Doberman

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.
Doberman

Exercise requirements

Compassion for the owner

Friendship with strangers

Energy level

Playfulness

With other pets

Characteristics of the breed

Family

Physical qualities

Lifespan

Years
0
Years
0
Doberman

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.