This is a basic question. Many people are confused as to what the difference is between a Doberman Pinscher and a Doberman Pinscher. If you’re new to the breed, I can understand how confusing this can be. Let’s get this out of your head.
What is the difference between a Doberman Pinscher and a Doberman Pinscher dog? Doberman Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher are the same breeds. “Doberman Pinscher”, which is the most common name for the dog, is used in the United States and Canada. “Doberman” can be used anywhere else in the world.
You can also add a “Dobermann”, which is spelled with two ns, to make it even more confusing. A Dobermann can be considered the same breed as Doberman Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher. All three dogs are the same breed. Let’s not sound ignorant when we talk about these dogs. These terms should be used when appropriate.
Doberman Terms at-a-Glance
Here is a brief guide to the proper terminology for each Doberman type. Both of the above-mentioned types are still the same breed. They are still all Dobermans.
| Types of Doberman | Use the correct term(s). |
|---|---|
| American Doberman Pinscher |
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| Dobermann European |
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| All Dobermans |
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What is the difference? This article compares the two Doberman types, and includes diagrams showing their physical differences.
Origins of the Breed’s Name
Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a local tax collector and night watchman who lived in a small German town, created a new breed of dog through selective breeding in the latter part of the 19th century. His job as the town’s tax collector was to collect tax money from residents throughout the town. This was a dangerous job. The town’s nightwatchman was his other job. It wasn’t easy. He was to make rounds on foot at night looking for criminals.
He was fortunate to have access to many breeds of dogs because he was the local dog catcher. He began selective breeding to find the right dog for his protection. He wanted the dog to accompany him as he walked through town. After his death in 1894, the dog breed he created was named “Doberman Pinscher”, in his honor.
The German government dropped the name “Pinscher” in 1948 from the breed’s names. The breed’s name, pinscher, was rejected by breed experts who believed that it wasn’t appropriate. It didn’t represent a pinscher (the German term for a terrier). Other countries started to adopt the German term pinscher after Germany dropped it from their names. Only the United States and Canada currently use “Doberman Pinscher”, while most of the rest of the globe uses “Dobermann”.
To make Louis Dobermann’s last name more legible, an additional “n” was added to the name “Doberman” for the rest of the world.
The European “Dobermann”, vs. America’s “Doberman Pinscher”.
Due to differences in breeding practices between America and Europe, Dobermans have split into two types of dogs: the American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann Pinscher. Experts have suggested that these two breeds should be split. They are still considered the same breed at present. They have significant differences in temperament and physical appearance.
The European Dobermann, a larger breed with more muscle mass and a shorter neck, is slightly longer than the American Dobermann. The European Dobermann is a strong breed that can be used for protection and other work duties. American Doberman Pinschers are smaller, more elegant, and sleeker dogs. The necks of these dogs are shorter and appear to curve upward from the body. These dogs are calmer and more suitable for being a family pet. They are both the same breed, despite the differences.
Two n’s should be used in the name European Dobermann, while one “n” should be used in the American Doberman Pinscher.
Doberman — Spelling With One ‘N”
Technically, the term “Doberman”, which is spelled with one “n”, refers to the European dog. It should be called “Dobermann”. The term Doberman, spelled with one “n”, is still widely used as a shorthand for the entire breed (both American and European).
If you use the term “Doberman” to refer to the entire breed, it isn’t wrong. This informal reference could refer to either the American Doberman Pinscher or the European Dobermann.
To keep things formal and correct, you can use “Doberman Pinscher” for the American variety and “Dobermann”, for the European variety.
Dobermann — Spelling With Two N’s
Dobermann is spelled with two ns to refer to the European Dobermann. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, the breed’s creator, also used this spelling. However, this term does not refer to the American Doberman Pinscher. It is wrong to write “Dobermann” when referring to American Doberman Pinscher.
Many people will continue to use the name “Doberman” in other countries as a shorthand or informal way to refer to the same dog.
If in doubt, use the term “Doberman” This is the informal, but still a very common way to refer either to the breed or the variety.
Doberman Slang
Doberman owners are passionate about their dogs. Doberman owners are often passionate about their dogs and believe there is no other breed like them. They enjoy having fun with their dogs, and sometimes find them doing quite funny things. A few slang terms have been created to describe the breed, such as:
- Dobie, pronounced “Dough-bie”:This can be used as an abbreviation for “Doberman”, which could refer to an American Doberman Pinscher or European Dobermann, and the entire breed.
- Dobe is pronounced “Dowb”, or “Doughbie”:This short term can also be used for the American Doberman Pinscher, European Dobermann or the entire breed. There are two possible pronunciations.
- Doberdork is an affectionate way that a Doberman dog owner might refer to their pet. It refers to their playful, sometimes humorous, demeanour. This can refer to an American Doberman Pinscher, or a European Dobermann.
There may be other terms used for these dogs. They almost always refer to either the American or European Doberman or the entire breed.
Miniature Pinscher
Are Miniature Pinschers the same as Doberman Pinschers? The Miniature Pinscher, also known as “Min Pin”, is a different breed of dog than the Doberman Pinscher. It is possible that they may have some genetic similarities. This could be because the German Pinscher breed might be present in both dogs. But that’s not all. The Miniature Pinscher does not just look like a Doberman.
The Main Take-Aways
It’s hard to take in all that information if you thought these terms were referring to two different breeds of dog. Let’s simplify this for you.
- When you refer to an American Doberman Pinscher, say “Doberman Pinscher” (or “American Doberman Pinscher”) You can use the more informal, but shorter, term “Doberman”, although it will not indicate to others which particular variety you are referring to (American, European).
- Referring to a European Dobermann? Say “Dobermann”. You can write the word as “Doberman” without adding an “n”. However, this will not indicate to other people which Dobermann variety you’re referring to (American or European).
- If your home is in America or Canada, Use “Doberman Pinscher”, or the more informal “Doberman” term to refer to the breed.
- If your home is in Europe, or elsewhere in the world, Use “Dobermann”, or the more informal “Doberman” term to refer to the breed.
It will be easier for others to identify the type of Doberman that you are referring too if you use the correct terminology. This will help you to sound informed about the breed. Don’t forget to say “Doberman” if in doubt.
Similar Questions
What is the difference between a Doberman or a Dobermann dog? Both “Doberman”, and “Dobermann”, refer to the same breed. Dobermann, however, refers to the European variety.
What is the difference between a pinscher and a terrier in pinschers? German for “pinscher”, and “terrier” is the same word. A pinscher is also known as a terrier.
Should it be spelled “Doberman”, or “Dobermann?” If you’re referring to the European Dobermann breed, Dobermann (with two “n’s”) is the correct spelling. Doberman (spelled “Doberman” with one “n”) refers to the entire breed and can be used either to refer to an American Doberman Pinscher, or European Dobermann.