Two Doberman Pinschers pose for the camera.

A Guide to Caring for a Doberman Pinscher

Height
24 - 28"
Weight
71 - 99 lbs
Type
Working
Life Expectancy
10 - 13 years
Area of Origin
Germany
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
4
Playfulness
3
Friendliness to dogs
3
Friendliness to strangers
2
exercise requirements
3
affection level
4
friendliness to other pets
3
watchfulness
5
Grooming Requirements
1
Vocality
4

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. They are 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.

Caring for a Doberman Pinscher

What Kind of Diet Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Dobie 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.

How Much Grooming Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

Dobermans are a short-haired breed that requires very little grooming and a monthly bath to keep their coats shiny. They’re moderate shedders, though their coats shed year-round and need to brushed out with a soft-bristled brush. Frequent brushing will also help reduce shedding overall and give their hair coat a nice sheen.

Are Doberman Pinschers Healthy Dogs?

Are Doberman Pinschers Healthy Dogs?

The breed has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years but 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?

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.

How Much Exercise Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Doberman Pinscher Need?

Dobermans are a high-energy breed. They need high-intensity activity for around 1 to 2 hours a day to keep a good body condition score. Rollerblading or bike-riding with your Doberman is a great way to exercise as a team.

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Are You Ready to Adopt a Doberman Pinscher?

To adopt a Doberman puppy, start by making sure a dog of this size and demeanor will fit your lifestyle. Use our pet adoption checklist to walk through each step in the adoption process. Complete the necessary adoption applications and be prepared for interviews or home visits. Spend time with potential dogs to find a good match. Finally, prepare your home for the new pet, ensuring it's safe and welcoming.

Pet Insurance Options for Doberman Pinschers

Pet insurance for a Doberman Pinschers may help cover costs for conditions like lick granulomas and hip dysplasia. Consider a policy that includes hereditary and congenital conditions, flexible coverage options, and reasonable premiums.

Use our insurance aggregator tool to compare providers and find the best plan for your dog's unique needs.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Doberman Pinscher?

How Much Do Doberman Pinschers Weigh?
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.
What Color Eyes Do Dobermans Have?
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.
Are Doberman Pinschers Muscular Dogs?
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.
Do Doberman Pinschers Have Tails?
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 Front Legs
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.
What Color Coat Does a Doberman Have?
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.
Doberman Back Legs
The hind legs are well-muscled, powerful, and parallel with each other. They are straight and not bowed inward or outward.
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Doberman Pinscher Facts

During World War I, the Doberman breed gained popularity in the U.S. and was distinguished as the “Marine War Dog.”
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.
President John F. Kennedy had a Doberman named Moe.
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Other Breeds to Explore

Rottweiler
German Pinscher
Manchester Terrier
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References

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