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With their stoic appearance and loyal temperament, the Doberman, including the black Doberman, has been an iconic dog for decades.
Breed Overview
Height:
24–28 inches
Weight:
60–80 pounds
Lifespan:
10–12 years
Colors:
Black
Suitable for:
Active families, those with larger living areas
Temperature:
Loyal and loving, easy to train, territorial
But when did humans first develop this breed, and how did they become so popular? We answer those questions here and dive into everything else that you might want to know about this classic dog.
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. They originated in Apolda, Germany, and came about from the work of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, which is where their name comes from.1
Dobermann only cared about getting the most fearless and driven dog possible and not so much about the dog’s appearance. He never kept any kind of breeding records, but the first dog that he bred in the Doberman line was likely more terrier than what we think of with this breed today, but that’s where this large dog gets their humble roots.
It wasn’t until after Dobermann died that breeders 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
The Doberman has been a popular 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 for as long as this breed. The first Doberman Pinscher entered a dog show back in 1897, meaning humans have been showing off this pup for over 125 years!
That said, they had a much rougher appearance back then, since at the time, 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 that surprising that there are plenty of amazing information about this dog. We highlighted three of our favorite 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 when 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 that 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.
Dobermans that are completely all-black are not show-eligible and are incredibly rare.
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. They 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 many other dogs, so you will need to exercise them more to keep them happy.
But there’s a reason that Dobermans have remained popular for over 150 years; it’s simply because they’re a great dog and a great pet!
Summing Up
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 about because of what they can do.
They still look great and have a regal appearance, but with this dog, it’s all about their temperament, drive, and loyalty. Just like the Dobermans of years ago, today’s Dobermans pass those same tests with flying colors.
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels
