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Additional information (Wiki):The
Dobermann Pinscher (alternatively
spelled Doberman in many countries) or
Dobermann is a breed of domestic dog.
Dobermann Pinschers are among the most
common of pet breeds, and the breed is
well known as an intelligent, alert, and
loyal companion dog. Although once
commonly used as guard dogs, watch dogs,
or police dogs, this is less common
today. In many countries, Dobermann
Pinschers are one of the most
recognizable breeds, in part because of
their actual roles in society, and in
part because of media attention (see
temperament). Careful breeding has
improved the disposition of this breed,
and the modern Dobermann Pinscher is an
energetic and lively breed suitable for
companionship and family life.
Doberman Pinschers are the target of a
mistaken stereotype of ferocity and
aggression. As a personal protection dog,
the Doberman was originally bred for
these traits: it had to be large and
intimidating, fearless and willing to
defend its owner, but sufficiently
obedient and restrained to only do so on
command. These traits served the dog
well in its role as a personal defense
dog, police dog or war dog, but were not
ideally adapted to a companionship role.
In recent decades, the Doberman
Pinscher's size, short coat, and
intelligence made it a desirable house
dog. Although these dogs are mistaken
for their aggression, they are extremely
loyal. They can easily learn to 'Respect
and Protect' their owners. In response,
they are excellent guard dogs that
protect the ones they love. There is
evidence that Doberman Pinschers in
North America are calmer than their
European counterparts because of these
breeding strategies Because of these
differences in breeding strategies,
different lines of Doberman Pinschers
have developed different traits.
Although many contemporary Doberman
Pinschers in North America are gentle,
loyal, loving, and intelligent dogs,
some lines are bred more true to the
original personality standard
In addition to the studies of canine
personality, there has been some
research to determine whether there are
breed differences in aggression. In a
recent study, aggression was divided
into four categories: aggression
directed at strangers, owner, other
strange dogs and rivalry with other
household dogs. This study found that
the Doberman Pinscher ranked relatively
high on stranger-directed aggression (behind
the Dachshund and Chihuahua), but
extremely low on owner-directed
aggression. The Doberman Pinscher ranked
as average on dog-directed aggression
and dog rivalry. Looking only at bites
and attempted bites, Doberman Pinschers
rank as far less aggressive towards
humans, and show less aggression than
many breeds without a reputation (e.g.,
Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie and Great
Dane). This study concluded that
aggression has a genetic basis, that the
Doberman shows a distinctive pattern of
aggression depending on the situation,
and that contemporary Doberman Pinschers
are not an aggressive breed overall. |
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