The Dobermann takes its name from tax collector and dogcatcher, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who created the breed in 19th century Germany. He wanted a powerful, agile service dog with a combination of intelligence and speed and is said to have mixed Weimaraner, Greyhound, German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Manchester Terrier to create his perfect dog. Also known as Dobermann Pinscher, these large, energetic dogs need lots of training and exercise but make loyal companions, especially for experienced owners with active lifestyles.
Facts & advice
Dobermann
A loyal and protective companion who loves spending time with their owner
Vital stats
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| Size: | Large |
| Coat: | Short and smooth |
| Exercise | 2+ hours a day |
| Life span: | 9 – 13 years |
| Breed group: | Working |
| Temperament: | Loyal, alert, protective, obedient |
Dobermann temperament & personality
Dobermanns are sometimes considered an aggressive or even dangerous breed, something that is mainly related to their imposing and powerful appearance. Although their protective nature means they will respond aggressively if they feel intimated, Dobermanns will rarely initiate aggression and they love nothing more than being around the people they know and love.
- Extremely loyal dogs, Dobermanns tend to form very strong bonds with their owners. In the right hands, and with time invested in their training and exercise, a Dobermann will be a devoted and affectionate companion and a much-loved member of a family unit.
- Because of their specific needs and intensive training and exercise requirements, Dobermanns are best suited to experienced dog owners rather than first timers.
- Their protective instinct and alert nature means Dobermanns can sometimes be wary of strangers, but they are generally friendly towards new people especially if introduced by their owner. They are often very protective of children too.
- Dobermanns craves companionship and tend to build very strong bonds with an owner. This can mean they become quite clingy and suffer from separation anxiety if left on their own for long periods of time.
- A strong prey drive means that caution should be exercised around wildlife and livestock as they have a tendency to chase small animals whenever the chance arises.
Dobermann training & exercise
Smart, obedient and eager please, the Dobermann is one of the most reliable service dogs in the world and they are often found working for the police or armed forces. Their size and athleticism means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Training tips
- Training a Dobermann is an ongoing and daily task and should be consistent throughout their lives. Prospective owners should be prepared to spend the time on both the training as well as the exercise a Dobermann needs.
- As a highly intelligent and instinctively obedient breed, a Dobermann will respond well to training. But this should start at an early age to set the boundaries, determine the owner as pack leader and avoid any unruly behaviour further down the line.
- Because their loyal nature can make them defensive around strangers, it’s important to prioritise socialisation when training a Dobermann. Puppies should be introduced to new people, places and experiences early so they become familiar with sights, sounds and smells.
- A Dobermann will respond to firm but fair training methods. While owners should use consistent and clear leadership, they should never treat their pet harshly but always with respect. By doing so, a Dobermann will become an extremely obedient and loyal companion.
Exercise
- As large, athletic dogs, Dobermanns need lots of exercise and owners should expect to spend at least 2 hours a day making sure their pet gets the right amount of physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate exercise, a Dobermann can become noisy or destructive around the home.
- Dobermanns are a good choice for owners with active, outdoor lifestyles as they love nothing more than long walks and running off the lead. Jogging with a Dobermann can be a fun way to keep both dog and owner fit and healthy, but avoid doing so before a dog is 18 months old.
Keeping them happy
- Apart from making sure they get the right amount of exercise and mental stimulation, as well as the consistent training they need, a Dobermanns will just love spending time with its owner. Keep them involved with household activities and they’ll be very happy. But don’t leave them on their own for too long or separation anxiety could set in.
Game ideas
- As well as long walks and lots of running, Dobermanns also enjoy more challenging activities such as canine sports. They often excel at agility courses and will love a game of Flyball – a competitive canine relay that involves teams of dogs collecting balls from a Flyball box at the end of a track.
- A strong prey drive means that Dobermanns love chasing and retrieving. As well as chasing a ball on the beach, try a game of Frisbee.
- Swimming can be a great way of giving your pet a good workout without putting too much stress on their joints or bones. Dobermanns tend to enjoy getting in the water for a splash around.
- A Dobermann’s ability to learn and their receptiveness to commands mean they are ideal candidates for obedience training. Start with basic commands such as ‘stay’ or ‘sit’ before moving on to more difficult tasks. Use positive reinforcement and a tasty treat to reward a job well done.
Common Dobermann health conditions
As a dog owner you will want what’s best for your pet’s health so they can live a long, happy life. Like all breeds, Dobermanns are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments if they should arise, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Dobermanns.
In our experience Dobermanns are prone to developing problems with their urinary system including their bladder and urinary tract. One such problem is cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder not related to infection, which can lead to blood in the urine. Cystitis in dogs is usually due to an underlying cause such as bladder crystals or stones, both of which can be treated by a vet.
Dobermanns are more likely than other dogs to develop hormone problems such as hypothyroidism than other dogs. The thyroid is a gland in the neck which produces hormones that control metabolism. If the thyroid becomes underactive, not enough of the hormone is produced and causes hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is more common in Dobermanns than in other dogs and leads to a slow metabolic rate resulting in weight gain, a slow heart rate and an intolerance of the cold. A vet can diagnose hypothyroidism through blood tests and is normally treated via drugs that they will have to take for the rest of their life.
Like all dogs, Dobermanns can develop masses (lumps and bumps) in the layers of fat, skin and muscle that cover their bodies. These might be warts, cysts, lipomas (soft fatty lumps), abscesses or tumours, such as mast cell tumours. Mast cells are normal skin cells that help dogs respond to trauma and damage by releasing histamine. However, these cells can sometimes replicate into a serious type of tumour called a mast cell tumour. They vary widely in size and shape, but most take the form of a solitary lump within the skin. Generally, treatment depends on the size, location and exact nature of the lump, but almost always involves surgical removal.
Heart disease in dogs is classified as either congenital heart disease (which means ʻborn with itʼ) or acquired heart disease (which means the disease develops later in life). Both of these defects can lead to a state called ʻheart failureʼ, wherein the heart struggles to pump blood around the body. Dobermanns are particularly prone to a disease of the heart muscle known as cardiomyopathy, which often leads to heart failure. Early diagnosis of heart problems is key, because if they progress to the ʻheart failureʼ stage, treatment will then be needed for the rest of the dog's life.
Dobermanns are one breeds that is prone to lameness. This can be a result of various different conditions such as hip dysplasia or arthritis. Hip dysplasia occurs when the bones that form the hip joint don’t fit together perfectly, causing wear and tear to the joints. Like other dogs, Dobermanns can develop arthritis (which means ‘inflammation of the joints’) as a result of this wear and tear. They may show signs of stiffness, and be reluctant to exercise or go up or down stairs and steps. Long-term treatment or surgery might be needed to help them further.
Dobermann grooming
- There are four recognised colour varieties of Dobermann: black, brown, blue or fawn with rust red markings.
- Their short, smooth coats need brushing only once a week to keep it in good condition. Using rubber grooming mitts will help to remove dead hair more easily.
- As with most other breeds, Dobermanns tend to shed more during the spring and autumn so more brushing will be needed at these times.
- Good dental hygiene should include regular brushing with a vet-approved toothpaste and ears should be checked regularly for infection caused by excess wax.
- Dobermanns have a long tails and large, floppy ears but they can sometimes undergo cosmetic surgery to dock their tails or crop their ears to make them more pointed and erect. Not only is this unnecessary, ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Dobermann nutrition
As large, energetic dogs, Dobermanns have appetites to match. But it’s important to keep their diet balanced and consistent to avoid bloating, obesity and inappropriate growth rates in pups. Talk to your vet about the right diet plan for your dog.
- Dobermanns are large dogs and need the right balance of energy, protein and minerals to ensure healthy joint development. Too much of these nutrients can be as harmful as too little.
- Always maintain a consistent diet and feeding routine. If you need to change it then do so only gradually to avoid tummy upsets, particularly in puppies.
- As a deep-chested dog, a Dobermann can be prone to bloating. It is therefore best to avoid feeding immediately before or after exercise.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Dobermann
Thinking about offering a Dobermann a home? Before you buy or adopt a Dobermann, here are a few crucial things to take into consideration.
- As large, active dogs, a Dobermann needs lots of exercise – at least 2 hours each day. They also need lots of ongoing training and should be well-socialised as puppies.
- Dobermanns are best suited to experienced owners who can invest the time their pet needs. They will fit in well with active families with lots of space for them to burn off excess energy.
- Loyal, obedient and protective, a Dobermann can be a very loving companion for any owner. However, because they love human company so much they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.
- Although they are a not a hypoallergenic breed, Dobermanns are low maintenance in terms of grooming.
- It’s important to get your Dobermann puppy from a reputable breeder. This will allow you to check the welfare of the puppies and meet the puppy’s mum to see if she has the temperament you’re looking for. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are now illegal.
- There are many things to consider before getting a dog. Always find out whether a canine friend is the best pet for you before you make the leap from dog lover to dog owner.
Dobermann frequently asked questions
Dobermanns have a history of being used as guard dogs and as such have gained an unfair reputation as dangerous. The Dobermann’s large stature and loud bark can come across as intimidating but in reality these dogs are generally friendly and crave companionship. As they are incredibly protective dogs, Dobermanns can be quick to respond to perceived danger in an aggressive way - careful socialisation will help your Dobermann to take meeting new people and animals in their stride.
Dobermanns are incredibly affectionate dogs and love the people in their pack, including children. However, these big and boisterous dogs may be too much for very small children so they are better suited to households with older children. As with all dog breeds, you should always supervise your Dobermann when around children to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.
As a working breed, Dobermanns are generally intelligent, eager to please and quick to catch on to new tricks and commands. That being said, Dobermanns can often exhibit a dominant streak if not trained consistently from an early age. As such, Dobermanns tend to be a better fit for owners with plenty of experience and training should be a lifelong exercise. Dobermanns respond best to clear and consistent training methods that set them boundaries.
A Dobermann’s affinity for cats will depend largely on your dog’s temperament and when they are introduced to any other pets. In general, though, Dobermanns have a very strong prey drive that means they can be prone to chase smaller animals – a behaviour that will most likely prove distressing for your other pets, including cats. Careful socialisation from an early age can help your Dobermann become acquainted with your cat but you’ll never be able to fully train out their instinct to chase.
Due to their incredibly loyal nature, Dobermanns crave companionship and attention from their owner. As such, the breed can easily become clingy and is prone to separation anxiety. If you do need to leave your Dobermann alone, make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them busy and have someone check in on them if you’re going to be out for more than a few hours.
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Dobermann insurance considerations
Dobermanns sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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