Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: The Doberman Pinscher and Pitbull Terrier are very different-looking dogs, and their athleticism is their primary resemblance. These dog breeds are very affectionate and loyal to their families and willing to do anything for them. As highly energetic dogs, the Doberman and Pitbull both require around sixty minutes of exercise each day to completely release all their mental and physical energies. Despite their energy levels, they’re equally keen to sleep during the day with their families, especially the Pitbull Terrier. However, you can count on the Doberman to quickly get to his feet when he senses an intruder. The Pitbull can also quickly stand guard when he hears strange noises around him. The main difference between Doberman and Pitbull Terriers is that the Doberman requires more intensive training than the Pitbull to ensure that the dog is obedient and does not attempt to challenge the hierarchy of the pack.
If you compare the Doberman Pinscher to the American Pitbull Terrier, you’ll discover two equally gorgeous dogs. However, they’re both shunned by people who don’t know them. People who are familiar with each of them are aware that they are lively and playful dogs who love their families.
Both breeds love their owners and are surprisingly soft in their hearts. The difference between the two breeds is their appearance and size, and the Doberman is the bigger of the two. It is also true that the Doberman tends to be aloof towards strangers, compared to the more friendly American Pitbull Terrier.
If you’re trying to choose between these gorgeous breeds, it is crucial to know what distinctions exist between them and the areas where they are similar so you can decide which one is best for you and your needs. Read on to find out more about these gorgeous and under-appreciated breeds.
Breed History and Background
The Doberman Pinscher and the American Pitbull Terrier have very different backgrounds. However, their stories have also led to them gaining bad reputations, which resulted in them being included in Breed Specific Legislations (BSL).
The Doberman Pinscher: In a Nutshell
The Doberman Pinscher finds himself within the working dog breed as he was specifically bred to guard his tax-collecting owner in 19th century Germany. It is believed that the Doberman Pinscher has always been employed in protection and security services since its creation. In fact, it was the first dog to be a victim of World War II, having been able to keep pace with his human counterparts, in the process, saved numerous lives.
Although this courage and loyalty remain evident in the breed, the Doberman is often seen warm by the fire in the family room than fighting on the field. The Doberman first came to America in 1921. America is among the few places in the world to keep the ‘Pinscher’ portion of his name.
In the year 2019, The American Kennel Club (AKC) classified the breed as the 17th most loved breed of dog in America. Famous people like Kevin Hart and Mariah Carey are huge fans, and Mariah Carey’s Doberman Princess was featured in her “All I Want For Christmas Is You” music video, waving her tail. Dobermans are a popular breed. Doberman is often confused with other working breeds, such as the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.
The American Pitbull Terrier: In a Nutshell
It is said that the Pitbull Terrier is well-known because of the pit fighting background that pitted him against dogs, rats, and bulls. However, the brutality was more of an expression of his desire to be a slave to his owner, who taught his scouts to compete in the arena instead of his violent nature.
His ancestors came to America during the 19th century, which means the breed is a fairly new breed within the canine world. Since bloodsports were banned, the breed has been gaining more and more employment on farms, and people who are familiar with the breed have invited him to their family homes.
Pitbull Terrier was similarly used during World War II due to his loyalty, Sallie being the most well-known Pitbull dog who guarded over injured and dead soldiers in the battle.
The Pitbull Terrier isn’t recognized by the AKC. Therefore, the breed’s popularity cannot be compared against the Doberman. However, it is believed that 4.4 million Pitbulls are living in America at the mid-point of 2018, with the number increasing, and it’s safe to claim that there are plenty of these friendly dogs around.
Four distinct generic Pitbull classified breeds are classified as “Pitbulls,” and many shelter dogs who are killed each year are labeled as one type of Pitbull Terrier Mix.
Size and Appearance
Doberman and Pitbull Terrier are two breeds that look very different, with their athleticism being their primary resemblance. Dobermans are the more athletic of the breeds. The Doberman is also the larger of the two breeds, standing between 28 and 24 inches tall, from shoulder to paw. In comparison, the Pitbull Terrier measures between 17 and 21 inches tall.
Dobermans weigh between 60 and 100 pounds, while the Pitbull Terrier is between 30 to 65 pounds. Despite their differences in size, they’re both attractive dogs who are extremely proportional in their body, and you will rarely see an overweight dog from either breed.
Both have shiny coats; however, the coat of the Doberman is a bit longer than that of the Pitbull Terrier. The Doberman usually has black and rust colors and distinct marks, while Pitbull Terriers are more recognizable. Pitbull Terrier is accepted in nearly all dog colors; however, it is most popular in red as well as blue.
The only color that the Pitbull Terrier isn’t accepted in is merle. Likewise, the Doberman, despite being a popular color, isn’t recognized with white coats because this is the result of leucism or albinism. Therefore, if you see someone advertising the use of a merle Pitbull Terrier or a white Doberman, even though they may look similar, they aren’t normally found in the breed and should not be used.
Both of these guys often wear their ears shaved to keep with their classic appearance, but their ears are different and the Doberman sporting a large drop-triangle-shaped ear, and the Pitbull sporting an ear that is rose-shaped.
In general, the Doberman can be described as stylish and powerful. The Pitbull can be described as being athletic and sexy.
Grooming Tips
The Doberman and the Pitbull Terrier breeds are fairly easy to take care of in terms of their grooming routines, which is ideal for busy families who are always in motion.
The Doberman will benefit from two brushes per week. The Pitbull sheds less than the Doberman sheds, and therefore they require only one. This is to ensure that their coats are clean and free of dander. Both coats are quite shorter, but they shed in the winter months as well. Neither breed of dog is suitable for those with mild allergies to dogs.
If the Doberman maintains his big and natural ear shape, then it is essential to examine his ears two times every week to check for the build-up of infections and wax, but all other grooming routines that are common to both breeds, like nail clipping and bathing, are to be carried out as usual.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The Doberman is said to be among the top guard dogs in the world. So If you’re thinking about which is the ideal guard dog for your family, then the Doberman is the winner.
It could come as a surprise to those people who aren’t familiar with the Pitbull Terrier that he does not make an excellent guard dog unless he is specifically trained to do, simply because he’s an extremely sociable dog who will let anyone pass through the gate in exchange for an affectionate belly rub.
The Doberman is reserved to strangers, and when you combine this with his naturally prey-like nature, you’ll see that it’s the reason why he is frequently placed in security and military positions.
The Doberman’s tendency to be a guardian means he is a powerful dog. This means that they are better suited to those with previous experiences with dogs or who can handle the challenge of becoming an assertive and powerful master. A lot of people combine Doberman alongside other breeds to help control the dominant nature of Doberman.
It is believed that the Pitbull Terrier is much more submissive to his humans and is ideal for the novice dog owner. Both breeds are well-known to be extremely playful and puppy-like even into their senior years, and you’re sure to have a lot of fun with the dogs.
They’re better suited for families with children of a certain age because of their raucous nature. If they’re properly trained, they will be a great fit for a household with multiple pets and are an excellent addition to many families!
The Dobermans, as well as Pitbull Terriers, are very affectionate and loyal to their families and will be willing to do anything for their families. So, you can be sure to have an obedience-oriented dog companion from the two dogs. However, it does mean that you should expect a dog that suffers from fear of separation, and, as such, they should be put in homes that can guarantee that they will spend a significant amount of time with the selected breed.
The two breeds of dogs are susceptible to becoming aggressive when they are not properly trained and suffer from anxiety. To help with this behavior, we suggest getting crates that are ideal for dogs suffering from separation anxiety.
Nutrition and Food Requirements
On average, Dobermans consume around 4 cups of food per day, while the Pitbull Terrier eats more than two and a half cups per day. Since they are both active and athletic dogs, they will benefit from a diet high in protein that gives them the energy required to stay energized throughout the day.
Although they don’t tend to turn into porcine pooches, their food is best suited to their age, and having free-access food is not recommended.
There is a risk that the Doberman, as well as Pitbull Terrier, can suffer from gastric torsion, which is when their stomachs turn following eating a big meal per day (or eating right before or after exercise). This is a dangerous, life-threatening health issue that must be investigated by every potential owner.
Exercise Requirements
Dobermans and Pitbull Terriers are indeed extremely energetic dogs that require around sixty minutes of exercise each day to completely release all the mental and physical energy they have. The Doberman will require slightly more intense workouts, while the Pitbull requires a little more interaction through activities throughout the day since they are more agitated.
Despite their energy levels, they’re equally keen to sleep during the day with their families, especially the Pitbull Terrier. However, you can count on the Doberman to quickly get to his feet when he is concerned there’s an intruder at the gate, or even the Pitbull when he hears the sound of a chip packet.
They’re both extremely intelligent dogs that would benefit from various exercises, including walking, jogging, and interactive games, such as Frisbee or fetch. Being athletic also is a major advantage for agility classes and agility competitions, so you can take them to agility competitions in your area.
Training and Socialization
The Doberman and the Pitbull Terrier are both extremely capable of being trained due to their intelligence and desire to delight their masters. Positive reinforcement training is crucial to train both dogs, and they’ll both be motivated by the praise of their master. The Pitbull Terrier, in particular, is fond of food – so the occasional sweet treat is also likely to be well-received.
Additionally, it is essential to get them socialized at a young age to ensure they become comfortable with people of all sizes and ages, particularly the Doberman, who could become too protective in the absence of training. If you are planning to train your dog in a crate, both breeds are equally adept at training, and you’ll need to ensure that there is an adequate-sized crate to accommodate the size of your Pitbull or your Doberman.
The main difference between Doberman and Pitbull Terriers is that the Doberman requires more intensive training than the Pitbull to ensure that the dog is obedient and does not attempt to challenge the hierarchy of the pack.
It is essential to ensure that all family members are aware of his routine. You can be sure that the training process will last a lifetime with your Doberman. Participating in an obedience training class can help him in his journey toward becoming a balanced and friendly dog.
Health Issues
The Doberman and the Pitbull Terrier can both suffer from hip Dysplasia, which is an abnormal growth of the hip sockets that eventually leads to painful arthritis in the joints. The Doberman can also be afflicted with elbow Dysplasia.
The Doberman is also susceptible to Von Willebrand’s Disease, which results from a deficiency in blood platelets which prevents his blood from clotting normally. It is a potentially serious problem because should he sustain an injury, he’s likely to lose significant amounts of blood. However, DNA tests can tell if the condition is present.
A Pitbull Terrier is susceptible to skin allergies. However, after the allergen has been discovered, it can be easily eliminated and controlled with medications and premium food. Sometimes, he’s susceptible to Cerebellar Abiotrophy, which results in reduced mobility due to an abnormal brain function.
In general, the Pitbull Terrier has fewer health issues and can live longer than the Doberman. So this is a significant aspect to consider regarding their health and longevity.
Breed Prices/Costs
The cost of a Doberman puppy is around $1500, and the median price for Pitbull Terrier is about $800 – both prices come from reliable breeders. It is essential to make sure that you choose an established breeder as they will not only offer you health certificates from both their parents and grandparents, but you also can ensure that they’ve received the best possible start in life and that they’re treated well and not abused in any manner.
If you are a family looking to adopt, the best place to begin is to investigate breed-specific rescue centers. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America lists rescue centers state by state, and so does the Pitbull Rescue Center’s website.
It is important to note this because both breeds are covered under BSL and, in particular, those of the Pitbull Terrier. It is essential to examine state laws and know what this could mean to you since there are serious implications that you need to know about.
Conclusion
The Doberman Pinscher and Pitbull Terrier are both loving and loyal dogs that love their human family members very much and will do almost everything to help them. They are both active and require to be with families who can provide them with lots of exercise and love throughout the day.
They look completely different from each other, with the Dobermans being the larger breed. If you are looking for a smaller or more social dog that will suit your lifestyle better and more comfortably, then you should consider the Pitbull Terrier. If you’re looking for a bigger dog or want to have a guard dog as your family dog, then the Doberman is the ideal choice for this job.
Whatever breed you prefer for your family members, you can be sure that they’re two very loving breeds, and there’s never an idle moment when you have one of them around.