Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

30-40 kg

Height

66-71 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Doberman Pinscher

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Have you been wondering which furry friend is right for you? Even though they might look intimidating at first glance, Doberman Pinschers (also called Dobermans) are medium to large dogs which are incredibly friendly dogs that are always eager for affection.

In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need about Dobermans, from their origin and history to their temperament and personality. So Hethat in the end, you should be able to decide whether this dog is the right fit for you!

What is the history & origin of the Doberman Pinscher?

The Doberman originated in Germany.

These dogs were first bred by a man named Louis Dobermann (hence where the breed got its name). Louis lived in Apolda, a town in the Thuringia district of Germany during the 19th century. He was a tax collector, and he was often in danger of being attacked by bandits looking to steal the money he was collecting.

Dobermann was also the town’s dog catcher, so he often took a dog with him for added protection. He began breeding dogs in the hopes of creating a breed that was loyal and protective. The result was the Doberman Pinscher.

During World War II, Dobermanns, along with German Shepherds, were used as military dogs. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America was responsible for supplying many of these war dogs.

What is a Doberman Pinscher Breed?

There are no records of what exact breeds were used when the Doberman Pinscher dog was originally bred.

However, there is speculation that they’re a combination of different breeds including the Beauceron, German Pinscher, Rottweiler, black and tan Terrier and Weimaraner.

The breed characteristics of this dog include being sleek, muscular, and sturdy. They’re extremely athletic and loyal which makes them great guard dogs. A Doberman’s ears are naturally floppy, but they undergo ear cropping to prevent infections. It’s not unusual for a Doberman to have its tail docked.

This breed is extremely intelligent and loyal. Often, these dogs are stereotyped as aggressive and feared by people who see them. However, when trained well, they can be extremely gentle and friendly dogs.

Who is a Doberman Pinscher Best For?

An adult Doberman Pinscher can grow to be quite a large size, meaning first-time dog owners might want to opt for other dog breeds that are smaller and easier to handle.

That being said, a Doberman is extremely loyal, and with the right obedience training, these dogs make wonderful pets. Some say that this breed isn’t suitable for being around kids, but when the Doberman pinscher puppy is socialised to be around children from a young age they can be very gentle.

Doberman Pinscher Grooming & Shedding

Dobermans have a sleek and smooth coat. It’s short and close to the skin, which means this breed requires minimal grooming in comparison to other dogs. Their coat colours are typically black, fawn, red, and blue. Rust markings can also be found on a Doberman dog’s ears. They do shed quite a lot, so it’s important to brush them regularly to get rid of excess dog hair.

You should also brush your Dobermann’s teeth regularly, at least twice a week. This will remove buildup and keep bacteria at bay, as well as prevent gum disease. You should also trim their nails once a month to prevent problems.

Do Doberman Pinschers bark a lot?

This dog breed isn’t known for excessive barking. That being said, they might use barking as a means to communicate with their owner. For instance, barking might indicate that your Doberman is hungry, thirsty, or in need of some mental stimulation. As guard dogs, they’re likely to bark when there’s a threat to their owner or their family.

What is the average weight & height of a Doberman Pinscher dog?

Dobermans are medium-large dogs. The males typically stand around 66-71 cm tall, with females generally reaching 60-66 cm. They usually weigh between 30 to 40 kilograms.

Are Doberman Pinschers easy to train?

It’s important to be aware of any behavioural issues this dog breed might have. Be sure you’re always on hand to keep them calm during training to prevent any accidents from happening.

It’s important to socialise a Doberman puppy immediately, as this will help them get used to being around people. Positive reinforcement works well with Doberman puppies.

Dobermans are working dogs, so they require plenty of exercise through dog sports and regular walks. This will keep them healthy and ensure they have a healthy and long life span.

How do Doberman Pinschers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Dobermanns are extremely intelligent and very active dogs. They’re loyal, trustworthy and gentle dogs that are often unfairly stereotyped due to their intimidating appearance.

A Dobermann Pinscher will never become aggressive without provocation, but they won’t hesitate when their owner is under threat. They were bred to appear large and intimidating, but their obedience and intelligence are what make them great police or guard dogs.

Dobermanns learn fast, so training them is generally a breeze. They require regular mental stimulation and plenty of canine sports to keep them busy.

Puppies of this dog breed are very playful and curious, they love being around people as well as being held and petted by them. They take a while to grow up, so you can expect your Dobie to stay young for years to come.

Does the Doberman Pinscher have any common health issues?

Dobermanns are typically a healthy dog breed. However, they can be susceptible to genetic health problems and other health issues.

If you’re considering this breed, it’s important to be aware of these issues so you know how to handle them if they come up.

Some issues to watch out for include Von Willebrand’s Disease, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, wobbler’s syndrome, and cardiomyopathy.

Breed clubs are constantly conducting tests and trying to work out genetic problems from the breed. If dogs are shy, nervous, or aggressive, it’s considered incorrect behaviour. Dogs who fail these tests can be considered unsuitable for breeding.

What is the lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher?

The life span of a Doberman is typically between 10-13 years. Keep your dog healthy with high-quality food, regular exercise, and lots of love and they’ll live a long and happy life.

How much does a Doberman Pinscher need to be fed?

Dobermans require 2.5 to 3.5 cups of dry food per day. This should be divided into two meals throughout the day and should be of high quality to provide this athletic dog with all the nutrients it needs.

The exact amount your dog will need to eat depends on its size, age, metabolism, and how much activity they do. Like humans, every dog is an individual with his/her own preferences and body processing. Once you get to know your dog better, you’ll be able to understand how much they need to eat and when they prefer to do so.

How much can you expect to pay for a Doberman Pinscher in Australia?

The price of a Doberman pinscher dog in Australia can range hugely. Typically, a puppy of this breed will cost between $1200-$2500, but dogs with higher pedigrees can cost anywhere up to $5000.

To find out more about Dobermans, check out breed clubs in your area. In America, you can find plenty of information about this breed by visiting the American Kennel Club or United Doberman Club websites. You’ll also have no problem finding a national breed club in Australia.

Doberman Pinscher FAQs

What is the difference between a Doberman and a Doberman Pinscher?

There is no difference, both names refer to the same breed. However, the name “Doberman” is only used in the US and Canada, whereas “Doberman Pinscher” or “Dobermann Pinscher” (with two n’s) is used in Europe, Australia, and elsewhere.

Are Doberman Pinschers hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Dobermanns are not hypoallergenic dogs. This means they aren’t suitable for anyone who suffers from dog allergies, as they can exacerbate symptoms. If you are allergic to dogs, consider getting a hypoallergenic dog like a Maltese, Poodle, or Wire Fox Terrier.

Will a Doberman Pinscher get along with a cat?

Naturally, these dogs are predatory towards smaller animals. However, with the right socialisation, training, and ensuring you purchase your Doberman from a good breeder, there’s no reason why your Doberman can’t get along with other pets.

Is a Doberman Pinscher ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Because an adult dog of this breed can be quite large, they probably aren’t the ideal option for a first-time dog owner. They’re also very energetic and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy, so if you’re not used to dogs or well equipped to train them, consider another breed.