HISTORY
The Doberman Pinscher (also known as a Dobermann or affectionately called ‘Dobe’) was bred in Germany in the late nineteenth century, almost exclusively as the work of one man—Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a tax collector who sought to breed an alert guard dog for personal protection. Within a decade, a breed similar to the modern Doberman Pinscher had been created, popularized, and imported to America. In America, it became a popular guard, military and police dog, and later a well-admired show dog. By the late 1970’s, the Doberman was the second most popular breed in America.

Today, in Europe the Doberman (or Dobermann as it is spelled) is still bred with the intention of maintaining the traits needed in a protection dog.  Before a Doberman's offspring can be registered in Europe, 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. Schutzhund has grown into a popular sport in Europe and somewhat throughout the United Stated, although the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not 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 is 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. Understand, 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.

The ideal protection Doberman is calm and friendly- until a threat is revealed. Then he will emit loud warning barks and keep himself between his handler and the threat, not pulling or leaving his handler. Only when the threat attacks, or when he is commanded, will the ideal protection Doberman attack. This is the goal of preserving the working traits and a priority in European and German Doberman Pinscher breeding.