Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Traits & Facts

Breed History

It’s believed that the breed came into existence in the late 19^th century in a small town called Apolda in central Germany. Louis Dobermann was a tax collector and never welcomed guests. In these turbulent times in Germany, Louis Dobermann felt he needed a reliable and protective assistant.

Mr. Dobermann also served as the town’s dog-catcher for wayward dogs. After breeding the best dogs he could find on his rounds for years, he finally created the Doberman. The Doberman’s dog breeds are not known. It is believed that the Rottweiler and Black and Tan Terrier and the German Pinscher make up part of this mix. The Doberman was larger and more stocky back then. The breed became too strong and headstrong due to careful breeding.

In the early 20^th century, a man named Otto Goeller refined the breed to make him more dependable and trainable. In Germany, the name “Pinscher” was dropped. Many other countries followed his lead. The Pinscher part was kept by Americans. The breed came to the States around 1908, and American breeders imported so many Dobermans that the European stock was almost extinct. American breeders saved the day by saving their Doberman stock.

His versatility and protective nature as well as his love for people have led him to work in the military, search-and-rescue, therapy, and competition dog shows. For a long time, the Dobie has been a consistent top 20 dog breed in America, and it doesn’t look to change anytime soon.

Size and Appearance

The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized breed. He weighs between 60 and 100 pounds, and he measures between 24 to 28 inches. He is large enough to frighten most intruders. He is strong and athletic. He is well-built and very handsome. He is elegant and proud of his thick neck.

His head is described as wedge-shaped, and his muzzle is long and slender. Their eyes are large, almond-shaped, and alert. His ears are triangular-shaped and long. His breed standard states that his ears should be erect and cropped. They drop down if they are left in their natural state and make his face look like a Dachshund.

His breed standard states that his tail should always be docked. If it is, then it should be docked at its second joint. His tail is very long if it is not docked. It’s thick at its base and taper at the ends.

Coat and Colors

The Doberman has a shorter double coat. Although his hair is thick and tough, it feels silky and smooth to the touch. Sometimes, the undercoat is gray, but most often it is black. Although he sheds moderately all year, his grooming routine can be quite simple.

Only four colors are allowed for display. These include black and rust; blue and rust; fawn, rust and red; and rust and rust. The color blue in dog coats is more like steel gray than blue. Black and rust are the most popular colors for Dobermans.

White Dobermans are available, but this is not recommended by the breed standard. Their coat color doesn’t affect their personality or their health in any way. They are cream-colored, not white. They are also much rarer than the traditionally accepted colors. They are often more expensive because they are rarer.

White Dobermans are cream-colored and not albino Dobermans. Albinism does not mean that the body lacks pigment. Albinism can be described as a genetic mutation that causes many other health issues. You should only search for a white Doberman if you are able to get health certificates from a trusted breeder. Unreliable breeders will sell albino puppies and label them rare white Dobermans. This means that you will pay a steep price for a sick puppy.

Grooming and Caring for Your Doberman

The grooming of the Doberman Pinscher is very simple due to his super-slim coat. He will need brushing once or twice a week just to remove the dead hair and manage his shedding throughout the year. This will reduce the hair on your sofa and clothes. He will require brushing twice to three times per week during shedding seasons.

A rubber mitt or curry brush is the best tool for all seasons. A rake or undercoat de-shedding tool will also be useful for the shedding season. The Dobie is a clean, tidy dog that has very little doggy smell compared to other breeds. This is his big selling point.

Bathe him once every 8 to 12 weeks or so, but never more than this as you risk damaging his coat oils and irritating his skin. Dobie owners may only bathe their dog four times per year.

As a puppy, it’s vital to teach your Dobie about his grooming routine. You can get him to accept you washing his hair and touching his paws. If he refuses to be bathed, he will be a troublemaker at bathtime.

Temperament and Personality

This is an energetic dog. He needs lots of exercise. He also needs stimulation throughout the day to keep him happy. He needs lots of interactive playtime with his family in addition to his daily exercise. He will also require solo playtime with his toys. This breed is simply full of mental energy.

He also hates being left alone. This breed is capable of handling the most dangerous situations. However, if he’s left alone for too long, he can become anxious. He needs to be with someone who can be there for him most of the day. He will spend his whole day glued to his family.

This breed is not for everyone. He has an intense dog personality. But, his energy and passion for human playtime make him a great pet. The Doberman is a great partner for families who love to spend time in the backyard playing. The Doberman likes to be part of the family, and not as a pet.

Although he is sensitive, he can also be dominant. He will do better with a family where he is able to see the hierarchy clearly. He will be uneasy if he doesn’t know the order of the pack and may try to take over the position. He should be placed with someone who can deal with his boisterous, dominant personality. Only experienced dog owners are allowed to own this breed.

Exercise and Playtime

Dobermans need at least 60 minutes of intense exercise every day. If you have a very active family, he can happily spend hours hiking or adventuring. He should be excited about exercising and not just take a walk around the block. You should spend an hour exploring the forest off-leash. You can also play fetch in the park for an hour. 

Don’t think you can skip a day or two of exercise. Your Doberman won’t allow it. One day will make him crazy. A bored Dobie can become very destructive and problematic. He needs to be active, no matter what the weather is. Do not underestimate the importance of his exercise.

We also mentioned that he requires interactive playtime every day. Get interactive toys such as ropes and balls. Encourage the entire family to play with him. If you don’t have the time to play with him for hours, give him solo toys or chew sticks.

Keep him engaged in rotating toys all week to keep him from getting bored. You can double up on training and have fun. Agility courses are also great for exercise and playtime. The Doberman is often considered to be the most intelligent breed, so brain games are necessary to keep him stimulated.

Training Your Dobie

The Doberman Pinscher, a smart and intelligent dog, is eager to please his master. These traits are a perfect combination for training. He will be a highly obedient dog if his owners are diligent in training him from a young age. He will still need to be directed because he is like all dogs.

Reputable breeders will start the socialization process right from birth. They will help the pup learn how to be with other dogs by allowing him to grow up with his litter. However, this needs to be continued. It will be a lifetime commitment with this dominant and protective dog. They should meet other dogs and have fun!

Positive reinforcement is the best method of training. Toys, tasty treats, and lots of praise will motivate him. Crate training is a good idea for anxious dogs. It will provide him with a safe place and decrease his anxiety when you are away. This will also prevent him from causing any trouble in your absence. Just make sure that it’s a heavy-duty crate that can withstand some abuse.

Dobermans are quick learners, and few dogs can match their desire to please their masters. Many Dobermans were used in search and rescue at Ground Zero, the World Trade Center. In 2019 a Doberman named Dance was the first American Kennel Club Quadruple Champion for breed conformation, tracking, agility, and obedience. The Doberman can be trained quickly and efficiently if you have patience.

Living Conditions

This breed is not suitable for apartment living. His large size and long tail will cause things to fly if he is not docked. To avoid cabin fever, he needs to have access to a secure yard.

It is essential that his yard be protected. He can be extremely protective of his estate, so it is important to keep him under control. It’s also for his safety because it will stop him from blindly following cats across the road.

If he is socialized well as a puppy, he will be able to get along with other pets. He might prefer to have a canine companion for times when you need to be away from him. The Doberman is a great canine sibling and loves children. He is a beloved pet because of his loving nature, calmness, and love for humans. You must supervise him around children, though. 

Nutrition and Food Requirements

A typical Doberman Pinscher will consume four cups of food daily. Your Doberman’s age, weight, and activity level will impact his food intake. It is important that you follow the instructions on the packaging to make sure it suits his needs. Give your Doberman high-quality kibble designed for large breed dogs. These will have the highest levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium to help with bone growth and decrease the risk of hip dysplasia.

A high-quality kibble can provide your dog with a healthy diet. It is safe and convenient for him to eat. It should be appropriate. Puppy kibbles have a higher fat and protein content, so this is particularly important. This will help your Dobie grow strong and healthy.

Dobermans are fond of food and can be greedy pooches. Because of the extra strain it puts on his heart, it is important that your Doberman does not become overweight. This can also cause a host of health problems. First, take your dog to a doctor if he’s gaining weight. Then, switch him to weight management kibble.

Health Issues and Diseases

The Doberman is a relatively healthy dog who is expected to enjoy an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This is an excellent age for large breeds like the Dobie. You can extend your dog’s lifespan by working with a reliable breeder and keeping him active with exercise and high-quality food.

Like all purebred dog breeds, they are more susceptible to particular health concerns than other dogs. We have provided a list of the most common conditions that Dobie parents need to be aware of. This list below is not exhaustive but can be a good place to start.

Hip Dysplasia: Large dog breeds are more susceptible to hip dysplasia. This happens when the hip joint develops at an irregular rate. It is more susceptible to wear and tear. This can cause pain and eventually can lead to mobility issues later in life.

Eye conditions:  This breed is susceptible to many eye problems, with progressive retinal loss being the most prevalent. This is a progressive eye disease that causes gradual blindness. Other causes include cherry eye and cataracts.

Cardiac Conditions: Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common condition in this breed. It is basically an oversized heart that isn’t working as it should. If not treated, it can cause sudden death or heart failure. Half of Dobies are affected by it. It’s important that you work with a reliable breeder and stay up-to-date with your veterinary checks.

Von Willebrand’s disease: A blood disorder that prevents blood from clotting effectively. If he were to become severely ill from an injury, this could make it dangerous.

The Doberman as Family Pets

• The Doberman is a formidable and protective dog.
• The breed is one of the best family guard dogs in the world.
• They are aloof and suspicious of strangers at first.
• Once recognized, they will consider regular visitors as part of the pack.
• Dobermans are both sweet and affectionate with their family unit.
• They love cuddling up on the couch in the evening as much as patrolling their territory.
• As a social breed, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.
• They will happily live with other dogs and family pets.
• Dobermans need plenty of exercise and playtime in between.
• The breed is best suited for active families.
• Dobermans are excellent family companions and great with children.
• He is lots of fun if you can handle his intense character.
• Make sure to find the perfect name for your Doberman as this will strengthen your bond.

Breeders and Puppy Costs

The Doberman Pinscher, a highly-regarded American dog breed, is available from reputable breeders in all 50 states. It’s easy to find them. You should look for websites that are professional or can show proof of their long-term success. A top-quality breeder is also characterized by positive reviews and high-quality recommendations. A great place to start is with the AKC’s list of Doberman Pinscher breeders.

The average price of a Doberman puppy from a reputable breeder starts from around $1,500. Due to his popularity, there will be a waitlist. This is a positive sign. Reputable breeders will screen dogs for health issues, so make sure you get the certificates. Before making any commitments, meet the puppies and the breeder. Breeders of high quality will do all they can to raise healthy puppies.

Poor quality breeders will not undergo the screening or health checks required to produce as many puppies as possible. This can often lead to unsocialized and sick puppies. Avoid puppy mills, inexperienced breeders, and anyone else who can give your gut a bad feeling. Socialization, handling, and love are important for powerful, dominant dogs such as the Dobies. You can be sure that they won’t get this from a poor breeder.

This is a large dog that will require everything large and durable. It usually comes with a higher price tag. The cost of veterinary care and medical insurance is more expensive than for a medium-sized dog. When deciding to adopt a Dobie, remember to consider all of these factors.

Rescues and Shelters

Unfortunately, many families underestimate the intensity of their needs, and they end up being abandoned at shelters. This is good news for anyone interested in adopting instead of shopping. Talk to the staff at your local rescue shelters to learn more about adoption.

There are also breed-dedicated rescue organizations that focus solely on the Doberman and sometimes Doberman mixes. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America has compiled a long list of Doberman Rescue Organizations, state by state. There are many other rescue organizations out there.

Conclusion

It is safe to say the Doberman Pinscher has a reputation for being a loyal and loving dog. But it is his unfair reputation as a vicious dog that makes him less popular than other family favorites such as the Lab.

Hopefully, you will now be able to see past his intimidating appearance and realize that he is a big softie after reading this guide. Both you and your Dobie will be happy as long as you are able to meet their needs and act as a strong leader in the pack.