The point of this piece is that there are two issues here to be explained. The first topic of “REPRODUCTION” involves the mating or coming together of a male and a female to create new life—in the context of our article—puppies.   There is no qualifications or standards imposed on this “act”, as ANY male and female Doberman CAN be mated/bred to have a litter of puppies. The “bigger” question is *WHY*??

PRODUCING MORE PUPPIES in this critical time, the 21st CENTURY, where there are thousands of Dobermans in Shelters, Humane Societies and Rescues all over the Country seems a most inhumane and cruel thing to do. Having a litter of puppies should NEVER be to—-MAKE SOME SPENDING MONEY—LET THE “KIDS SEE HOW THE “BIRDS & BEES” OPERATE—-BECAUSE PUPPIES ARE SO CUTE—-BECAUSE ALL MY FRIENDS WANT ONE—because the result is that there are tiny, cute, innocent  Doberman puppies being put to sleep EVERY DAY in this Country.   This is not to mention the young adults, adults and seniors that are DUMPED.   Some end up in POUNDS and on the STREETS to suffer, get maimed or abused.

**EVERY DOBERMAN PET PUPPY**  SHOULD BE **SPAYED  OR  NEUTERED**—-WITHOUT EXCEPTION!

BREEDING BETTER DOBERMANS is the “goal” of   *reputable, conscientious  and careful*   breeders that seek to breed for the “IDEAL” Doberman as described in the DOBERMAN STANDARD as approved by the DPCA and the American Kennel Club.   Below is the site to access the “THE DOBERMAN STANDARD”.

The Doberman standard

The “Standard” describes HOW the Doberman should look physically, and it describes HOW the Doberman should act, temperament wise.   Reputable breeders pay attention to HEALTH PROBLEMS and TEST for them.   Hip Dysplasia, vWD, Thyroid, Cardiac Abnormalities and other concerns are *tested for* and screened for their appearance.
ONLY THE **VERY SUPERIOR SPECIMENS** of the Breed should be allowed to reproduce.  We have many venues to *test* for PHYSICAL AND MENTAL QUALITIES. The prospective breeding stock can compete in the CONFORMATION venue for adherence to the “STANDARD” and be awarded CHAMPIONSHIP points, leading to an eventual CHAMPION title if good enough.

In the OBEDIENCE venue, the Doberman will be exhibited to show its ability to work closely with the owner/trainer to follow commands they have been trained to recognize, and be awarded titles that reward  the various levels of achievement in the Dobermans trainability and mental intellect, such as COMPANION DOG, COMPANION DOG EXCELLENT AND HIGHER.

In the AGILITY venue, where Dobermans are taught to use their inborn talents of quickness, working ability and trainability to maneuver a designed course of obstacles to test their prowess,  the Doberman is awarded titles that show the various levels of achievement such as NOVICE AGILITY AND MASTER AGILITY and higher.   And many others that showcase the Dobermans skills, appearance and working abilities.

ONLY THE VERY SUPERIOR SPECIMENS OF DOBERMANS SHOULD BE BRED! ALL **PETS** SHOULD BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED FOR THEIR HEALTH AND THE BREEDS.

For more information on breeding and reproduction, visit the DPCA Breeders Education Committee

DPCA Breeders Education Committee

submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee

The American Kennel Club official *Standard* for the Doberman does an excellent job at describing the temperament of this ultimate guard dog.

The *ideal* Doberman temperament is:
Energetic
Watchful
Determined
Alert
Fearless
Loyal and Obedient

The IDEAL Doberman is a stable, confident and FEARLESS dog or bitch. Correct temperament is so important in the Doberman that it is emphasized in the Standard by a directive to judges.

“The judge MUST dismiss from the ring any animal that is SHY or VICIOUS.”

The Doberman temperament is the “essence and persona” of what the doberman is and what sets it apart from other breeds and even other breeds of Working dogs.

It is the APPEARANCE and TEMPERAMENT  that make up what the Doberman breed is distinctive for among all of the dog realm.

ENERGETIC—this trait is NOT an exaggeration!   The Doberman is on the go. He is an active and involved dog, making himself a central part of the family and family activities.   He requires intense and close contact with people of his family and has a very high activity level, requiring lots of exercise.  Because of this need to be on the go, it makes this breed vulnerable to running and extreme bursts of speed which can be dangerous if not in a fenced yard or confined perimeter.   Thus it is imperative that the yard and property be fenced securely.   The Doberman is extremely obedient, however commands given to COME can be inadvertently missed by the Doberman when actively running and can lead to tragic consequences by running into a road or highway, only to be struck or even killed in his exuberance to stretch his legs.

A young Doberman is into everything and requires the family to keep an eye on him and puppy/dog proof the house and yard until he is trained and understands what he can and cannot do.  They are very much like a curious toddler, interested in anything that is new and searching to investigate everything.  And the fact that they are so high energy, coupled with their natural curiosity and investigative tendencies, makes it necessary to scrutinize the Dobermans activities so he doesn’t get into trouble.

WATCHFUL—The Doberman is aware and on guard.  It’s part of his ongoing personality.  He doesn’t miss a thing!  This is a very important trait in an effective guard and watch dog.   He MUST be aware of his environment at all times.   His hearing and sense of smell is astonishing.  These two senses are the primary tools that the Doberman uses to evaluate his world at all times.   Sight is important, but secondary.   Sight is effective to guard dogs, however “hidden” foes or danger can only be picked up by smell or sound.  The Doberman will investigate any and all possible intruders, sometimes to the annoyance of their owners, as they will be up and in the check it out frame of mind.  This is NOT a quiet dog, content to ignore his environment and stay curled up and snoozing.   He is up and on the go at any possible noise, smell or sight of a possible threat.

DETERMINED—This trait can be appreciated in the Doberman when they are relentless in pursuing a threat to their family.   They are not easily deterred from their “job” of guard and protection, and take the threat on the family totally seriously, and will not give up the protest until assured that “it’s all right, now”.   This “determined” attitude also makes it a challenge to train a Doberman at times, as he definitely has his opinion about everything.   But with patience, kindness and proper discipline, you will prevail in conveying your will and wishes on the Doberman.   The result will be a well trained and incredibly responsive companion that will gladly come between a threat and his loving family.

The key to success with the Doberman is to be MORE determined in pursuing your training of him,  than he is determined to resist. The Doberman needs something to do with his time and is a willing partner in family activities, and will develop into a perfect gentleman and good citizen.

ALERT—The Doberman is always aware of his surroundings.   He is on guard and on duty at all times.   He doesn’t miss a thing and is responsive and will check out anything that alerts him to possible danger to his family.

FEARLESS—The Doberman standing alertly—staring at the danger—ears held totally up and eyes focused on the threat.   Woe to the foolish man who doesn’t think the Doberman will stand his ground and dare the intruder to go through him.   It is this stance and attitude and lightening fast
reflexes and responses that, coupled with the Dobermans totally fearless and confident attitude, that make him the absolute PREMIER protection and guard dog, as well as cherished pet and family companion and comrade.   He is unflappable when danger is present.

LOYAL AND OBEDIENT—These qualities make the Doberman more than simply a weapon for guard and protection.   Only total devotion to family is what the Doberman’s job is everyday.   He is focused on his family and wants to please and do exactly what they want him to do.  He will bond and attach himself to the family and execute his role as companion and protector like no other breed can.

All of these wonderful traits blend and combine in the Doberman temperament to produce the end result of a devoted, loving and protective dog that is unique and truly admired in the dog world.

submitted by
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee