By fat not an every breed is honorable to be called in the
name of its creator. Freidrich Louis Doberman was born in
1834, January 2 in Apolda. He is known to have been a tax- and
rent collector. It is obvious, that peculiarities of his job and
anxiety to have a “special” breed with very certain abilities
worked for breeding the dogs with short, smooth hair.
These dogs were enduring, intelligent; they were not afraid of
shots, awake and devoted companions willing to accompany their
owners without a moment’s hesitation and fight for their owners’
interests.
It is assumed that Doberman started the purposeful work on
rearing “his” dog breed
from 1860.
Unfortunately, there are no remaining records on the selection:
its directions, obtained results, the breeds used.One may
suggest that first breeds were German Pincher, Rottweiler (a
butcher’s dog), shepherd dogs-beaucerons, some hunting dogs such
as shoot-woolled gun dogs, Manchester terrier, greyhound.
Besides, bastards of these breeds were used if they met exterior
and behavioral criterions, the criterions which Doberman wanted
to find in his dogs.
Many experts of the day regarded Doberman’s idea of embodying an
ideal of a tracker dog into a new breed useless and Doberman
himself in the eyes of them was just a self-asserting layman.
However… Foremost dogs with their ears and tails cut short were being bred by Doberman. They were named
“Thüringer Pinschers”, “Army-police” or “Gendarme” dogs, but in
daily use their names were: “Shnupp” or “Speck”.
These dogs were gained popularity fast due to their individual
abilities, high guard-watch instinct and obedience. Later on,
cytologist Otto Haller went in for selection and breeding for
long time. A homotypic stock already appeared in city Apolda in
Thuringia by 70 s. Followers of F. L. Doberman such as Goswin
Tishler and Otto Goeller had played a prominent role in breed
development.
They gained worldwide recognition. The first club for admirers
of this breed was founded in city Apolda. The breed standard
contained the following records: “Doberman is noted for devotion
and fearlessness; it has strong nervous system, vigilance and
courage. Owing to its grown intellect, its inborn wickedness,
excellent instinct, amazing working capacity and obedience, it
is very easily trainable.
It can be not only a good domestic dog but also a tracker dog”
Doberman is an elegant, honorable dog with well-developed guard
and investigative qualities. On account of these
characteristics, Doberman has gained world recognition and fame.
This dog is valued for sagacity, endless dedication to its
owner; fearlessness and reliability during guardianship.
