The Doberman Pinscher is an elegant, muscular and very powerful dog. It has a well proportioned chest, a short back and a lean, muscular neck. The hair is short, thick, hard and tight to its body. Its teeth are strong and close in a scissors bite. Eyes are dark with a lively, intelligent expression. It's legs are perfectly straight. The Doberman gait must be elastic, elegant, and cover a lot of ground.
Bred over a century to be an outstanding guard dog, the Doberman Pincher is intense and energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. Versatile, highly intelligent and very easy to train. Determined, fearless and assertive, but not vicious. Noble, loyal, and affectionate with the family members. Devoted and watchful, this is a very people oriented breed. .
The Doberman is naturally protective and does not need additional "protection" training to be a fine guard dog. In fact he should be thoroughly socialized when young to prevent over-protectiveness. Although the Doberman has a reputation for being a very aggressive dog, this is just not the case. For example, Dobes make great therapy dogs. They are sweet and gentle with nursing-home patients - tippy-toeing over IV tubing and walking at the resident's speed (which can be very slow), while at the same time they will fiercely defend their master if it becomes necessary. These dogs are like big, protective babies. Doberman Pinschers have many talents.
