The breed can trace its history back to the Dobermannpinshcerherverein stud book of 1890. In 1899 only one color was recognized, the black and rust. In 1901 two other colors were allowed, these additional colors were; the brown and rust, and blue and rust. With the fawn (Isabella) being recognized in 1969, this brought the total to four allowed colors for the Doberman in the USA.

The fawn (Isabella) Doberman is a known recessive gene (dilution) of the reds; while the blue Doberman is a known recessive gene (dilution) of the black. This is a simple autosomal (either sex) recessive gene. Both parents have to “carry” this gene in order to produce the dilution, or depending on which genotype, all four colors a “rainbow” litter.

The blue and fawn Doberman ARE NOT rare (meaning they should NOT demand a higher price than a red or black); as you can readily see the mode of inheritance for the blue and fawn is a VERY well known simple genetic fact. Many within the Doberman community do a considerable amount of research when planning a breeding and breed accordingly, often times this will eliminate producing blues and fawns.

Combining the four allowed colors (phenotype) with the 9 possible genotypes will result in 81 possible combinations of breedings. In order for the serious Doberman breeder to understand the probability of the puppy phenotype, a color chart has been devised and each of the four colors (including their varied genotype expressions) have been assigned a number from 1 - 9.

NOTE: Below is a SMALL example of what is included in the color chart. This is NOT a complete listing of the 9 assigned numbers. B is the “black” factor, dominant over red. b is the “red” factor, recessive to black. D is the dominant “non-dilution” factor. d is the recessive “dilution” factor. A number 1 BBDD (black phenotype) will produce ONLY black. A number 2 BBDd (black phenotype) will produce only black and blue puppies unless bread to a #1 BBDD black, a #3 BbDD black or a #7 bbDD red. A number 3 BbDD (black phenotype) will produce red and blacks except when bred to a #1 BBDD black, a #2 BBDd black, or a #5 BBdd (blue phenotype) in which case only blacks will be produced. A number 4 BbDd (black phenotype) can produce all four colors when bred to another #4, a #8 bbDd (red phenotype), a 9 bbdd (fawn phenotype), or a #6 Bbdd (blue phenotype).

In the Early Days, 100 years ago…

Early records tell us that the Doberman in Germany was a dog used by men as a guard dog. A dog that was alert, fearless, aggressive, intelligent, and trainable. The dogs were described as being “sharp” and became very popular as a police and watch dog. This type of temperament may have been accepted and desired in the rural settings of the past, but certainly not a temperament or dog that could survive in the urban society of today.

The Doberman of Today…

During the past 100 years the committed Doberman breeder has been able to produce a much milder/steadier disposition than the earlier dogs exhibited. Upon close examination, the breed is found in a variety of working positions as well as being an excellent dog for competition performances, the conformation ring, and a devoted family dog/clown/couch potato.

Questions about the Doberman Temperament

Quoted below are the two issues of temperament discussed in the AKC Standard for the Doberman. These areas are shyness and aggression. Either, if improperly displayed, will result in the Doberman being disqualified or excused from the ring.

“The judge shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Doberman.”

Shyness - A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge; if it fears an approach from the rear; if it shies at sudden and unusual noises to a marked degree.

Viciousness - A dog that attacks or attempts to attack either the judge or its handler, is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.”

FAQ’s about the Doberman Temperament

Are Dobermans Are Nervous?

No, a Doberman is not nervous. They are full of energy. If a Doberman owner tends to be nervous, stressed, and unsure of how to properly handle/train a Doberman, the Dobe will often display his owner’s nervousness and confusion.

Are Dobermans Shy?

No, a properly bred Doberman is not shy. Early socialization and training should be part of developing the correct temperament of a Dobe.

NOTE: This is not to say there are no shy Dobermans. As with any breed there are dogs that exhibit abnormal behavior and since there are various types and degrees of shyness. If you are having trouble with your Doberman, please contact a qualified Doberman trainer, join the Doberman discussion list (DOBERWORLD-L), and also inquire about the shy dog list.

The Doberman is a power packed medium sized dog. The Dobe has a beautifully wedge shaped head, a well arched neck that flows into smooth fitting shoulders which blend into a firm strong topline. Connect this with a muscular rear assembly and a well turned stifle, with tight fitting skin covered with short close fitting coat and you have a clean crisp silhouette of a dog that possesses an air of nobility, an alertness to his surroundings, and the courage and mobility to respond to any situation.

The Doberman is a dog that comes with a built in high energy level and watching this short backed galloper run free (flat out with four off the floor) along the beach, in a field, or through the mountains has left many owners explaining what they see by describing the gracefulness, speed and beauty of a deer.

NOTE: Caution - be VERY careful with your Doberman during hunting season!!

Even though the Doberman was originally bred as a guardian and personal protector, the Doberman has an excellent nose for tracking and has been used for capturing felons. For many years the Doberman has been chosen to become an outstanding member of Search and Rescue Teams. A few owners have been surprised by the pointing and retrieving instincts of the Dobe and have made excellent hunting companions out of their pets. Dobes can also be found herding sheep (one such Dobe even has a Herding Dog Certificate) and bringing the cows in at milking time. The Dobermans loyalty, devotion, confidence and high degree of trainability (in the right hands) made the Doberman the dog of choice by the USMC during WWII; giving his life for his country. In contrast, this same breed has been and is still being used as a guide dog as well as an outstanding therapy dog.

The Doberman is one of the smartest dogs of dogdom. He is known for his intelligence and his uncanny reasoning ability. These qualities combined with the Dobe’s deceptive power, exuberance for life, and his simple yet complex nature and temperament require extra time for early socialization, obedience training, and ample exercise. The Doberman is not recommended for dog owners of limited time, energy, and experience.

On the other hand, the Doberman is extremely affectionate and has been able to find his way into the hearts of his owners, like no other breed, and many people are life long devotes of this magnificent “Cadillac” of dogs.