Bellevue Doberman Work Kennel

The History of Dobermans

Brief Historical Summary

The Doberman is the only German breed which bears the name of its original breeder, Friedrich Louis Doberman (02.01.1834 - 09.06.1894).

He was believed to be a tax collector, offal abattoir manager (knacker) and a part time dog catcher, legally able to catch all stray dogs. He bred with animals from this reservoir that were particularly sharp. The so called "butcher's dogs" which were already considered a relatively pure breed at that time, played a most important role in the origination of the Doberman breed. These dogs were an early type of Rottweiler, mixed with a type of shepherd which existed in "Thüringen" as a black dog with rust red markings. Herr Doberman bred with this mixture of dogs in the Eighteen Seventies. Thus he obtained "his breed" : not only alert, but highly protective working and housedogs. They were often used as guard and police dogs. Their extensive use in police work led to the nickname "Gendarme dog". They were used in hunting to control large vermin. In these circumstances it was a matter of course that the Doberman was recognized officially as a Police Dog by the beginning of the century.

The Doberman breed requires a medium sized, powerful, muscular dog. Despite his substance he shall be elegant and noble, which will be evident in his body line. He must be exceptionally suitable as a companion, protection and working dog and also as family dog.

General Appearance

The Doberman is of medium size, strong and muscularly built. Through the elegant lines of its body, its proud stature, and its expression of determination, it conforms to the ideal picture of a dog.

Important Proportions

The body of the Doberman appears to be almost square, particularly in males. The length of the body measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock shall not be more than 5% longer than the height from the withers to the ground in males, and 10% in females.

Behaviour and Temperament

The disposition of the Doberman is friendly and calm; very devoted to the family it loves children. Medium temperament and medium sharpness (alertness) is desired. A medium threshold of irritation is required with a good contact to the owner. Easy to train, The Doberman enjoys working, and shall have good working ability, courage and hardness. The particular values of self confidence and intrepidness are required, and also adaptability and attention to fit the social environment.