The history of the Doberman has been documented by
many very reliable authors, who have sometimes spent a lifetime with
this breed of dog. It is highly recommended that anyone interested
in adding a Doberman to their family, purchase and read at least one
book (preferably more) about the breed.
The Doberman is a noble looking, elegant, powerful,
and highly intelligent animal. The strong feelings between a
Doberman and its owner are reciprocal, the love and devotion that
one has for the other is a mutual whether giving or receiving. That
is one of the many diverse amazing benefits of owning a Doberman.
The Doberman 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
haphazard ... he picked and chose the dogs he used very carefully.
This is one of the reasons why the Doberman 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 Doberman,
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 Rottweiler was also 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 Rottweiler strain can be seen in a Doberman with a
"wavy" coat.
The Manchester Terrier contributed the black-and-tan
coloration, and the short, shiny coat. The Doberman inherited some
of the elegant looks, the refinement and line of this breed of dog.
The Beauceron contributed size and color to the
Doberman 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 color, to the bloodline. This would account for
the additional height, stamina, and the speed of the Doberman.
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 Dobermans to enter the U.S. did so around
1908. In 1921, the Doberman 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. and naturally a very similar
standard can be found here in Canada.
The next 15 years were very important years in the
Doberman's history. World War I had severely depleted the number of
Dobermans, due to the near, and actual, starvation of many of the
people of Europe. The luxury of having Dobermans 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 Doberman. 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 Doberman. 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 Doberman,
traits to look for, and to be mindful of the temperament desired. In
Great Britain, the Doberman was rarely seen, not known to the public
until around 1947.
It is important that the public understand that, in
the early years of the Doberman, 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
Doberman to do.
A new owner to the Doberman breed should have the
common sense to research and get to know the breed very well before
buying.
Today's North American breeders have mostly bred out
any vicious Doberman; today's Dobermans are great companions.
People should not be getting the Doberman for the
purpose of scaring his/her neighbors or their dogs. If that is the
case, you will find it extremely difficult to find a breeder in
North America that will allow you to own one of their dogs. A dog
such as this 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.
Health Issues
All breeds have
health issues. There are a number of health issues which can occur
within the Doberman breed. ... we have chosen to display some
of the Doberman's health issues, not listed in any particular order,
below to better educate the potential or current Doberman owner.
Unfortunately some breeders do not test their breeding stock and 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
Doberman from a reputable breeder.
von Willebrand's
Disease (vWD) - a blood clotting disorder
von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) is an inherited
bleeding disorder that affects many breeds, including Dobermans.
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 Dobermans 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.
Doberman vWD DNA results can only be one of the
following:
Clear = Does
not carry the vWD gene. 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. 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. Potentially at risk of clotting
problems due to vWD (however, the majority of Affected Dobes have no
clotting problems at all, including during minor surgeries, and live
a long and active life). Will pass the vWD gene on to offspring
If your dog is genetically vWD Affected and requires
surgery, your vet can help to minimize 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.
Today, Breeders use the results of the vWD DNA test
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 immobilize the neck) and
gold bead implants (currently being used with some success in the
US).
Note: Not all Dobermans will be affected by
"Wobblers", and the extreme cases are rare.
Hip (and Elbow)
Dysplasia
This is not a widespread problem within the Doberman
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
multi-factored, 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.
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 Dobermans. 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 Dobermans will get cancer during their lives.
To date there is no genetic test nor is the mode of inheritance for
cancer known.
This is a cause of grief for many owners and causes
the early deaths of far too many of our beloved Dobermans. If you
find your dog 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 Doberman. 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 occurrence tends to be high in
Dobermans, 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 autoimmune 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 Dobermans 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 Chart Colors
(
= Black (with rust-colored markings)
(
= Blue (actually gray, with rust markings)
(
= Red (various shades of red/brown/chocolate
with rust markings)
(
= Fawn (called "Isabella" about the color
range of 'camel's hair' with rust markings)
B is the factor for
black; it is dominant over b the red 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.
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 normal litters (with from 6 to 12
pups for example) the probabilities of the predicted ratios actually
being observed would be very remote indeed. This chart and its
contained percentages are therefore meant to serve only as a guide
to color inheritance in the breeding of Dobermans.