Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany when a door-to-door tax collector decided he needed a guardian dog to accompany him on his rounds as he visited house after house filled with people he didn't know. He developed the breed in the 1800s and felt much safer with the watchful dog by his side. As the breed gained popularity, it started to become common to see them as police dogs and war dogs. Today, these dogs are still often used as guardians of the home, protecting the property and the family as well, but they are also used as companion animals.

These dogs are loyal and adventurous and still have many personality traits that lend them to be good protectors. But they have a sensitive side as well. They are also smart and learn quickly as they are eager to please their family. They are commonly seen at the foot of the couch, calmly enjoying the family dynamic.

Doberman Pinschers gained such popularity once they were introduced to America that they became the second most popular dog breed in 1977. In 2010, they stood at number 14.

These are active dogs, and need lots of exercise every day. Good means of exercise include long walks, jogs, hikes, and playtime with other large dogs. They have a smooth short coat that can be black, red, blue or fawn. The coat does not need a whole lot of upkeep, a simple brushing every week would suffice.

Some of the most common health conditions associated with this breed are Wobbler's syndrome, the compression of the spinal cord; cardiomyopathy, the dysfunction of the heart muscle; von Willebrand's disease, clotting disorder in the blood; gastric torsion, the twisting of the stomach; and hip dysplasia, the malformation of the hip joint. Pet insurance can help with the costs associated with all of these conditions, but it's important to pick a provider that covers hereditary and congenital disorders, as some of these fall into that category.

Depending on their gender, Doberman Pinschers can stand between 24 and 28 inches tall and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. They live to be between ten and twelve years old.

About the Author:
Heather Rey is a pet lover and internet journalist that strives to provide the best care possible for her pets. For pet-related information, visit this pet insurance site.