DOBERMANN

Breed Group: Herding/Terrier/Sight Hound

For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club

Average height: 60 - 71.12 cms (24 - 28 in)

Average Weight: 24 - 41 kgs (55 - 90 lbs)

Coat Length: Short

Life Span: 9 - 10 years

Colours: Black, red, blue, and fawn (all with rust markings)

HISTORY

The first Dobermanns were bred by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany, a tax collector who ran the Apolda dog pound. Having access to dogs of many breeds, he came up with the idea of creating a breed that would be ideal for protecting him. The goal was to breed a new breed of dog that would exhibit impressive stamina, strength, and intelligence. Otto Goeller, one of the earliest breeders, created the National Doberman Pinscher Club five years after Dobermann's death.

L.E.G.S.

Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.

Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.

Shedding

minimal <> considerable

Grooming

minimal <> likely to need professional grooming

Barking

relatively quiet <> very vocal

Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock

low<>high

Response to strangers

happy to greet everyone <> very wary

Affectionate with family

not at all<>very cuddly

Playful

serious<>very playful

Focus on handler (bond)

independent thinker<>very biddable

Excitable/Impulsive

very calm<>easily aroused

Motivated

laid back<>obsessive

Easy to care for

suitable for inexperienced<>challenging

Exercise needs

minimal<>hours daily

Off-lead exercise needs

happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom

Enrichment needs

basic<>needs challenges

WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR DOBERMANN

From wilderness hikes to dog sports to watching TV and cuddling on the couch, this athletic jack-of-all-trades is up for anything
Loyal, focused on you and adoring, the Doberman is a doting companion.
Eager to please, they are highly trainable and ready to strut their stuff – motivated by many things including treats, praise, play and affection.
Grooming is a breeze with this wash-and-wear dog

WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH

They can be naturally suspicious of visitors and other animals
Frequent alarm barking may disturb the peace.
They like to be with their people. Having a Dobermann means never having to go to the bathroom alone again. If you like your space this breed can be pretty demanding of your attention
They can have several health issues that can be expensive and time-consuming to treat

YOUR DOBERMANN PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS

Your Doberman puppy is sure to keep you on your toes with their goofy, playful, and often rambunctious nature! Typically regarded as highly trainable, Doberman puppies can soak up training like a sponge and become well-rounded citizens if given time, structure, positivity, and proper socialization. Puppy antics can sometimes feel extended well into adulthood. Keeping your young Doberman stimulated can be a challenge! They will thrive on a perfect balance of exercise, mental work, free time, and love from you!

Dobies like to shake and tear up their toys, providing them with opportunities to do this with their own toys and keeping children's beloved stuffed animals out of reach will go a long way to promoting family harmony.

YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:

Destructive or compulsive behaviours (such as pillow, blanket, and flank sucking) especially when bored or general over-excitability
Barking
Dog aggression – same-sex aggression is common in some lines
Recall – not coming when called especially if chasing prey

YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY

Dobies are athletic with moderate exercise needs.

Owners should be prepared to provide them with opportunities to run off leash as well as daily walks.

Dobies are intelligent and enjoy working with their people.

Owners should be prepared to spend time training and playing games with their Doberman to prevent the dog from making up their own jobs – like finding the cause of the squeak in the couch by digging for it!

UPBRINGING

Early socialization and training are crucial. Positive reinforcement methods work best, especially with the Dobies' sensitive nature.

LIFESTYLE

This is a very adaptable breed, equally at home in the city or country so long as there is plenty of opportunity for off-leash exercise. The Doberman will be as happy cuddling on the couch watching movies or helping you train for a marathon.

An athletic, agile and intelligent breed, Dobies enjoy having a job to do. Owners may enjoy spending time with their dogs doing activities such as agility, nose work or trick training. Dobies enjoy learning helpful tasks such as 'find my lost keys' or 'bring me the tissue box'.

INTERESTS & HOBBIES

They love long walks on the beach, as well as cuddling in front of the fireplace. Agility, flyball, obedience, rally obedience, trick training, lure coursing, scentwork and barn hunt are a few of their favorite things.

EDUCATION

They are easy to train and willing to do any job asked of them.