The Dobermann originated in Germany. In the 19th Century a man named Herr Louis Dobermann lived in the city of Apoldo (East Germany) in the principality of Thueringen. He served as the town dog catcher, night patrolman and the rates collector among other duties. There was a demand for fearless watchdogs and Herr Dobermann started selectively breeding the best of the locally available dogs for this purpose. Nobody knows exactly which breeds were originally used, but the Great Dane, old German Shepherd, (not the German Shepherd Dog as we know it today), Weimaraner, Manchester Terrier, Greyhound and other breeds have been mentioned. During a lifetime of 60 years of interbreeding dogs, Herr Dobermann achieved great success in establishing the required watchdog breed of dog. The Dobermann was known as the "Devil Dog" by the American Marines and is their mascot. It earned the name during World War II in the Pacific, where it used to go ashore with the marines and flush out the enemy.Although current research indicates their arrival was in fact a lot earlier, the Dobermann was re-introduced into Australia in 1952.

These sleek and loyal dogs usually live up to 12 years of age, but with the correct care and nutrition will live to 14 years of age.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

It is in the Dobermann's nature to be a trustworthy and loyal companion, usually gentle but as robust and tough as you care to make it. A great playmate for the children of its "family", it will quite happily join family members at the table and even sleep in their beds, if people are foolish enough to encourage it. In fact, it will become very "human" if you forget to remind it that it is a dog! Though affectionate and obedient to its owners, the Dobermann can be quite stand-offish to those it does not know. However, it should not be nervous or aggressive in normal circumstances, as a dog like this is unreliable and will react badly in times of stress.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Good.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The Dobermann is a large, active and intelligent breed and you must be willing to provide the exercise and attention it needs. Anyone buying a Dobermann must realise that it requires daily training and exercise. A Dobermann needs some type of control if it is to fit happily into the family and tends to excel at obedience. Whether you just want to do basic obedience, or advance to the highest level and obtain obedience titles, both you and your dog will enjoy and benefit from this activity. A Dobermann must be housed with adequate fencing.

Please take note:
Because the Dobermann was bred as a working dog, many see the dog's mentality and aptitude for learning as being just as important as its conformation. The purpose of the Working Aptitude Evaluation, in place for some time overseas, is to help determine if your Dobermann has the aptitude to do the type of work for which the breed was intended – that of companion and protector.

IDEAL OWNERS

Being a large dog this animal is best suited to those people who will train, socialise and exercise this loyal pet.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Dobermann is the dog for you and you are willing to give it the obedience training it needs to keep it happy and contented, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Denise Ball	Aegis & Alldobe & Myown	WA	Contact
Sandy Irlam	Iansan	NT	Contact
Christine Moore	Dassin	QLD	Contact
Corrine and Ray Nunn	Cozdobe	NSW	Contact
Kerry Kidner	Doberling	QLD	Contact
Les Fabian/Rhonda	Wattavue	QLD	Contact
Raeleen and Joe Borg	Doborg	NSW	Contact
Andrew and Vanessa Bourne	Uwish	NSW	Contact
Leanne Trotter	Lecarne	VIC	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)