Page 178 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SCENT HOUNDS

Doberman Pinscher

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Isabella
26–27in 66–88lb 13 years Blue
(65–69cm) (30–40kg) Brown

This strong and graceful dog makes a loyal and obedient
pet for an experienced and active owner

This powerful, protective breed was Still widely used for police and
created in the late 19th century by a German security work, this breed is
tax official named Louis Dobermann who also popular as a house dog.
needed a dog to protect him. He developed In the past Doberman
the breed from the German Shepherd Dog Pinschers have had an
(see p.42) and the German Pinscher (see unjustified reputation for being
p.218), which is why the dog is still known as aggressive. They do need firm,
the Doberman Pinscher. Other crosses are authoritative handling, but in
thought to include the Greyhound (see return they are loving, loyal, and
p.126), the Rottweiler (see p.83), the willing to learn. Studies have
Manchester Terrier (see p.212), and the shown that the Doberman
Weimaraner (see p.248). From these breeds, Pinscher is one of the easiest
the Doberman Pinscher inherited a collection breeds to train. They enjoy
of admirable traits, including guarding and being part of family life—
tracking abilities, intelligence, endurance, the more active the better.
speed, and good looks. In the US and some other
The breed was first presented at a countries, the ears may
dog show in 1876 and was immediately still be cropped to stand
popular. By the 20th century it was in upright and the tail may
demand throughout the US and Europe be docked, but these
as a police dog and guard dog and for practices are illegal in
PUPPY
use by the military. much of Europe.

DOBERMANNS IN THE MARINE CORPS

The US Marine Corps first used dogs in World
War II, as sentries, scouts, messengers, and to
detect enemy troops. Most of the war dogs,
nicknamed “devil dogs,” were Dobermanns.
Seven dog platoons served in the Pacific and
their brave actions saved many human lives.
In 1994 a statue of a Dobermann was unveiled
at the War Dog Cemetery on Guam (right) to
commemorate the 25 dogs that died liberating
the island 50 years previously. The statue’s name,
“Always Faithful,” is a translation of the Marines’
motto, Semper Fidelis.

“ALWAYS FAITHFUL” STATUE
AT THE MARINE CORPS WAR
DOG CEMETERY, GUAM

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