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.

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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

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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

And she is relishing spending time at home, hosting dinner parties or lounging by the pool, with company from her Doberman pinscher, Kali, who thrives in the big yard.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2021

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

A California police chief investigates a baffling death blamed on a Doberman pinscher.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2020

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

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein