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Doberman Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Doberman Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd mix

Doberman Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Doberman Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Doberman Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Doberman Shepherd?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Doberman Shepherd weigh? How much should a Doberman Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Doberman Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Doberman Shepherd weight?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Doberman Shepherd?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the Doberman Shepherd? Doberman Shepherd height:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Doberman Shepherd?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Doberman Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Doberman Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Doberman Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Doberman Shepherd?

Where to buy a Doberman Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Doberman Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Doberman Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Doberman Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Doberman Shepherd? How many Doberman Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Doberman Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Doberman Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Doberman Shepherd? Is the Doberman Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: Doberman Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Doberman Shepherd is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Doberman Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Doberman Shepherd?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Doberman Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Doberman Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Doberman Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Doberman Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Doberman Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Doberman Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Doberman Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
CuriousEnergeticAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentObedientLoyalFearlessWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Doberman Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Doberman Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Doberman Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Doberman Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Doberman Shepherd need? Doberman Shepherd social needs:
Doberman Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Doberman Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Doberman Shepherd roam?
Doberman Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Doberman Shepherd have high prey drive?
Doberman Shepherd dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Doberman Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Doberman Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Doberman Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Doberman Shepherd bark?
Low to Average: The Doberman Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Doberman Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Doberman Shepherd in an apartment?
Apartment-friendly dog the Doberman Shepherd breed. It is best if you have a small garden where it can occasionally go out to do its business, but this is not important at all. You can exercise him enough with a walk or two a day, so he's comfortable in an apartment.

Doberman Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Doberman Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Doberman Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Doberman Shepherd alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Doberman Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Doberman Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Doberman Shepherd? How much bite force does a Doberman Shepherd have? How strong is a Doberman Shepherd bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Doberman Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Doberman Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Doberman Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Doberman Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Doberman Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Doberman Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Doberman Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Doberman Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Doberman Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Doberman Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Doberman Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Doberman Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

Moderate

The Doberman Shepherd has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Doberman Shepherd do?
Doberman Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Doberman Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Doberman Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Doberman Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Doberman Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Doberman Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Doberman Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Doberman Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyCardiomyopathyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Doberman Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Doberman Shepherd see the vet?
Rare
The Doberman Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Doberman Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Doberman Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Doberman Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Doberman Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Doberman Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Doberman Shepherd?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Doberman Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Doberman Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Doberman Shepherd?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Doberman Shepherd need? How much exercise do Doberman Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Doberman Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Doberman Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Doberman Shepherd breed need?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Doberman Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Doberman Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Doberman Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Doberman Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Doberman Shepherd?
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Doberman Shepherd risk for obesity:
Average: The Doberman Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Doberman Shepherd weight regularly.

Doberman Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Doberman Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineFuzzy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Doberman Shepherd coats?
BlackTan Red Blue White SilverBrown
Grooming
How to groom the Doberman Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Doberman Shepherd to the groomer?
Average: The Doberman Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Doberman Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Doberman Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Doberman Shepherd? Do Doberman Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Doberman Shepherd dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Doberman Shepherd breed.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Doberman Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Doberman Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Doberman Shepherd every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Doberman Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
Doberman Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Doberman Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Doberman Shepherd drool?
The Doberman Shepherd is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Doberman Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Doberman Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Doberman Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Doberman Shepherd temperament with other people:
Doberman Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Doberman Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Doberman Shepherd temperament with children:
Doberman Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Doberman Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Doberman Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Doberman Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Doberman Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Doberman Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Doberman Shepherd is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Doberman Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Doberman Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Doberman Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Doberman Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Doberman Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Doberman Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Doberman Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Doberman Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Doberman Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Doberman Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Doberman Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Doberman Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Doberman Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Doberman Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Doberman Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Doberman Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

Doberman Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Doberman Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Doberman Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Doberman Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Doberman Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Doberman Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Doberman Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Doberman Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Doberman Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Doberman Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Doberman Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Doberman Shepherd give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Doberman Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Doberman Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Doberman Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Doberman Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: Doberman Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: Doberman Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Doberman Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Friendly: Apartment-friendly dog the Doberman Shepherd breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Doberman Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Doberman Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Doberman Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Doberman Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Doberman Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Doberman Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Doberman Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Doberman Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthiness: Doberman Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Dog Friendly: Doberman Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Doberman Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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