In this day of designer shoes, bags and clothing, the newest trend is “designer dogs”. There are Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Pugles, Yorkipoos and many more. Did you know the Doberman was one of the first designer dogs?

The Doberman is a dog of German descent, developed by Karl Freidrich Louis Dobermann between 1864 and 1889. Herr Dobermann was a tax collector in Apolda, a German town in the state of Thuringia. He was also in charge of keeping local strays off the street and in the dog pound. Louis Dobermann carried money with him on his tax collecting rounds, and wanted a dog for protection.

Louis Dobermann had an idea for medium sized dog that would appear intimidating. His idea was to base his dog on a terrier since they were, and still are known for speed, coordination and tenacity. Herr Dobermann wanted a dog that was intelligent, easy to train and required little grooming. His position of dog catcher gave him easy access to stray dogs of many breeds. Unfortunately, he did not keep records of what he bred. It is generally thought based on the look and temperament that the Doberman (the spelling changed when the breed came to the states) was based on a combination of several different breeds of dogs.

The following is a list of breeds thought to contribute to the Doberman we know today:

Beauceron- A French breed known as “King of Sheepdogs”, popular in Europe. This breed is elegant, powerful and has a fierce hunting instinct. It is also known as an intelligent dog.

Rottweiler- This breed was included for its size, stamina and tracking ability.

The Old German Pinscher- (now extinct) Known for alertness, aggressiveness, and its black and rust coat.

Weimaraner- This breed is good a tracking, pointing and retrieving. Weimaraners have a stable, protective and affectionate temperament. Well bred Dobermans of today have similar temperaments.

Manchester Terrier- This breed was included for its coat, head shape and rust markings. Manchester Terriers are keenly observant, devoted and loving, but also determined and fearless.

English Greyhound- The Greyhound would have contributed height, stamina and speed.

After Louis Dobermann died, Otto Goeller took over development of the breed. He is credited with refining the Doberman and used the kennel name Thuringen. He also helped determine the standard for the breed in Germany. In 1889 he established the first Doberman Pinscher Club. Herr Goeller and another Doberman breeder, Herr Gorswin of the Groenland Kennel produced several of the most important Dobermans in the breeds history and are the ancestors of modern Dobermans.

The first Dobermans were brought to the United States in approximately 1908. After 1921, the Doberman became more well known as more dogs were brought over from Germany. Because of their loyalty, devotion, confidence and fearlessness, the United States Marine Corps used Dobermans during World War 2. When the United States Marines landed in the South Pacific in 1943, it was the first time the military used dogs in combat. The Doberman was the official war dog of the United States Marines. 2and courageously served in the jungles of the South Pacific alongside the troops. They warned the soldiers of the enemy waiting in ambush or hiding in caves. The Dobermans guarded troops while they slept in foxholes at night saving many lives. These dogs gave their lives protecting the Marines.

In 1993, Dr. William Putney contacted Ray Carlisle, of the United Doberman Club to discuss a War Memorial for the War Dog Cemetery in Guam. They worked together to raise money and commissioned a statue by Susan Bahary. It was erected as a tribute to the working heritage of the Doberman. The statue is a bronze life size replica of a Doberman with the words “Always Faithful” inscribed on the front along with the names of the dogs buried there.

Originally, the Doberman was bred for its aggressiveness as it was used almost exclusively as a working dog, for guarding and protection. Over time, more consideration was given to temperament as Dobermans became more popular as show dogs and family pets. Today the Doberman is frequently used in Search and Rescue and as therapy dogs. Although still true to their breeding as protection dogs, Dobermans are known by their people as “Velcro” dogs because of their desire to be as physically close as possible to family members. A properly trained and well bred Doberman puppy will grow up to be a loyal, loving family member with the ability to protect your family to the point of laying down their lives.

By Joseph M Sabol

Joseph M. Sabol is a world class doberman breeder. Please go to http://theroadhousedobes.com or to http://petvitamins4u.com for further information

Toys with the asthma friendly® certification mark do not contain any fabric or fillings known to aggravate asthma. Additionally, their quality and workmanship allow for the effective allergen reduction process of freezing, washing and drying, while maintaining all safety standards. They are an ideal choice for children with asthma. Please refer to the asthma friendly® website for additional information: www.asthmafriendly.com.

(more…)

You have a picture in your head. A picture of yourself with your practically perfect dog. You’ve always preferred big dogs, and your ideal dog is sturdy, strong, and energetic. At the same time, you envision a dog who is gentle and completely in tune to your needs, your whims, and your every move. That perfect dog is likely a Labrador Retriever. After all, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States, according to American Kennel Club registrations. Labs are beautiful, friendly, adaptable, easygoing, brave, loyal, dependable, and intelligent. What could be better? Labrador Retrievers For Dummies is a useful guide to have if you’re thinking of getting a Lab or even if you already own one. Perhaps (more…)

The Great Dane is a big dog that often has no concept of his size. One family fashioned a cowbell on their Dane so they could hear him coming. There was not an aggressive bone in him but when he galloped full bore towards you he’d brush past enough to knock you sideways if you weren’t ready for him!
This is a giant of a breed with a gentle heart. They’re a clown that is the inspiration for Marmaduke cartoons with the impression of power in television and movies. Danes have been immortalized by the likes of Scooby-Doo and in movies such as The Patriot, The Swiss Family Robinson, Good Boy! Pluto and Goofy are said to be inspired by Great Danes.
They’re dignified yet can be goofy. Their very size demands early training and discipline to be calm, loving adults. Gibson, a harlequin, is 42.2 inches and 170 pounds – when he stands on his hind legs he’s seven feet tall!
The Great Dane is noble and elegant and a true giant of a dog. They have a history dating back over 400 years where they were used for boar hunting. A dog resembling a Dane was found in materials dated to 1211 B.C. The Great Dane is believed to trace to the Irish Wolfhound and English Mastiff as parent breeds, for the purpose hunting of a fast, powerful and savage foe. Along with hunting for boar they were also used for deer hunting.
By the breed standard they are powerful and smooth muscled with a spirited attitude. The males must be over 30 inches and over 32 inches are preferred as long as he is balanced. This leaves a dog that can be 150 pounds without being fat! Counters are head high to them. A smooth bbut thick coat that shines with good care is ideal.
The Danes come in several colors including brindle, fawn with black mask, blue, black, harlequin and mantle. A harlequin is a pinto pattern of black and white while the mantle is “collie marked” in black and white. This is a breed that strides out level and powerful and is friendly. They shouldn’t ever be timid or aggressive. The ears may be cropped or uncropped.
Their giant size means massive growth as puppies that is a challenge to feed. Too fast growth can cause problems with joints while too slow isn’t good either. Several health issues can face the breed and are serious enough to warrant attention.
The Great Dane is the #1 breed in statistics for bloat, which is the leading killer of this beautiful breed. It is imperative to feed several small meals per day and restrict exercise immediately afterwards to keep the stomach from filling and twisting. If a twist occurs it causes the dog excruciating pain and he will die in hours without surgical care. This cannot be stressed enough – prevention is much much better than dealing with a dog in crisis. Preventing these giants from drinking large amounts of water is another recommended tip.
Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism also affect Danes as well as cardiomyopathy. All three of these are genetic and can be tested for to eliminate breeding dogs that will pass the disease on. Cataracts can affect the breed as well as bone cancer and lymphoma. Wobblers or CVI is another serious disorder that results from pressure on the spinal cord in the neck area. Dogs appear unsteady or ‘drunk’. HOD – hypertrophic osteodystrophy is a painful disorder resulting from rapid growth. Panosteitis is another disorder that can cause lameness during the growth phase.
The Great Dane needs a fenced yard but keep them away from landscaping as they are apt to rearrange it! Due to their size they should not be left alone with children. Although Danes are not mean dogs their size and playfulness can injure children as well as smaller pets. They are people orientated but do need consistent training from puppyhood! Their size alone deters many problems and they shouldn’t be taught to be aggressive.
This is a breed that can be expensive due to the large size and everything from beds to dishes is bigger! If socialized they love people with one Dane owner putting a bell on his dog so there was warning of him coming. The dog was not a bit mean but his size brushing past people could knock you down!
This is a breed that can live 8-10 years and more than one child has climbed up on a Dane to ride them as a small horse. Most dogs take such things in stride but again – the size if playing or wrestling can hurt a small child without ever intending to.
A good diet is critical for these dogs not only in quantity but quality. This is an active breed that loves to run but should do so only in controlled situations. They are not typically barkers without a reason to bark.
When taking on a Dane remember that many people are afraid of large dogs. Be responsible enough to keep your Dane home where he belongs. Fawn Danes in particular are at the mercy of unethical hunters in the fall and more than one Dane has lost his life simply wandering in the woods. In urban areas the dangers can be even higher. Don’t take the chance of losing a great dog for lack of a fence, and don’t rely on the invisible fences.
Training is not an option but a requirement! They MUST know their place in the pack order (and always below humans!) and firm, consistent handling is key to establishing this. Allowing a Great Dane to dominate a household means someone will get hurt or killed sooner or later, a situation in which both people and dogs lose. It is also one which is preventable. The Great Dane is an intelligent dog that wants to learn and wants to do the right thing – it is up to his owners to teach him what that is!
As of 2007 the world’s tallest dog is a Great Dane. The Great Dane is the official dog of Pennsylvania and the team mascot at the University of Albany. A Great Dane has been a member of the South African Navy and the breed is prominent in Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin.
Among the fans of the Great Dane is Burt Ward, famous as “Robin” in the Batman series of the 1960s. He and his wife have a home that gives Great Danes a second chance and 3,000 Danes have found homes since 1994.
The Great Dane is a big dog that is a great dog in the right hands with the right handling. They need a home that is willing to be firm enough to teach manners and discipline but compassionate enough to bolster them and help them be the bold, outgoing adult they are capable of being.
The Dane will give you his heart and his life if need be. Make sure your time with him is worth that kind of devotion!