About the breed
Only owners who have been fortunate enough to enjoy the company of a Doberman know what it is to be probably one of the best dog breeds in the world.
It is an exemplary breed very attached to his family, a great friend of adults and children, in addition to being an excellent guard dog. With children, we have to be somewhat careful because it is a very energetic dog and inadvertently it could harm them. His strong image and even, for some, fierce, circulated against him many prejudices.
Doberman
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large breed known for its elegance, intelligence, and loyalty. Developed in Germany by Louis Dobermann, these dogs were originally bred for protection and companionship. Dobermanns are highly trainable, energetic, and excel in a variety of roles, including police and military work. They have short, sleek coats that come in colors like black, red, blue, and fawn. Their affectionate yet protective nature makes them excellent family pets and guardians.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium to large
- Weight: 88-99 lbs (40-45 kg)
- Head shape: Long
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Coat Type: Short, smooth, and sleek
- Colors: Black and rust, blue and rust, red and rust, fawn and rust
- Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, alert, and fearless; protective but affectionate with family
- Grooming Needs: Low; requires occasional brushing to maintain shine
- Exercise Needs: High; requires daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, active households, families or individuals looking for a protective companion
The Doberman is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and agility, making it an excellent protector and family companion. Originally bred as a guard dog, this breed has a natural instinct for protection, combined with a loving and affectionate nature toward its family. With regular exercise and proper training, Dobermans thrive in active households and excel in various canine activities and roles.
The standard of the breed
Doberman is a medium-sized dog with a strong and muscular body, harmoniously combining nobility of posture with clarity and grace of lines. A set of power, enormous internal energy with external grace and even a certain refinement – this is the general first impression of this breed.
- The height at the withers of the male is 68 to 72 cm; females – 63-68 cm.
- The weight of an adult male varies from 40 to 45 kg, the female weighs from 32 to 35 kg.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
The Doberman is a perfect pet, which gets along very well with children, although it is not recommended for very young children, since with its size and strength it can harm them unintentionally.
Other pets are seen normally, but are best introduced to cats from a young age.
Physical qualities
It has a long head. The top of its head is flat and resembles a blunt wedge. The skull area is strong and proportional to the body. There is no swelling or protrusion in the head. The protrusion of the mouth and nose appears to be directly proportional to the structure of the head. Its teeth have a scissor bite. It has strong white upper and lower teeth. Depending on the color of the dog, its lips can be light or dark. Its lips are fully closed and not drooping. The color of the nose also varies depending on the dog’s coat. For example, black nose colors can be seen in black dogs, dark brown nose colors in red dogs, dark gray nose colors in blue dogs, and dark skin colors in light brown dogs.
They have erect ears, set high and in proportion to their head. The ears are usually cropped at 12 weeks of age to keep them standing upright. In areas where ear cropping is prohibited, the Doberman’s ears grow naturally. In their natural state; the tip of the ear should be close to the cheek. In this way, their ears resemble those of a greyhound.
The Doberman breed has almond-shaped, medium-sized, oval, and dark-colored eyes. Eye color comes in different shades depending on the dog’s coat color. For example, brown-haired dogs have lighter eyes. Having hairy eyelids and eye contours is a desirable trait.
Powerful, scissor-shaped. Adheres to lips and cheeks.
The Doberman is a medium-sized, athletic dog, square in build, with a compact and muscular body. It has a neck structure proportional to its body and head. It is important that the neck part is dry and muscular. Its neck lines complement its gentle, straight and noble stance. The back is proportionally broad, short, tight and muscular. The size appears slightly longer in females due to the need to nurse. In general, the Doberman is medium-wide and muscular in size.
The coat is dense, of medium length with a dense undercoat. Shorter on the muzzle and ears than on the body, longer on the legs and tail. It forms a “breeches” on the hips and a “mane” on the neck.
The Dobermann has a hard, short, thick and straight coat. The structure of its feathers should be evenly distributed throughout its body. However, the hair around the neck may be slightly longer than in other areas. It has a unique beauty with its elegant, shiny and smooth fur.
Red, black, zoned gray, black and red tan, gray and tan.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
The Dobermann is recognized by major kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Kennel Club (UK) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
FCI Classification
Group 2 : Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossian type Dogs and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 1 : Pinscher and Schnauzer. With working trial.
What to expect when taking care of a Doberman
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
The Doberman is a robust and strong dog, but even he has a hereditary predisposition to certain diseases:
- The allergies. Dogs can be allergic to mold, pollen and dust.
- Heart disease. The Doberman can be affected by coronary artery disease, tachycardia, heart failure, arrhythmia, etc. Health problems can be recognized by noisy and long breaths, difficulty breathing, loss of balance, tremors.
- Joint dysplasia (especially the hip) is a typical joint disease in large breed dogs.
- Narcolepsy is a disease of the central nervous system in which the dog is disturbed in sleep and muscle tone. The Doberman becomes motionless, his eyes like glass. This condition may last several moments or several minutes.
- Inversion of the stomach. This disease can be hereditary and develop as a result of malnutrition.
- Hypothyroidism is possible, but not often. If this occurs, it is accompanied by hair loss, weight gain, or weight loss.
- Sometimes the Doberman has congenital deafness or develops arachnoid cysts, cataracts, cancer, pathologies of the cervical vertebrae, chronic hepatitis.
In order to avoid serious health problems for the dog, it must be presented to a veterinarian with the slightest alarming symptoms. Periodic preventive examinations also do not interfere.
The Doberman has a short, smooth coat that should be brushed once a week. The nails are cut every 10 days. The eyes are usually cleaned daily, the ears two to three times a week. Bathe the dog once or twice a month.
You can meet their exercise needs with 90-minute daily activities or 3.5-4 kilometer walks. Exercise in wide open spaces and dog parks is vital for their physical and mental health.
Participating in dog sports like tracking, agility, and obedience will provide them with fun and mental and physical exercise.
Dobermans can adapt well to both houses and apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in environments where they can participate in regular physical activity and training, making daily walks and playtime essential.
Character and behavior
Exceptional intelligence and extreme devotion to the owner are the main characteristics that determine the behavior of the Dobermann.
The Dobermann Pinscher is one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. Basically friendly and peaceful, it is a dog very dependent on the family, so it is not appropriate to spend most of the day outside or not provide care for this incredible breed.
Although it is a friendly dog with its own, the Dobermann is a little wary of strangers, so it is advisable to socialize it conscientiously as a puppy. This wariness does not make it a dangerous dog, but it helps it to be a good guard dog.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- In 1976, an albino Doberman was born in a litter, an extremely rare specimen which crossed with its own puppies to maintain the genes and to obtain that their descendants are also albino. Right now, all white Doberman will come from these crosses, so they have associated significant health issues such as eye problems, skin problems, etc.
- Although they are beautiful and rare to see, it is highly inadvisable to look for an albino Doberman, as their health will always be weakened. There is a myth associated with Doberman in popular culture, namely that its brain keeps growing in a too small skull, which makes the dog crazy and develops a lot of aggressiveness over time.
- However, this idea has no basis, and that is, if it did, the dog would die from brain pressure as it grew. On the contrary, the Doberman Pinscher is in fifth place in the classification of breeds according to his intelligence. If you want to share your life with a copy of a Doberman Pinscher, the best thing you can do is to go to an experienced and reputable breeder of the breed.
- Only in this way will you be able to get the best information about the breed, especially with regard to its education, and also get a puppy with all the health guarantees you may need. The Doberman is a unique breed, with very specific needs that you must understand and satisfy so that your dog is a happy and balanced animal, and so that together you can enjoy the best possible relationship.
Price and budget
Here’s an estimate for Doberman prices and annual maintenance costs across different countries:
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €1,000 | €2,500 | €900 | €1,600 |
| Canada | CAD 1,500 | CAD 3,500 | CAD 1,200 | CAD 2,500 |
| Belgium | €1,000 | €2,800 | €900 | €1,700 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,200 | CHF 3,000 | CHF 1,000 | CHF 2,000 |
| USA | $1,200 | $3,500 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Germany | €1,000 | €3,000 | €1,000 | €1,800 |
The Doberman is a popular breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. As a breed favored for both family companionship and security work, the Doberman can be relatively costly to acquire and maintain, particularly in regions with high demand or stringent breeding standards. Here’s a breakdown of the purchase and maintenance costs in various countries:
- Purchase Price: Prices range widely, depending on factors like breeder reputation, pedigree quality, and demand. Generally, Dobermans in Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland) are priced between €1,000 and €3,000, with slightly higher prices in North America (Canada, USA), where top-quality Dobermans with pedigree often cost more due to the popularity and specialized breeding standards.
- Annual Maintenance Cost: Maintenance costs reflect vet care, food, training, and grooming. Dobermans require a balanced diet, regular vet visits, and training. Annual costs are higher in North America (up to $2,500) than in Europe due to the price of services and dog food, although these can fluctuate depending on specific regional costs.
Dobermans are active, and families considering them should plan on these initial and recurring expenses for a healthy, well-trained dog.
Competitions
| Competition Type | Description | Skills Highlighted | Notable Organizations |
| Conformation Shows | Judged on adherence to breed standards for appearance, build, and temperament. | Physical traits, temperament | American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) |
| Obedience Trials | Tests Doberman's ability to follow commands and perform specific tasks on cue. | Obedience, precision | United Kennel Club (UKC), AKC |
| Agility Competitions | Obstacle courses requiring speed, agility, and responsiveness from both handler and dog. | Speed, agility, responsiveness | North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) |
| Schutzhund/IPO | Originally developed for German Shepherds, but Dobermans excel in tracking, obedience, and protection phases. | Tracking, obedience, protection | International Working Dog Federation (IWDF) |
| Protection Sports | Includes sports like French Ring and Mondioring that test obedience and protection instincts. | Protection skills, obedience | Federation Mondiale du Berger Belge (FMBB) |
| Tracking Competitions | Tests the dog’s scent-tracking ability across different terrains and scenarios. | Scenting, tracking | AKC, United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) |
| Rally Obedience | Similar to obedience trials but emphasizes teamwork and communication in a fun, less formal setting. | Obedience, teamwork | AKC, Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) |
| Dock Diving | Measures the distance and height the dog can jump into water. | Jumping ability, strength | North America Diving Dogs (NADD) |
History of the breed
Herr Karl Louis Doberman was a man with many jobs: He was a tax collector, who would sometimes work as a police officer, night guard, and dog catcher. Because of his career, Doberman often found himself traveling with bags of money through dangerous parts of town at late hours; it left him feeling uneasy.
Herr Louis Doberman combined several breeds looking for the ideal protective dog to accompany him in his rounds. Thus, he created the breed at the end of the 19th century. It is said that he used rottweilers and great Danes for his size and strength, greyhounds for his speed and Manchester terriers for his smooth fur and elegant silhouette, as well as for the tenacity of the terrier.
It is also possible that it included other breeds, such as schnauzers, German pinschers, German shepherds, German short-haired bracos and Weimar bracos. He spent 60 years searching for the perfect dog for personal protection. The first Doberman was registered in the German genealogical register in 1893.