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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 Classification
What type of dog breed is a Doberman Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd mix

Doberman Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Doberman Shepherd? Learn how big the Doberman Shepherd breed typically grows.
LargeMedium
Weight Statistics
How much does a Doberman Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Doberman Shepherd breed.
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 Range
How much does a Doberman Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Doberman Shepherd costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Doberman Shepherd? Discover the Doberman Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Doberman Shepherd? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Doberman Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Doberman Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
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.
Territorial Protection
Is a Doberman Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a Doberman Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Doberman Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a Doberman Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Doberman Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Doberman Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Doberman Shepherd 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.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Doberman Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Doberman Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Doberman Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a Doberman Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Doberman Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Doberman Shepherd bite? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

Doberman Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Doberman Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Doberman Shepherd breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Doberman Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Doberman Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Doberman Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Doberman Shepherd breed.
Doberman Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Doberman Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
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.
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

Doberman Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Doberman Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Doberman Shepherd breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a Doberman Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Doberman Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's feeding requirements.
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Doberman Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Doberman Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Doberman Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Doberman Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red Blue White SilverBrown
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Doberman Shepherd need? Learn about Doberman Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
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.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Doberman Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Doberman Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Doberman Shepherd have? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's fur characteristics.
FineFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Doberman Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

Doberman Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Doberman Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Doberman Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Doberman Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Doberman Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a Doberman Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a Doberman Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Doberman Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Doberman Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Doberman Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Doberman Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a Doberman Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's military history.

Not really

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

Doberman Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Doberman Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Doberman Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Doberman Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Doberman Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Doberman Shepherd in? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Doberman Shepherd in? Learn about the Doberman Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Doberman Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Doberman Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Doberman Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Doberman Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Apartment-friendly dog the Doberman Shepherd breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Doberman Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Doberman Shepherd dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Doberman Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: 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 Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Doberman Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Doberman Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Mouthing Tendency: 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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