Doodleman Pinscher
Crossing the elegant and powerful Doberman with the obedient and sweet-natured Standard Poodle has resulted in the creation of the Doodleman Pinscher, a well-rounded dog that can be trained to a very high standard indeed. With their impressive height, muscular frame and intense facial expression, it is clear that this is a dog that means business.
These dogs like to be kept busy and will not be content to lounge around all day indoors. They are happiest when running about outside and relish being given tasks to complete. Given the right socialisation opportunities, most will adapt well to life alongside both children and other pets but should be monitored closely due to their sheer strength.
About & History
While the name 'Doodleman Pinscher' many not exactly roll of the tongue, it succinctly incorporates the two parent breeds of this rare hybrid: the Doberman Pinscher and the Standard Poodle. As the creation of hybrid breeds is completely unregulated, it is very difficult to pinpoint the time and place that one was first created. Most likely, the Doodleman Pinscher originated sometime in the early 21st century within the Western World (quite possibly the United States of America).
The Poodle
The Standard Poodle is one of three variants of the Poodle breed – the other two being the Miniature and the Toy. The Poodle is without a doubt the most popular choice of dog when it comes to creating 'Designer Dogs'. This is not only because they come in three different sizes, but also because they tend to have low-shedding fur and a sweet and intelligent nature.
Poodles have been around since as long ago as the 15th century and descended from the French Barbet, which is a water dog. Though there is a misconception that the Poodle is itself a French breed, experts now agree that it originally came from Germany, where it was used for duck hunting.
The Doberman
The Doberman Pinscher (or just Doberman for short) is an imposing breed that is kept as both a pet and a guard dog. Established in the later 1800s within Germany, it was a dog enthusiast named Karl Dobermann that deliberately developed the breed. His aim was to establish a type of dog that would protect him and be loyal, as well as responsive. The most interesting part of the story is that Mr. Dobermann was actually a dog catcher and so had access to a wide range of breeds, choosing several to contribute to the genes of the Doberman.
These included the Weimaraner, the Rottweiler and the Beauceron. During the Second World War, the Doberman was used by the American forces where their courage, power and trainability were well respected. Despite their start in life as working dogs, the Doberman has been bred to be more docile over time and is now a popular family pet all over the world.
Appearance
Interestingly, the Doodleman Pinscher doesn’t bear close resemblance to either parent in particular and is instead a good mix of the two. A large breed that measures from 66cm to 71cm and weighs between 22kg and 38kg, the Doodleman Pinscher has a well-muscled and powerful body. Their head is composed of a relatively long muzzle, eyes that are well-spaced and set quite far apart and ears that hang down and forwards. Many individuals will have characteristic 'bushy' eyebrows, which may be a different fur colour to the rest of their face. Their limbs are straight and toned and their tail should be long and slim (when not docked).
The fur of the Doodleman Pinscher more closely resembles that of the Poodle parent than the Doberman and is dense and wavy. While the Doberman is always black and tan, the Poodle can be a number of colours and so the Doodleman Pinscher comes in many different shades, including black, grey, white, red and brown, with many breed members having two-tone fur.
Character & Temperament
While certainly kept as a pet dog, it is also not unusual for the Doodleman Pinscher to be employed as a guard dog – a role that it carries out remarkably well. Ever alert and fiercely loyal to its master, the Doodleman Pinscher won’t hesitate to protect its owners and their property, becoming hostile if challenged.
Those not used for guarding can fit into a regular household as long as they receive good socialisation from when they are puppies. They love to be around people and will form strong bonds with those they spend most time with. They are easy-going and relaxed, though can be prone to anxiety if under-stimulated or left alone for prolonged periods of time.
Trainability
With brains to spare and a willingness to learn, the Doodleman Pinscher can be trained to a very high degree when in the right hands. They can excel in a wide range of disciplines and should be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities in order to keep their mind engaged.
As with many other pedigrees and designer dogs, the Doodleman Pinscher will respond best to positive reinforcement training, whereby their good behaviour is rewarded. Punishing or reprimanding this breed will not get a trainer far, as they tend to become distant and non-responsive, quickly losing interest in the training session.
Health
Though cross-breeding pedigree dogs is one of the best-known ways to improve their health, even hybrid dogs are not exempt from inheriting certain health conditions. As the Doodleman Pinscher is still not a particularly popular breed, breeders must be extra careful to ensure that they use only the fittest individuals to reproduce and that they avoid inbreeding closely related dogs.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease is an inherited disorder that affects an animal’s ability to clot its blood. Affected dogs lack a protein that is required for platelets to clump together, preventing any broken blood vessels from becoming sealed off when broken and resulting in an excessive blood loss that can be dangerous.
Patients are affected to varying degrees and some may bleed spontaneously, while others may show few if any signs throughout their lifetime. It is suggested that those that are prone to the condition should be screened for it before any elective surgery.
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy
Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, also known as Wobbler’s Syndrome, generally affects larger breeds and is a particular issue within Dobermans. Animals will begin to walk in a strange manner, which is often described as a 'wobbly walk' and may have neck pain and weakness.
Specialised imaging, such as CT and MRI scans, are usually required to assess the severity of the condition and treatment may be conservative or surgical, depending on the extent of the lesion.
GDV
GDV stands for Gastric Dilatation Volvulus and is a condition that can be seen in any breed but tends to occur in those that are tall and deep-chested. Symptoms come on suddenly and will include panting, pacing and an obvious abdominal bloating.
Time is of the essence, as the longer a stomach is left in the twisted position, the more risk of local blood supply being cut off, organs shutting down and an animal passing away. A true medical emergency, at the first sign of a GDV, dogs should be rushed to their nearest veterinary clinic.
Exercise and Activity Levels
For most, between an hour and an hour and a half of physical activity each day should be enough to keep them content. Anything less than this is likely to result in boredom and destructive behaviour within the home or garden. Exercise should consist of a variety of fun activities, such as hiking, swimming and canine agility.
This large breed should not be kept in a small home and would ideally have access to a large and secure garden in which it can roam freely.
Grooming
Higher maintenance than the Doberman but still quite a low maintenance breed, the fur of the Doodleman Pinscher does not tend to shed a lot and should be brushed several times a week. A trip to the doggy parlour every few months will keep their coat in prime condition and prevent it from becoming too shaggy.
The pendulous ears of the Doodleman Pinscher require some degree of care and should be checked regularly for any signs of irritation or infection. Cleaning any waxy build-up out with an ear cleaner is a good idea – something that can be done a couple of times a month. As some dogs dislike having this done, owners should be sure to start from a very young age and to reward their dog’s tolerance with vocal praise and plenty of delicious treats.