Delightful Dobermanns Trivia Quiz

Answer: American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, recognise two breeds of Dobermann; the European and the American Pinscher. They describe the dogs as good companions, loyal and athletic, and vigilant watchdogs. The Club also describes the dog as one of America's most popular working breeds.

Working dogs are naturally protective and have been selectively bred to carry out water and land rescues, assist people and guard property. The breed was first registered with the AKC in 1908.

Answer: Blue

Most Dobermanns have smooth coats, but those with blue coats are likely to have sparse coats. The fawn colour is also known as 'Isabella'. The most predominant colour of coats in Dobermanns is the familiar black with some 'red' (orange/brown) markings.

Answer: Germany

Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann (1834-1894) lived in Apolda, a town in central Thuringia, Germany. Due to his work, he had the idea of combining several breeds of dog to create a watch dog that would protect him as he travelled. He looked for a good mouth, strong protective instincts and intelligence and bred successive litters to achieve this.

Answer: Guarding and protection

The 'Pinscher' part of the name comes from the German word for 'terrier', which describes the dog's working function. After Dobermann's death, Otto Goeller and Philip Gruening continued the development of the breed, eventually dropping the 'pinscher' part, as the word 'terrier' no longer applied to the standard Dobermann.

Answer: New Guinea singing dog

In fact, it is thought Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann used many breeds including the German pinscher, Rottweiler, Old German shepherd, Weimaraner, and greyhound. After Dobermann died, cross-breeding continued and the Manchester Terrier was added. As Dobermann did not keep strict breeding documentation, the exact mix and percentages of these breeds is not fully established.

Answer: For aesthetic and traditional reasons

It is thought that he practice of ear-cropping was originally performed on working dogs to enhance their hearing or prevent their ears from being taken hold of either by another animal or a person. Naturally, a Dobermann's ears are floppy, similar to that of a Labrador.

These days, the clipped ears of a Dobermann are for cosmetic reasons, appearing pricked and erect, giving the impression of the dog being alert and ready for action.

Answer: Carrying messages and guarding campsites

Because of their impressive service record, Dobermanns were promoted to the role of official dog of the United States Marine Corps. The dog had a waterproof canister affixed to its collar in which a message was placed. This was retrieved by its handler, and a response, if required, was sent back via the same means.

Dobermanns were used in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, in various capacities. Not only did they carry messages, but also had a role in guarding the troops, locating wounded soldiers, and provided companionship to the soldiers as well.

Answer: Chicken pox

Wobbler syndrome is a neurological disorder in which compression of the spinal cord and nerves in the neck causes a 'wobbling' walk in larger-framed animals, including dogs and horses (Dobermanns among them). Hypothyroidism in Dobermanns is a disorder usually caused by autoimmune thyroiditis, while dilated cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart muscle disorder, affecting around 58% of Doberman Pinschers.

As the virus that causes chicken pox in people (varicella-zoster virus) is specific to humans, Dobermanns are unaffected by it.

Answer: Tax Collector

Karl Dobermann's main occupation was as a tax collector, but he also numbered among his jobs night watchman, dog-catcher, and caretaker of the local dog pound. As a tax collector, he needed protection from disgruntled citizens and sometimes from their dogs. His idea was to create a dog that would protect him while being an obedient companion.

Answer: 1880s

The Dobermann was conceived of and developed by Louis Dobermann in the 1880s using dogs he caught as a dogcatcher to get the exact mix he wanted.

1880 was the year that bushranger Ned Kelly (shown in photographic print here) was executed for his crimes. The first photograph was successfully captured some fifty years earlier so the correct answer had to be the latest one!