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2 Great Breeds of Canines Available in Texas

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  •      Doberman Pinscher                                 (click)                        Australian Shepherd
                                                            





         DOBERMAN PINSCHER
The Doberman Pinscher was originally produced in Germany as a personal protector for individuals and families and for police and military work. Throughout Europe, this is still the case. In Europe the Doberman (or Dobermann as it is spelled) is viewed as a dog primarily for protection work and is bred with the intention of maintaining the traits needed in a protection dog, usually termed 'workability'.
In dogs we refer to their character and mental disposition as temperament. The Doberman is bred for a specific temperament. He is not vicious – he is protective. He is not stubborn – he is determined. He has the mind (intelligence) to be stable around children and non-threatening strangers, but will also be protective when danger arises. A Doberman owner must be able and willing to harness his fine companion’s powerful set of tools. When he does he has the ultimate partner, committed and loving, willing to dedicate his body and soul.
A naturally protective Doberman is safe and effective but not a liability. A properly bred Doberman commands respect everywhere it goes. They deter crime just through ownership. They add a feeling of safety and security to your home. They need to be naturally protective not aggressive. There is a huge difference and there are dogs of both types out there.  PROUD, NOBLE, ENERGETIC, WATCHFUL, DETERMINED, ALERT, FEARLESS, LOYAL AND OBEDIENT; Descriptive words that should give anyone a pretty clear picture of how my Dobermans should look and behave at any given time. Protect your family, home and assets with safe ownership of a deterrent breed of dog such as a Doberman Pinscher.


American Vs European?
The American bred Doberman and the European Doberman are both good dogs for their intended purposes, it really does come down to preference. You even have some people crossing the two. Since the gene pool is very shallow anyway, it may help the genetic health of the breed in the long run.



AMERICAN DOBERMAN
The goals of most Doberman breeders in America are for the production of pet or companion dogs, and show dogs. One of the reasons the Doberman is so popular in the US is that it is such a loving, gentle, and devoted companion dog who fits exceptionally well into the busy American family. Breeders focused on producing  companion Dobermans are mainly concerned with health and temperament.
Also producing quality American Dobermans, but contributing less to the Doberman breed, are breeders focused on show dogs. The problem with these breeders is just that, they
are focused on show confirmation- not health and temperament. American Dobermans in the show ring are no longer referred to as guard or protection dogs but as family companions.
The devoted Doberman breeder in the US still works to maintain "workability" and the working traits in the American Doberman.


EUROPEAN DOBERMAN
In Europe before a Doberman's offspring can be registered one of its parents must hold a Schutzhund title. Schutzhund is German for 'protection dog' and refers to a system for testing dogs of working breeds for workability. It has also grown into a popular sport in Europe and somewhat throughout the United Stated, although the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow its affiliates to sanction Schutzhund trials.
Under the common European and German philosophy, the Doberman is a compact dog untouchable by anyone but its owner, handler, or family. He must be strictly obedient under all circumstance and is expected to meet threats with all-out aggression.
It is understood and accepted that the Doberman Pinscher is a real physical danger to anyone approaching the Doberman's home or family in a threatening way. The European Doberman, like all healthy and properly socialized Dobermans, is not vicious. A mindless attack dog is not the goal of Schutzhund- the opposite in fact. A mindless attacker is useless in protection work.  PROUD, NOBLE, ENERGETIC, WATCHFUL, DETERMINED, ALERT, FEARLESS, LOYAL AND OBEDIENT. 

FYI
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. Doberman have also been outstanding members 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD
The Australian Shepherd
(affectionately called an ‘Aussie’) is intelligent and eager to learn. He is relaxed, loyal, devoted and bonds closely with family. Aussies are confident and lively; they are known to behave like puppies. The Aussie is a great companion for children and other pets, especially if socialized as a puppy. Aussies are affectionate, kindhearted and territorial by nature. They require relatively little grooming, but a thorough combing is required when shedding. Bathe only when necessary. Aussies can tolerate warm or cool climates. With a life span of 12-13 years, the Australian Shepherd is fun to train because it learns quickly and easily.