Doberman pinscher

American  

[doh-ber-muhn pin-sher] / ˈdoʊ bər mən ˈpɪn ʃər /

noun

1. one of a German breed of medium-sized, short-haired dogs having a black, brown, or blue coat with rusty brown markings.

---

Doberman pinscher British  

/ ˈdəʊbəmən ˈpɪnʃə /

noun

1. Also spelt: Dobermann.  a fairly large slender but muscular breed of dog, originally from Germany, with a glossy black-and-tan coat, a short tail, and erect ears

---

Etymology

Origin of Doberman pinscher

First recorded in 1915–20; named after Karl Friedrich Ludwig Dobermann (1834-94), German dog breeder + German Pinscher “terrier,” perhaps based on Pinzgau, a district in Austria noted for its breeding farms

Example Sentences

Earlier this week, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — one of the most prestigious events in the dog world — crowned its latest Best in Show winner, Penny, a Doberman pinscher.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

In court, Anderson paraded her Doberman pinscher in front of a jury, claiming the dog sniffed blood inside the suspect’s home.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 13, 2021

In the country that gave the world the German shepherd and the Doberman pinscher, short-legged, smashed-nosed pugs, called “Mops” in German, would seem out of place.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2019

As Carson chatted, Soboroff lounged on the bed that Capote died in, petting Carson's 15-year-old Doberman pinscher, Zoe.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2014

Another mean-looking dog, a Doberman pinscher, slunk out of the shadows behind the bulldog.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein