Please Read this first ...
Before diving into this page, please internalize ten important facts:
- The following temperament generalizations about the differences between European and American Dobermans would be better contrasted, in our opinion, by comparing working-line Dobermans to non working-line Dobermans. Any American working Doberman should fit the description in the "Disposition and Temperament" of the European Dobermann description.
- Not all European Dobermans are working dogs. Many are show dogs without a working dog disposition.
- All German Dobermanns must pass the ZTP test before being bred -- a requirement that doesn't exist in the USA. Note that generally, a dog is not eligible to take the ZTP exam if BOTH parents have not earned their ZTPs. The following document details the Dobermann Verein (Doberman Club of Germany) ZTP rules:
- Not all American dogs are only show dogs; some also working dogs.
- Working-line dogs may not be suitable for most owners and families. Consult with an expert in working-line Dobermans before making this choice.
- All dogs are individuals. Each puppy in a litter is unique in appearance, genetic makeup, and temperament. As such, in any working litter, few puppies will excel at working. The same can be said of show litters.
- Generalizations are just that. While generalizations often fit, that's not always the case. Every rule has its exceptions.
- These generalizations are based on our nearly 20 years experience with the Dobermann and experiences shared by seasoned, experienced breeders and owners of this wonderful breed. Your experience may be different.
- Neither the European nor the American dog is better. They are simply different.
- The American Doberman started when German dogs were shipped to the USA. All of our dogs are related to some degree.
- The differences you will find pale in comparison to the similarities. We have loved both American and European dogs and they were all wonderful. Different in many ways, but absolutely great dogs.
- The comparisons that follow are presented as American versus European only because this is the "window" through which most people examining these differences are looking for, not because it's the best comparison in our personal view.
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American Doberman Pinscher adult male dog European Dobermann adult male dog
COMPARE PHYSICAL APPEARANCES:
American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann
Note: a review of the AKC and FCI standards will review something most overlook -- the standards are largely identical.
There should not be a drastic difference between the physical attributes of the American and European dogs.
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GENERALIZED COMPARISON OF DISPOSITION AND TEMPERMENT:
American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann
American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann
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In nearly twenty years of experience with several Dobermans (American Doberman Pinschers and European Dobermanns), we have found the American Doberman Pinschers to differ from the Dobermanns we have known and loved in two key respects: drive and natural/genetic style of biting when working. Our Doberman Pinschers (American lines) did not have enough natural fight drive and/or aggression, or the full, genetic bite needed to be successful working/competitive dogs. But don't tell them that. They loved the training and I'm sure thought they were quite good at it. It's important to note that the American dogs we owned were never bred to be working dogs; they were from show lines. These dogs, while not cut out to be working dogs, were fantastic family dogs and were effective sentinel (watch) dogs. That fact is important to remember.
Breeders who have created litters of puppies without adequate regard for the breed's working purpose, and who have instead focused on conformation (for show), viewing an AKC championship (and passing standard health testing) as adequate justification for breeding, have contributed to the development of "softer" American Doberman Pinscher lines that are less likely to be highly successful working dogs today. This was generally unintentional. They weren't trying to breed out the breed's working ability. In their quest for a show dog that closely matched the physical breed standard and style of the day, they did not choose to breed to dogs whose ancestors were superior working dogs but likely did not have the look they sought. Recall that in the USA there are no mandatory pre-breeding working test as there is in Germany (the ZTP). This isn't a problem reserved for the Doberman; We see the same in many breeds. The Border Collie lines that have been developed for showing no longer have the strong working drive/abilities that working lines of the same breed retain.
If you are want to get involved in dog sports (e.g., Schutzhund, today called IPO), don't completely dismiss breeders who only show their dogs in the AKC (and aren't competing with them in any working events) -- unless you are seeking a very competitive working dog. If you don't need or want a high-level working dog, talk to the show breeders you are interested in about your concerns about a puppy's working ability and give them a chance to address your concerns. Their dogs may have the temperment, drives and bite necessary to participate in the working dog sports despite their ancestors never having had the opportunity to demonstrate it. Note that many (most?) people with American line dogs truly believe their dogs have the drive necessary to compete in working events. One seasoned IPO trainer's coach often says with a knowing smile, "Every Doberman breeder and owner thinks their dogs have high drive." Few have the experience to understand the subtle but important differences between show and working-line Dobermanns, and prey and defensive drives, and how those play a role in developing a dog for the sport of IPO.
TIP: It is much easier to train a dog with high drives for Schutzhund/IPO work than it is to train a dog with low drive. If you believe you have the skills to train up a lower drive puppy, some show breeders will likely welcome the opportunity to send a puppy to a working home to reestablish their dogs' bloodlines as having a level of working aptitude and abilities. Be sure to find and visit an IPO club near you (in the USA, that means within a five hour drive, one way) so you have the support to help you develop your dog. If you want a highly competitive working dog, look to serious working lines but remember -- not every puppy in a working litter will successfully work. Look to how successful a litter's ancestors were at work. A pedigree full of ancestors with only Schutzhund/IPO 1 titles is a red flag, seen often with European show line dogs. Always inquire as to why the dog wasn't finished (titled to an IPO3). Finally, remember to review the ancestors' title scores; all IPO titles are not equal. We like to see multiple IPO3s, and insist on seeing all IPO performances on video before even counting the title. You might be surprised at the performances that earn IPO titles, but that's another story!
In the midst of all this, do not overlook genetic health!
Breeders who have created litters of puppies without adequate regard for the breed's working purpose, and who have instead focused on conformation (for show), viewing an AKC championship (and passing standard health testing) as adequate justification for breeding, have contributed to the development of "softer" American Doberman Pinscher lines that are less likely to be highly successful working dogs today. This was generally unintentional. They weren't trying to breed out the breed's working ability. In their quest for a show dog that closely matched the physical breed standard and style of the day, they did not choose to breed to dogs whose ancestors were superior working dogs but likely did not have the look they sought. Recall that in the USA there are no mandatory pre-breeding working test as there is in Germany (the ZTP). This isn't a problem reserved for the Doberman; We see the same in many breeds. The Border Collie lines that have been developed for showing no longer have the strong working drive/abilities that working lines of the same breed retain.
If you are want to get involved in dog sports (e.g., Schutzhund, today called IPO), don't completely dismiss breeders who only show their dogs in the AKC (and aren't competing with them in any working events) -- unless you are seeking a very competitive working dog. If you don't need or want a high-level working dog, talk to the show breeders you are interested in about your concerns about a puppy's working ability and give them a chance to address your concerns. Their dogs may have the temperment, drives and bite necessary to participate in the working dog sports despite their ancestors never having had the opportunity to demonstrate it. Note that many (most?) people with American line dogs truly believe their dogs have the drive necessary to compete in working events. One seasoned IPO trainer's coach often says with a knowing smile, "Every Doberman breeder and owner thinks their dogs have high drive." Few have the experience to understand the subtle but important differences between show and working-line Dobermanns, and prey and defensive drives, and how those play a role in developing a dog for the sport of IPO.
TIP: It is much easier to train a dog with high drives for Schutzhund/IPO work than it is to train a dog with low drive. If you believe you have the skills to train up a lower drive puppy, some show breeders will likely welcome the opportunity to send a puppy to a working home to reestablish their dogs' bloodlines as having a level of working aptitude and abilities. Be sure to find and visit an IPO club near you (in the USA, that means within a five hour drive, one way) so you have the support to help you develop your dog. If you want a highly competitive working dog, look to serious working lines but remember -- not every puppy in a working litter will successfully work. Look to how successful a litter's ancestors were at work. A pedigree full of ancestors with only Schutzhund/IPO 1 titles is a red flag, seen often with European show line dogs. Always inquire as to why the dog wasn't finished (titled to an IPO3). Finally, remember to review the ancestors' title scores; all IPO titles are not equal. We like to see multiple IPO3s, and insist on seeing all IPO performances on video before even counting the title. You might be surprised at the performances that earn IPO titles, but that's another story!
In the midst of all this, do not overlook genetic health!
A Little History. The modern American Doberman Pinscher originated in Germany as a personal protector (think DEFENSIVE drive). The Dobermann was used extensively for protection, military and police work. Throughout Europe, this is still the case. Here in the United States, Dobermans are predominantly kept as family dogs, show (conformation) dogs, and obedience dogs. Their former reputation for being assertive working dogs has largely disappeared in the USA as our Dobermans were bred primarily for success in the show ring. The American Doberman Pinscher is now known to be gentle, loving, and sensitive, and yet a good watch dog. These dogs make exceptional family dogs. There is really no sweeter family dog than the American Doberman Pinscher. They are like potato chips: once you have one, you'll never be able to resist!
In Europe, the Dobermann is viewed in a somewhat different light. The breed is known to be a "sharp" dog used primarily for protection, working sports (e.g., Schutzhund), and law enforcement. Over the years, our family has hosted many foreign exchange students from Europe, and we inevitably get questions from concerned European parents about having Dobermans in our home, with each explaining to us that in Europe, these dogs are not family pets, but are used only for police/guard work and Schutzhund. This concern rises from a lack of familiarity with the Dobermann as a family dog; properly managed, they are wonderful companions.
Since the Doberman came to the USA about fifty years go, American breeders have bred primarily for the conformation standards we see today at AKC dogs shows. See Illena and the Seven Sires. Much of the sharper, harder, working aptitude originally found in the breed has been lost over time. European kennels breed to a standard that puts working temperament first (in fact a dog MUST pass a stringent test called the ZTP), before the dog may legally be bred in many countries. In the USA, anyone can legally breed a litter of puppies and it is easy to find American breeders who believe that an AKC conformation championship on a healthy dog justifies breeding a litter of puppies.
The Name Game. Doberman Pinscher or Dobermann? Notice that American dogs are called "Doberman Pinschers" (Pinscher in German means "terrier" or "one who pinches, nips or tweaks"), while Europeans, Australians and most non-American countries have long since dropped the terrier adjective ("pinscher") and simply call the breed the Dobermann (two N's as in the originator of the breed, Mr. Dobermann, spelled his name). Some Dobermann admirers claim to see, upon close examination of the American Doberman Pinscher, subtle confirmation changes from the original Dobermann that resemble the terrier, making the name differences appropriately reflective of the changes to the American Doberman Pinscher since its arrival in the United States many years ago.
European breeders reject, to some degree, the variety of elegance and refinement seen in modern American dogs and the lack of working aptitude, and as a result, we find international (non-AKC) champions that are heavier, and more masculine dogs with exceptionally confidence and undisputable "working dog" dispositions. Conversely, American breeders often describe the European Dobermann as too coarse, masculine, thick boned, big, heavy, and too assertive. Dobermanns, they assert, look too much like Rottweilers. At the same time, European breeders often describe the American dog as too small, delicate, finely boned, feminine, timid, sensitive, and lacking the assertive disposition and drive required to produce a top-quality working dog. They are quick to proudly add that European Dobermanns will never become American "Doberman Terriers." Both groups tend to think theirs is the better variety of dog, and many argue that the American and European dogs have diverged to such a degree that the breeds should officially become two different breeds (American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann), must as happened with the Cocker Spaniel (American and English). But is this a good idea in light of the need for MORE genetic diversity in the breed?
There is some basis for these divergent viewpoints. It is a fact that before a Dobermann's offspring can be registered in Europe, its parents MUST have passed the ZTP test. Schutzhund is German for 'protection dog' and refers to a system for testing dogs of working breeds for workability (obedience, protection and tracking). It has also grown into a popular sport in Europe and has a smaller following here in the United Stated, perhaps because the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow its affiliates to sanction Schutzhund trials.
An exhaustive review of the literature on the health differences between the American and European dogs quickly pokes a hole in the theory that European Dobermanns are less prone to the genetic defects know to be a problem in the breed here in the USA. Our personal observations have found the majority of European Dobermann bloodlines to be equally impacted by the diseases that plague American Doberman Pinschers. Some breeders here in the USA are importing European Dobermanns -- some to reduce the likelihood of the genetic defects common to American Dobermans by expanding the gene pool (and reducing COI) while others import European Dobermanns to reinvigorate the working aptitude lost in so many American lines. Many are importing European bloodlines for mere profit.
Beware of breeders capitalizing on the ability to charge a high price for "European" working Dobermanns. Many of these American breeders are unwittingly using inferior European stock. We have met and talked extensively with several European breeders who have unabashedly shared with us the fact that they export only their inferior stock to American buyers they have never met, explaining that they wish to keep the very best dogs in Europe to show and compete there. We see these very dogs in breeding operations in the United States, selling puppies for much more than the best puppies in the litter sell for in Europe. Keeping the best dogs in Europe helps promote and grow the success and popularity of their own bloodlines. Now that European laws have evolved to prevent dogs that are cropped and docked (in countries where it is legally permissible to do so) from showing/competing at the top European shows, it is easier to identify the puppies targeted for export to the USA. Have you noticed that a lot of European breeders have cropped/docked one or two puppies in each litter? Those puppies may have been targeted for exporting to America. They do not plan to show these puppies, and they crop and dock them to prepare them for export to the USA where the majority of people still strongly prefer Dobermans with docked tails and cropped ears. Other breeders are breeding quality imported dogs to inferior American stock. That said, some breeders are carefully choosing their European stock and breeding ethically to top quality American Dobermans.
Remain skeptical, inquisitive, and open-minded, and do your homework to ensure you are getting the quality of dog you are searching (and paying) for. There are numerous top-quality breeders in Europe that are reputable, successful, and who breed what most of the Dobermann world regard as the world's best Dobermans. We do not mean to give the impression that European breeders are shady and unethical; we have personally had (mostly) the opposite experience. But we are exceptionally careful to never buy a puppy from someone who we do not know 'in real life', who we've visited in their homes in Europe several times, visited their training clubs to observe how they train their dogs and how their dogs respond to their training methods, and watched/helped in world champion competitions. Our only negative experience was when we purchased a puppy from someone we knew 'well' via social media and email, but not in person. That experienced changed our threshold rules. The vast majority of breeders we have come to know are extraordinarily devoted to improving the breed and they are wholly ethical and honest. That said, it is always wise to be careful. Trust but verify. You will find good breeders and bad breeders in every country. There are countless breeders from whom we would never purchase a dog here in the USA. We encourage everyone to do their homework, meet the breeders in person if possible, and if not, to work with others who can help you find that top quality dog you are seeking. The same precautions apply to buying a dog in Europe or here at home in the U.S.A.
The Bottom Line. What is important in the final comparison of the European Dobermann to the American Doberman Pinscher, is that neither is definitively "better." They are simply different. What matters is that you understand the differences between the two, and choose a carefully and thoughtfully bred puppy that is right for you.
In Europe, the Dobermann is viewed in a somewhat different light. The breed is known to be a "sharp" dog used primarily for protection, working sports (e.g., Schutzhund), and law enforcement. Over the years, our family has hosted many foreign exchange students from Europe, and we inevitably get questions from concerned European parents about having Dobermans in our home, with each explaining to us that in Europe, these dogs are not family pets, but are used only for police/guard work and Schutzhund. This concern rises from a lack of familiarity with the Dobermann as a family dog; properly managed, they are wonderful companions.
Since the Doberman came to the USA about fifty years go, American breeders have bred primarily for the conformation standards we see today at AKC dogs shows. See Illena and the Seven Sires. Much of the sharper, harder, working aptitude originally found in the breed has been lost over time. European kennels breed to a standard that puts working temperament first (in fact a dog MUST pass a stringent test called the ZTP), before the dog may legally be bred in many countries. In the USA, anyone can legally breed a litter of puppies and it is easy to find American breeders who believe that an AKC conformation championship on a healthy dog justifies breeding a litter of puppies.
The Name Game. Doberman Pinscher or Dobermann? Notice that American dogs are called "Doberman Pinschers" (Pinscher in German means "terrier" or "one who pinches, nips or tweaks"), while Europeans, Australians and most non-American countries have long since dropped the terrier adjective ("pinscher") and simply call the breed the Dobermann (two N's as in the originator of the breed, Mr. Dobermann, spelled his name). Some Dobermann admirers claim to see, upon close examination of the American Doberman Pinscher, subtle confirmation changes from the original Dobermann that resemble the terrier, making the name differences appropriately reflective of the changes to the American Doberman Pinscher since its arrival in the United States many years ago.
European breeders reject, to some degree, the variety of elegance and refinement seen in modern American dogs and the lack of working aptitude, and as a result, we find international (non-AKC) champions that are heavier, and more masculine dogs with exceptionally confidence and undisputable "working dog" dispositions. Conversely, American breeders often describe the European Dobermann as too coarse, masculine, thick boned, big, heavy, and too assertive. Dobermanns, they assert, look too much like Rottweilers. At the same time, European breeders often describe the American dog as too small, delicate, finely boned, feminine, timid, sensitive, and lacking the assertive disposition and drive required to produce a top-quality working dog. They are quick to proudly add that European Dobermanns will never become American "Doberman Terriers." Both groups tend to think theirs is the better variety of dog, and many argue that the American and European dogs have diverged to such a degree that the breeds should officially become two different breeds (American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann), must as happened with the Cocker Spaniel (American and English). But is this a good idea in light of the need for MORE genetic diversity in the breed?
There is some basis for these divergent viewpoints. It is a fact that before a Dobermann's offspring can be registered in Europe, its parents MUST have passed the ZTP test. Schutzhund is German for 'protection dog' and refers to a system for testing dogs of working breeds for workability (obedience, protection and tracking). It has also grown into a popular sport in Europe and has a smaller following here in the United Stated, perhaps because the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not allow its affiliates to sanction Schutzhund trials.
An exhaustive review of the literature on the health differences between the American and European dogs quickly pokes a hole in the theory that European Dobermanns are less prone to the genetic defects know to be a problem in the breed here in the USA. Our personal observations have found the majority of European Dobermann bloodlines to be equally impacted by the diseases that plague American Doberman Pinschers. Some breeders here in the USA are importing European Dobermanns -- some to reduce the likelihood of the genetic defects common to American Dobermans by expanding the gene pool (and reducing COI) while others import European Dobermanns to reinvigorate the working aptitude lost in so many American lines. Many are importing European bloodlines for mere profit.
Beware of breeders capitalizing on the ability to charge a high price for "European" working Dobermanns. Many of these American breeders are unwittingly using inferior European stock. We have met and talked extensively with several European breeders who have unabashedly shared with us the fact that they export only their inferior stock to American buyers they have never met, explaining that they wish to keep the very best dogs in Europe to show and compete there. We see these very dogs in breeding operations in the United States, selling puppies for much more than the best puppies in the litter sell for in Europe. Keeping the best dogs in Europe helps promote and grow the success and popularity of their own bloodlines. Now that European laws have evolved to prevent dogs that are cropped and docked (in countries where it is legally permissible to do so) from showing/competing at the top European shows, it is easier to identify the puppies targeted for export to the USA. Have you noticed that a lot of European breeders have cropped/docked one or two puppies in each litter? Those puppies may have been targeted for exporting to America. They do not plan to show these puppies, and they crop and dock them to prepare them for export to the USA where the majority of people still strongly prefer Dobermans with docked tails and cropped ears. Other breeders are breeding quality imported dogs to inferior American stock. That said, some breeders are carefully choosing their European stock and breeding ethically to top quality American Dobermans.
Remain skeptical, inquisitive, and open-minded, and do your homework to ensure you are getting the quality of dog you are searching (and paying) for. There are numerous top-quality breeders in Europe that are reputable, successful, and who breed what most of the Dobermann world regard as the world's best Dobermans. We do not mean to give the impression that European breeders are shady and unethical; we have personally had (mostly) the opposite experience. But we are exceptionally careful to never buy a puppy from someone who we do not know 'in real life', who we've visited in their homes in Europe several times, visited their training clubs to observe how they train their dogs and how their dogs respond to their training methods, and watched/helped in world champion competitions. Our only negative experience was when we purchased a puppy from someone we knew 'well' via social media and email, but not in person. That experienced changed our threshold rules. The vast majority of breeders we have come to know are extraordinarily devoted to improving the breed and they are wholly ethical and honest. That said, it is always wise to be careful. Trust but verify. You will find good breeders and bad breeders in every country. There are countless breeders from whom we would never purchase a dog here in the USA. We encourage everyone to do their homework, meet the breeders in person if possible, and if not, to work with others who can help you find that top quality dog you are seeking. The same precautions apply to buying a dog in Europe or here at home in the U.S.A.
The Bottom Line. What is important in the final comparison of the European Dobermann to the American Doberman Pinscher, is that neither is definitively "better." They are simply different. What matters is that you understand the differences between the two, and choose a carefully and thoughtfully bred puppy that is right for you.
