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Breed Overview
Height:
24 – 28 inches
Weight:
60 – 80 pounds
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Colors:
Black, Blue, Brown, Fawn, Red
Suitable for:
Active families, Those with larger living areas
Temperature:
Loyal & Loving, Easy to train, Territorial
Few dogs have an iconic appearance quite like the Doberman. With a stoic appearance and a loyal temperament, the black Doberman has been an iconic dog for decades.
But when did humans first breed the Doberman, and how did they become so popular? We’ll answer those questions and dive into everything else you might want to know about this classic dog breed.
Doberman Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Black Dobermans in History
While there’s a lot of mystery surrounding where some dog breeds came from, that’s not the case with the Doberman. The Doberman originated in Apolda, Germany, and came about from the work of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, which is where the name Doberman comes from.
Dobermann only cared about getting the most fearless and driven dog possible, and he really didn’t care much about the dog’s appearance. Dobermann never kept any kind of breeding records, but the first dog he bred in the Doberman line was more terrier than what we think of with a Doberman today, but that’s where this large dog gets its humble roots.
It really wasn’t until after Dobermann died that future dog owners started to care more about the Doberman’s appearance and morphed the dog into what we recognize as a Doberman today.
How the Black Doberman Gained Popularity
Dobermans have been a popular dog breed for about 160 years, with the first known sighting occurring at a dog market in Apolda, Germany in 1863.
Since the dog market was all about working dogs then, it’s not hard to see how the Doberman stood out and stole the show. Their large and regal appearance helped them grow in popularity back in 1863, and it’s what makes them such a popular choice today.
Formal Recognition of the Black Doberman
Few dogs have had as much formal recognition and for as long as the Doberman. The first Doberman Pinscher entered a dog show back in 1897, meaning humans have been showing off the Doberman for over 125 years!
But while the first Doberman walked into a show ring way back in 1897, they had a much rougher appearance then, since before that they were primarily working dogs known for their even-keeled and watchful temperament.
Top 3 Unique Facts About the Black Doberman
The Doberman is an extremely unique dog, so it’s not all that surprising that there are plenty of amazing facts about this dog. We’ve highlighted three of our favorite Doberman facts for you here.
1. The Doberman Came From a Tax Collector
Nobody really likes tax collectors, but one good thing we can say about them is that they gave us the Doberman. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann was a tax collector in Germany at the time he developed the Doberman.
2. Dobermans Are Police, Military, Rescue, and Therapy Dogs
Dobermann originally bred the Doberman to be a fearless and driven dog, and those are two traits that go well with just about any professional application. If you’re looking for a police, military, rescue, or therapy dog, there’s a good chance a Doberman is up for the job.
3. Formal Dog Clubs Do Not Recognize the “All-Black” Doberman
When you look at a Doberman, you might think they are all black, but the truth is that any formally recognized Doberman will have brown around their snout, paws, and ears. They’re mostly all-black, but they’re not completely all-black.
Does a Black Doberman Make a Good Pet?
Yes! Whether you have a family, run a farm, or if you just want a companion dog, a Doberman makes a phenomenal choice. Dobermans are extremely loyal, highly intelligent, and eager to please their owner.
With training, there isn’t much you can’t train a Doberman to do. Just keep in mind that they do have a bit more energy compared to other dogs, so you will need to exercise them more to keep them happy.
But there’s a reason Dobermans have remained popular for over 150 years; it’s simply because they’re a great dog and a great pet!
In Conclusion
If you want a loyal dog with an unmatched drive, you’re not going to find a better choice than a Doberman. While some dogs came about simply because of how they look, the Doberman came because of what they can do.
They still look great and have a regal appearance, but with the Doberman, it’s all about the temperament, the drive, and the loyalty. And just like the Dobermans of years ago, today’s Dobermans pass those same tests with flying colors.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
