A Dobermann is a fantastic dog for many homes, with a loyal and protective instinct that works well in homes with one person, couples, or children. But do you know how much they cost?
Finding out the costs of Dobermanns and how much it costs to keep these lovable giants can be challenging, which is why we are here to help. Our guide outlines the ongoing costs of a Dobermann and how much you can expect to pay for one at a rescue centre or from a breeder.
Dobermanns vary in price across Australia, ranging from $300 to $5,500 depending on whether you adopt or buy your Dobermann from a breeder. When purchasing a dog from a breeder, make sure that you do your research. You will want to choose a registered and reputable breeder that prioritises the health of their animals. Not all breeders are the same, so although the lower price can be appealing, you can find yourself with a poorly cared for puppy that has been improperly cared for or poorly bred with health issues.
The average price of a Dobermann from a registered breeder is between $1,500 and $5,500. The cost does vary depending on the breeder you choose, their reputation, the pedigree of the dog, and any health clearances that the breeder provides.
Dobermann puppies tend to be more expensive and sit at a higher price point, while older Dobermanns can be purchased from a breeder at a lower price. Again, this does depend on the breeder’s reputation and the pedigree of the dog,
Adopting a Dobermann from a shelter is cheaper and can cost as little as $300. Typically, it will cost between $300 and $800, depending on the adoption shelter you choose, their location, and the age of the Dobermann. Dobermann puppies are usually more expensive at an adoption shelter but will still be cheaper than purchasing one from a breeder.
When you adopt a Dobermann from a shelter, you won’t get the same level of information about their lineage, but shelters work hard to provide as much information about their health and personality as possible. Shelters also try to match dogs to prospective owners as best as possible, ensuring you can care for them financially and emotionally.
Several factors can influence the cost of a Dobermann, including their age, breeder reputation and the dog’s lineage. We have outlined the main factors that impact pricing to help you better understand the cost of your Dobermann.
The breeder and their reputation are among the biggest factors influencing the cost of a Dobermann. The more reputable the breeder is, the higher the price you can expect to pay for your Dobermann. Why? Reputable breeders will offer your puppy a higher level of care and will usually have spent money on genetic testing to ensure the dogs are bred to create a healthy puppy.
Reputable breeders will do their best to prevent any genetic conditions from being passed down to puppies, allowing you to leave with a healthy puppy. Part of their higher prices are also linked to the cost of certificates your puppy might need and their first set of vaccinations.
The pedigree and lineage of your dog can also impact the cost. Purebred Dobermanns will typically cost more, especially if their lineage is certified. When you purchase a purebred dog, they usually have a certificate proving that their lineage is entirely Dobermanns. The more authentic and certified a line is, the more you can expect to pay for the dog.
As we mentioned earlier, age plays a role in the cost of a Dobermann. Puppies will always cost more, even if you are planning to adopt instead of using a breeder. Older dogs and rescue dogs will be sold at a lower price, making them a more affordable option for many families.
Before you bring a Dobermann into your home, you need to consider the costs associated with owning a dog. Alongside the fee for purchasing or adopting the dog, you need to ensure that you can afford the essentials and continue to afford them throughout their life.
Many Dobermann essentials can vary from $10 to $200 per item, depending on the size, quality, and brand. As you will need to repurchase some of them as your dog grows, you need to ensure you can continue to meet the demand. We have outlined the essential costs you should consider below:
Dog crate: costs between $30 and $200, depending on the size and brand. Dobermann’s will need a large crate to offer them plenty of space, increasing the cost.
Dog bed: costs between $20 and $100, depending on the size and material used. We recommend a large and thick bed for your Dobermann to provide plenty of comfort, but they are usually an expensive option.
Feeding bowl: costs between $10 and $50 depending on how many bowls you buy, their size, and if you need additional items like stands.
Dog collar/lead: costs between $10 and $150 depending on the brand and quality. For a large dog like a Dobermann, we recommend a robust but comfortable material. Leath collars are ideal, but these are a premium option and sit at the top of the price range.
Dog toothbrush: costs between $11 and $100 depending on the brand and if they are manual or electric. You might need to spend more on an electric toothbrush if your dog has any dental issues.
Dog car harness: costs between $20 and $70 depending on the brand and size. A medium or large harness will likely be needed for your Dobermann, and you will need to swap them for larger sizes as your puppy grows.
Puppy treats cost between $10 and $15 a week, depending on the brand and how many treats your dog eats. Larger dogs like Dobermann can typically eat more than smaller breeds.
Puppy training pads: cost between $10 and $30, depending on how many are needed to toilet train your dog. You don’t need to use these, and some older or rescue dogs won’t require toilet training.
Dog shampoo and conditioner: costs between $10 and $50 depending on the brand and if specialist shampoos for skin conditions are required. Typically, you need a prescription for these, which increases the cost.
Dog brushes, nail clippers, and combs cost between $20 and $50, depending on the brand and how many tools you purchase. The materials of the tools will also impact its cost.
The maintenance costs for your Dobermann can creep up, and you could end up spending over $1,000 a year on veterinary care, grooming, and feeding them. The cost will vary depending on the brands you choose, the vet you use, and how frequently your Dobermann needs grooming. To provide more insight into these costs, we have outlined them below.
Feeding a Dobermann can cost between $50 and $100 a month, depending on the type of food you choose, how much your dog eats, and the brand you choose. More premium food and raw diets will typically cost more, while supermarket-owned dry food will be the cheapest option.
When deciding what to feed your Dobermann, you should look at the food’s quality and its price. Make sure that you check the ingredients list and try to choose food that prioritises nutrients rather than derivatives and unnecessary additives.
An adult Dobermann usually weighs between 32 and 45 kg depending on their gender, and will cost the following to feed per day:
Veterinary care for a Dobermann can vary between $50 and $1,000 per item. The cost can vary depending on the cost of your local vet, the treatment your dog needs, and their size. Many of the preventative treatments are priced depending on your dog’s weight, with the price increasing in line with weight.
We have outlined the costs you can expect to pay below over the course of one year for your dog. It’s worth noting we haven’t included addressing health conditions or any other appointments you might make with your vet. To ensure the costs are kept to a minimum, speak to your vet about any payment plans they offer for vaccinations and ensure you take out a comprehensive insurance policy for your dog.
Annual vet checkups: can cost between $100 and $300, depending on the price of your vet and whether treatments or follow-up appointments are required.
Vaccinations: cost between $50 and $200 depending on the dosage required, the frequency, and your dog’s weight.
Worming and parasite treatment: cost between $50 and $300 depending on the frequency of the medication and the size of your dog. These doses are usually provided by weight, increasing in price as the weight increases.
Dental cleaning: costs between $200 and $1,000 and is recommended every one to two years. The cost varies depending on the level of cleaning needed and if your dog must be sedated.
Pet insurance: can cost between $50 and $100 a month depending on the level of coverage you choose, the age of your dog, and if there are any health conditions you need to be protected.
You can choose to groom your Dobermann at home, but many owners opt for a professional groom due to their size. A professional groomer will have specialist equipment to keep your Dobermann in place and ensure they can groom them without any stress to your dog. The cost of a groom can vary from $60 to $200 depending on the groomer you choose and the treatment offered. We have provided a brief cost breakdown below:
Hydrobaths: $35 to $60
Full groom: $150 to $200 for large dogs
Face, feet, and tail groom: $60 to $90
Sometimes, additional fees are charged for fleas or mats in your dog’s fur. As a Dobermann’s coat is usually quite short, you don’t need to worry about this too much, but we do recommend regularly bringing them to prevent any mats and using regular flea-prevention medication to keep them itch-free.
When you are dealing with a large dog like a Dobermann, it is important that you train them properly so that you can walk them in public without worrying about losing control of them. Plenty of professional trainers across Australia can help you with puppy training, reactivity, and any other issue you might experience with your dog.
Training can cost from $50 to $250 per session, with the costs varying depending on the training you choose. You can expect to pay around the following for training:
Basic obedience training: $50 to $250
Puppy training classes: $30 to $230
Specialised training (i.e. aggression, anxiety): $50 to $250
Some trainers will offer a discount if you book your sessions in a block of ten sessions rather than individually, which can help to reduce the cost of your training. You must speak to your trainer to see if they can offer this.
A Dobermann is a large dog that offers love and loyalty to anyone, but it is not cheap to care for. You must ensure that you have the funds to provide your Dobermann with the life they deserve, offering them healthy meals, plenty of exercise, and veterinary care when needed. Use our guide to see if you can afford to bring a Dobermann into your home.
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