. We don't have a genetic test nor do we know the mode of inheritance for cancer.

This is a cause of grief for many owners and causes the early deaths of far too many of our beloved animals. If you find your Dobermann is limping, has a growth, a wound that won't heal or any unusual sign, the sooner you get to the vet's office to be examined the better.

Some owners choose to pursue aggressive chemotherapy for their Dobermann. Others pursue herbal treatments. Early detection will, of course, help your odds as you and your veterinarian decide which course to choose.

Many Veterinary teaching hospitals have cancer treatment programs. The outcome can be more positive as it may have been in years past.

Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH)

Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH) is suspected in the presence of persistently elevated ALT values, definitively diagnosed by liver biopsy.

The incidence of occurence tends to be high in Dobermanns, but it is also found in other breeds, most notably, Bedlington Terriers, and Golden Retrievers.

It is viewed as being a progressive inflammatory state that causes the liver to degenerate to the point of liver failure and death. We do not have a standard treatment, nor do we know the definitive cause. There are no studies that prove CAH is heritable. Low fat, low protein diets can help, and some have used steroids with a degree of success. The steroids were originally given when researchers thought this was an autoimmue disease, because humans do have a form of autoimmune CAH, with similar histology results on biopsy. However, leading researchers in the field no longer view CAH as an autoimmune disease in the canine.

According to current research, there is usually a elevated level of copper found early on in the liver, but this seems to be a result of the disease, and not the cause. Removal of the copper does not cure CAH, but in the early stages copper chelation therapy may slow the progress of CAH.

During CAH, as the liver cells die they release a protein that causes the elevated ALT values. Scar tissue then replaces the dead liver cells. This effects the blood vessels that exit the liver. This is important because the liver is a major filtering organ for the body.

Symptoms usually show when at least half of the liver has been destroyed. The dog is usually sick by that point in time, and demonstrating the following clinical signs of CAH: vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice (yellow tinge to skin and whites of eyes), weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - also referred to as "Bloat"

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation"). Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine). The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermanns are particularly at risk.

Symptoms of Bloat are that the dog may have an obviously distended stomach especially near the ribs but this is not always evident depending on the dog's body configuration.

The biggest clue is the vomiting: the pet appears highly nauseated and is retching but little is coming up.

If this is seen, rush your dog to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY for stomach decompression and shock management.

All bloated dogs, once stable, should have surgery. Without surgery, the damage done inside cannot be assessed or repaired plus bloat may recur at any point, even within the next few hours. Surgery, called gastropexy, allows the stomach to be tacked into normal position so that it may never again twist. Without gastropexy, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!

Key to Colour Chart
( = Brown (also called "red" or "chocolate" with rust coloured markings)
( = Blue (grey with rust coloured markings)
( = Black (black with rust coloured markings)
( = Fawn (also called "Isabella" the colour of 'camel's hair' with rust markings)
B is the factor for black, it is dominant over b the brown factor.
D is the nondilution factor, it is dominant over d the dilution factor.
The numbers ranging from 6.25 to 100 are percentages of each color type to be expected.

Colour Inheritance in the Dobermann

	1 BBDD	2 BBDd	3 BbDD	4 BbDd	5 BBdd	6 Bbdd	7 bbDD	8 bbDd	9 bbdd
1 BBDD	BBDD 100	BBDD 50 BBDd 50	BBDD 50 BbDD 50	BBDD 25 BBDd 25 BbDD 25 BbDd 25	BBDd 100	BBDd 50 BbDd 50	BbDD 100	BbDD 50 BbDd 50	BbDd 100
2 BBDd	BBDD 50 BBDd 50	BBDD 25 BBDd 50 BBdd 25	BBDD 25 BBDd 25 BbDD 25 BbDd 25	BBDD 12.5 BBDd 25 BbDD 12.5 BbDd  25 BBdd 12.5 Bbdd 12.5	BBDd 50 BBdd 50	BBDd 25 BbDd 50 BBdd 25 Bbdd 25	BbDD 50 BbDd 50	BbDD 25 BbDd 50 Bbdd 25	BbDd 50 Bbdd 50
3 BbDD	BBDD 50 BbDD 50	BBDD 25 BBDd 25 BbDD 25 BbDd 25	BBDD 25 BbDD 50 bbDD 25	BBDD 12.5 BBDd 12.5 BbDD 25 BbDd 25 bbDD 12.5 bbDd 12.5	BBDd 50 BbDd 50	BBDd 25 BbDd 50 bbDd 25	BbDD 50 bbDD 50	BbDD 25 BbDd 25 bbDd 25 bbDD 25	BbDd 50 bbDd 50
4 BbDd	BBDD 25 BBDd 25 BbDD 25 BbDd  25	BBDD 12.5 BBDd 25 BbDD 12.5 BbDd 25 BBdd 12.5 Bbdd 12.5	BBDD 12.5 BBDd 12.5 BbDD 25 BbDd 25 bbDD 12.5 bbDd 12.5	BBDD 6.25 BBDd 12.5 BbDD 12.5 BbDd 25 BBdd 6.25 Bbdd 12.5 bbDD 6.25 bbDd 12.5 bbdd 6.25	BBDd 25 BbDd 25 BBdd 25 Bbdd 25	BBDd 12.5 BbDd 25 BBdd 12.5 Bbdd 25 bbDd 12.5 bbdd 12.5	BbDD 25 BbDd 25 bbDD 25 bbDd 25	BbDD 12.5 BbDd 25 BBdd 12.5 bbDD 12.5 bbDd 25 bbdd 12.5	BbDd 25 Bbdd 25 bbDd 25 bbdd 25
5 BBdd	BBDd 100	BBDd 50 BBdd 50	BBDd 50 BbDd 50	BBDd 25 BbDd 25 BBdd 25 Bbdd 25	BBdd 100	BBdd 50 Bbdd 50	BbDd 100	BbDd 50 Bbdd 50	Bbdd 100
6 Bbdd	BBDd 50 BbDd 50	BBDd 25 BbDd 25 BBdd 25 Bbdd 25	BBDd 25 BbDd 50 bbDd 25	BBDd 12.5 BbDd 25 BBdd 12.5 Bbdd 25 bbDd 12.5 bbdd 12.5	BBdd 50 Bbdd 50	BBdd 25 Bbdd 50 bbdd 25	BbDd 50 bbDd 50	BbDd 25 Bbdd 25 bbDd 25 bbdd 25	Bbdd 50 bbdd 50
7 bbDD	BbDD 100	BbDD 50 BbDd 50	BbDD 50 bbDD 50	BbDD 25 BbDd 25 bbDD 25 bbDd 25	BbDd 100	BbDd 50 bbDd 50	bbDD 100	bbDD  50 bbDd 50	bbDb 100
8 bbDd	BbDD 50 BbDd 50	BbDD 25 BbDd 50 Bbdd 25	BbDD25 BbDd 25 bbDD 25 bbDd 25	BbDD 12.5 BbDd  25 Bbdd  12.5 bbDD 12.5 bbDd 25 bbdd 12.5	BbDd 50 Bbdd 50	BbDd 25 Bbdd 25 bbDd 25 bbdd 25	bbDD  50 bbDd 50	bbDD 25 bbDd 50 bbdd 25	bbDb 50 bbdd 50
9 bbdd	BbDd 100	BbDd 50 Bbdd 50	BbDd 50 bbDd 50	BbDd 25 Bbdd 25 bbDd 25 bbdd 25	Bbdd 100	Bbdd 50 bbdd 50	bbDd 100	bbDd 50 bbdd 50	bbdd 100

It is to be noted that the proportions of the various color combinations as listed above are theoretical, with the exceptions of those where 100% of the get are expected to be of one type. If it were possible to observe 1000 or more pups from a breeding which would theoretically produce pups of three or more genetic formulas, then the proportions noted would be very nearly those which are expected by theory.

In the average litter (with 6 to 12 pups) the probabilities of the predicted ratios actually being observed would be very remote indeed. This chart and its percentages are therefore meant to serve only as a guide to color inheritance in the breeding of Dobermanns.