Attack dogs. evil dogs. evil dogs. If someone mentions the words “Doberman Pinscher” in casual conversation, sometimes these terms come to mind. Dobermans are the bad boys of Hollywood: they chase the good guy off the bad guy’s property. They protect residences from seedy alleys. They seem to be the hit men of the dog world. It is a commonly recognized fact that Doberman Pinschers are somehow meaner or more dangerous than other dogs. Why?
Recently, a handler had his dog in a park where there was a crowd of spectators from the event. A boy came up and asked to pet the dog. Consent was given and the boy proceeded to pet the dog, pull the dog’s ears, ask questions about the dog, and generally make friends. “Do you know what kind of dog he is?” the manager asked. “No,” replied the boy. “A Doberman,” said the guide. The boy, without saying a word, turned and walked away. He must have been fooled by the long ears. Yes, some Dobermans have long, floppy ears. But why was that name the deciding factor for a pleasant encounter?
The Doberman is a very old and historical breed of dog. Around 1890, Louis Dobermann, a tax collector, sought to breed a dog suitable for both protection and companionship. His work at the time could be dangerous, as he carried money with him on his rounds. By crossing several breeds, including the Rottweiler, the Greyhound and the Manchester Terrier, Dobermann achieved his goal: an obedient, medium-sized, powerfully built guard dog. The dog gained popularity as a protector and companion. After Dobermann’s death in 1894, the Germans named the breed after Louis Dobermann (the second “n” was later dropped); Otto Goeller continued to refine dog breeding to create the dog we see today. The German word for terrier, “pinscher”, was also later dropped, as “terrier” no longer described the dog in general.
The main role of the Doberman’s working dog is that of guard and protector of property. In 1945, the breed served in World War II, assisting the US Marines on their patrols in Guam. By the end of the war, 25 Doberman Sea Dogs had given their lives to protect American soldiers by detecting land mines, sniffing out enemy forces in dense cover, relaying communications information to different areas, and protecting in the trenches so that the soldiers could rest. Some of these dogs were nicknamed “Devil Dogs” by the Marines for their pride in battle. Of course, the cropped and pointed ears helped complete the image. The dogs’ ears and tails were docked to minimize the enemy’s ability to grab the dogs if the opportunity arose. Cropped ears are still popular today, but are no longer necessary for any practical reason other than appearance.
Recent breeding programs and Doberman education have improved the breed dramatically. No longer bred for aggression, Doberman Pinschers are affectionate, family-oriented dogs. Their high intelligence and boundless energy require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation such as obedience and agility, but in their minds, they are indeed man’s best friend. Perhaps in the years to come, Devil Dog’s personality may fade into history, but never be forgotten. www.antlerhollowmillville.com.
