Doberman Pinscher

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Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Doberman Pinscher Breed Information

Breed Group: Working

Weight: 65-90 lbs

Height: Male: 26-28; Female: 24-26 inches

Color(s): black, red, blue, and fawn, all with tan markings

Overview

Originating in Germany during the 1860s, the Doberman Pinscher was used as a personal guardian and watchdog, vermin eradicator, sheep herder, and gun-dog. Developed by Louis Dobermann, this breed is one of a few to be named after an actual person. This noble and proud breed served heroically during both World Wars and is the official combat dog of the United States Marine Corps.

Character

Muscular, elegant, and graceful, the Doberman Pinscher is medium to large in size. This breed is courageous, resourceful, bold, and highly intelligent. They are one of the most respected and popular dog breeds; known for their deep devotion and protective nature.

Temperament

Versatile, fearless, and assertive, the Doberman Pinscher thrives on human companionship and stimulation. They are exceedingly loyal and protective of their family and home. This breed does best with older, well-behaved, and considerate children. They do not typically get along well with other household pets. They are aloof and reserved with strangers and make excellent guard dogs. This people oriented breed may closely bond to one particular family member. The Doberman Pinscher requires constant attention and does not do well if left alone for extended periods of time or is in a two-career family. They are not recommended for the novice, inexperienced, or sedentary owner.

Care

Doberman Pinschers require minimal grooming. Occasional brushing or wiping of the coat with a damp cloth will minimize loose hair. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent early tooth loss. It is also important to keep their nails trimmed short. Bathing or dry shampooing should only be done when absolutely necessary. The Doberman Pinscher is prone to Wobbler Syndrome, Von Willebrands Disease, bloat, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disorders. They do not do well in cold climates.

Coat

The coat of the Doberman Pinscher is thick, smooth, short, hard, and close-fitting. The color of the coat comes in fawn, red, blue, black and tank, and black. There are typically rust colored markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, legs, feet, chest, and below the tail. This breed is an average shedder.

Training

The Doberman Pinscher is easy to train but requires a dominant owner. Early socialization and obedience are crucial to prevent shyness, timidity, and aggression. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed does best with positive reinforcement, firmness, fairness, consistency, and respect. The Doberman Pinscher excels in competitive obedience, schutzhund, tracking, search and rescue, police work, and as a therapy dog.

Activity

Highly energetic, Doberman Pinschers require daily extensive exercise and stimulation. They enjoy family play sessions and make wonderful walking companions. This breed will do okay in an apartment provided they are sufficiently exercised. However, a securely fenced yard is best for romping and running freely.

Ask a Question Doberman Pinscher Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Are Doberman Pinscher's aggressive towards children?

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 1:47:59 PM

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QUESTION: i have a 4 month old doby i want him to get big when should i stop feeding him puppy food?

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 1:27:24 PM

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QUESTION: I just introduced my dobe puppy with a puppy labrador he is 59 days old and the labrador is 80 days old. My friend brought the lab in my home, at first my dobe was scared but after they started playing and my dog started growling and trying to bite him. I think that was aggressive behavior - is that normal or not and was constantly trying to go on top of him when I separated them he bit my hand - were they playing or was my dog aggressive ?

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 9:12:34 AM

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QUESTION: I am looking at getting a Doberman soon (I'm in an apartment now that won't allow one). If I move home for the summer, I could get one then. Otherwise, I'd wait until I go back to school in the fall. The catch is, my Dad has a pet skunk. I know, it's crazy but I swear he does. As much as I don't like the skunk, I don't want a puppy to kill him. How would a Doberman do with it?

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 3:18:55 AM

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well from what ive read online as well as experienced in dobermans, it depends on the animals temperment. a puppy will more than likely want to play regardless of breed. dobermans are extremely easy to train so im sure it wouldnt be an issue. theyre intelligent dogs and rather than hunt, they protect loved ones. this is where their reputation comes into play. people mistake guarding for aggression. 98% of the time its in defense. im sure its ok :)

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 9:13:52 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 yo Doberman mix female and a 2 yo pure bred Male Doberman. A friend of mine has Doberman mix puppies and I have fallen in love with a female red and rust. I've brought her to the house and male doberman has no issues with her until there is food or bones. He hasn't hurt her but he doesn't want to share and he makes that clear. Is adding another dog impossible or is there something I can do to get him to share the bones.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 9:43:15 AM

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It is against canine instincts to share food and toys, and you shouldn't ask him too. The alpha always eats first.

wywildfire - 1/28/2012 10:21:23 PM

QUESTION: I have a 3 year old pure breed championship bloodline doobie with papers and I would like to sell her. What is a fair asking price?

Anonymous - 1/12/2012 12:09:33 AM

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Depending on you area and what dobies go for there, I think $400 is way too cheap. Champion bloodline and AKC registered will go for more. If you are close to NC, I am interested.

ashsjoy - 1/24/2012 8:00:24 AM

Only if you have a full pedigree of your "championship bloodline" dobe, it will go by a very common price... $400.

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 3:46:47 PM

QUESTION: I bought a dobe puppy three days ago and im kinda worried because its only 40 days old i read a lot of articles on the internet saying that adopting a puppy at that age is dangerous is that true ? it also bites my legs and everything but he comes when i call him tnx in advance.

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 11:09:27 AM

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At that younge age you will still be able to teach him manners. Teach him it is not acceptable behavior. Put your hand out on his forehead and tell him no when he jumps on you. Grab him nose and mouth together and tell him no bite. Both of these are quick motions and they will annoy him, but not hurt him. I also use a spray bottle to control unwanted behavior. Your baby will be alright with your help. He wants your attention and discipline. Do not pet him unless he is sitting. They are very smart and will pick up on things very quick. Good luck

ashsjoy - 1/24/2012 7:56:44 AM

i gave my dobe mashed food but stopped at 45 days - now he eats purina pro plan without problems and his behavior is okay just the biting is the problem. i'm also afraid because as i mentioned before what i have read on the net that he cant control his bite inhibition and may be aggressive towards other dogs if taken earlier than 49 days. is that likely to happen or there are chances for the dog to be normal ? tnx in advance :)

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 9:32:18 AM

Your doberman pinscher should have stayed on it's mother's milk diet until 7 weeks old. This puppy should not have been sold to you, and you should not have bought it. For now, feeding it mushed kibble mixed with warm milk will do. It will also need a lot of sleep, so allow it a shady and quiet spot during the day to sleep.

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 3:45:52 PM

QUESTION: i really want a doberman pinscher, would you recommend it for a family of 7 ? and if i do get it, is it easy to train ? because i hear they are very unruly and feisty. thanks :)

Anonymous - 1/6/2012 8:19:03 PM

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Last year we purchased our first doberman puppy, he will be eight months old this month. He is very excitable and was not easy to train at home. At six months we had to take him to obedience classes. We take him to doggy daycare at least 3 days a week, he does great around other dogs and people he knows. He is very skeptical around people he has never met or been socialized around. I believe every dog will be different, but if you do go with this breed, the key to being a happy owner, is lots and lots of socialization around people, children and other animals. In the beginning it was rough, but we would not trade him for anything, he is an integral part of our family. He is now 80 lbs and still growing everyday! He is very clownlike around people he knows, but a great guard dog and protector for us. I do believe the breed requires a lot of attention and it sounds like with seven people in the family, he/she would definitely get it!!! Good luck!!

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 7:51:32 PM

doberman pinscher's are only unruly and feisty if you don't give them adequate exercise/stimulation and attention. They are not known to be particularly good with children under 10.

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 3:44:40 PM

QUESTION: How much does it generally cost to get the ears and tail done on a Doberman Pinscher?

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 12:22:16 AM

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It depends on your area and the age of the Doberman Pinscher. Please call several vets, you will find a wide range of prices. Also ask them how much experience they have with bracing the ears afterwards. Researching the internet regarding ear bracing will help you prepare for the weeks or months of work ahead of you.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 3:53:49 PM

QUESTION: I have a 10 month old Doberman Pinscher, can I still have her tail docked?

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 12:25:51 AM

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Tail docking is done between 3 to 5 days after they are born. You can have your dogs surgically done by a vet, but it will cost you. I raised Dobermans for 26 years, after the first 2 years, I quit doing their tails. Never did do their ears.

Anonymous - 12/16/2011 4:45:37 AM

No, It is inhuman

Anonymous - 12/14/2011 11:52:36 AM

QUESTION: After showering one year old female Doberman, a couple of hours later after she smells - what can I do to prevent this?

Anonymous - 12/6/2011 5:31:21 PM

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If your Doberman is a fawn, there isn't much you can do about it. They just have skin problems. Give your dog a couple spoonfuls of cod liver oil everyday and that will help keep the coat and skin in better health.

Anonymous - 12/16/2011 4:49:51 AM

QUESTION: im thinking of getting a doberman, but i have lots of small pets free around the house chickens, rabbits ect, we have trained are labrador not to touch them but is it possible to train a doberman not to or is it in them to kill small animals??

Anonymous - 11/17/2011 3:02:47 PM

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We have had our male doberman since 13 weeks of age and since the beginning have had two cats. He will be two in March and we struggle with him attacking them. I think he just wants them to play with them cause he has never hurt them but they certainly don't like it! I am not sure there is anything different I could do to get him to leave them alone.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 9:38:08 AM

if you get a Doberman as a puppy and raise him with the small animals, when the dog grows up he will think of all of them as his family and wont harm them.

Anonymous - 11/18/2011 6:17:19 PM

QUESTION: does a doberman make a good pet and guard dog

Anonymous - 11/15/2011 10:53:34 AM

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If trained correctly yes but dobermans, if left with no training, can be not good family dogs - they need structure and good training, or they will become just a very large unmanageable bad dog!

Anonymous - 12/14/2011 11:51:41 AM

You have my word if you get a doberman puppy and raise it as part of your family it will be the best dog you have ever had. Make sure you do not keep it lock up somewhere away from the family all the time, they love their people amd want to be around them all the time. Dobermans are so faithful and follow you everwhere you go around the house so if you dont want to be stocked by your dog dont choose this breed. Read up about them before getting one but my personal advise is they are the best breed ever and I will never own anything else. Good luck..

Anonymous - 12/11/2011 12:37:33 AM

Absolutely. I have a dobey, she is almost a year and a half and is the best dog. She is loving, caring, cuddly, and protective. She does not necessarily "guard" the house, but I feel confident that if an intruder came in, they would be in BIG trouble. Also if she felt I was frightened or she felt threatened her instincts would kick in and she would become a guard dog. EXERCISE is key with a Doberman. When she does not get enough exercise she chews and chews, and becomes very high strung. They are a great addition to our family!! She loves her family and wants to be everywhere we are. Socialize him or her! This is also essential . Good Luck!!

Anonymous - 12/1/2011 12:04:17 PM

the doberman pinscher is loyal courageous, and extremely intelligent. He is fast, agile, and very strong and can hold intruders by the arm with his powerful bite. The flip side of this fearless breed is a giant lap dog. He is a one person dog and does best in a small family with older responsible children, not a chaotic family with young children who does not take this intelligent working breed seriously. He is very affectionate with the ones he loves, and will sleep with you if you let him. This dog is also very versatile and will work for you. He is best trained by one person. If trained, excercised and given plenty of love and care, you will get an energetic pooch who loves to rest with his head on your lap.

Anonymous - 11/26/2011 11:28:40 AM

QUESTION: i live in a really cold place in winter time, what is best way to take a Doberman to get its exercise and for how long?

Anonymous - 10/27/2011 12:27:32 AM

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We have been training our Doberman to walk on a treadmill so that when it is icy and snow outside we can put them on the treadmill for their exercise and take them for a short walk with their coat afterwards.

frybrainwill - 12/11/2011 5:23:07 PM

The best way that I have found is to make sure your Doberman has a good coat, not just fur, but a coat like yours. This is because they are single coated dogs, and don't have the dense under fur to help keep them warm. I take my girl out all winter with her coat and she loves it. Just remember if you are too cold so is the dog.

Anonymous - 11/9/2011 11:10:58 PM

QUESTION: My doberman has a medium size black spot on his tongue. Is that normal?

Anonymous - 10/17/2011 8:01:07 PM

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Its just color.

wywildfire - 12/31/2011 3:55:35 PM

QUESTION: I have 2 doberman(brother/sister), in order to keep the pattern of them, is it advisable to breed them(between themselves)?

Anonymous - 9/29/2011 3:15:26 PM

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It is not a good idea to breed so close in a bloodline most recommend keeping 2 to 3 generations between the same bloodline

frybrainwill - 10/21/2011 3:53:49 PM

That is way to close of a breeding. Line breeding is very complicated you don't just reinforce the good traits but also the bad. A brother sister breeding would never be something you would want to do

hiddentrails - 10/6/2011 8:33:53 PM

QUESTION: I just got a doberman from a shelter and they said that she has some shepherd in her, but we found out that she's actually part chow chow (because of her tongue) so I was wondering if that's a good combination or not? (she's has about 95% doberman and 5% chow chow)

Anonymous - 9/25/2011 7:11:39 PM

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Because Dobermans and Chows are both very dominant breeds, be sure to exercise and train your dog enough. Even though you'll have to be more careful to do these things, a mix of dominant breeds isn't necessarily going to be a problem. However, be cautious when the dog is around children or other dogs until you know his/her behavior better.

Anonymous - 10/1/2011 11:50:17 PM

QUESTION: How can I potty train my Doberman Pinscher puppy? She's almost 16 weeks and has been doing fine with waiting at the door to go outside but now shes peeing on the couch and the floor for 3 days now even after I let her stay outside for a long time - what should I do?

Anonymous - 9/21/2011 10:50:53 PM

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I would have your Doberman checked by your vet. If she was doing good and now she is having trouble holding it, she could have an infection

hiddentrails - 10/6/2011 8:36:10 PM

QUESTION: I have a 16 week 24 pound Doberman Pinscher puppy and I know how much food I should be giving her. I give her a cup at breakfast 3/4 cup at lunch and another cup for dinner. Should I be feeding her more? Shes very skinny to me but I dont know how much food to give her?

Anonymous - 9/21/2011 10:43:47 PM

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http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/body-condition-scoring-chart This website will help you determine if she is under weight

hiddentrails - 10/6/2011 8:38:09 PM

QUESTION: I currently own a 5lb Chihuahua(female)and I am looking at buying a Doberman female puppy. It is very important to me to keep my Chihuahua safe no matter what breed I bring into my home. I haven't read much about how Dobermans do being raised with a smaller dog. I provide very consistent, active, strict training with every dog I've owned And it has lead to very well behaved dogs. Is it possible to raise a Doberman with a tiny dog safely And successfully?

Anonymous - 9/9/2011 1:36:41 AM

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We breed Dobermans and Toy Pomeranians. We share our home with 5 Dobermans and a pair of Pomeranians. As long as you are the pack leader they will find their places also.

Anonymous - 10/22/2011 10:07:35 AM

We have a Chihuahua that was dropped off, my Dobes are fine with her, even though they were adults when she arrived. Chihuahua think they are 300lb dogs that can control everything

hiddentrails - 10/6/2011 8:40:39 PM

my small Basenji runs this household..our 129lb dobie knows the little one is the boss!! actually funny watching her be so dominate over him!!!

Anonymous - 10/3/2011 8:59:10 PM

Yes. Just use a collar and leash and be consistent with your Doberman pup. When it grows up it will probably be very protective of the Chihuahua.

wywildfire - 9/9/2011 2:02:59 PM

QUESTION: I got my Dobie puppies just last night, six of them. The Mother is very lovely, and even let me help, to put them after they was born, in the right position, so she can clean them easily! Does the mother need special food these days ? And how often ? After how many days can I feed the puppies and with what kind of food ? What else is important the first days with my puppies ? When I have to cut their ears, and tail ?!

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 4:33:58 AM

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Your mother dog will need extra food of a very high quality. Please get a good dog or doberman book that will help you raise the pups correctly. A vet should do tails and dewclaws at 3 or 4 days of age. Make an appointment today! Ears can be up to their new families after they go home.

wywildfire - 9/9/2011 2:06:04 PM

QUESTION: At what age should I have to cut my Doberman Pinscher puppy's ears & tail ?

Anonymous - 9/2/2011 4:03:30 AM

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Doberman tails are done by a vet at 3 or 4 days of age. Tails can be done later but it is more expensive and the vet has to use more "sleeping" medicine. Ears are done by a vet between 6 and 12 weeks, ask the vet for his/her preference.

wywildfire - 9/9/2011 2:07:53 PM

QUESTION: do dobermans foam at the mouth alot

Anonymous - 8/29/2011 4:00:56 PM

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We have 4 dobermans and we don't have any problems with foaming mouths

frybrainwill - 12/11/2011 5:25:55 PM

My male dobermen will a little bit at dinner time. It isn't a breed trait.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 9:45:23 PM

QUESTION: Is a dobe with a cowlick on the back of the neck is a fault on the show ring?

Anonymous - 8/22/2011 3:01:10 AM

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That is kind of a grey area. It depends a lot on the judge's preference. Research your judges before spending the entry fee.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 9:46:58 PM

QUESTION: how fast are doberman pinschers?

Anonymous - 8/16/2011 12:24:32 PM

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doberman pinschers are very fast.. they are the second fasted breed besides greyhounds

Anonymous - 8/16/2011 8:31:21 PM

QUESTION: how big do jackrussels grow up to

Anonymous - 8/14/2011 4:58:17 PM

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QUESTION: i have had heard stories about dobermen attacking their owners cause they have a bad sense of smell and don't recognize them and i want to know if its true cause I WANT ONE but DON'T know if i should get one

Anonymous - 8/10/2011 4:28:00 PM

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That WILL NOT HAPPEN even with a badly bred doberman. The breed is easily intelligent enough to know the difference between their owner and a threat. However, early and constant training is a must to let this powerful, yet loving dog shine. A badly bred doberman could however, be nervous and jumpy and nip people, like an extreme case of greyhound. If you have not established that you are the boss, the dog may try to take control. BUT THIS IS NOT BECAUSE THEY CANNOT RECOGNIZE YOU. Buy from a reputable breeder and you will have a best friend for life!

Anonymous - 11/26/2011 11:40:23 AM

Badly bred and raised dobes have caused this rumur. Look for a breeder who concentrates on family dog personalities, get a spayed female for your first dobermen, and take her to obedience classes.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 9:49:23 PM

QUESTION: do dobermans have a bad sense of smell

Anonymous - 8/10/2011 4:21:47 PM

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Dobermans sense of smell is so good that they can be trained to "sniff out " some types of cancers in their very early stages.

Anonymous - 10/22/2011 10:10:31 AM

Dobermans have a great sense of smell, that is why the police can use them.

wywildfire - 8/30/2011 9:50:04 PM

QUESTION: I put in application today to adopt a Doberman from the pound. He's a puppy approximately 5months old. He's very sweet & seems very intelligent. There are no other dogs in my household, but have two cats. A friend told me that it may not be a good mix & that dobies tend to be aggressive toward small animals. Is this true?

Anonymous - 8/5/2011 5:06:54 PM

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I've had 3 dobies with cats. One of the dogs was curious and chased the cats for the first couple of weeks, but for the most part the dobies did not acknowledge the cats as the cats are lower in the pack hierarchy. There was a time one of my cats accidentally got out and was in the back yard. My male dobie came and told me that the cat was outside by whining and going between me and the window until I saw the cat. He knew that the cat was not supposed to be outside! :)

Anonymous - 8/21/2011 1:23:24 AM

Has the dobe been involved in social interaction with smaller dogs at the pound? Given the young age it probably wouldn't be a problem and he would be more curious than anything and given the nature of cats they'll probably put him in his place from the start.

Anonymous - 8/10/2011 2:57:52 PM

QUESTION: our Dob is 7 mo old and 54 lbs. Very loving and wants to be next to all people. Is not aggressive towards anyone, rides in car perfectly, listens to sit, down, come, free, no. However the issue is when feeding her. she is really aggressive if someone comes close to her when eating. We have done plenty of obedience training and she listens very well. We play with her often, walks twice a day (about 2 miles each time). we really want to solve this aggression problem when feeding her...any ideas out there?

Anonymous - 7/31/2011 10:27:23 AM

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If you will feed the doberman by hand, one piece at a time, SLOWLY, you will find that you will eventually be able to put the food in your mouth and the dog will (tell it to gently take the food) eat it very gently. I have done this with every dog we owned because we have grand childern, and the dog MUST know NOT to steal the food, quickly from the child. The dogs have never taken any food from any one after the training.

Anonymous - 8/10/2011 4:47:43 PM

If you are looking for Doberman Pinscher puppies for sale from reputable Doberman Pinscher breeders or to adopt a Doberman Pinscher from a Doberman Pinscher rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Doberman Pinscher puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Doberman Pinscher puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.