Dobermann
A sleek, athletic and highly trainable German working dog that bonds closely with its family and keeps a careful eye on the home.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 68–72 cm · Females 63–68 cm
- Weight
- Males 40–45 kg · Females 32–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Black and tan, Brown
- Bred for
- Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Germany
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 143 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 5/5 – Very high |
| Easy to train | 5/5 – Very high |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 5/5 – Very high |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- enjoy training and dog sports
- want a close, loyal companion
- have time for daily exercise
Think twice if you …
- are away from home for long hours
- want a low-energy dog
- are not ready for regular heart checks and possible vet costs
Care
Temperament
Loyal and people-oriented, often following its owner from room to room. Alert and naturally protective, but a well-socialised dog is steady and not aggressive without reason.
Exercise
Needs at least an hour or two of daily activity; obedience, tracking, protection sports, canicross and agility all suit it well.
Grooming
The short coat is low-maintenance: a weekly rub with a rubber mitt and occasional nail trims are enough. It feels the cold, so a coat helps in winter.
Training
Very quick to learn and eager to work with its handler; consistent, fair training and early socialisation produce a confident, steady adult.
Health
Dilated cardiomyopathy is the main concern in the breed, alongside von Willebrand disease, hip dysplasia and wobbler syndrome. Ask the breeder for the parents' yearly heart screening (Holter and echo) and other results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Heart
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- vWD type 1
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The breed takes its name from Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Apolda, Thuringia, who in the 1890s set out to create a sharp, reliable companion and guard. It went on to serve as a police and military dog and is still used in protection sports.
At home a well-raised Dobermann is affectionate, sensitive and keen to be wherever its people are. It needs plenty of exercise and mental work, and a bored or under-socialised dog can become restless or overly watchful. Owners who enjoy training usually find it a rewarding, close partner.
Did you know?
The breed name is spelled "Dobermann" by the FCI but "Doberman Pinscher" by the American Kennel Club.