Dobermans - The Original "Designer Dog"?

In this day of designer shoes, bags and clothing, therefining the Doberman and used the kennel name
newest trend is "designer dogs". There areThuringen. He also helped determine the standard for
Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Pugles, Yorkipoos andthe breed in Germany. In 1889 he established the
many more. Did you know the Doberman was onefirst Doberman Pinscher Club. Herr Goeller and
of the first designer dogs?another Doberman breeder, Herr Gorswin of the
The Doberman is a dog of German descent,Groenland Kennel produced several of the most
developed by Karl Freidrich Louis Dobermannimportant Dobermans in the breeds history and are
between 1864 and 1889. Herr Dobermann was a taxthe ancestors of modern Dobermans.
collector in Apolda, a German town in the state ofThe first Dobermans were brought to the United
Thuringia. He was also in charge of keeping localStates in approximately 1908. After 1921, the
strays off the street and in the dog pound. LouisDoberman became more well known as more dogs
Dobermann carried money with him on his taxwere brought over from Germany. Because of their
collecting rounds, and wanted a dog for protection.loyalty, devotion, confidence and fearlessness, the
Louis Dobermann had an idea for medium sized dogUnited States Marine Corps used Dobermans during
that would appear intimidating. His idea was to baseWorld War 2. When the United States Marines landed
his dog on a terrier since they were, and still arein the South Pacific in 1943, it was the first time the
known for speed, coordination and tenacity. Herrmilitary used dogs in combat. The Doberman was the
Dobermann wanted a dog that was intelligent, easyofficial war dog of the United States Marines. 2and
to train and required little grooming. His position ofcourageously served in the jungles of the South
dog catcher gave him easy access to stray dogs ofPacific alongside the troops. They warned the soldiers
many breeds. Unfortunately, he did not keep recordsof the enemy waiting in ambush or hiding in caves.
of what he bred. It is generally thought based on theThe Dobermans guarded troops while they slept in
look and temperament that the Doberman (thefoxholes at night saving many lives. These dogs gave
spelling changed when the breed came to the states)their lives protecting the Marines.
was based on a combination of several differentIn 1993, Dr. William Putney contacted Ray Carlisle, of
breeds of dogs.the United Doberman Club to discuss a War Memorial
The following is a list of breeds thought to contributefor the War Dog Cemetery in Guam. They worked
to the Doberman we know today:together to raise money and commissioned a statue
Beauceron- A French breed known as "King ofby Susan Bahary. It was erected as a tribute to the
Sheepdogs", popular in Europe. This breed is elegant,working heritage of the Doberman. The statue is a
powerful and has a fierce hunting instinct. It is alsobronze life size replica of a Doberman with the words
known as an intelligent dog."Always Faithful" inscribed on the front along with the
Rottweiler- This breed was included for its size,names of the dogs buried there.
stamina and tracking ability.Originally, the Doberman was bred for its
The Old German Pinscher- (now extinct) Known foraggressiveness as it was used almost exclusively as a
alertness, aggressiveness, and its black and rust coat.working dog, for guarding and protection. Over time,
Weimaraner- This breed is good a tracking, pointingmore consideration was given to temperament as
and retrieving. Weimaraners have a stable, protectiveDobermans became more popular as show dogs and
and affectionate temperament. Well bred Dobermansfamily pets. Today the Doberman is frequently used
of today have similar temperaments.in Search and Rescue and as therapy dogs. Although
Manchester Terrier- This breed was included for itsstill true to their breeding as protection dogs,
coat, head shape and rust markings. ManchesterDobermans are known by their people as "Velcro"
Terriers are keenly observant, devoted and loving,dogs because of their desire to be as physically close
but also determined and fearless.as possible to family members. A properly trained and
English Greyhound- The Greyhound would havewell bred Doberman puppy will grow up to be a loyal,
contributed height, stamina and speed.loving family member with the ability to protect your
After Louis Dobermann died, Otto Goeller took overfamily to the point of laying down their lives.
development of the breed. He is credited with