Dobermann: Training, Grooming, Nutrition

Q: Are Dobermanns dangerous?

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.

Q: Are Dobermanns good with kids?

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.

Q: How to train a Dobermann

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.

Q: Are Dobermanns good with cats?

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.

Q: Can Dobermanns be left alone?

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.

A loyal and protective companion that loves spending time with its owner.

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.

Vital Stats

Size:	Large
Coat:	Short and smooth
Exercise:	2+ hours a day
Life span:	9 – 13 years
Breed group:	Working
Temperament:	Loyal, alert, protective, obedient

Size Large Coat Short
coat Exercise 2+hr Life span 9+years

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.

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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 discipline 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.

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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 discipline 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.

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Dobermann Grooming

A Dobermann is relatively low maintenance when it comes to 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.

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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.

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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.

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FAQs

Are Dobermanns dangerous?

Are Dobermanns good with kids?

How to train a Dobermann

Are Dobermanns good with cats?

Can Dobermanns be left alone?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Are Dobermanns dangerous?

Are Dobermanns good with kids?

How to train a Dobermann

Are Dobermanns good with cats?

Can Dobermanns be left alone?

Help & Support page

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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.

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All dog advice

A loyal and protective companion that loves spending time with its owner.

Vital Stats

Dobermann Temperament & Personality

Dobermann Temperament & Personality

Dobermann Training & Exercise

Dobermann Training & Exercise

Dobermann Grooming

Dobermann Grooming

Dobermann Nutrition

Dobermann Nutrition

What to know before you buy or rehome a Dobermann

What to know before you buy or rehome a Dobermann

FAQs

Are Dobermanns dangerous?

Are Dobermanns good with kids?

How to train a Dobermann

Are Dobermanns good with cats?

Can Dobermanns be left alone?

FAQs

Are Dobermanns dangerous?

Are Dobermanns good with kids?

How to train a Dobermann

Are Dobermanns good with cats?

Can Dobermanns be left alone?

Discover some of the most popular dog breeds

Beagle

Bichon Frise

Border Collie

Border Terrier

Boxer

English Bulldog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavapoo

Chihuahua

Chow Chow

Cockapoo

Cocker Spaniel

Dachshund

Dobermann

English Springer Spaniel

French Bulldog

German Shepherd

Golden Retriever

Greyhound

Husky

Jack Russell

Labradoodle

Labrador

Lhasa Apso

Miniature Schnauzer

Pomeranian

Poodle

Pug

Rottweiler

Shiba Inu

Shih Tzu

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

West Highland White Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

Dobermann insurance considerations

Physical & online consultations

Diagnostic tests

Prescription medicine

Surgery & specialised care

Physiotherapy & pet therapies

Hereditary conditions

Behavioural conditions

Congenital conditions

Dental illness & injury

Cancer treatments

Physical & online
consultations

Diagnostic
tests

Prescription
medicine

Surgery &
specialised care

Physiotherapy &
pet therapies

Hereditary
conditions

Behavioural
conditions

Congenital
conditions

Dental illness
& injury

Cancer
treatments