Doberman

Temperament and Personality

Known for their loyalty, intelligence, alertness, and fearless nature, Dobermans Pinschers (also called Dobermans, Dobes, or Dobies) are devoted doggos that were built for protection. From defending the family home, to being used in security, police, and military work, they’re natural guard dogs that’ll always have your back. 

These protective instincts, along with characteristics such as their powerful build and imposing appearance, has led many people to believe Dobermans are dangerous. While they won’t hesitate to keep their loved ones safe at any cost, these dogs rarely seek out trouble or start fights. However, they can be suspicious of strangers – human and canine alike – so they need extensive and ongoing socialisation and training from an early age to avoid any potential aggression, dominance, or shyness from setting in. 

When raised properly, the Doberman personality is loving, friendly, and affectionate. These pups usually form super strong bonds with one person in the family, so are known to be ‘one man dogs’, but they adore being part of the pack – as long as they’re kept busy. Dobermans are extremely energetic and have razor sharp minds, so they’re happiest when they have a job to do. Without enough exercise, Dobermans become bored and destructive, so engage them in obedience training and agility work to ensure they get the stimulation they need (and that your furniture doesn’t meet an early demise!)

Despite their fierce look, Dobermans are actually sensitive souls who are very in tune with their environment and the people around them. Loud voices, tension, stress, and heightened emotions in the household can make these dogs upset and nervous. They can also suffer from separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long, which can lead to excessive barking, howling, or chewing. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a protective guardian to join your pack, the Doberman could be the breed for you. 

Types of Doberman

There are two lines of the Doberman breed; the European Doberman and the American Doberman. The European version is slightly larger, more muscular, and was designed for police and military work or personal protection. The American version was developed to be a family pet and is less effective as a working dog. Both are loyal and protective, but the American Doberman is calmer and less likely to respond to threats with physical intervention. 

Doberman paw-sonality traits

• Loyal and protective

• Highly intelligent

• Fearless, alert and assertive

• Confident and courageous

• Energetic and athletic

• Forms strong bonds with owners

• Loving and affectionate

• Trustworthy and obedient

• Suspicious of strangers

• Can be a ‘one man dog’

• Potential for aggression towards other dogs

• Needs lots of physical and mental exercise

• Needs early, extensive socialisation and training

• Best suited for experienced dog owners

Doberman Pros and Cons

Are Dobermans good family dogs?

Yes. If you’re looking for a loyal pet to protect your family and home, the Doberman is your dog. They’re very people-oriented and love being involved in all the family’s activities. From running about in the woods to snuggling up with you on the couch, the Dobe is happy as long as it’s with its humans. Although they have a tendency to form strong bonds with one person in particular, they thrive on being part of the pack. Dobermans are a high-energy breed with a lot of exercise and training needs though, so they suit active families who can dedicate plenty of time to their pooch. 

Are Dobermans good with children?

Yes, Dobermans are generally gentle and loving towards children in their family if they’ve been properly trained and socialised from puppyhood. However, they might not show the same affection towards children who come to visit. They’re fiercely loyal and protective, and might feel the need to guard their human siblings. They’re also large, strong dogs with a lot of energy, so they’re not an ideal choice for families with babies or toddlers. Homes with older children are better suited.

Are Dobermans good with other pets?

It depends. Dobermans have a guarding instinct, but if they’re well socialised, trained, and introduced to other pets from a young age, they can live with other dogs. However, they have a high prey drive so they aren’t generally the best choice for households with cats and other small animals. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Doberman Pinscher properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Doberman need?

A lot! Full grown Dobermans need around 2 hours of physical and mental exercise a day, so a walk around the block won’t do. 

These are high-energy, naturally athletic dogs who need lengthy daily walks and runs to stay happy and healthy. Due to their prey drive, it’s best to let them off-lead in a secure, fenced-in area where they safely run about and let off steam. 

Dobermans do incredibly well at canine sports too, which is a great outlet for their intelligence and athleticism. Meet your Doberman’s exercise needs with agility courses, dog frisbee, swimming, tracking, or flyball and watch them shine! 

Mental stimulation is also crucial, so provide them with plenty of enrichment games, puzzle toys, and trick training to ensure their brains get a good workout too. Play hide-and-seek in the house using treats or toys for an easy way to activate their noses and critical thinking skills. 

If Dobermans don’t get the exercise they need, you might see some unwanted behavioural issues, such as chewing up the sofa or barking all day. That’s why it’s essential to keep these dogs busy with plenty of fun activities.

How do you train a Doberman?

Doberman Pinschers are super smart cookies who love learning and having a job to do. Their obedience and eagerness to please has made them one of the best service dogs in the world, often being used in security, search and rescue, and police work.

While Dobermans are highly trainable, they’re strong-willed, determined doggos, and aren’t the best choice for first-time pet parents. Training this breed requires a lot of ongoing, daily effort to ensure they grow up to be polite, well-behaved pooches. Without proper training and socialisation, they could become reactive, dominant, overly protective, or even fearful of everything around them. 

However, with lots of consistency, patience, and paw-sitivity, training a Doberman can be a hugely rewarding experience.

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Doberman training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats, such as these Turkey & Hemp Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats.

2. Establish who’s boss. Dobermans need a confident owner who is firm but fair, ensuring there’s no confusion around who's the leader of the pack. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them to help them understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour. 

3. Avoid harsh corrections. This breed is very sensitive and won’t respond well to harsh corrections or teasing. Make sure your tone and energy is upbeat so you don’t dampen their enthusiastic spirit.

4. Socialise, socialise, socialise! Dobermans are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers, but without enough socialisation from an early age, they might grow to be suspicious of everything, causing reactive or aggressive behaviour. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Channel their energy. Dobes are high-energy athletes, so channel their energy with fun canine sports like agility training, frisbee, tracking, and obedience. 

6. Be consistent. Dobermans are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential, along with making sure the household is using the same commands. 

7. Get them used to a lead. Dobermans grow into muscular, strong dogs, so it’s important they know how to walk nicely on a lead without pulling. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. Due to their strength, you should also invest in a heavy duty harness that allows for safe outdoor adventures.

8. Prioritise recall. Dobermans have high prey drive, so it’s vital they master recall before they’re let off lead. Also, there’s the unfortunate fact that this protective breed has a tainted reputation of being aggressive, so some may perceive your dog as a threat if it comes bounding over to them in the park, even if they’re well socialised and friendly. Practise the ‘come’ command at home, and then use a long-line lead outside for added safety, making sure to reward them with tempting treats. 

9. Keep training fresh. Dobermans will make their own entertainment if they’re bored, so ensure training is fun and varied with lots of games, such as playing tug-of-war to teach them the release command. A mentally tired Dobe is a happy Dobe!

10. Reduce the risk of separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Doberman be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Dobermans need?

Very little! They have a short, sleek, glossy coat that’s low maintenance on the grooming front. 

Dobermans shed low to moderate amounts throughout the year, but you won’t have too much hair on your hands as they’re a single-coated breed that doesn’t have a thick undercoat.

Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Dobe looks delightful all year round.

• Use a grooming mitt once a week to remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny.

• Check their skin when grooming for signs of inflammation, redness, or lumps and bumps.

• Bathe as needed using a dog-friendly shampoo – but don’t overdo it as this could disrupt the natural Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up. 

• Dobermans have floppy ears that need frequent cleaning to reduce the risk of infection. Use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas, but don’t stick anything down their ear canal. 

• White Dobermans will need pet-friendly sunscreen in the summer months to protect their sensitive skin.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Doberman lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a number of health problems.

Common Doberman health issues

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Doberman puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. The condition can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat VWD.

• Dancing Doberman Disease (DDD). This is a rare, genetic neurological disorder that causes spasms and uncontrolled flexing in the rear legs while the dog is standing. It mostly affects Dobermans, and can be seen between the ages of 6 months and 7 years old. The disease is progressive, eventually leading to muscle atrophy in the back legs. It’s not very well understood and there’s no treatment or cure, but physical therapy like massages and swimming can be recommended.

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Dogs usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This heart disease causes weakening and thinning of the heart muscle, leading to the heart not being able to function properly. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, collapse, and even sudden death. It’s a serious condition that can end in heart failure. Treatments are available if detected early, but it will only slow down the progression. Grain-free diets have been linked to DCM, but it’s still not fully understood if it’s a direct cause. 

• Albinism. This genetic condition causes a lack of pigment in the skin, resulting in a white coat, pinkish skin, a pink nose, and pink eyelids. While albino Dobermans usually have blue eyes, indicating they’re not fully albino, they’ll still suffer with the same genetic problems that come with albinism, such as sensitivity to sunlight, eye problems and susceptibility to cancer. 

• Colour Mutant Alopecia. This is a hair loss condition mainly associated with blue Dobermans and fawn Dobermans. Hair will become brittle and break off, resulting in patchy hair loss. You can alleviate itching and dryness with medicated dog shampoos. 

• Spina Bifida. This is where the vertebrae don’t fully close over the spinal cord, leaving the spinal cord exposed and susceptible to damage. Puppies are born with this defect, and it can cause nerve problems in the legs, bladder, and bowel. 

Why do people crop Doberman ears?

A Doberman’s natural ears are floppy, like that of a Labrador. However, clipped Doberman ears are pointy and stand erect. The practice of ear cropping was originally performed on working dogs to enhance their hearing or prevent their ears from being grabbed by other animals, but there’s no evidence it actually has any benefits. It’s an unnecessary, painful procedure that owners choose to have done to achieve a certain aesthetic. Ear cropping has been illegal in the UK since 2006.

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your Doberman Pinscher a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Doberman eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Doberman will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

As they’re prone to bloating, it’s best to feed full-grown Dobermans twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Doberman’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health.

Regular exercise

These athletic doggos need lots of daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip dysplasia at bay, consider feeding your Doberman our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. 

Monitor weight

A healthy Doberman weight is anywhere between 27kg and 45kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life. 

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart. 

Look after their heart

Dobermans are prone to some serious heart conditions, so consider adding omega-3s (found in fish) to their diet. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory and is proven to improve cardiovascular health.

Stay out of the sun

White Dobermans with albinism are sensitive to sunlight, so always use pet-friendly sunscreen, provide shade, and limit their time outside during sunny days. 

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

What are Miniature Dobermans?

The Doberman size is large, weighing 27–45 kg, and measuring 63–72 cm in height. You might want to get your mitts on a Miniature Doberman, but you’ll be waiting a while as they don’t exist. Many people think the Miniature Pinscher is a small Doberman, but it’s a completely separate, older breed.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Doberman’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Doberman Pinscher is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Doberman cost?

The price of a Doberman Pinscher can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £3,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Doberman is around £105.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Doberman costs between £40 and £80 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Doberman even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s best guard dogs!

• The Doberman Pinscher is named after German tax collector Karl Frierich Louis Dobermann, however several countries have dropped the ‘pinscher’ and one ‘n’ from the name. Some countries still spell it as Dobermann, honouring the breed’s developer.

• Dobermans are war heroes, serving in both World War I and World War II. They were especially popular with the U.S. armed forces, accounting for roughly three quarters of all their service dogs. Dobes were used to carry messages, guard campsites, and lead soldiers into combat. 

• The Doberman’s bite force is between 245 and 305 pounds per square inch (PSI). This can break bone and sever arteries, and their scissor bite makes it easy to bite in quick succession, but they’re not known to show aggression without cause. 

• Dobes are intelligent, curious dogs that love to learn. They’re ranked as the 5th most intelligent dog breed, so keep them entertained with lots of activities, tasks, and varied training exercises. 

• Thought Bloodhounds were the best tracking dogs? Think again! A South African Doberman named Sauer holds the world record for tracking, having tracked a scent for 100 miles on foot to catch a criminal back in 1925. 

• Back when Dobermans were first brought into show rings in the early 1900s, judges were too scared to open their mouths to check their teeth. It’s believed that this is what led to a Doberman winning ‘Best in Show’ despite missing several teeth!

• You can get Doberman cross breeds. The Doberman Husky mix is called a Siberian Pinscher, the Doberman German Shepherd cross is called a Doberman Shepherd, the Doberman Rottweiler mix is called a Rotterman, the Doberman Poodle mix is called a Doodleman, but the Doberman Staffy cross doesn’t have a name! Can you think of one?

History and Origin

The Doberman is a relatively new breed, having only been around since the late 19th century. A German tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann was tired of being robbed as he travelled through dangerous areas collecting money, so he sought to develop a personal protection dog.

He wanted a dog that was intelligent, fiercely loyal, and looked intimidating, so set to work cross breeding different dogs to achieve the perfect guard dog. This was easy for him as he ran a local dog shelter, so he had access to a plethora of breeds. The first Doberman Pinscher appeared in 1876, but we’ll never know exactly what breeds were used as he didn’t keep a record. It’s speculated the Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and Black and Tan Terrier were all used to create the Doberman we all know and love today. 

After his death in 1894, the breed was named after him and German breeders continued his legacy. However, they prioritised strength, bravery, and toughness, garnering the breed a reputation of being aggressive and headstrong. 

It wasn’t until a breeder named Otto Goeller began to focus breeding efforts around trainability in order to produce a more practical canine companion. They were recognised as a distinct breed by the German Kennel Club in 1900, and they soon gained popularity all over the world as exceptional working dogs and family guardians.

Today, the Doberman is loved for its loyalty, elegance, and courageous spirit that never falters.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Doberman.

1. Research the breed. Dobermans have lots of energy and need plenty of training, so make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Doberman puppies, and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Dobermans and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Doberman, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Dobermans in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.