Congratulations on your new Doberman Pinscher Puppy

The DPCA logo - © DPCA

Congratulations on your new Doberman Pinscher Puppy

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER OWNER...

The world of a dignified, regal, alert, intelligent, loving animal who will bark, cry, lick and love his way into your heart. He will become a member of the family, a constant companion, a capable guardian, and very possibly the center of your whole life.

Welcome to the world of loving eyes that follow your every movement, the friendly swat of a big paw to get your attention, the cold nose pushing to burrow a head under your arm or in your lap. Ninety pounds of Doberman sitting on your foot, just to be near you !

Welcome to the world of puppy shots and booster shots, worming, housebreaking, crate training, choosing a good quality kibble, and always asking your breeder or veterinarian for advice on how to keep him healthy and happy.

Welcome to the world of trimming whiskers, manicuring toenails, cleaning teeth, caring for ears, and teaching him to walk on a lead.

Welcome to the world of obedience rings, conformation rings, judges, handlers, ribbons, trophies, tears and laughter !

Welcome to our world - we who have made the astounding discovery that we do not own Dobes...... THEY OWN US!

THE BEGINNING...

Originating in the late 1800’s, the Breed was named after Friedrich Louis Dobermann of Apolda, province of Thüringen, Germany. Herr Dobermann's breeding experiments were reputedly involved in the Doberman’s early development. He needed a sharp and aggressive dog to accompany him on his tax collecting route. No records were kept, but the old German Shepherd, the German Pinscher, later the Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, the black English Greyhound and the Weimaraner are believed to have contributed to the only Working dog bred to be a human companion.

USE OF THE DOBERMAN PINSCHER...

Today the Doberman is mostly kept as a family dog and protector of his master's home. They are also used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, service dogs and search and rescue dogs.

Due to their energetic nature and intelligence, the Doberman may not fit everyone’s lifestyle. Left alone for long periods of time, the Doberman is capable of destructive behavior indicative of boredom. Proper daily exercise will keep your dog fit, happy and healthy. Ownership also carries the responsibility of training him to be a good canine citizen.

TEMPERAMENT

Some early specimens were quite sharp and aggressive, but today's Doberman temperament has undergone a gradual but steady decrease in overall sharpness.

Not all Dobermans have the same temperament. A Doberman Pinscher of correct breed temperament is trustworthy with his master’s children, friends and company. Doberman Pinschers are not well suited to being kennel dogs or isolated outdoor dogs, nor is it advisable to house two adult males together.

THE DOBERMAN BLUEPRINT

The DPCA is a member of the AKC and is responsible for writing the Standard of our breed. It is a description of how the ideal Doberman should look, move, and behave. Responsible breeders strive to produce dogs that are healthy and conform to the Standard. Dobermans that deviate from the Standard in appearance, structure, or temperament should NEVER be bred.

SPAY / NEUTER

If your dog does not meet the Standard, neutering or spaying shows not only a deep concern for your own pet Doberman, but also a respect for the breed as a whole. Your altered pet will be able to participate in most AKC performance events such as obedience, tracking, and agility, but cannot compete in conformation classes where Championship points are awarded .

EXCERPTS FROM THE STANDARD

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square..... Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

SIZE

........ Dogs: 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27 1/2 inches; Bitches: 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25 1/2 inches........

HEAD

Long, dry, resembling a blunt wedge........ Eyes almond shaped........the darkest shade being preferable in every case........ Ears normally cropped and carried erect...........

COLOR AND MARKINGS

Allowed colors: Black, Red, Blue, Fawn (Isabella). Markings: Rust, sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail............

DISQUALIFICATION

Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch, undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth. Dogs not of an allowed color.

THE PARENT CLUB

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America is a nonprofit, national organization composed of more than 2000 members from almost all of the 50 states and many foreign countries. It is the “parent” organization of 58 “area” Chapter Clubs.

The major objective of the Parent Club is to encourage and promote purebred Dobermans Pinschers and do everything possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection. To that end the DPCA feels a great obligation to educate you about our very special breed.

Policy of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America regarding the Albino “white” Doberman:

After investigation the Doberman Pinscher Club of America has determined that the albinistic trait in Dobermans is deleterious to the breed and should be considered a disqualifying genetic fault as described in the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s Standard and Code of Ethics.

We discourage breeders from allowing this trait to spread and recommend the following:

Albino “white” specimens, parents of albino “whites”, the litter mates of albino “whites”, as well as any animal coded with a “WZ” as the first two letters of it’s AKC registration number SHOULD NOT BE BRED. All of these dogs should be spayed or neutered.

Albinos” whites” are not eligible to be shown in AKC conformation shows, therefore no AKC Champions are “white”.

DPCA Membership affords many benefits:

* A new member packet containing free copies of pertinent information concerning the DPCA and Dobermans, the DPCA Constitution, DPCA Yearbook and Directory of Breeders, the Doberman Pinscher Color Guide and a DPCA decal.

*A free copy of each issue of the DPCA Pipeline

*A special reduced rate on DPCA educational materials

*The opportunity of close association on both a fraternal and professional basis with other Doberman fanciers.

Request a copy of the membership application form by mail from the DPCA Membership Secretary:
Lesley Reeves-Hunt; E-mail: dpcamembersecy@dpca.org

Or print a copy of the DPCA membership application from DPCA’s web site at URL:

http://www.dpca.org

Our web site is filled with lots of information on your new pet. Please visit us on the web!

For a list of all DPCA Educational Materials or to purchase any of the following booklets please contact:
Doug Jensen, 2704 N. Webb Road Grand Island, NE 68803

For a copy of the DPCA Yearbook & Directory of Breeders send $ 4.00 (made payable to DPCA)

For a copy of "The Beginner's Doberman Pinscher" send $ 3.50 (payable to DPCA)

For a copy of "The Doberman Pinscher Illustrated" send $ 5.00 (payable to DPCA)

| Before You Breed... | Before You Buy or Sell |

| DPCA Standard | DPCA Code of Ethics |

| DPCA Breeders Education |