Two Doberman Pinschers pose for the camera.

Doberman Pinscher

avatar Stephanie Lenoir LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height24 - 28"

Weight71 - 99 lbs

TypeWorking

Life Expectancy10 - 13 years

Area of OriginGermany

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Doberman is a dog of striking beauty, known for its fearlessness and intelligence. They are an energetic, confident, and obedient breed, possessing an "eager to please" attitude that makes them ideal for high intensity training. Being a highly intelligent dog, this breed benefits from having a kind, but firm, owner and plenty of stimulating activity. The Dobie is an incredibly loyal dog to their owners, and demonstrates a sweet temperament to family members, despite having an intimidating appearance.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Doberman Pinschers From?

The Doberman breed originated in Germany in the late 1800s. A man named Louis Dobermann is recognized as the creator of the breed. The Doberman is a mixture of a Rottweiler, Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Pointer. It is said that Dobermann was a tax collector and wanted a fearless and aggressive guard dog to accompany him while he was doing his collection rounds. He also worked at a local animal shelter, which provided him with access to many different breeds, and the ability to quickly develop a new breed. By 1920, the breed was found throughout Europe, South Africa, and the United States.

Where Are Doberman Pinschers From?

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

Dobies require a balanced and high-quality diet to keep them healthy. They should be fed twice a day with a diet that includes a protein source as the top ingredient and whole grains as the second ingredient. If your Doberman is experiencing any digestive or skin problems, then you should consult with your veterinarian.

Are Doberman Pinschers Healthy Dogs?

The Doberman Pinscher has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years of age. The breed is predisposed to a number of illnesses and diseases. They should be screened for heart disease yearly, as this can be rather common for the breed. Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), commonly known as “bloat” or “torsion,” is also a life-threatening illness for Dobies.

Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a lack of the von Willebrand factor, which is a protein found in blood that is needed for appropriate blood clotting. Studies have determined that 70 percent of Dobermans are carriers for von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, they usually have a mild, clinical form of the disease.

Doberman Pinschers are predisposed to: von Willebrand’s disease, wobblers disease, gastric dilatation volvulus, dilated cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, cataracts, entropion, alopecia, lick granulomas, diabetes, parvovirus, portosystemic shunts, chronic hepatitis, congenital deafness, lipomas, fibrosarcomas, and melanoma.

How Much Training Does a Doberman Need?

The Doberman is an extremely intelligent and obedient dog breed, making them highly trainable. You should start training between 6 and 8 weeks of age. They can be stand-offish with strangers and unfamiliar dogs, so it is important to socialize them at a young age. Positive reinforcement is an appropriate training method to utilize, since training should be a pleasurable for both dog and owner.

Are Doberman Pinschers Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Doberman Need?

Caring for a Doberman Pinscher

What Kind of Diet Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

Are Doberman Pinschers Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Doberman Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Doberman Pinscher?

Males generally weigh 88 – 99 pounds with a height of 26 to 28 inches tall. The average weight of a female is 71 – 77 pounds, with an average height range of 24 to 27 inches. Physically, this breed is rather athletic, with a strong, muscular, and slender body. They were made for speed and endurance, and stand tall with confidence.

Doberman eyes are almond-shaped and sit deep within the face. Eye color is generally dark brown or black, and accompanied by a black nose. Their characteristic “eyebrows” are two tan-colored ovals above their eyes, giving them an alert and curious expression. The Doberman head is wedge-shaped. These dogs have a long, narrow muzzle, with a skull that starts to widen as it nears the eyes. Puppies are born with folded ears, however, the breed standard is to have the ears cropped between 6 and 12 weeks of age by a vet, which forces them to stand straight up. Cropping is not necessary and Dobies kept as companions can keep their naturally floppy ears.

Dobermans are lean, but well muscled, with a long and compact build. The neck carries the head high, and the chest is broad and deep.

Dobermans are born with a long tail, but the breed standard has the tail docked at 2 or 3 days of age by a veterinarian.

Doberman Pinschers possess straight and well-aligned front legs. Their shoulders are heavily muscled and slope downward. Dewclaws may be removed at 2 to 3 days of age. They walk on their paw pads, similar to a cat.

The most common colors for the Doberman breed are black, red, blue, and fawn. They have a rust, or red, fur around the muzzle, above the eyes, on the chest, and around the paws. They have a sleek, short, and smooth haircoat.

The hind legs are well-muscled, powerful, and parallel with each other. They are straight and not bowed inward or outward.

Doberman Pinscher Facts

1

During World War I, the Doberman breed gained popularity in the U.S. and was distinguished as the “Marine War Dog.”

2

Doberman Pinschers are used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, patrol dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and in agility competitions. They truly are a multi-purpose breed that has a wide range of skills.

3

President John F. Kennedy had a Doberman named Moe.

Other Breeds to Explore

Rottweiler

Choosing a German Pinscher

Choosing a Manchester Terrier

References

American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.