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War Dobes, Part I

© Deborah J. Myers

The Doberman has been used in many different ways as a working dog. Among these roles is that of a war dog. In World War II and subsequent wars, this brave and loyal breed has saved American lives. In fact, the Doberman is the official breed of the U.S. Marine Corps. But America was not the first nation to notice the Doberman’s abilities on the battlefield.

Germany first established dog-breeding programs during World War I. By the Second World War, more than 200,000 military and police dogs were trained to serve. Until this time, the United States had not trained dogs to serve in this type of capacity.

Minor skirmishes prior to World War II demonstrated that combat dogs could be useful in sniffing out bombs, booby traps and hidden enemies. But not until America’s involvement in the War did the Marines begin an organized effort to breed and train war dogs.

The Doberman’s size, speed, agility, tenacity, bravery, and loyalty made it an ideal breed to serve as a military dog. A training facility was started at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. Doberman Pinscher Club of America President Sydney Moss was asked to find Dobermans owners willing to enlist their dogs.

The first six dogs were enlisted January 26, 1943. Canine recruits were tattooed inside their right ears, and records were kept of their name, breed, birth date, and enlistment date. The Marines also recorded the dogs’ training and rank. Unlike the other branches of the service, Marines kept detailed and accurate records of their dogs’ information.

The dogs were tested for temperament and trained in skills such as scout, messenger and obedience. The German military reportedly used Dobermans as anti-tank weapons by strapping explosives to the dogs and making them crawl under tanks to be detonated.

To be a U.S. Marine Corps dog, a Doberman had to be physically able to do its work. The dog had to be at least 50 pounds and 22” high at the withers (where the neck meets the back).

Like their human counterparts, Dobermans began their military career as Privates. Promotion came with time. Three months’ service earned the dog the rank of Private First Class, one year a Corporal, two years a Sergeant, three years a Platoon Sergeant, four years a Gunner Sergeant, and five or more years, a Master Gunner Sergeant.

Dogs unfit for service or which survived their tour would be returned to their owners, but officially, the owners resigned their ownership to the Marine Corps.

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