The Doberman Pinscher is a breed of dog with a powerful body and an imposing presence. This is in part due to its reputation, a reputation which is often unfounded and unjust. Although the Doberman Pinscher is a well-known dog, this goes to show that many of us don't know much about their true being, just their reputation. One thing we may not know is that there is more than one type of Doberman Pinscher.
At AnimalWised, we look at the types of Doberman Pinscher and all breed variations we might find. We explain what differences there may be and provide pictures so you can see them for yourself.
General characteristics of the Doberman Pinscher
The Dobermann Pinscher, also known as the Dobermann outside of the US and Canada, is a dog of German origin. Their moniker comes from the surname of their first breeder. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann who started to developed the breed in the 19th century. He was looking for a working dog which could offer protection, but also be affectionate. The result was the Doberman Pinscher, a dog with excellent working qualities, but which also became a very popular companion animal.
Medium to large in size, the Doberman has a strong, muscular and elegant form. They are a noble dog suitable for both work and companionship, but need to be trained for their specific role. Although their appearance can be intimidating to some, they are actually a friendly dog which develops very strong bonds with their adopted family.
Unfortunately, the Doberman Pinscher is on lists of potentially dangerous dogs in different countries. This is due to indiscriminate breeding, poor training and even being encouraged to be aggressive. The truth is that any dog can become dangerous if this happens. However, well-socialized, wall-cared for and well-trained dogs will be balanced and avoid behavioral problems.
Types of Dobermans according to the World Canine Organization (FCI)
The World Canine Organization (Fédération Cynologique Internationale or FCI in its original French) include the Doberman Pinscher in group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid, Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs. The breed standard of a dog is the standard officially accepted by groups like the FCI, something which is commonly used for dog shows and other events.
When we think of Dobermann types, they are grouped by color. The two colors are black and rust red or brown and rust red with clearly defined markings. These rust colored markings are located on their:
- Snout
- Cheeks
- Eyebrows
- Throat
- Ches
- Pasterns
- Metatarsals
- Feet
- Inner thighs
- Perineal and iliac areas
White spots and other alterations to coat colors are considered disqualifiers in competitions. However, they can still be beautiful dogs which live a happy and health life.
Types of Dobermans according to the American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is another breed standard organization which includes the Doberman Pinscher. Their slightly varying breed standard has given rise to the idea of having more than one type of Dobermann. Specifically, they include the European Dobermann and the American Doberman Pinscher. The European Dobermann is that which falls under the FCI breed standard and the American Dobermann under the AKC.
We will show the main differences between these two types of Doberman Pinschers in the next section. However, we will start by noting the AKC accepts more colors than the FCI, specifically:
- Black
- Rust
- Blue
- Beige or isabella
It also allows rust markings on:
- Eyes
- Snout
- Throat
- Forechest
- Legs
- Feet
- Under the tail
Unlike the FCI, the AKC accepts a white spot on the chest, as long as it is small.
Characteristics of the European Doberman Pinscher
First of all, starting with the physical appearance, the European Doberman is considered somewhat less stylized and more rugged than their American counterpart. They are also said to have a greater instinct toward protection and have a stronger temperament.
Although there are some clearly observable physical differences between Doberman Pinscher types, the biggest contrast is in terms of personality. Although they have a strong personality, the European Dobermann is thought to be more balanced. As these differences are not limited to aesthetics alone, it is important we take personality into consideration when choosing which to adopt.
This differentiation may depend on geography. In Europe it is mandatory to carry out a Working Aptitude Evaluation (WAE) test. This is a test which assesses the temperament of the individual dog, used to avoid adopting dogs with an unsuitable temperament for families. The assessment will also test their aptitude for work and social skills with others. This test is not required in the United States where only a simply online registration is required. This makes European Dobermanns better for working dogs.
Finally, due to the different breeding programs, it must be taken into account that the most common genetic diseases may differ. For example, the European Doberman is more prone to eye disorders. On the other hand, von Willebrand disease and hypothyroidism are common in both types of Doberman Pinscher. Our article on the most common diseases in Doberman Pinschers will reveal what else you might expect in terms of health.
Characteristics of the American Doberman Pinscher
The American Doberman Pinscher has been selected with a focus on aesthetics and ease of handling. It is more stylish and does not exactly stand out for a drive towards protection, defense or work. In other words, the qualities of a working dog that have been attributed to the Doberman since its inception in Europe are, so to speak, blurred in the American Dobermann. They are not the most suitable to develop as working or security dogs.
In general, it is common for American Dobermanns to be more shy, even becoming fearful. This can pose a problem in coexistence if the dog always reacts with fear to new situations and elements. The American Doberman can be a very good family dog, especially because they do not require the same amount of education and training which their European counterpart requires.
Regarding health, Wobbler syndrome and skin and coat problems seem to affect American specimens more than European individuals. In the next section we summarize the most important differences between the two types of Dobermans.
Differences between the European Doberman and the American Doberman
These are the key factors used to differentiate between European and American Doberman Pinschers:
European Doberman Pinscher
Some of the most outstanding characteristics of the European Doberman are:
- The European Doberman is somewhat less stylized and more rugged in shape.
- It has a greater instinct for protection and a stronger temperament.
- The European is selected on the basis of their qualities for work, less present in the American.
- For work or sports activities, the European is considered more suitable.
- The European requires a more experienced caregiver.
- They are at higher risk of suffering from eye disorders.
American Doberman Pinscher
Among the characteristics of the American Doberman, the following stand out:
- The American Doberman is easier to handle by not requiring as much stimulation.
- These tend to be more timid, compared to a greater balance of the European type.
- The American is thought of more as a family dog.
- Wobbler syndrome and skin problems are more prevalent in the American type of Dobermann.
If you want to read similar articles to Types of Doberman Pinscher - All Breed Variations, we recommend you visit our Comparisons category.
- American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/
- World Canine Organization. http://www.fci.be/en/