One of the first steps a potential new Doberman owner has to do is pick between all the various types of Doberman out there; the American, European, the various colors, what age Doberman to get, and even if they should get a male or female Doberman. There are almost endless combinations to pick from. As someone who specializes in the differences in behavior between the various Dobermans out there, believe me when I say there are very real differences between these Doberman variants and it’s incredibly important to pick one that matches your home environment and your goals.

There are certainly far more traits to explore with these dogs beyond what’s listed in the table below. For example, a single owner living by themselves who wants a dog that excels at keeping them safe on a daily basis will likely choose a much different type of Doberman over a family with young kids wanting a dog to fit in seamlessly with the kids in the house.

Doberman Type Decision Chart

The chart below outlines some of the major types of Doberman that you will choose between during your dog search, along with the key deciding factors for each type and examples of ideal situations.

Although there are many more differences between these types of Doberman (explained further in the sections below), their behavior seems to be the most important factor for new owners.

Choosing the Variety

There are a few varieties of Dobermans to pick from and although they’re all considered Dobermans, they have many differences from each other. You can dive further in-depth into the differences between American and European Dobermans in my article American vs. European Doberman: A Side-by-Side Comparison.

American Dobermans

The American Doberman is considered to be better suited for a role as a family pet and is a great choice for first-time Doberman owners. They have many character traits that help them to excel in this role. The list below will give you an overview of American Dobermans, should you make this choice.

Size

• Height
  • Males: 26 – 28 Inches
  • Females: 24 – 26 Inches
• Weight:
  • Males: 75 – 100 lbs
  • Females: 60 – 80 lbs

Price

• $1500 – $2500 from a reputable breeder in the U.S.

Appearance

• Build—Thinner, more toned, long, lean, and with a more elegant look.
• Head—Wedge shaped, with a thinner muzzle.
• Eyes—Light brown.
• Chest—Smaller, narrower chest.
• Legs—Thinner bone structure.

Behavior

American Dobermans are known for being the ideal family pet due to their calmer and more relaxed nature. They tend to be more in-tune with their owner’s emotions and respond positively to lots of positive reinforcement during training. They’re less head-strong and stubborn than the Europeans and can be easier to train for the new dog owner.

They also tend to share space better than the European Doberman and will cuddle with their owners without hesitation. However, they can lack some confidence as compared to Europeans in new situations meaning they may stick closer to your side while out in public and might be slightly less likely to physically intervene if their owner is attacked. Although it’s worth noting that any Doberman is still likely to intervene if their owner is threatened.

European Dobermans

The European Doberman is considered to be better suited for a working role but is often known to excel as a family dog as well, especially in active families. Below are some of the notable traits of the European Doberman.

• Height
  • Males: 27 – 28 Inches
  • Females: 25 – 27 Inches
• Weight:
  • Males: 80 – 105 lbs
  • Females: 65 – 85 lbs

Price

• $2500 – $3500 from a reputable breed in the U.S. (likely less if purchased in Europe).

Appearance

• Build—Thicker, with more muslce mass, less toned, and builkier overall.
• Head—Broader head with a thick muzzle.
• Eyes—Dark brown.
• Chest—Larger, broad chest.
• Legs—Thicker bone structure.

Behavior

European Dobermans are known for being the ideal working dog due to their high levels of energy and drive. They tend to be more confident and headstrong than the American’s and thrive on firm, clear direction during training mixed with some positive reinforcement. Due to their stubbornness, European Dobermans can be more difficult for an inexperienced dog owner to train.

European’s can also be great family dogs but do generally prefer more room and are less inclined to share personal space over their American Doberman. Europeans do well in very active families. They’re more confident in new or unusual surroundings however, this means they may be more likely to wander away from their owners in these situations than the Americans. Their high level of confidence also means that they are more likely to intervene physically if their owners are threatened.

Warlock, King, Gladiator, or Goliath Dobermans

There isn’t a set of behaviors or physical traits that are typical for a Warlock Doberman since this is primarily a marketing term some breeders use to describe an “exceptionally large Doberman”, and it isn’t truly any recognized variety of Doberman. Other similar names also used in this same fashion are the terms King, Gladiator, or Goliath Doberman.

The term “Warlock” originated from a famous American Doberman from the 1950s and 1960s named “Borong the Warlock”. Borong became famous due to his astonishing long list of titles in a wide variety of dog shows and competitions.

Borong the Warlock (the original Warlock) Racked Up:

• 230 Best of Breed titles.
• 20 “bests” in Specialty shows.
• 66 working group titles.

He was also the only Doberman Pinscher to have won the DPCA National Specialty three times. This long list of accomplishments is what helped propel Borong the Warlock to such a famous status. But remember, Borong the Warlock was just a normal American Doberman of average size. Borong sired many puppies since his name was so revered in the Doberman community due to his accomplishments and the name “Warlock” became known as meaning simply “a Doberman from a good quality bloodline”.

Around the 1970s in the United States, the term “Warlock” was adopted as a marketing term by breeders who were attempting to fill a growing demand for exceptionally large Dobermans. Unfortunately, this often meant they bred mix-breed dogs while looking for genetics to make larger Dobermans and labeling their creations as “Warlocks”.

Therefore there isn’t a set of standard behavior or even physical characteristics for a Warlock since it has meant so many different things over the years to so many people. Here are the types of mixed breed dogs that are often referred to as “Warlocks”.

Common Mix Breeds Referred to as Warlock, King, Gladiator, or Goliath Dobermans

• Doberman/Great Dane Mix – Also often called a “Dober-Dane”. Often this is done to make what appears to be a “taller Doberman”.
• Doberman/Rottweiler Mix – Also often called a “Rotterman”. Which is often done to make what appears to be a “bulkier Doberman”.

Just remember that if you are seeking out a Warlock, King, Gladiator, or Goliath Doberman then you’re usually seeking out a mixed breed dog. At times, some breeders will use the term to describe normal Dobermans who are just genetically slightly on the large side as well. But they’re always either an American or European Doberman. Refer to those sections above to learn more about those two main varieties.

Choosing the Sex

The most interesting thing about selecting the sex of the Doberman you want is that each sex has its own set of typical behavior traits. Below is a summary of the main differences between the two sexes but to learn more in-depth information about the differences, see my article Male vs. Female Doberman: Which is Better.

Male Dobermans

Male Dobermans are typically about 2 inches taller and 15 to 20 pounds heavier on average with more muscle mass than females. They’re known for being more “goofy” and playful than the females. They also have a reputation for bonding well with a family as a whole and being more accepting of strangers. They are generally more “outgoing” while in public and willing to explore their surroundings which can make them a bit more difficult to control while off-leash as compared to females.

They bond easier with new people and animals than females do. They’re also slower to mature than female Dobermans and usually hit an adult mentality at closer to 4 years of age. The fact that they’re slow to mature can make early training at a young age difficult at times due to how easily they’re distracted as compared to females.

Male Dobermans can also be a bit more headstrong and stubborn than females. They’re also more demanding of attention and affection from their owners. When bringing a Male Doberman into a home with other male dogs, it’s important to note that male-on-male aggression may be an issue especially if the dogs are close in age. Male Dobermans get in more frequent conflicts with dogs of the same sex than females do, but they’re usually less serious in nature with fewer injuries.

“Choosing a Doberman that is of the opposite sex of another dog already living in your home will increase the likelihood that they’ll get along.”

– John Walter, Canine Communication Certified (DobermanPlanet.com)

Female Dobermans

Female Dobermans are about 2 inches shorter and 15 to 20 pounds lighter than male Dobermans with less muscle mass. They’re “smoother’ in appearance and less bulky in muscle. Female Dobermans are known for being more serious and intense than males are. They generally bond tighter to one specific person in the family, which is another difference from the males.

Female Dobermans are also generally more reserved and suspicious of strangers and slower to warm up to new people. This means they are more cautious about exploring their surroundings while in a new environment and more likely to stick closer to their owners. This can make off-leash control of a female easier at times than a male.

Females tend to mature quicker than males and hit that adult mentality at about 2 years of age. This can make training a female Doberman at a young age easier than a male as they tend to stay more focused during training sessions. Females need more affection than males to be happy but are less demanding about getting it from their owners.

When bringing a female Doberman into a home with other female dogs, it’s important to note that female-on-female aggression may be an issue especially if the dogs are close in age. Female Dobermans get in less frequent conflicts with dogs of the same sex than males do, but when they occur they’re usually more serious in nature with frequent injuries.

Choosing the Lineage

What lineage your Doberman comes from arguably makes the biggest impact on how he or she will ultimately behave. Their genetic influences can more than make up for the sometimes subtle behavior differences between the specific variety or sex of the dog. Remember to always ask your breeder what they’re breeding for in their puppies. Are they breeding for champion working dogs or family dogs? This will tell you a lot about the likely genetic influences in the dog’s behavior.

Working Lines

Dobermans bred from working lines tend to possess higher levels of energy, more drive, more determination, and require high levels of focused daily training. They tend to be difficult for the average family to own and are almost never recommended for a first-time dog owner.

Working lines are happiest when they have regular tasks to accomplish during the day, especially those requiring physical exertion. If brought into a relaxed family environment without adequate daily exercise, it can lead to heightened levels of anxiety from the dog resulting in destructive chewing, barking, crying, and other negative behaviors. Intense working Dobermans without an outlet can also become a risk as biting problems can develop.

Pet Lines

Dobermans bred from genetic lines focused more on behavior and temperament traits which are ideal for a family pet to possess tend to be a much better family dog. They’re generally calmer, easier to train, less stubborn or headstrong, and are recommended for first-time owners.

These dogs are happiest when they’re living in close proximity to the members of their family, have a predictable daily routine, and close interactions with the other members of their “pack” (or family). They tend to be more accepting of strangers and just generally easier to manage on a daily basis.

Choosing an Age

When buying a Doberman from a breeder, you rarely can select at what age to bring the dog home. It’s almost always when the dog is between 8 and 12 weeks of age. But adopting or rescuing a Doberman means you can get a dog of just about any age.

Puppies (8 Weeks – 1 Year)

Getting a Doberman as a puppy means you can bond with your dog from a very young age. You will be taking your puppy home while he or she is generally still within the “critical socialization window”, which occurs between 4 to 16 weeks of age. This is when the sights, sounds, and experiences a dog has will set the stage for their future behavior.

Getting a Doberman as a puppy means you can acclimate your dog during this critical window of time to the sights, noises, and experiences they’ll typically experience while living with you, potentially leading to a calmer adult dog later on. Also, by selecting a puppy instead of an adult it means you can train the dog from the beginning the way you want, ensuring there are no negative habits that result along the way.

However, the dog will need a very high level of focus and attention from you during the first year of development. This means you’ll have your work cut out for you with potty training, the puppy nipping/biting stage, teething, and socialization.

“To increase the chances of a Doberman getting along with another dog in the house, make sure there is at least a 6 month age difference between the two dogs. Although a 2 year age difference (or more) is preferred.”

– John Walter, Canine Communication Certified (DobermanPlanet.com)

Adults (1 Year or More)

Choosing to get an adult Doberman generally means you’re adopting your dog from a rescue center or shelter. Adult Dobermans, especially those from a shelter or rescue, can have an unknown history. This means they may have bad habits, unpredictable behavior triggers, or may simply be used to a much different living environment than you provide.

Bringing home an adult Doberman means you are taking on a dog who you don’t know much about generally. The good news is you get to get a glimpse into the dog’s adult behavior before bringing the dog home, something that is not possible when buying a puppy.

However, if the dog has an unknown trigger, you may not discover this until you’ve already committed to owning the dog. This could also be scary if you have children in the house. Also, they may have developed bad habits at their previous home such as destructive chewing, leash pulling, or barking habits that they were permitted to get away with by their previous owner.

Dobermans given up to shelters or rescue centers are often done so because of behavior issues that the owner was not equipped to handle while other times it may simply be because an owner passed away or was no longer able to care for the dog. It’s impossible to know all the details with a rescue dog.

The main benefits to taking on an adult Doberman are that you can skip a lot of the more difficult stages in a dog’s life that occur during puppyhood. They’re often at least partially housebroken, leash trained, and may already understand some basic commands.

Choosing a Color

The primary differences between Dobermans of different colors are how the dog looks, and their health concerns. Very rarely do behavior traits have anything to do with color. The differences between health, colors, and any notes about temperament are listed below.

Black and Rust

This is the most common color of Doberman per the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is also the most traditional look for a Doberman and it’s the color combination more often seen in movies and television. It’s generally believed to be the color with the fewest health concerns and easiest to find when searching for a Doberman. This color is created via a dominant gene in Dobermans which is why it’s seen more frequently.

Key Deciding Factors

• The “classic” Doberman color.
• Most easily recognizable as a Doberman.
• The most popular color.
• The least health concerns.
• Can compete in any breed competitions.

The black and rust Doberman is also most quickly and easily identifiable as a Doberman which is one reason they’re a popular choice for guard work—intruders who recognize a dog as a Doberman are less likely to challenge that dog. This is considered a “standard color” for both American and European Dobermans and they can compete in any dog show or event.

Red and Rust

The red and rust Doberman is the second most popular and common color of Doberman. These dogs are generally thought to be a bit more easy-going and less territorial than black and rust Dobermans. Although, there are no studies to back this assertion up, and this is simply conjecture among those in the Doberman community.

Key Deciding Factors

• Second most popular color.
• Thought to be easy going and less territorial.
• Prone to some skin and fur issues.
• Can compete in any breed competitions.

They are a bit more prone to skin and fur issues than the black and rust Dobermans which are usually mild and easily treatable. These issues include acne and hair thinning or loss. This is considered a “standard color” for both American and European Dobermans and they’re able to compete in all dog shows and events.

Blue and Rust

The blue and rust Dobermans (often called a “grey”, “silver”, or “purple” Doberman) usually appear to be more of a grey color. This color is made via a color dilution gene that causes the pigmentation of an otherwise black and rust Doberman to become “diluted” in appearance.

Key Deciding Factors

• Less common color.
• Same temperament as black and rust Dobermans.
• Prone to skin and fur concerns.
• Prone to Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA).
• May be excluded from some European Kennel Club competitions.

They’re often considered less desirable and are therefore bred less often by breeders, making them rarer than the black or red Dobermans. These dogs have the same temperament as black and rust Dobermans with a few additional potential health concerns.

Blue and rust Dobermans are especially prone to skin and fur problems such as ingrown hairs, staph infections, and acne. They’re also very prone to a condition called Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA). This is a condition that is passed down genetically and can cause thinning hair, hair loss, and dry and itchy skin. This color is considered a standard color only for American Dobermans but not Europeans. As a result, they may be disqualified from entering certain competitions put on by European Kennel Clubs.

Fawn and Rust

The fawn and rust Doberman (also often called “Isabella” Dobermans) are essentially red and rust Dobermans who also have inherited the color dilution gene. This “dilutes” the pigmentation in their coat resulting in a fawn color, instead of a red.

Key Deciding Factors

• The least common of the four standard colors.
• Same temperament as red and rust Dobermans.
• Prone to skin and fur concerns.
• Prone to Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA).
• May be excluded from some European Kennel Club competitions.

These are also often considered to be somewhat less desirable and are often avoided by breeders, making them a rare find. These dogs have the same temperament as the red and rust Dobermans but do have additional health concerns.

These health concerns, same as with the blue Dobermans, involve their skin and coat. They are more prone to acne, ingrown hairs, and staph infections. They are also prone to Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA) which is a genetic condition that can cause hair thinning, hair loss, and dry and itchy skin. This color is considered a standard color for American Dobermans but not European Dobermans. They may be disqualified from entering certain competitions put on my European Kennel Clubs.

White

The white Dobermans (also often referred to as “albino”) is the most controversial color of Doberman. This rare color is considered by many in the Doberman world to be the least desirable due to its potential for skin, health, and even potentially behavioral issues.

Key Deciding Factors

• Very rare.
• Possible behavior problems due to inbreeding.
• Prone to skin and fur concerns.
• Prone to sun burns.
• Prone to cancerous skin tumours.
• Prone to eyesight problems, especially in bright light.
• Excluded from kennel club competitions.

Many professionals in the Doberman world claim that significant levels of inbreeding and limited gene pools within the white Doberman lines have resulted in dogs with behavioral and health issues. Many consider it immoral to continue to breed for white-colored Dobermans.

Common health concerns of white Dobermans include eyesight issues (especially in bright lighting), the potential for sunburns, and increased rates of cancerous skin tumors. You can learn a lot more about the white Doberman in my article The White Doberman Pinscher: Pictures, Cost, Health, and More.

More Colors

While the colors listed above are the most common and recognized colors for Dobermans, you can learn all there is to know about the various colors of Doberman that exist such as the all-black Doberman (and many more) in my article All the Colors and Types of the Doberman Pinscher.

Example Situations and Dog Choices

Below are some examples of specific owners and their situations along with a recommendation for a specific type of Doberman that would be likely to fit their needs. These are merely recommendations and don’t mean that other types, sexes, ages, or lineages of Dobermans won’t work, simply that these recommendations are more likely to be an ideal fit for the types of owners listed below.

• A single woman without much dog experience, living alone, who isn’t highly active, and wanting protection – A great choice for this person would be a female American Doberman who is a puppy and from pet lines. American Dobermans are great for new owners, as are puppies (adults can have past behavior issues that require experienced owners). American lines with a pet lineage are also better for those who aren’t active or experienced dog owners. Also, a female is great as they love bonding with one individual very tightly and tend to be very protective of that person.
• An experienced dog owner, who is very social, and wishing to get involved in Search and Rescue (SAR) work – A great choice for this person would be a male European Doberman who is either a puppy or adult, and from working lines. Males are known for being very socially accepting of new people which is great for a social person like this. Also, Europeans are fantastic for roles as working dogs. An experienced owner should be able to handle either an adult or puppy.
• A family who is moderately active, inexperienced raising working breeds, and consists of multiple young children – A great choice for this family would be a male or female American Doberman, who is a puppy, and from pet lines. Dobermans are active dogs and even though the American is less active, they can still easily keep up with most families. They’re also a bit better for owners inexperienced in raising working breeds. Getting the dog as a puppy and raising them with young children in the house allows for tight bonding with the kids and is much better than an adult Doberman with an unknown past.
• An experienced dog owner who is single, not very social or active, living alone, and wanting protection – A female American Doberman, who is either a puppy or an adult, and from pet lines would work great here. American Dobermans are a great fit for owners who may be less active. Female Dobermans also bond very tightly to one person, seem to do better in less social households, and are excellent at protecting that person.
• An extremely active backpacking enthusiast, who is highly social, experienced raising working breeds, and who wants a dog to train and hike with – A male European Doberman from working lines who is either an adult or puppy is a good fit here. European Dobermans are great for highly active individuals. A male Doberman is great for someone who is highly social and wants a dog to be open to new people and animals. Also, this owner should be able to handle behavior problems that may arise from the unknown past of an adult Doberman so they could thrive with either an adult or puppy.
• A single man who is not very social or active, and already owns a 2 year old male dog – A female American Doberman puppy from pet lines would be a great fit here. American Dobermans are better for those who are less active and a female Doberman is better for this person because he already owns a male dog (this will avoid “same sex aggression” issues in the house between the two dogs). Also, a puppy is best as this will ensure a 2 year age difference between the dogs, lessening the chances of the owner experiencing behavior issues with his dogs due to “littermate syndrome”.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the single biggest influence on the behavior of any given Doberman is what lineage he or she comes from. Meaning, what the dog was bred for. As an example, American Dobermans are generally calmer and easier for an average family to manage but I’ve seen working lines of American Dobermans who are incredibly intense as they were bred for working sports.

Similarly, I’ve seen European Dobermans bred for families who are very relaxed and easy to manage. So although we dissected many, often subtle, differences between the various types of Dobermans in this article, remember that the genetics of the individual puppy you choose is probably the strongest influence on that dog’s behavior.

If you want help choosing a specific puppy from a litter and gauging their individual genetic influences (very important when getting a puppy) you can see my article all about picking a specific Doberman puppy from a litter which will help you gauge how that dog is likely to behave as an adult.

Related Questions

Which Doberman breed is best? The best Doberman for a role as a family pet in a household that has frequent visitors is most commonly a male American Doberman Pinscher. The best Doberman for a highly active individual owner is most likely a female European Doberman.

What Doberman should I get? You should get a Doberman whose temperament closely matches your lifestyle. For example, a highly active owner living alone who wants a dog for protection should consider a female European Doberman while a relaxed family who has frequent visitors to the house should consider a male American Doberman.

Which Doberman is bigger? The biggest type of Doberman is generally considered to be a Warlock Doberman (also often called a King, Goliath, or Gladiator Doberman). Although these dogs are often not purebred Dobermans. The largest purebred Doberman is a European Doberman.

Helpful Resources

• 15 Places to Find Doberman Puppies for Sale: Best to Worst – This is a useful list of the best places to find Doberman breeders. This page rankes the various Doberman breeder directories from low risk to very high risk.

The post How to Choose Which Type of Doberman to Get (with Examples) appeared first on Doberman Planet.

You may be amazed at how fast your Doberman puppy is growing into an adult, especially if this is your first Doberman. It’s very common for owners to want to know when their “monster of a dog” will reach its full size. Understanding when your Doberman will be fully grown will help you gain a better idea of the overall physical status of your dog which can help with everything from training decisions to simple things like which bed or crate to buy.

When is a Doberman full grown? A Doberman is full-grown at two years of age. While Dobermans are considered adults at 12 months old and will have reached their maximum height by that time, they won’t reach their full adult weight until they’re about 24 months old.

These are general statements that seem to hold fairly true for the Doberman breed, but there is certainly a bit more to it than that when we dig a little deeper. The bulk of the clients I work with own Doberman puppies in their first year of life. Their feedback, along with the current research on this breed available, sheds a very interesting light on what to expect from a new puppy in their first year.

The Two Major Growth Phases for a Doberman

As large dogs, Dobermans require more time to grow than many smaller dogs. Reaching expected height and weight is part of the growth process, and a lot of that increase in weight comes with the development of muscle mass.

It’s worth noting that the second phase of physical development, when a lot of the muscle mass is developed, seems to be most noticeable in the European variety of Doberman. American Dobermans will certainly still develop muscle and “fill out” during this time but it’s less noticeable.

There are many differences between American and European Dobermans, far beyond simply just the development of muscle mass. If you’d like to see more of their differences, take a look at my article all about the differences between American and European Dobermans here.

Doberman Lifetime Growth Stages

Dobies will go through several growth stages throughout their life. Each phase of the Doberman’s life cycle will offer unique challenges and opportunities. The timeline below will give you an idea of what to look for throughout each stage.

Birth

• Weighs between 10-20 oz.
• Born with eyes shut; ears tightly creased.
• Nurse constantly.
• “Imprinting”/handling is important.

3 Days – 6 Weeks

• Continue to nurse.
• Continue to handle.
• Tails docked; dewclaws removed (3-5 days).
• Introduced to solid food (4 weeks).
• Fully weaned; weigh 8-12lbs (6 weeks).

6 Weeks – 7 Months

• First vaccinations given (6-7 weeks)
• Ears cropped (7-12 weeks)
• Ready for new home (8-12 weeks)
• Teething (12 weeks)
• All permanent teeth (6 months)
• Spaying/Neutering
• Vaccinations complete
• Start obedience classes or training
• Looks like an adult, only smaller

7 Months to 1 Year Old

• Continued growth and maturing.
• Most upward growth is finished.
• Males and Females will continue to fill out.
• Females may experience first heat cycle.
• Considered an adult at 12 months.

1 Year Old to 7 Years Old

• Adult phase of life.
• Female considered at her prime (2-3 years).
• Male considered at his prime (3+ years).
• Most active; at peak performance during this time of life .

7 Years and Older

• Considered a senior or a veteran.
• Beginning to slow down .
• May need different diet.
• Willing, but body may be unable.
• Teeth can create problems.
• Pay close attention to skin, joints, teeth, and activity level.
• Weight gain can become an issue.
• May be showing signs of arthritis or muscular aches and pains.
• Heart problems and cancer are major concerns.
• Lifespan considered 9.6 years on average.

TIP: If you’d like more information on exactly how fast a Doberman puppy grows, see my article Doberman Weight: Growth Curve and Average Weights which focuses on how fast you can expect your Doberman to grow.

Puppy-Hood Growth Chart

During their first year of life, a Doberman grows incredibly fast. The general rule of thumb is that a Doberman puppy will gain approximately 10 pounds of weight for every month old that they are.

This rule is fairly accurate up until about 6 months of age. After that point, the growth rate seems to fall slightly behind the 10 pounds per month mark. Below you’ll see a Doberman growth chart to use as a reference showing the different growth rates of male and female Doberman puppies with time.

American Doberman Growth

American and European Dobermans do differ a bit in terms of size and have slightly different physiques. Although it’s pretty easy to see the difference when the two dogs stand side-by-side, many are not aware that such a distinction exists. These differences between the American and European varieties play a significant role in the adult size you can expect.

As most American Dobies have been bred as family pets, they have a somewhat more compact, sleek, and toned look as compared to their European counterparts. They embody the best family pet traits of the breed while being a size that is very suitable for family life. Their appearance could be accurately described as tone and agile, making them perfect outdoor exercise companions.

• An adult male height of 26 to 28 inches and a weight of 75 to 100 pounds is typical of American Doberman lines.
• An adult female height of 24 to 26 inches and weight of 60 to 80 pounds is typical of American Doberman lines.

Some American dogs may exceed these sizes, but it is not as common as it is for dogs from European lines. These weights and heights are also what’s indicated in the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard for the Doberman (available here). It’s a good broad range that does seem to reflect accurately to real life with these dogs.

It’s also worth noting that the American Dobermans also seem to reach their adult weight a bit sooner than the European variety.

“A European Doberman will grow to be about 5 to 10 lbs heavier and 1 inch taller than an American Doberman.”

– John Walter (DobermanPlanet.com)

European Doberman Growth

European Dobermans have a size and build that is very consistent with the breed’s history as a guard dog. These dogs have a very muscular build that indicates their natural strength and of course, means additional weight.

The European Doberman is bread to a standard that keeps the dog true to its original purpose as a working dog. That’s why European Dobermans often look thicker, larger, and broader in their overall frame.

• An adult male height of 27 to 28 inches and a weight of 80 to 105 pounds is typical of European Doberman lines.
• An adult female height of 25 to 27 inches and weight of 65 to 85 pounds is typical of European Doberman lines.

Although it’s worth noting that the breed standard for the European Doberman (available here) indicates a different “standard” height and weight for the European Doberman. The European Doberman breed standard states that males should be between 88 to 99 pounds and females between 71 and 77 pounds. In terms of height, it states that males should be between 27 and 28 inches and females between 25 and 27 inches.

The breed standard for the European Dobermans doesn’t indicate a stark difference in size to the Amerian Doberman breed standard, but in the real world, they are certainly larger dogs. The difference is simply that the American breed standard seems to allow for a broader range of heights and weights in their dogs while the European standard is more precise.

These dogs generally take longer than American Dobermans to achieve their adult levels of muscle mass. Physical strength is very evident in the appearance of these dogs.

Male Doberman Growth

Males stop growing in height at about the same time females do, or at around 1 year of age. However, from about 1 to 2 years of age, the males will put on more muscle mass than females will. It’ll also generally take them longer to stop growing than the females.

This additional muscle mass is likely what accounts for some of the weight differences between these two sexes. Males likely grow larger and stronger than their female counterparts due to the additional testosterone hormones. This is one reason neutering a male Doberman early on affects their rate of growth.

Female Doberman Growth

Females will stop growing in terms of their height at about the same time as males do, or at about 1 year of age. From 1 to 2 years of age, females will put on additional weight in terms of muscle but it won’t be as much as male Doberman will.

Female Dobermans have less muscle mass and are smoother, and more elegant, in appearance as compared to their male counterparts. You can read more about their differences in my article all about the differences between male and female Dobermans here. That article will give you a breakdown of the physical, mental, and behavioral differences between the sexes.

Behavioral and Physical Maturity

Starting when your puppy is about 12 to 16 weeks of age, they’ll likely start to go through what I call the “juvenile delinquent” stage where unruly behavior becomes normal as the dog tests his or her limits. This can progress up to as late as 1 year of age.

Unfortunately, the juvenile delinquent stage is not just a phase of testing the limits, it’s also a phase of explosive growth for your Doberman. That means the dog is quickly gaining size and weight.

Owners often decide to have their dogs spayed or neutered at this age to combat some of the more difficult behavior. A Doberman this age is big enough to be challenging to handle without proper training, making a good Doberman-specific training strategy all the more critical.

Even though there is a small variation between males and females in size, Dobermans have a fairly uniform size and build. The breed is naturally energetic, but working on training while they’re still growing will make them far easier to manage. These dogs will enter their prime years for physical activity shortly after reaching their full size.

Behavior Changes

A Doberman’s behavior will change a lot with age. As young puppies under six or seven weeks old, Dobies will still have a lot of dependence on their mothers. This article from Prima Dobermans can give you a good idea of what your Doberman experiences while still in the breeder’s care. But after about 8 weeks of age, most Doberman pups will be ready to leave their mother and go home with their new owners.

Some of the most obvious changes in behavior and temperament that you are most likely to notices are listed below:

• 12-Weeks of Age – Around the time a Doberman puppy is twelve weeks old, he or she will start teething. This is a time when a lot of supervision is necessary for your puppy’s safety and your sanity. Puppies also like to get to know their environment, relieve stress, and soothe their sore gums by chewing. This can be the start of the dreaded puppy nipping or biting stages.
• 6-Months of Age – Your puppy should be nearing the end of their teething and puppy nipping or biting stages. This is also a good age to get a bit more serious about obedience training as aren’t as easily distracted as when they were puppies, but they still will have trouble controlling all their energy which can make some training difficult. Young Dobermans at this age have reached three-quarters of their adult size. Understanding “the house rules” before they’ve reached adult size and strength is crucial for a well-adjusted dog.
• 1-Year of Age – A Doberman between a year and a year and a half old has hopefully left puppyhood behind. Their ability to focus on training should be even higher now and you can begin doing more difficult training like bite work, agility training, or training for other AKC events. They’ll still have plenty of energy, but should have be better at controlling it and have a deeper bond with their owners that will make trianing easier.
• 2-Years of Age – This is when your Doberman will not only be fully grown in terms of height and weight, but should also have reached that more “stoic” phase that the Doberman breed is most known for. Their trainability, physical abilities, and desire to please should be at, or close to, a perfect balance. This is when your Doberman really grows into their own.

This should give you a general idea of the progression of the Doberman as they grow and mature. Keep in mind that females will generally hit these stages a touch sooner as compared to male Dobermans. Additional information regarding all the various growth and development stages a puppy goes through from birth onward can be found in this DPCA article.

IMPORTANT

The “Critical Socialization Window” for dogs is between 4 and 16 weeks of age. During this time, fear is overridden by curiosity. This means it’s incredibly important to expose your Doberman to as many new experiences as possible during this window (source).

Final Thoughts

Although Dobermans might vary somewhat in their expected adult size, owners can usually predict when they will have a fully-grown dog. At one year of age, you can consider a Doberman to be at about their maximum height. At 2 years of age, you can consider a Doberman to be at about their maximum weight. This rule is fairly accurate across the sexes and various types of Doberman.

Creating a consistent training and excercise routine will help make sure that your dog, although large, is a calm, relaxed, and obedient family-friendly dog.

Related Questions

How big is a 6-month-old Doberman? Most Dobermans will weigh 50 to 60 pounds at six months of age, with some variation depending on whether it’s an American or European. Dobermans of this age will have reached 3/4 of their expected adult height and strongly resemble adults.

When do Dobermans calm down? Doberman puppies tend to noticeably calm down at about 1 year of age with proper exercise and mental stimulation. They’ll reach full behavioral maturity at about 2 years of age when they become noticeably more stoic in their demeanor.

At what age do Dobermans reach their full height? Dobermans reach their full adult height at around a year old, with continued growth in overall muscle mass until their second year. Some larger Dobermans from European lines might continue growing in height until they’re closer to two years of age, with increasing muscle growth.

The post When is a Doberman Full Grown? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

Many people new to Dobermans don’t know that the white (or cream-colored) Doberman even exists and are often surprised, or even confused, as to what breed the dog is when they first see one. These dogs are also often referred to as “albino Dobermans”, although they aren’t truly full albino in the classic sense of the word, you can see how someone new to them might think that’s the case due to their very light coloring.

The white Doberman is surrounded in controversy as many believe it’s unethical to breed this color of Doberman for health reasons, including the DPCA (Doberman Pinscher Club of America). So I decided it was time to dive head-long into this topic by reviewing the latest research and information about the white Doberman. Here you’ll find information about their albino status, history, genetics, health concerns, life expectancy, costs, and much more.

Albino vs. White Dobermans

First, we need to discuss what these dogs actually are, and aren’t. Even whether or not these dogs are albinos is currently hotly debated by professionals. But here is what we know so far.

White Dobermans are actually a light cream color with white-colored markings. They also have a pink nose, lips, rims of the eyes, and blue colored eyes. These dogs are not albinos in the traditional sense of the word as they still have some pigmentation (for example, blue eyes are only possible with some pigmentation, a complete lack of pigment would make eyes that appear pink in color). It’s widely agreed upon that white Dobermans are technically “tyrosinase-positive Albinoids” (source). Sure, this is a type of albinism, but not the traditional albino that you or I might think of.

If you refer to these dogs as simply “albino” you may get some looks from those who are well versed in the Doberman world. Simply because many Doberman professionals will believe that you’re referring to the traditional full-albino, which these dogs aren’t. So, if you want to be accurate you could refer to them as “tyrosinase-positive albinoids”, but it’s probably easier to just refer to them as “white Dobermans” or “cream Dobermans.” For the sake of this article, I will be referring to them as white Dobermans.

It is genetically possible for there to be full-albino Doberman due to the occurrence of the traditional genetic mutation that causes albinos in the animal world, but so far a true “full-albino” Doberman is not known to exist. You can tell the difference because a true full albino Doberman would have pink eyes due to the complete absence of pigment. Whereas a white Doberman will have blue eyes (i.e. some pigment is present). 

History

The first white Doberman registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) was named Padula’s Queen Sheba (aka “Sheba”). She was both on November 10, 1976, to two black and rust-colored parents. Interestingly, her pedigree has the words “first white Doberman not put to sleep” written on it. This implies that there were other white Dobermans born before her. Although this remains a mystery, there is some literature as far back as at least the 1930s that refers to a “light-colored Doberman.”

There were initially many doubts as to whether Sheba was a purebred Doberman Pinscher. But, in 1978, Padula’s Queen Sheba was successfully registered with the AKC after the owner was able to provide sufficient proof to the organization that she was, in fact, a purebred Doberman Pinscher. 

Sheba was later bred with her son and the son was bred with his sisters all in an attempt to secure this genetic trait. Since then, all known white colored Doberman Pinschers have descended from Sheba. 

NOTE

An interesting first-hand account of how the white Doberman first became known to exist to the DPCA is available on the DPCA Albino Doberman History Page.

Genetics

All coat colors in dogs come from a mixture of black pigment (Eumelanin) and red pigment (Phaeomelanin). The genetics of each individual dog will determine how much of each pigment is present in their coat, and how diluted each pigment is. This creates all the coat colors that we are used to seeing in the Doberman Pinscher such as black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). 

It’s now known that the white Doberman is the result of a different recessive gene that actually masks the final color that would have otherwise been produced by the normal genetic process (source). This gene is a mutated copy of the SLC45A2 gene. This gene is missing a large portion of its typical genetic code (source). The result is something that is somewhat typical of a form of albinism but the proper term for this is currently unknown. This same mutation is known to cause OCA4 (or Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 4) in other animals.

If a Doberman has one copy of this mutant gene, they are considered to be a “carrier” and if they have two copies, they are considered to be affected by this mutation and will appear as a white (or cream) color. In other words, two copies of this mutated gene are necessary to make this color of Doberman possible.

To see how to easily check your Doberman for this mutant gene at home with a simple to use kit, take a look at my Doberman DNA Health Testing Guide here.

This means that breeding two carriers of this genetic mutation in the SLC45A2 gene will produce 25% white (or cream) colored offspring (source). 

Researchers believe that this gene mutation occurred five generations before Sheba (at a minimum) since both of her parents had to be carriers for her to be born. They likely inherited this from a common ancestor.

Puppy Prices

Just like with anything for sale in a free market, it’s price has less to do with what these dogs “should be” sold for and more to do with what price the breeder believes they can get for the dogs. For this reason, you’re likely to see a broad range of prices for these dogs.

In preparation for this article, I reached out to multiple owners of white Dobermans and a few breeders. I collected the data on the typical prices for these dogs and here’s what I discovered.

Note: This is an example of prices owners have actually paid for the white Dobermans. These amounts are rounded to the nearest hundred dollars.

It’s important to remember that many other factors can affect the price of a white Doberman puppy as well, including location, titles earned, kennel club registration status, if the ears are cropped, etc. 

There are many out there who strongly believe that these puppies shouldn’t cost any more than your typical Doberman. However, many breeders will still advertise these dogs as rare and use that to justify a higher price for them. While they are certainly less common than other colors, there are many breeders that specialize in these “alternative colors” and a determined buyer can find multiple sources for one of these dogs with enough effort.

Health Concerns

There are some additional health concerns when it comes to white Dobermans. Due to their reduced levels of pigment, some issues can arise, including:

• Sun Burn– White Dobermans are prone to sunburn because of their reduced pigment. This means dog-friendly sunblock may be necessary for prolonged exposure to the direct sun (especially on the nose). Clothes may also be appropriate, or simply just limiting time outdoors in the sun.
• Tumors – One study showed a significant increase in skin tumors with white Doberman pinschers as compared to the standard colors. Specifically, 12 in 20 White Dobermans in the study had tumors present while only 1 in 20 of the standard color Dobermans did (source). Interestingly, in this study, every white Doberman over the age of 5 had at least one tumor. It’s worth noting that while the majority of these types of tumors are likely to be cancerous, they can also be benign.
• Vision – The lack of pigment present in the iris of the white Doberman’s eyes (the colored portion of the eye) means more light can pass through directly to their retina. This causes the dog to often squint in bright light. Some owners choose to buy dog-specific tinted goggles for their dogs while others state this is not necessary.
• Other Concerns – Additionally, white Dobermans are prone to the same health issues that any other Doberman is prone to. This includes gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV or bloat), hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), chronic active hepatitis (CAH), von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), cervical vertebral instability (Wobbler Syndrome), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and osteosarcoma (bone cancer). See more about the health concerns of Dobermans here.

In general, there is likely to be a bit higher commitment of the time and attention required of the owners of white Dobermans. Factors such as time in the direct sun, sunscreen, and other concerns may need to be considered.

The best way to get an understanding of your dog’s overall health, is to get them DNA health tested. Nowadays this is a simply process that you can do yourself and find out what you can expect from your dog down the road when it comes to health. I hate just watching the years tick by and not knowing what’s coming.

For an idea on how to do this DNA health testing yourself, check out my guide on health testing your Doberman here.

Inbreeding

There are major concerns in regards to inbreeding occurring within the white Doberman’s lineage. It’s well documented that the first registered white Doberman with the American Kennel Club (AKC) was later bred to her son and her son was bred to his sisters. Also, all known white Dobermans are believed to be descendants of these first few.

However, the major concerns aren’t always with this initial breeding which started off the white Doberman. Many are concerned with the potential inbreeding that may be occurring in more recent generations. While I will touch more on this in the “controversy” section of this article, it’s theorized that extensive inbreeding occurs by unethical breeders hoping to produce more white-colored Dobermans. Although this is likely the case in some circumstances, there are also unethical backyard breeders who inbreed standard colored Dobermans for other reasons as well (or who simply unknowingly inbreed due to lack of research on lineage).

Life Expectancy

10 – 13 Years

To date, there have been no studies or large data collection efforts that provide insight into the longevity of the white Doberman as compared to other Doberman colors. The closest we have currently on this topic is the study titled, “A Partial Gene Deletion of SLC45A2 Causes Oculocutaneous Albinism in Doberman Pinscher Dogs” (available here) which does indicate a higher prevalence on potentially cancerous skin tumours on the white Dobermans (12 in 20 white Dobermans had these tumors while only 1 in 20 of the standard color Dobermans did). It’s worth pointing out that the sample size of 20 Dobermans is very small.

Since no studies have directly shown a higher mortality rate or shorter lifespan, the current life expectancy for the white Doberman will remain at 10 to 13 years—or the same as the standard color Dobermans.

TIP: For a catalog of all the available Doberman colors and types, see my article All the Colors and Types of the Doberman Pinscher.

DPCA and White Dobermans

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) is a member club of the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is the AKC’s one and only Doberman specific club. The DPCA has made it clear that it does not condone the continued breeding of white Dobermans. It states that due to their health issues and photosensitivity (or photophobia), the dog is considered an “unacceptable specimen” and since their mission is to protect the integrity, health, and function of the breed, they will not promote their breeding (source).

In 1982, the DPCA amended its breed standard for the Doberman Pinscher to allow only four colors. These are black, red, blue, and fawn Dobermans with rust-colored markings. The breed standard states, “White patch on chest, not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible. Disqualifying Fault: Dogs not of an allowed color.” The complete breed standard can be found here. 

This means that if a dog has any more white than just a half square inch on their chest, the dog is disqualified from breed conformation shows. It also states specifically that dogs that are not of an allowed color are disqualified. This means the white Doberman would be ineligible to participate in breed conformation shows. However, the white Doberman can still compete in every other companion event including obedience, agility, rally, and tracking.

The DPCA’s official stance is that these dogs should not be bred and that breeders should ensure they aren’t mating pairs of dogs who have this in their pedigree. Puppies from parents who are either carriers or who are dogs in the known lineage which has had white puppies in the past will be notated with a “WZ” before their AKC registration number. This is unofficially referred to as the “Z-List”.

All the DPCA materials in regards to the white Doberman can be found on the DPCA Albino Reports page here.

White European Dobermans

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) is a worldwide kennel club that is well known and deals extensively with European Dobermans. This organization does not recognize white as an accepted color in their breed standard. In fact, any white fur on a Doberman is a disqualifier with the FCI.

The Doberman breed standard for the FCI states, “The Dobermann is bred in two colour varieties: black or brown with rust red, clearly defined and clear markings (tan markings).” It also lists “white spots” as a disqualifying fault. It also goes on to say any departure from the standard shall be considered a fault. This means that the only two colors allowed for the Doberman by the FCI are black and brown (or red) with rust-colored markings. The full FCI breed standard can be found here.

Traditionally the white Doberman has not been an issue for the FCI as this color has not shown up in the European Doberman lines and seems specific to the American Doberman Pinscher. However, there are some alternative color breeders I have spoken to recently who now state that they are beginning to introduce European bloodlines into their white Doberman breeding programs as a means to diversify the genetic pool.

The “Z-List”

The Z-List is maintained by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) which tracks all the descendants of the first registered white Doberman, Padula’s Queen Sheba. Any other white Dobermans registered with the DPCA are also added to this list. These dogs are given a registration number that starts with “WZ”. This complete list can be found at the DPCA Albino Z-List page here. 

It’s likely, however, that there are many Dobermans out there who carry the gene mutation and do not appear on the Z-List since the “first” white Doberman had a note written on her pedigree which read “first white Doberman not put to sleep.”

It’s also worth noting that since the mutant gene is only passed to 50% of offspring, each generation’s chances of receiving this gene is halved. Therefore this list certainly contains a large number of dogs that are not carriers of this mutant gene. 

Robert Loechel, the Chief Scientific Officer at VetGen Veterinary Genetic Services performed testing on many standard colored dogs who were listed on the Z-List and found that only 21.25% of them were carriers for the mutation.

So far, the DPCA claims that every known white Doberman has come from a dog listed on the Z-List and that it will continue to use this list as their method for tracking Sheba’s descendants. 

White Doberman Controversy

The controversy surrounding the breeding and ownership of the white (or cream) colored Doberman is probably the most heated controversy in the Doberman world. There are many Doberman experts, with years of knowledge about the breed, on both sides of this disagreement.

Arguments for Breeding White Dobermans

Below are the main arguments most often presented by those who are for, or at least not strongly opposed to, breeding and owning the white Dobermans.

• Albino Status – White Dobermans are not true full-albinos as they do not have pink eyes or completely white coats (meaning they do have some pigmentation). The term “albino” is an unfair term used by those against the continued breeding of these dogs in an attempt to cast a stigma of poor health around them.
• General Health – Health is such a major concern due to the stigma surrounding white colored Dobermans that reputable breeders of these colors are now even more likely to health test their dogs than breeders of standard colored Dobermans.
• Inbreeding – There was some inbreeding early on in the creation of the white Doberman, however levels of inbreeding in more current generations are unknown. The prevalence of standard colored show Dobermans in the United States being bred to family members and causing a genetic bottleneck is of equal or more concern than white Doberman inbreeding. Any recent inbreeding would be a function of unethical breeders and not of the dog’s coat color.
• Skin Problems – Blue and fawn-colored Dobermans are considered “standard colors” yet they have more skin problems than the white Dobermans due to color dilution alopecia.
• Temperament Issues – There are many responsible breeders of “alternative colors” for the Doberman, including the white color. Any temperament issues as the result of poor breeding practices is a function of an unethical breeder, and not a function of the dog’s color.
• Bright Sunlight Issues (Photosensitivity) – Bright, direct sunlight affects other animals (and people) with blue eyes as much as it affects the blue-eyed Doberman. Blue eyes in humans and others are not considered to be a “defect” and therefore shouldn’t be considered one in Dobermans.
• Other Eye-sight Issues – Many owners of white Dobermans will get their dogs CERF certified (Canine Eye Registration Foundation – this is a certification that verifies the dog is free from a long list of potentially inherited eye conditions). White Dobermans pass this certification without any problems.

Arguments Against Breeding White Dobermans

These are the main arguments most often presented by those who are against breeding and owning the white Dobermans.

• Albino Status – Geneticists have proven that the white Doberman is made as a result of a gene mutation in the SLC45A2 which is known to produce Oculocutaneous Albinism Type 4. There are many forms of Albinism, and not all create pink colored eyes. As such, this dog is a true albino.
• General Health – These dogs have poor general health due to issues such as sunburn, increased risks of skin cancer, and other issues.
• Inbreeding – White Dobermans have a long history of being inbred to produce more white Dobermans. The genetic pool is so limited that it is very difficult, or impossible, to avoid continued inbreeding in their lineage.
• Temperament Issues – Due to the unavoidable inbreeding, these dogs have ongoing temperamental problems. The breeding stock is also so limited that mating pairs are chosen by breeders for the genetic traits that make them likely to produce white puppies, and not because they are a good match in temperament.
• Eye-sight Issues – These dogs have problems in bright light and very often poor eyesight in other conditions as well. This can lead to fear biting. Also, CERF certification (which many white Doberman owners say proves their eyesight is fine) does not assess the areas of vision that are likely to be affected by albinism such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, depth perception issues, astigmatisms, and optic nerve abnormalities.
• Medical Care – Owning these dogs means taking on more responsibilities (such as sunscreen, wearing clothes and goggles outdoors, limiting time in the direct sun, etc) and the increased likelihood of expensive medical bills in the future.

Final Thoughts

While researching and writing this article I pulled information from scientific sources, official sources, and even unofficial sources. This included phone calls and multiple conversations with experienced alternative-color breeders. Information that appeared to be generally agreed upon by both sides is included in this article. The main points of contention were left to the “The White Doberman Controversy” section.

This article was meant to introduce others to the white Doberman who may have not heard of this dog before and to help them decide for themselves if breeding and owning these dogs is moral. While I’ve attempted to remain as impartial as possible, many people have asked me what my opinion is on the cream-colored Dobermans (or white Dobermans).

While I maintain a strong conviction that once a Doberman of any type is born, it deserves all the same love and care that any other Doberman does. I don’t have a strong opinion one way or another as to whether these dogs should be bred in the first place, as I believe both sides make valid arguments. That’s why this is one of those topics that I’ll leave up to you, my readers, to decide for yourselves. 

Related Questions

How long do white Dobermans live? There is no data currently that shows that white, or albino, Dobermans have longer or shorter lifespans than Dobermans of other colors. Dobermans are believed to live an average lifespan of between 10 to 13 years of age.

How much does a white Doberman cost? White-colored (or albino) Doberman puppies can cost anywhere between $800 to $2500 with the average price being about $1500. However, many factors other than color can affect the pricing of Doberman puppies.

Are white Dobermans deaf? White Dobermans are not known to be any more prone to hearing loss than Dobermans of any other color. While it was a long-standing theory that deafness could be a concern with white Dobermans, this claim has since been largely debunked.

Can white Dobermans be AKC registered? White Dobermans are able to be registered with the AKC. They will receive a “WZ” designator attached to the beginning of their registration number to indicate that they are a carrier of the gene which causes albinism in Dobermans.

The post The White Doberman Pinscher: Pictures, Cost, Health, and More appeared first on Doberman Planet.

The Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher sure look very similar. They’re often both black with similar tan markings, they both frequently have cropped ears and docked tails, and both have a similar toned muscular body. Obviously the Miniature Pinscher (or Min Pin) is very small compared to the Doberman, but other than size, what’s the difference?

What’s the difference between a Doberman and a Miniature Pinscher? The Doberman is 50 to 90 pounds heavier and 12 to 18 inches taller than the Miniature Pinscher. Also, the Doberman is a working dog related to the Rottweiler, German shepherd, and Greyhound. The Miniature Pinscher is a companion dog related to the Dachshund, Italian Greyhound, and German Pinscher.

The Doberman is very different from the Miniature Pinscher genetically, despite their similar appearance. These dogs are not considered by experts to be related. However, it is believed that they may share one ancestor in common⁠—the German pinscher. However, there are a whole lot of differences between these two dogs other than size.

They behave differently, belong to different canine classes, and were bred for different purposes. After speaking to tons of owners who have both Min Pins and Dobermans, I wrote this article to cover the various differences between the two and I’ll also answer whether they can get along and live together in the same home.

Doberman Pinscher

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Overview

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Type: Working Dog

Height: 26 – 28 inches (males), 24 – 26 inches (females)

Weight: 75 – 100 lbs (males), 60 – 80 lbs (females)

Price: $1500 – $2500

Lifespan: 10 – 13 Years

Colors: Black, red, blue or fawn (Isabella)

Markings: Light (tan) or dark rust colored—often with a small white patch on the chest.

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Physical Traits

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Overall Build: Large, tall, compact, and muscular. Toned body with a very smooth, short coat.

Head: Tapering, narrow head with a larger muzzle as compared to head size.

Body: Large, muscular, more wedge-shaped.

Ears: Naturally floppy or cropped (especially in the U.S. & Canada).

Eyes: Light to dark brown. More almond-shaped.

Neck: Longer, rises sharply, and slightly arched.

Chest: Larger, broad chest structure.

Tail: Docked or long, thin, and partially curled.

Legs: Muscular and proportionate.

Feet: Larger cat-like foot structure.

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Health Concerns

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• Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler Syndrome)
• Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH)
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome (GDV or Bloat)
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)

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Temperament

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• Alert, loyal, loving, and protective.
• Less headstrong, dominant, and assertive.
• Even more intelligent.
• Less independent.
• Affectionate and protective of family.
• Loves to cuddle.
• Friendly, but more stoic, disposition.
• Easily bored.
• Prone to separation anxiety.
• Slightly less prey drive.
• Somewhat territorial.
• Not as possessive of toys or food.
• Tolerates small children very well.
• Easy to housebreak.
• Needs routine and exercise.
• Less dog aggressive.
• Curious but pack-oriented—not likely to wander off and explore.

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AKC Breed Overview: Doberman Pinscher

Complete Breed Standard: AKC Breed Standard

Miniature Pinscher

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Overview

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Type: Companion (Toy) Dog

Height: 10 – 12.5 inches (males), 10 – 11 inches (females)

Weight: 8 – 10 lbs (males), 8 – 9 lbs (females)

Price: $1300 – $6000

Lifespan: 10 – 16 Years

Colors: Black, red, stag red, or chocolate

Markings: Light (tan) or dark rust colored—often with a small white patch on the chest.

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Physical Traits

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Overall Build: Small, short, and overall sturdy frame. Toned body with a very smooth, short coat.

Head: Tapering, narrow head with a smaller muzzle as compared to head size.

Body: Compact, muscular, less wedge-shaped.

Ears: Partially floppy, naturally erect, or cropped.

Eyes: Light to dark brown. Overall more round in shape.

Neck: Shorter, rises sharply, and slightly arched.

Chest: Smaller, tighter chest structure.

Tail: Docked or long, thin, and partially curled.

Legs: Muscular and proportionate.

Feet: Smaller cat-like foot structure.

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Health Concerns

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• Hernias
• Hypothyroidism
• Legg-Perthes Disease
• Lysosomal Storage Disease
• Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS)
• Patellar Luxation (Loose Knees)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

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Temperament

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• Alert, fearless, and fun-loving.
• More headstrong, dominant, and assertive.
• Very intelligent.
• More independent.
• Affectionate and protective of family.
• Loves to cuddle.
• Friendly disposition.
• Easily bored.
• Prone to separation anxiety.
• Strong prey drive.
• Somewhat territorial.
• Possessive of toys or food.
• Doesn’t tolerate small children as well.
• Difficult to housebreak.
• Needs routine and exercise.
• More dog aggressive.
• Curious and adventurous—likely to wander off and explore.

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AKC Breed Overview: Miniature Pinscher

Complete Breed Standard: AKC Breed Standard

Did You Know?
There are seven different colors and two main types of Doberman. To learn more, see my article All the Colors and Types of the Doberman Pinscher.

Physical Traits

Similarities

The Doberman and Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin) do have a surprising number of physical similarities, despite their very different genetic origins. They both have toned, compact, muscular bodies and stand with what some call a “proud” posture.

They have a similar short, single layer, smooth coats and as a result, neither dog does well in cold climates. They both have very low grooming requirements and are considered generally clean dogs overall. Neither dog is known to be a big drooler. 

Their colors are often similar as well, with similar tan or dark rust-colored markings. They can even both have a small white patch in the center of their chests. However, that’s about where the physical similarities end.

Doberman Pinscher Differences

The Doberman Pinscher is a much larger dog, or 50 to 90 pounds heavier and 12 to 18 inches taller, than the Miniature Pinscher. They do have a similar coat in many ways, but they Dobermans tend to shed a bit more than the Miniature Pinschers do.

They have a longer neck to body length ratio, a more wedge-shaped frame, and eyes that are slightly more rounded (depending on the individual dog). They also tend to have a larger muzzle size as compared to their head size than the Miniature Pinscher does. They also have a longer leg to body size ratio.

Miniature Pinscher Differences

The Miniature Pinscher is a much smaller dog (50 to 90 pounds lighter and 12 to 18 inches shorter). Their coats generally shed less making them require slightly less grooming overall, although both breeds are considered to have low grooming requirements.

The Miniature Pinscher is a sturdy and compact dog, with a very unique high-stepping walk (called a “hackney gait”). Their walk is like no other breed and they appear to naturally “prance” as they walk.

They have a shorter neck to body length ratio, slightly less wedge-shaped frame, and eyes that are usually more round than the Dobermans. They have a smaller muzzle size as compared to their head size and a shorter leg to body ratio.

Temperament

Similarities

Although these two dogs are much more different in their temperament than they are in their looks, they do still have a number of similarities. Both dogs are highly intelligent, proud, and alert dogs that have a reputation for being fearless.

Both the Doberman and Miniature Pinscher are considered very protective of their families and both are extremely affections dogs who are likely to spend their evenings cuddling you on the couch. However, there are many temperamental differences between these two breeds.

Doberman Pinscher Differences

The Doberman Pinscher is part of the working dog class which means they were bred to serve a purpose. In their case, they were bred to be personal protection dogs. They are more in-tune with their owners and have a natural desire to please. They’re also a very tolerant dog that can often take a bit of abuse from over-excited children without reacting harshly. To find out exactly what behavior changes you might see in a Doberman living in a house with kids, see my article Are Dobermans Good with Kids? What You Need to Know.

Dobermans need a bit more exercise than the Miniature Pinscher in order to stay happy and since they are a much larger dog, they require more room to get that exercise. Dobermans are also far easier to train to walk on a leash, and even off of a leash, than a Miniature Pinscher is.

A Doberman will readily listen to their owner’s commands, are more stoic in nature, and love to stick by their owner’s side⁠—especially in new environments.

Miniature Pinscher Differences

The Miniature Pinscher is part of the “toy” class of dogs, which means they are considered companion dogs. Min Pins don’t do very well with young children and if they get too rough, a Min Pin is more likely to nip or bite at the kids. This is due (at least in part) to being smaller and more fragile in size than the Doberman and needing to protect themselves more readily.

Like the Doberman, Miniature Pinschers are energetic dogs who need frequent exercise. However, they’re much smaller so their exercise requirements can be easily fulfilled inside the home. For this reason, many owners who own both breeds feel that their Min Pin is easier to keep happy in terms of their exercise requirements.

Miniature Pinschers tend to be a bit more independent than Dobermans, and love to explore. They may also come across as more headstrong since they won’t always listen to their owner’s attempts to call them back. For this reason, they make poor off-leash dogs and can be difficult to train to walk on a leash as well.

They’re also often called “the king of toys,” referring both to their breed class, and the fact that they love, and are very possessive of, their toys. They can also be a bit more vocal than Dobermans and more frequently have barking issues. They tend to be a bit more dominant with other dogs than Dobermans are.

Health Concerns

Similarities

Being both pure-bred dogs, they each have certain health issues that their breed is known to be prone to. However, the Miniature Pinscher is generally considered to have fewer health issues that are of lesser seriousness than Dobermans.

They really don’t have many health issues in common, except for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hypothyroidism⁠—which is common in both breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy causes degeneration of the eye’s retina which leads to progressive vision loss and ultimately it can cause complete blindness. 

Hypothyroidism is when there is a problem with how the thyroid gland produces hormones. This can cause weight gain, mental issues, lethargy, and hair loss. A full lifespan is possible with medications though. Other than those two issues in these breeds, the other health problems they’re prone to are very different.

Doberman Pinscher Differences
Dobermans are known to have a few, very serious, health issues. Luckily, many of them can be tested for with genetic testing and this is often done by reputable breeders. Below are some of the health issues common in the Doberman breed.

• Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler Syndrome) – Wobbler syndrome is a genetic disorder that leads to deformations in the spinal cord and neck. Few treatments exist with varying degrees of success. 
• Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH) – Chronic Active Hepatitis is when the liver becomes inflamed and causes scar tissue to form making the liver less effective at filtering the blood. It can be deadly or well managed with medications.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the heart’s chambers become enlarged and weakened. This causes intolerance to exercise, coughing, lethargy, and ultimately death. This is probably the most significant problem in the Doberman breed, to learn more (including how many Dobermans are affected) see my article Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Simplified.
• Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome (GDV or Bloat) – This condition can occur when the dog eats or drinks too fast or participates in vigorous activities around mealtime. This is when the dog’s stomach twists on itself and cuts off circulation. It can be deadly if not corrected. 
• Hip Dysplasia – This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. Dogs with this condition have pain in the hips and lameness issues. This can be well managed with treatment but quality of life will suffer.
• Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) – This is a type of cancerous tumor in the bone. It can start slow but then spread quickly throughout the body. This will lead to death in an affected dog.
• von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD) – This issue affects the blood’s ability to clot leading to excessive bleeding. It’s rarely fatal.

Only a few of the above conditions have treatments that will allow a full life span afterward. That is one reason why the Doberman is generally considered to have more significant health issues than the Miniature Pinscher.

Miniature Pinscher Differences

There are certainly a few health issues that affect the Miniature Pinscher, but they tend to be not quite as serious as the Doberman’s issues. Below are some of the common health concerns with the Miniature Pinscher breed.

• Heart Defects – This breed is prone to various heart defects with a wide range of treatment possibilities. Sometimes it’s well managed and other times it’s terminal.
• Hernias – A hernia occurs when the walls of the intestine muscle in the abdomen open and allow contents inside to bulge or pass through. It can cause pain, vomiting, infection, lack of appetite, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. Surgery can correct the issue and a full lifespan can be achieved. 
• Legg-Perthes Disease – Also known as “Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease”, this disease has symptoms similar to hip dysplasia. Dogs with this disorder will have difficulty walking, and soreness in the legs and hips. This issue occurs when a blood supply problem causes the head of the femur to stop developing and it doesn’t fit into the hip’s socket as it should. Many treatment options exist but quality of life will be impacted.
• Lysosomal Storage Disease – This usually occurs in puppies and it’s when the body doesn’t produce enzymes which leads to tissue damage and organ failure. It causes development issues, coordination problems, lack of balance, seizures and other problems. This is a fatal disease.
• Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) – This is a skeletal development disorder where the body is unable to make certain enzymes that assist in the development of bone. It can result in small size, flat faces, and other skeletal abnormalities. Treatments can prolong the life of an affected dog for several years, although the quality of life during that time is poor.
• Patellar Luxation (Loose Knees) – This disorder causes the dog’s knees to dislocate. It causes discomfort and problems walking. Treatments exist and a full lifespan is achievable although quality of life will suffer.

Though Miniature Pinschers do have their fair share of medical concerns, most professionals believe that they’re somewhat less serious on average, than the Doberman’s are (and with more treatment options).

Genetic Origins

The one thing that both the Doberman and Miniature Pinscher have in common, is that their genetic makeup is not entirely clear. The creator of the Doberman (Louis Dobermann) didn’t keep records as to which breeds he used in the creation of the dog (source). 

The Miniature Pinscher, on the other hand, is a much older breed than the Doberman and goes back over 200 years, which is before documentation was kept on breed origins. However, experts of both breeds believe that they have a good idea about which dogs were most likely used in the creation of both breeds.

The only dog both the Doberman Pinscher and Miniature Pinscher likely have in common in their genetic history is the German Pinscher.

Doberman Pinscher Differences

The Doberman Pinscher was originally bred to be a personal guard dog. Although no official documents were kept as to what dogs were used to produce the Doberman, experts believe that the primary breeds used in its creation were likely:

• German pinscher
• Rottweiler
• German shepherd
• Blue great dane
• Greyhound
• Weimaraner
• English greyhound
• Beauceron
• Manchester Terrier
• Shorthaired shepherd
• Black and tan terrier (now extinct)

Miniature Pinscher Differences

The Miniature Pinscher was originally bred to hunt vermin (usually rats) in homes and horse stables. This dog also has somewhat mysterious origins since it outdates this kind of record-keeping (source). However, experts believe that the following dogs were used in its creation:

• German Pinscher
• Dachshund
• Italian Greyhound

Can a Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Live Together?

After speaking to multiple owners of Dobermans who also have Miniature Pinschers living in their home, I started to see some common threads. Most owners I spoke to said that their Miniature Pinscher was much more dominant towards the Doberman and that the Min Pin was actually “in charge”, or the alpha dog of the house.

Problems can come up when you have two unneutered males in the house, but it is definitely possible for these two dogs to get along. If at all possible, introduce these two dogs when one of them is a puppy. For tips and techniques for making sure they get along, take a look at my article Dobermans Living with Small Dogs: 12 Tips for Success.

Most owners said that they need to be extra cautious to keep the two dogs separated when food is involved (such as at mealtimes). The only other issue that was reported by a few owners was that they need to be cautious that their Doberman doesn’t get overly excited, and rough, during playtime with their Miniature Pinscher. This is due to the size difference and the potential for accidental injuries⁠—not aggression-related injuries.

However, most report very few other issues between these two breeds and say that they are great play-time partners. These two breeds are considered compatible to be living in the same house.

Are Miniature Pinschers Related to Dobermans?

Miniature Pinschers are not considered to be related to Doberman Pinschers. However, it’s believed that they might share one distant relative in common⁠—the German Pinscher. No other genetic relations exist between the two breeds and although they may look similar, other than their size difference, they are actually very different breeds of dog.

Final Thoughts

Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Pinscher are great dogs that each have their place in a family setting. They can also do great living together in the same household. It’s important to know what you’re getting into if you decide to own one of each of these dogs due to these differences.

Even though these two are very different breeds, your Doberman might just be itching to have a playmate that appears to be his little “mini-me”.

Related Questions

Do Miniature Pinschers make good pets? Miniature Pinschers make great family pets. They are companion dogs who love attention, are fun-loving, and protective of their owners.

What is a mini Doberman? The Miniature Pinscher is often considered to be a miniature version of a Doberman. This is because the Miniature Pinscher is much smaller than the Doberman, but similar in appearance. However, the Miniature Pinscher and Doberman Pinscher are two completely different breeds.

The post Doberman vs. Miniature Pinscher: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

Dobermans are incredibly loyal, strong, and smart dogs who have an undeserved reputation for being aggressive. This may be why people often believe that Dobermans always need muzzles, but in reality that’s rarely the case. Here’s when and why a Doberman may need a muzzle and more importantly—when they don’t.

Do Dobermans need a muzzle? A Doberman normally doesn’t need to wear a muzzle. However, if you have an overly aggressive Doberman, or are unsure of how he may react in a new situation, temporarily using a muzzle may be necessary.

I can say with confidence that Dobermans almost never need to wear a muzzle. However, I still get asked this question a lot, are there are some exceptions to this, so let’s talk about when they might need a muzzle. It really all depends on your Doberman’s history, individual temperament, the situation, and your level of trust of the dog. 

Why Dobermans Generally Don’t Need Muzzles

A Doberman Pinscher is considered one of the world’s smartest dogs. Intelligence goes hand and hand with threat assessment. Generally, the more intelligent a dog is, the better they are at proper threat assessment. 

In addition, Dobermans are people dogs and love pleasing their owners. A smart dog like a Doberman figures out pretty quickly that aggressive behavior almost always gets a negative response (from most owners). This is why Dobermans are low on the list of dog breeds that may need to use one.

Dobermans are amazing family dogs overall. If you don’t believe me take a look at my article Are Dobermans Good Family Dogs? The Surprising Truth. There you’ll see how they act in family units including with other dogs, cats, and children.

But in general, a muzzle should only be used as a last resort—to be used in extreme cases. However, a Doberman almost never gets to that point due to this intelligence and natural desire to please his owner. 

When You Might Need a Muzzle

There are however a few instances where even the most responsible Doberman owners do find themselves using a muzzle on their dog. So, when should you use a muzzle on your Doberman? These situations may include:

• Emergency Situations: If your dog is injured and at risk of biting because of pain or fear, you may need to use a muzzle so that he can get his injury addressed. Most owners believe their dog would never bite them but a dog who becomes severely injured will often bite anyone or anything just due to their altered mental state. It’s a good idea to carry a muzzle in your dog’s first aid kit for this reason.
• Going to See a Veterinarian: Many Doberman owners muzzle their dogs when they bring them to the vet. Sometimes trips to the vet can involve poking, prodding, and other uncomfortable touching that your dog isn’t used to. It’s not a bad thing to have them muzzled for this, just make sure it’s the last thing to go on before the appointment and first thing to come off.
• Being Groomed: If your dog is averse to his grooming sessions, it might be a good idea to use a muzzle. Mostly to make the groomer feel more at ease if nothing else. Some groomers actually require muzzles on every dog they work on. If a muzzle is used during grooming time, just make sure it goes on right before and comes off immediately after the end of the grooming session. The less time the better.
• Legal Reasons: Depending on your location, it may be the law to muzzle your dog if he is considered a “dangerous breed”. Unfortunately, many uninformed people still consider dogs like Dobermans dangerous just because of their breed. So some dog parks, public transportation services, outdoor areas, or municipalities might have rules (or in some cases, laws) requiring you to muzzle your dog.
• Risk of Biting: If your dog is being aggressive, has bitten others before, or is a new dog to you with an unknown past, you may need to use a muzzle in the short term. This is, of course, until you find a vet, trainer, or animal behaviorist that can help address the underlying issue.
• Ingestion of Unsafe Objects (Pica): Unfortunately, Dobermans are known to ingest things that are not edible, a condition that’s also commonly known as pica. The dog can have anything between a mild and a severe case. In the worse cases, a muzzle may be used to help prevent the ingestion of dangerous materials that could lead to expensive surgical treatment or even death of the dog if not prevented.

However, if you think your dog may bite because he feels threatened or fearful in any other specific situation, the use of a muzzle temporarily may provide a workable solution.

There may be other situations, but these are the most common. Owning and occasionally using a muzzle is completely acceptable if it’s done appropriately. Just remember that the less time your dog spends in a muzzle, the better. 

For more information about how aggressive Dobermans are, including how many dog bite fatalities they account for in the United States, see my article Are Dobermans Mean, Dangerous, or Overly Aggressive?

When Not to Use a Muzzle

There are certainly many circumstances where it isn’t appropriate to muzzle your dog and can lead to behavioral problems, risks to your dog’s health, and other serious issues. Below are some of these situations.

• For Punishment: Punishing your Dobie by making him wear a muzzle will make him hate wearing it and will increase the fear they have next time you need to put one on. If you need to use it for a valid reason (like when the dog gets hurt), his anxiety will increase drastically and he’ll likely reject it. It’ll also make him more likely to lash out by biting.
• As Any Long-Term Solution: A muzzle should never be used to stop barking or destructive behavior. Those things are a symptom of a bigger problem. In Dobermans, it’s often separation anxiety. A muzzle will only increase this anxiety.
• When Exercising or Playing: A muzzle can restrict the dog’s ability to pant and drink water. Both of these things are very important for your Doberman while engaged in rigorous exercise or playtime.

Also, it’s important not to wear the muzzle in public when it’s not necessary. Dobermans already have a bad reputation thanks to television shows and movies. Unfortunately, people will assume that you have an aggressive dog if they have a muzzle on and it’ll only reinforce breed stereotypes. Really, you wouldn’t be doing the Doberman breed any favors. So please just use it as little as possible.

Introducing Your Doberman to a Muzzle

Introducing a Doberman to a muzzle can take some time and you should never attempt to do it when you’re in a rush. If you slap it on your dog because you are in a hurry, it will likely frighten him so much he will quickly associate the muzzle with fear and anxiety. A slow, progressive approach (with a reward and praise) is a great way to introduce him to his new muzzle.

Start by showing your Dobie his new muzzle and holding it while playing a game and praising him. This will start his positive associations with the device. Then let him sniff it and encourage him to get closer. Then praise and reward again.

“A muzzle is a tool that should be used as little as possible—and only as a means to fix another issue.”

– John Watler (DobermanPlanet.com)

Now I like using the peanut butter trick with this personally. To do this, put a little peanut butter on the muzzle so your dog will lick it, then praise and reward again. Continue putting the peanut butter further and further into the muzzle until they’ve put their whole nose into the muzzle to lick it.

As this happens, make sure you take the muzzle off as quickly as possible when they’re done licking up the peanut butter—then praise some more. Slowly increase the time you leave the muzzle on until you can completely latch the muzzle on and he’ll be a happy camper. Don’t rush this and only add very small increments of time as you go.

Muzzle Comfort

It’s important that whatever muzzle you use is comfortable for your Dobie. If it’s not comfortable then you’ll have a real battle getting him to wear it and every time you do, it may be setting his behavior back a few steps (rather than helping it).

There are two main types of muzzles:

• Basket Muzzles – These are cages of a hard material surrounding your dog’s mouth. They’re usually plastic, metal, or leather. They are more comfortable for your dog than the soft fabric muzzles because they allow him to open his mouth, pant, and even drink water.
• Fabric Muzzles – Fabric muzzles are much less comfortable and although some say they look less intimidating, are more dangerous for a dog. They work by holding the mouth shut. This prevents your dog from panting or drinking water. They are also much harder for the dog to learn to accept because of their discomfort.

Try to get some form of a basket muzzle for your Doberman. When fitting it, make sure the muzzle is adjusted so it’s loose without being so loose that it might slide off or be easy for your dog to remove by pawing at it. 

Conclusion

Muzzles are not a permanent solution to a problem you are having with your Doberman and they should only be used as a temporary tool while addressing another issue. Regular use of a muzzle is likely to make your Doberman frustrated and potentially even more unpredictable in their behavior.

A muzzle may not look very attractive, and most Dobermans will not require a muzzle in any circumstances, but there are many reasonable circumstances where a Doberman may require one like if it is the law where you live, or if he needs medical care and is resisting by trying to bite those tending to him.

If you must use a muzzle with your Doberman, then make sure you use it properly so that it doesn’t hurt him and is comfortable as possible. 

Never use them to quiet your dog or prevent him from chewing on something in the house that he shouldn’t. This is not appropriate usage of a muzzle and instead, you need to focus on the reason why he’s acting out in that way and correct that first. Most of the time, with proper training, you can avoid the use of a muzzle entirely.

Related Questions

Is it cruel to muzzle a Doberman? Using a muzzle on a Doberman is not cruel depending on how it’s used, although it’s rarely necessary. Some responsible owners will use a muzzle during visits to the veterinarian or dog groomer, or during emergencies when the dog becomes injured.

How long can you muzzle a Doberman? It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid putting a muzzle on your Doberman for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Wearing the muzzle longer is not necessarily harmful to your Doberman as long as they’re supervised and the muzzle is removed if there are any signs of distress.

The post Do Dobermans Need a Muzzle? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

Doberman Pinschers are known for their natural inclination towards guard work. In fact, the Doberman breed was originally created for this specific purpose. You may have wondered if a male or female Doberman is the best guard dog for protecting your family. After years of working with various Dobermans and their owners, I believe I can shed some much-needed light on this subject.

Are male or female Dobermans better guard dogs? While both male and female Dobermans are exceptional guard dogs, female Dobermans tend to mature earlier and be ready for guard work sooner than males. They’re also more inclined to be protective of their owners whereas males tend to be more territorial and protective of their home in general.

Female Dobermans are great at protecting one person whereas males excel at protecting a large property or whole family. But there’s certainly more to the answer to this question. Each has it’s own advantages when it comes to guard work. That’s why some experienced Doberman owners will opt to own both a male and female together to protect a home. But if you can only bring home just one dog, then this article should help to make it clear which is the better guard dog for you.

Male vs. Female Doberman Guard Dogs

Dobermans are well known for being very effective guard dogs as well as beloved family pets and companions. Their genetic advantage in guard work is clearly visible in their bodies and attitudes. The Doberman’s body is sleek and robust, built for strength and stamina. 

Louis Doberman picked breeds and dogs specifically in an attempt to create the best guard dog possible. Many people feel he succeeded.  While their exact ancestry is unknown, it is believed that Dobermans were the result of breeding dogs like the Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terriers, and German Pinschers—all good guard dogs in their own right.

But like any breed, we have two sexes to pick from for the “best” guard dog. So let’s talk about the advantages each dog has towards certain guard dog work.

The largest difference between male and females Dobermans is their size. Males average about two inches taller and 15 to 20 pounds heavier. They’re bulkier with more muscle mass whereas the females tend to be smoother in appearance. Many describe the females as more elegant in their appearance.

Guarding People

We now know that female dogs generally make better personal guardians than males, due to their maternal instincts and tendency to bond tightly to one specific person. They are much more suspicious of those they don’t know and are better at “keeping strangers on edge” especially when out in a public place with their owner.

Guarding Property

Males, on the other hand, are considered better for guarding property or more broadly, a full family unit. This is due to their greater territorial instincts. They are generally more accepting of strangers when in public, but on their home territory, they are much more likely to show aggression to people or animals that approach their boundaries.

While the traits listed above may be true in a general sense, it’s important to remember that all dogs are individuals and there are no guarantees as to how your specific Doberman will act. It depends far more on how they’re raised, trained, and socialized than what sex they are.

If you want help picking the right Doberman puppy for guard work, see my article How to Choose the Best Doberman Puppy from a Litter.

Female Dobermans as Guard Dogs

Traditional thinking has been that males dogs are almost always better guard dogs than females. After all, they’re usually larger, have more muscle, and are more likely to be “alpha” type dogs. But now we have more information and it’s clear that this isn’t necessarily always the case. 

First of all, females mature quicker than males and usually began acting like adults around the age of two (males usually don’t mature in temperament until about age 4). This means they can be trained earlier and actually perform guard work sooner than males.

If you want a guard dog that will excel at protecting one specific person in the family, be quick and easy to train, stick close by your side, and be exceptional at personal protection when in public settings, then a female Doberman may be the best choice for you.

In fact, now some experts believe that female Dobermans tend to be more aggressive, but why? It’s actually the size difference that experts say contributes to the slight differences in personality types that male and female Doberman Pinschers can display. Surprisingly, being slightly smaller in size might actually make females better than males for guard work.

The smaller stature of female puppies means there is a higher likelihood that they would be pushed around by their littermates. After all, Dobermans are naturally playful and like to assert their superiority over others. To prevent themselves from being overly dominated by male pups, females have learned to adopt a more aggressive demeanor within the first months of their lives.

This can be a character trait that stays with the dog throughout her entire life. This is why it can be dangerous to underestimate a female Doberman Pinscher guard dog.

Male Dobermans as Guard Dogs

Male Dobermans certainly have the strength and power to be a formidable force when it comes to guard work. Their bite strength is unmatched, and that extra 15 to 20 pounds of body weight makes a big difference when they strike their target.

Males are also highly territorial and will often mark the perimeter of their property by urinating around the boundaries. This territorial instinct is great if your desire is to have your Doberman protect your yard, property, or home.

If you want a guard dog who is as powerful as possible, will bond equally to all members of the family, excel at protecting your property, and who’ll be less “on-edge” in public settings around new people, then a male Doberman may be the best choice for you.

However, they’re a little goofier, more playful, and slower to mature out of puppyhood than females.  Usually, male Dobermans will start to “calm down” and become more suitable for protection training at around the age of 4—twice the time of female Dobermans.

They’re also quicker to accept strangers as compared to females. This can be a positive or a negative depending on what you’re looking for. It’s certainly better to have this attitude in your dog if you’re frequently out in public meeting new people.

Will an untrained Doberman protect you? Take a look at my article all about how untrained Dobermans respond to situations where it’s necessary they step up and protect their owners. I also examine five real-world situations where Dobermans have protected their owners. See How Even Untrained Dobermans Will Protect Their Owners here.

Why Dobermans Make Ideal Guard Dogs

Dobermans are consistently rated as one of the best guard dogs in the world and among the top 5 smartest dog breeds in the world. They’re also considered one of the world’s most trainable dogs. They are strong and athletic animals and are proud to protect their inner circles (i.e. their “pack” or family). The breed was originally created with the purpose of making the ideal guard dog, and with a bite force of 328 PSI, they have the means to back up their bark.

Dobermans have served closely with military and police personnel and even had a pivotal role in the success of the allies in the fight against the Japanese during the Battle of Guam during World War 2.

All these characteristics are why the Doberman breed is consistently considered one of the world’s best breeds for guard or personal protection work.

Unfortunately, their assertive temperaments and their general distaste for anyone who may resemble a possible intruder has cultivated an atmosphere of apprehension around the breed. However, in reality, they’re still sweet, loving, and caring family dogs and are known to be gentle with kids. 

Though their reputation is someone unwarranted, they continue to prove how adaptable they can be in almost any living situation—another great benefit to using a Doberman as a family guard dog. I go much more in-depth into Doberman aggression here.

Training for Guard Work

Before your Doberman is ready to be successful at guarding you or your family, you need to be sure he has some basic training under his belt. This is important for any dog, regardless of if he is going to perform guard work.

Start training your pup with simple commands and manners right from the beginning. These foundational commands include sit, stay, down, come, recall, watch, heel, leave it, drop it, and a release command. Instilling basic manners are important also so that he or she can focus during their training sessions.

To further develop your Doberman’s, guard dog skill set, enrollment in an accredited training program is highly recommended. Naturally, Dobermans are fairly good guard dogs but they’ll only excel at guard or personal protection work if you train them. A little training goes a long way.

IPO/Schutzhund

Schutzhund is the german word for “protection dog”. It’s now known as “IPO” training, but many people just call it “protection training”. This training focuses on developing your dog’s obedience, tracking, and protection abilities and dogs that have gone through this training successfully generally prove to be exceptional guard dogs. There are IPO training facilities all over the United States and many other countries. There will be hands-on training and testing to make sure your dog is willing and capable to protect you.

IPO training can be a lot of fun and will surround you with experienced dog handlers. It can become as much of a club for the owners as the dogs. Most owners find they make new friends and get further absorbed in the personal protection dog world than they thought they would.

If you want more information about getting involved in Schutzhund/IPO training take a look at the website myschutzhundlife.com. They have great information about getting involved in protection training your dog, including this resource for locating IPO clubs near you.

Other Training

Other training schools, although not dedicated specifically to protection work, can be very helpful for your dog. These clubs can help you fine-tune your Doberman’s obedience, agility, and other abilities. Participating in these are major confidence boosters for your dog—a very important thing for a guard dog, whether male or female.

These are some of the other training clubs that might be useful for your Dobie to participate in if you are concerned with having the best guard dog possible.

• Scent Work – In scent work trials, your dog must find a specific scent hidden in the search area. They focus on developing and honing your dog’s natural abilities to use their nose to the furthest extent possible.
• Agility Clubs – In agility trials, you and your dog will demonstrate that you can work together through a variety of situations. They’ll learn how to work closely with you and trust your direction. It’s an amazing way to bond with your dog. It’s also a great way for your dog to build confidence by climbing, jumping, and running through obstacles. 
• Obedience Clubs – In obedience trials, your dog must perform a prescribed set of exercises which the judge scores. Clubs that specialize in this will work with you and your dog to develop these things. It’s a great way to bond and develop an overall more easy-to-manage dog.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has this online directory available of various breed clubs depending on what you’re looking for.

This additional training is so important because, without confidence and obedience, your Doberman is not going to perform well as a guard dog. In fact, if I wanted to know my Doberman would protect me and my family if needed, and I could only enroll him in one training class, I would pick agility training. 

With some dedication, obedience work can be done at home but agility training in a facility does so much do build your dog’s confidence that even without specific protection training such as IPO, your Doberman will be much more likely to act appropriately if a situation arose where they had to protect you or your family. Confidence is king.

Final Thoughts

Dobermans are amazingly capable dogs and there is no other realm where this is truer than with guard work. That’s why we have the Doberman breed in the first place! The great thing is that they’re so adaptable they can also make great service and therapy dogs and also excel with their search-and-rescue abilities.

If you want to decide which sex would be the better guard dog for your situation, you need to take into account what you want the dog for and the environment they’re in. In the end, each dog has it’s own personality and temperament. These things will have a much bigger impact on how good of a guard dog they are then what sex they are.

To learn more about all the differences between male and female Dobermans, not just in guard work, see my article Male vs. Female Doberman: Which is Better?

Like so many things with the Doberman breed, you can’t make a bad choice here. Both males and females are amazing guard dogs and they’ll both love being in a close relationship with you. Neither choice is wrong.

Related Questions

Are female Dobermans more aggressive? Female Dobermans are often considered by experts to be more aggressive than male Dobermans. They’re usually quicker to take aggressive action against a stranger and they make excellent personal protection dogs.

Are female Dobermans good guard dogs? Female Dobermans are excellent guard dogs. They excel at personal protection due to their tendency to bond tightly to one person in the house. Females are also easier to train and more suspicious of strangers.

The post Are Male or Female Dobermans Better Guard Dogs? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

Although both male and female Dobermans make excellent family pets, there are some significant differences between the two. Knowing these differences will help you decide which one would be the best fit for you. Deciding if you want a male or female Doberman is one of the first important steps to getting a new puppy. Remember, it’s not just about which sex “is the best” it’s about which “is the best fit” for you and your home environment.

Should I get a male or female Doberman? If you want a Doberman that’s easily housebroken, quick to train, sticks close by your side in public, and gentle around kids, then you may want to get a female. If you want a Doberman who’s more playful, social, and likely to bond equally to all family members, then you may want a male Doberman.

I wrote this article to address the differences between male and female American Doberman Pinschers for those considering getting a Doberman. There is a lot to this topic, and it’s not as simple as you might think. So let’s get into detail and see what makes male and females tick in their own way.

Male Dobermans

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Overview

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Height: 26 – 28 inches

Weight: 75 – 100 lbs

Puppy Price: $1500 – $2500

Lifespan: 10 – 13 Years

Build: Bulkier with more muscle mass.

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Temperament

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• Alert, loyal, loving, and protective.
• Matures slower – usually by age 4.
• Harder to train when young.
• Slightly more desire to please his owner.
• More social with new animals and people.
• Less suspicious of strangers.
• More demanding of attention.
• Less needy of affection to be happy.
• Less likely to stay close off-leash.
• Less serious/intense.
• More playful and goofy.
• Can be clumsy around kids.
• A bit more stubborn.
• Can be messier overall.
• More hyper during puppy years.
• Less in-tune with owner’s emotions.
• More likely to bond with all family members equally.
• Less likely to get along with other dogs at the dog park.
• Excels as protecting a territory or whole family.

Female Dobermans

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Overview

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Height: 24 – 26 inches 

Weight: 60 – 90 lbs

Puppy Price: $1500 – $2500

Lifespan: 10 – 13 Years

Build: Slimmer with less muscle mass.

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Temperament

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• Alert, loyal, loving, and protective.
• Matures quicker – usually by age 2.
• Easier to train when young.
• Slightly less desire to please her owner.
• Less social with new animals and people.
• More suspicious of strangers.
• Less demanding of attention.
• More needy of affection to be happy.
• More likely to stay close off-leash.
• More serious/intense.
• Can be a little less playful.
• Gentler/more cautious around kids.
• Less stubborn.
• Cleaner overall.
• Less hyper during puppy years.
• More in-tune with owner’s emotions.
• More likely to bond with one person in the family.
• More likely to get along with other dogs at the dog park.
• Excels as protecting an individual.

Doberman Buyer’s Guide: Take a look at my guide for selecting the right type of Doberman (here) which will walk you through how to select the best type of Doberman for your specific situation!

Physical Differences

Males

Males are very similar looking to females at first glance but there are definitely some differences. These differences are more apparent in person than in pictures. Males are about 2 inches taller on average and 15 to 20 pounds heavier. So they are larger dogs overall. They also have more muscle mass so they appear a bit bulkier with hard angles on their body when compared to females.

Females

Female Dobermans are smaller in size overall than their male counterparts. They are about 2 inches shorter and average 15 to 20 pounds lighter than males. Females are smoother looking and some say more elegant in appearance.

Temperamental Differences

Males

Male Dobermans are said to be a little goofier and playful. They tend to calm down around the age of 4 years old (whereas females usually calm down around the age of 2). Many Doberman owners prefer males though due to their fun-loving and laid back nature when compared to females. They’re more tolerant of strangers in public and quicker to run and play with someone new than a female Doberman. They’re also eager to please and excited for whatever the next task is that you might ask of them.

The male’s carefree attitude also means they can be a bit messier than females at times (tracking in mud, letting water drool out of their mouth after drinking, etc) and a little more clumsy. This can be scary at times, especially if you have young kids around and they get overly excited.

TIP:
A neutered male Doberman will be a lot calmer as an adult, and less likely to have aggression issues.

Testosterone is great for building muscle and when you’re protecting your territory from other male invaders, but it can affect temperament also. Males can be a bit more headstrong and need clear, firm, direction from their owners. They can also be a bit more pushy about getting attention when they want it and some say they are much more “on top of you” throughout the day than females are.

All Dobermans are amazing guardians and protectors. Males are more likely to bond with the family as a whole pack and be more protective over their home and property. Whereas females tend to focus more on protecting one specific person whom they’ve bonded with. For this reason, they also like to mark their territory by peeing everywhere quite often.

Females

Many Doberman owners who have both female and male Dobies will tell you that the females are more serious and intense in everything they do. They’ll mature quicker and be easier to housebreak and train early on because of this. Female Dobermans tend to start “acting like adults” at around the age of 2—about half the time of a male Doberman. That means they can be trusted to be home alone earlier than males. Many say a female Doberman is easier to own for a first-time owner.

Females will be less tolerant of strangers in public, which can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation. They are less social with new people or dogs they don’t know. This can mean they might take a little longer to warm up at the dog park. They don’t have issues with same-sex aggression like males do when in a casual setting like a dog park, although this is a different story when two female dogs live together in the same house.

They’re also a bit cleaner than males—they’ll make sure they’re completely done drinking from their water bowl before they run off around the house with water and drool dripping from their mouth, which is a really great thing.

Females also love to cuddle and be close to their owners like the males, but they also know how to give you occasional space when it’s needed. They’re more in-tune with your emotions than males are and will behave accordingly. There is a reputation for female Dobermans to be a bit more “moody” and emotional than their male counterparts. They can also be trained with a bit softer direction and guidance than a male due to how well they maintain focus.

Trainability

Males

Males are a little more playful and even “goofy” at a young age, which means that it can be harder to keep their attention when they’re young. This, of course, has an impact on training time. So you may find yourself struggling to keep your dog’s attention while teaching him something new when he’s young. For these reasons, males are generally considered to be a bit harder to housebreak and train when they’re younger. After about the age of four, they’ll calm down considerably and start acting a bit more mature.

Because males tend to be more social and playful, they get distracted easier when walking off-leash. Although most first time Doberman owners won’t even notice this as an issue since Dobermans, in general, excel at being off-leash, especially when compared to other breeds.

Males are also eager to please their owners and are excited for the next task that is given to them. They have all the drive and desire to do what you’re asking of them, but sometimes they are just too happy and carefree to focus in on it.

Females

Female Dobermans are described as more intense, serious, and focused than males. They mature quicker—usually maturing in attitude by around age two, whereas males don’t mature until about age four. This means that you can potty train a female, trust her to be alone, and generally be successful with more in-depth training earlier in her life.

Since females are harder to distract than males, they tend to do better with off-leash training. However, they tend to be less eager to please or “complete the next task” asked of them by their owners.

Female Dobermans are more in tune with their owner’s emotions and therefore respond better to light correction and praise during training than males. Any Doberman will be easy to train compared to other breeds, but females seem to excel at it.

Health Differences

Males

Unfortunately, males can be more prone to bone, joint, and hip problems than females. This is likely due to their extra weight and size. Some owners suggest that they also have slightly shorter lifespans. This would make sense since traditionally, the larger a dog is the more strain is placed on their heart and the shorter their life span is. You should always DNA health test your Doberman.

There was a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that appears to confirm that male Dobermans are more prone to developing dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a deadly heart condition prevalent in Dobermans, at some point in their lifetime than females (source).

I haven’t noticed a correlation between sex and lifespan in my experience so far. So for now, the lifespan expectancy will remain listed as the same between males and females on this site until I see a reputable study showing otherwise.

Females

Being lighter and smaller is certainly a little easier on the body, this makes them a bit less prone to bone, joint, and hip problems than males. Some suggest they live longer than their male counterparts due to no having the strain of a large bulky body on the heart. They also are less likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) during their lifetime than males. However, most owners report similar life spans between males and females. You should always DNA health test your female Doberman also.

Males and females seem to be equally prone to the other major diseases that affect the Doberman breed including bloat, hepatitis, von Willebrand’s Disease, wobbler syndrome, and other issues

For more about the lifespan of the Doberman pinscher, including the results of a poll of many long-time Doberman owners regarding how long their dogs actually lived, see my article What’s the Actual Lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher? In that article, I also talk about the oldest known Doberman Pinscher, which lived to a surprisingly old age!

Doberman DNA Health Testing – A simple cheek swab you can do at home can spot the signs of a majority of the genetic issues that plague the Doberman breed. I made this simple DNA Health Testing Guide to help you do this at home yourself. Every Doberman owner should be doing this, I really can’t urge it enough considering the diseases plaguing this breed.

With Children

Males

Since males tend to be more goofy and carefree, they also sometimes are a bit more clumsy. This can be an issue when they grow to be close to 100 pounds in size and you have a small child at home. Male Dobermans love to run, bounce, and play and are a bit more hyper overall than females until about the age of four.

Accidental injuries because your Doberman knocked over, or rolled over, you kid can be just as serious at times as injuries due to an overly aggressive dog. Other than accidental injuries, there are not really any other risks with male dogs around children. They are generally great with kids otherwise.

Male Dobermans are extremely fun-loving dogs that want to play just about as long as your kids will tolerate them. This is great if you have children who could benefit from a dog who will wear them out and “go until they drop”.

Females

Since females mature quicker and tend to be a bit more serious than their male counterparts, they are more cautious around very young children. This can be a really great thing when you have young children in the house since accidental injuries may be less likely to occur. 

However, they are more likely to bond strongly to one specific person in the house, and this will usually be a child. Whereas males will bond more evenly to all members of the household. This means the female may become pushy about sleeping in the room with their favorite kid, for example. However, if you want help bonding with a Doberman that may have become attached to someone else, see this guide on how to bond with a Doberman.

Females will still love to run and play with kids but are less likely to “go all day” with the fun and games like a male will. They will need to get their space at times when the kids become too much.

For more about what you can expect with a Doberman in a house with children, see my article Are Dobermans Good with Kids? What You Need to Know.

With Other Dogs

Males

With other dogs, however, males can be a bit more likely to get into conflicts to determine dominance. Although they usually stop fighting at that point whereas females will often get in much more serious fights. Either way, the best bet is to have a male Doberman live in a house with a female dog and not another male. If you must have more than one male in the house, make sure they’re neutered, this will help avoid same-sex aggression issues. Also, put extra focus on socialization, when they’re young, is important to counteract this.

Overall though, the male’s outgoing and playful nature does generally make them more social with other animals. So they’re more likely to run off and play with new dogs than a female is.

They’re also more protective of their territory than females are. So if you unexpectedly have a previously unknown male dog showing up on your property, there could be problems. However, male Dobermans do tend to get along with females dogs of all breeds.

Females

Although they’re a bit more cautious with new dogs they meet for the first time, like during a trip to the dog park, they’re also less likely to get into dominance confrontations with another dog. It may be tough though getting your female Dobie to leave your side and run off to play with other dogs.

You’re less likely to have alpha dog issues with a female. They are, of course, much more likely to get along better with a male dog in the house than with another female. Same-sex aggression between females does exist and some say it’s just as common, or more so, than male on male aggression.

A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that 79% of aggression issues between two dogs in the same house involved same-sex dogs, and 68% of those involved females (source). The difference seems to be in the severity of conflicts. In general, males will stop fighting when dominance is determined whereas females will fight until they severely injure (or worse) the other female.

If you must have two female dogs in the house, try to make sure there is at least a two year age gap between them (but the more the better). This will help increase the chances of them getting along.

Which is better for a family?

This is a difficult question to answer and there really isn’t any right or wrong answer. Both male and female dogs do extremely well in a family environment. They both love being close to people and being a part of a “pack” (or family unit). Really, it’s whichever dog better fits your lifestyle.

A female does better in family environments where small children or a male dog are present. However, every circumstance and every dog is different. So it really goes a little deeper than that. Below are the potential advantages each dog can have in a family environment.

Advantages of Male Dobermans in a Family Environment:

• Can “play all day” with children.
• Love endless outings—great for active families.
• Will get along well with female dogs in the house.
• More social and easy-going with new people or animals.
• Usually bond equally to all members of the family.

Advantages of Female Dobermans in a Family Environment:

• More cautious around young children.
• Easier to train at an earlier age.
• Less hyper during the puppy years.
• More protective when in public—less trusting of strangers.
• Will get along well with male dogs in the house.
• Usually bond tightly to one specific family member.

If you have a dog already in your family, it might be best to get a dog of the opposite sex. If you must get a dog of the same sex, make sure the dogs are fixed and there is a good age gap between the two (at least 2 years, but more is better). If possible, owning two dogs of the opposite sex is best.

If you have children in the house males are goofier, fun-loving, and “play all day” type of dogs which might be great for older school-aged children if you need someone to wear them out during the day. It’s also great if you have an active lifestyle and want a dog that’ll join you on endless outings. Females are gentler and less clumsy which is great around infants and toddlers.

Whichever sex you choose, focus on socializing them as much as possible early on in life. If you do that, I don’t think you can make a wrong choice here. If they are well socialized, any Doberman will do great in a family. So never miss an opportunity to bring them to a family gathering or around new people or animals. You’ll have a loyal, loving, gentle, family Doberman when he or she is grown up.

Which is a better guard dog?

This is another tough question to answer. First off, any Doberman is an amazing guard dog—this is what they were originally bred for. The reason this is so hard to answer is that their ability to excel in guard work depends far more heavily on their training, environment, and individual temperament than what sex they are.

It will also depend heavily on what type of guard work you’ll be using them for. But for a minute, let’s dissect this topic as much as possible and discuss this by taking into account all the known differences between the two sexes when it comes to guard work. The following aspects are points that can make each dog superior in protection work, depending on the circumstance.

Advantages of Male Doberman Guard Dogs:

• Larger with more muscle and strength.
• A stronger bite.
• Better at protecting an entire territory or home.
• More inclined to protect an area or person from other dogs.

Advantages of Female Doberman Guard Dogs:

• Mature quicker and therefore can start guard work earlier.
• More suspicious of strangers.
• More agile.
• Better at protecting one specific person.
• Not as territorial about their home or property.

It really depends on what you want your dog to do for you as far as protection goes. If, for example, you are looking for a dog to be more territorial and protect your whole property, a male Doberman might be the best bet. However, if you want more of a personal protection dog that is inclined to protect one specific person in the family, and who might give the mailman a break when he approaches the house, a female might be best.

Females tend to be seen as better personal protection dogs while males are better overall guard dogs. Personal protection means you’re protecting one specific person and guard work means you’re guarding a whole territory, family, or property. Females will often bond tightly to one specific person in the house whereas a male will be more likely to bond to everyone in the family equally. 

For the even more about the differences between males and females when it comes to guard work, see my article Are Male or Female Dobermans Better Guard Dogs?

Final Thoughts

The best part about writing this article is simply that I don’t think I can steer you wrong. Dobermans, in general, are very adaptable dogs with a little bit of work and a whole lot of socialization when they’re young. So no matter if you pick a male or female Doberman, as long as you socialize them properly, and put a little effort in, I think you’ll be happy with your choice.

In this article, I dissected all the sometimes very subtle differences between males and females. But keep in mind that these differences are quite small. More than what sex you choose, the biggest factor is the individual dog’s temperament, their environment, past experiences, and what you’ve done as an owner prepare them to display acceptable behavior.

Now that you’ve hopefully decided whether a male or female Doberman is best for you, what about deciding between a European and American Doberman? To learn about European Dobermans and how they compare with American Dobermans, see the article I wrote about the differences between American and European Dobermans here.

The post Male vs. Female Doberman: Which is Better? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

You know what it’s like when you see something and do a double-take because you’re not sure what you just saw? An all-black Doberman is like that to a lot of people. Many people have come to me and claimed they saw an all-black Doberman, asking if this is possible. So is this really possible, and if so, how rare are they?

Can a Doberman be all-black? It is possible for a Doberman to appear to be entirely black in color. However, all-black Dobermans will almost always still have discernible rust-colored markings upon close inspection. This is caused by too much pigmentation; a condition called melanism.

The all-black Doberman is not recognized as part of the “breed standard” by the American Kennel Association—meaning the AKC does not consider them to be a true Doberman. Because of the potential for additional health problems and temperament issues due to increased amounts of inbreeding with the all-black varieties, many Doberman experts will advise against purchasing one. 

All-Black Dobermans Are Rare

I can tell you with confidence that from my experience, these dogs are certainly hard to find, but unfortunately, we don’t really know exactly how rare they are. Since they aren’t considered to be a true Doberman by many of the national kennel clubs, records aren’t kept as to how often the all-black Doberman appears and how many are currently in existence. We just have no way of knowing if they’re a one in a thousand, one in a hundred thousand, or one in a million dog.

These dogs may, on rare occasion, show up in a rescue center or one might appear in a litter from a reputable breeder. However, be cautious if you find a litter containing multiple all-black Dobermans puppies. It’s likely that these are either not pure-bred Dobermans or inbreeding has occurred to produce such a large quantity of all-black dogs. Inbreeding leads to serious health and temperament issues.

They Aren’t Completely Black

Many Doberman breeders will tell you that very few of these dogs are truly completely black.  They insist that if you look closely, you will see faint tan markings. As one breeder says 

“In my 34 years in the breed I have never seen an all black dog. There are some dogs with very dark markings, almost black but the markings are still discernible.”

– Holly Schorr. “All black Dobes” DPCA.org (source)

Dogs that appear to be an all-black Doberman are more often not purebred. I’m certainly not saying that an all-black purebred Doberman is impossible to produce, just that it isn’t likely. Breeding a Doberman with another all-black dog can lead to an all-black dog that looks very similar to a Doberman, but isn’t truly a purebred. Sometimes these “look-alikes” will be labeled as all-black purebred Dobermans by non-ethical breeders.

Many Breeders Avoid All-Black Dobermans

Breeders want their dogs to not only conform to the breed standards by the national kennel clubs but also strive to produce the healthiest dogs possible. If their dogs don’t conform to the Doberman standards then they cannot compete in competitions or shows, and holding a championship title in a dog show is a major plus for a breeder. Also, it can be argued by others that they aren’t even true Dobermans since they don’t conform to the breed standards. 

Many breeders avoid breeding all-black Dobermans as they fear potential health issues due to increased amounts of inbreeding in the past with these dogs. The same is often true with all-white Dobermans. 

Unfortunately, there are non-ethical breeders who purposely breed all-black Dobermans at any cost (disregarding health, temperament, etc) and attempt to sell them at an inflated price, citing how rarely they occur. These breeders will often engage in dangerous in-breeding practices to produce these dogs.

It should be noted however that ethical breeders do exist who specialize in the “alternative” Doberman colors such as white or all-black. These ethical breeders will go to great lengths to avoid inbreeding and will health test their dogs extensively. I wish I could say this was the norm, but unfortunately, many wreckless backyard breeders trying to produce more profitable puppies have cast a shadow of doubt over all alternative color breeders, even when it isn’t necessarily deserved.

The All-Black Doberman Controversy

There are heated arguments within the Doberman world almost daily, about whether breeding these all-black dogs is ethical. Here are the two sides to this controversy that you’re most likely to see.

Pro-Alternative Color Argument

Those who are in favor, or at a minimum, not opposed to breeding all-black Dobermans will tell you that it’s unfair to judge an entire color of a dog as “unhealthy” just because of their color. They will also cite multiple alternative color breeders who exist that go to great lengths to make sure they have healthy stock and perform in-depth health tests. They may also cite one of the many studies out there that exist which show that all-black animals in nature are generally healthier than other colors. They claim that the notion of alternative Doberman colors being less healthy is a stigma that needs to be abolished.

Anti-Alternative Color Argument

Those who are against breeding all-black Dobermans will very often state that it’s not ethical to do so due to inbreeding in generations past. They’ll also say that no matter how careful a breeder is in selecting breeding stock, it’s almost impossible to breed a dog whose color is this rare without some inbreeding in the dog’s lineage and inbreeding is known to be associated with health and temperament problems. They also take the stance that this will negate any potential benefits in health that an all-black dog has, as cited in the previously mentioned studies. Lastly, they’ll say that when breeders are trying to produce one specific, very rare color, they are often forced to pair parents together who are not ideal in terms of temperament due to limited choices in breeding stock of that color.

The controversy surrounding this topic is so heated in the Doberman world that some breeders discourage even mentioning the non-standard colors. So, in the end, it’s up to you to make up your own mind!

How Color is Determined

Think of all the dogs you have seen—everything from a white poodle to a completely black terrier and all the hues in-between. And all that diversity begins with two pigments—black and red.

Both colors are forms of melanin. Black pigment is also called eumelanin while red is phaeomelanin, and all canine fur colors come from different combinations of eumelanin and phaeomelanin, or from red and black.

Hair follicles have melanocyte cells in them, and when the hair grows, those cells add the melanin that determines the color of the fur.  The darker the hair, the more melanin has been added. Tips of hair either lighter or darker than the shaft are the result of unsteady melanin production.

The Role of Genetics in Coat Color

Genes also have a role to play.  They can modify either pigment by diluting its strength. Colors such as brown, grey, or pale brown are created when genes modify eumelanin levels.  Different genes control the intensity of the red, or phaeomelanin, pigment. These colors include the deep red of Irish Setters to the tan of the Golden Retriever.

When the cells don’t produce any pigment, you will see white hair. In most dogs, only portions of their coats lack color, otherwise known as markings. But when you see a completely white dog, they lack both kinds of pigmentation in their fur.

On the other hand, dogs that have no red pigmentation are completely black, which is a condition called melanism.  While an all-black dog is missing one color, an all-white Dobie is missing both red and black pigmentation.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a lack of pigments or too much pigment—if that’s a true trait of the breed.  For example, a dalmatian lacks red pigmentation except for the black spots. The loci, or place for that on the dog’s chromosome, is called the H or harlequin loci. 

However, the standard for a Dobie includes pigmentation, specifically the common black and tan that we associate with them. Let’s look at the different Doberman colors.

The Different Colors of Dobermans

There are many colors of the Doberman—as little as four and as many as seven, depending on who you ask. For a complete list of all the Doberman colors, see my article all about every type of Doberman color in existence here.

Dobie’s also don’t always have identical areas where the tan coloring appears. Some Dobies have more tan coloring in their coats than others. Also, the tan markings themselves can vary in darkness, with European Dobermans often having darker markings.

Here are the most common Doberman Colors:

• Black – The black and tan is the most common Doberman color. This is the one you’re most used to seeing. Some prefer the word rust instead of tan, but it’s referring to the same thing.
• Red – This is sometimes referred to as a “Chocolate Doberman” and is the next most commonly seen Doberman. The red hair can be everything from copper to chocolate.  Europeans, by the way, also sometimes call them brown—fitting since European Dobermans are typically a bit darker in color.
• Fawn – These aren’t seen as often as the first two colors. The fawn color is really just a diluted red color. You might also hear this called “Isabella”.
• Blue – A bluer Doberman has its black pigment diluted. They are sometimes called a Gray Doberman. Blue Dobermans are prone to Color Dilution Alopecia, a condition in which the hair becomes brittle and breaks easily.

Let’s take a look at what the breed standards say for the color of Dobermans so we can better understand the all-black Dobies.

To find out your dog’s specific genetics and what color puppies they are able to produce, I recommend doing a simple home DNA health test. Besides telling you all the colors of puppies they can make, it’ll also give you priceless insight into your dog’s health. See my guide on how to DNA test your Doberman here.

Doberman Breed Standards on Color

The AKC (American Kennel Club) says the tan areas must appear on the muzzle, above each eye, on all four legs, and in the throat and chest, plus a small patch of tan below the tail.

If there’s a white patch on the chest, it gets measured at competitions to ensure that it does not exceed breed standards. Yes, seriously.  The white patch on the chest of a Doberman should not exceed a half-inch square in size.

The AKC is very specific about what colors meet the standard for a Doberman

“Allowed Colors-Black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). Markings-Rust, sharply defined,  appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. White patch on chest, not exceeding ½ square inch, permissible. Disqualifying Fault – Dogs not of an allowed color.”

– Official Standard of the Doberman Pinscher. American Kennel Club (source).

The AKC for a Dobie is very specific. But what if your dog is missing a marking that the breed standard says it should have? Or what if the white patch on the chest is too big? Is it still a Doberman? Of course, it is. He wouldn’t qualify for a dog show—but no one would suggest you don’t have a Doberman.

There’s a host of things in the AKC standard that might disqualify your Dobie. There are standards for height, head, topline, body, forequarters and hindquarters, gait, and temperament. Two pages, single-spaced, in tiny font.  Few Dobermans would meet all those standards.

Obviously, you can have a Doberman that doesn’t meet every standard and is still a Doberman. If you agree with that logic, then Dobermans can be all-black or all-white. Right?

Coat Color Can Change with Age

It’s also important to note that a Doberman’s color can change as the dog ages. This is common when they lose their “puppy coat”, which usually occurs during the first 18 months of life. Subtle changes can occur during this time such as lightening or darkening of their markings or the addition of occasional white hairs. A complete color change is not possible, however.

Also, very subtle changes in color can occur in the form of lighter colors during the summer months with more exposure to the sun and darker colors in the winter. As the dog reaches the latter part of its life, it is common for additional white hairs to appear, especially around the face.

Final Thoughts

I think most people would agree that you can have a Doberman who appears all-black. Some folks will suggest that an all-black dog is not a true pure-bred Doberman and some may even go further and say owning one isn’t ethical.

I say that when you see someone walking an all-black Doberman, you aren’t just looking at a dog, but something else—companionship, loyalty, and love. No matter what their color is. 

Related Questions

How much do all-black Dobermans cost? All-black, or melanistic, Dobermans will cost a similar amount as the more common colored Dobermans, or between about $1500 and $2500.

The post Are All-Black Dobermans Rare? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

It’s back to the basics on this one, folks. Many people are confused about if there is any difference between a Doberman and Doberman Pinscher. I can certainly understand why this is confusing if you are new to the breed, so let’s clear this up once and for all, shall we?

What’s the difference between a Doberman and a Doberman Pinscher? The term Doberman and Doberman Pinscher refer to the same breed of dog. The term “Doberman Pinscher” is primarily used in the United States and Canada while “Doberman” is used in the rest of the world.

To make things even more confusing, you also have a “Dobermann” (spelled with two n’s) to add to the mix. Yes, a Dobermann is the same breed as a Doberman and Doberman Pinscher. Again, all three of these dogs are of the same breed! However, let’s make sure you don’t sound ill-informed when you talk about these dogs. Here’s who should use which of these terms and when. 

Doberman Terms At-a-Glance

Below is a quick guide reference for the correct terminology when referring to each type of Doberman. Remember that both of the below-mentioned varieties are still the same breed of dog. They’re still ALL Dobermans.

What’s the Difference? For a side-by-side comparison of these two Doberman varieties, including diagrams of their physical differences, see my article: American vs. European Doberman: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Origins of the Breed’s Name

In the late 19th century, a tax collector, night watchman, and local dog catcher living in a small town in Germany named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann created a new dog breed via selective breeding. As the town’s tax collector, his job involved collecting tax money from citizens throughout the town, which was a dangerous job at the time. His other job, as the town’s night watchman, wasn’t much easier. He was tasked with making rounds at night (on foot) looking for thugs who were up to no good.

Luckily, as the local dog catcher, he had access to many different breeds of dogs. So he began selective breeding in an attempt to produce the perfect dog for personal protection. The dog was to join him on his rounds through the town. The dog breed that he created was later named the “Doberman Pinscher” in his honor after his death in 1894.

In 1948 Germany dropped the word “Pinscher” from the breed’s name. Breed experts at the time argued that the term pinscher wasn’t appropriate for the breed since the dog was not representative of a pinscher (the German word for terrier). After Germany dropped the word pinscher from the name, other countries began to follow suit. Currently, only the United States and Canada use the term “Doberman Pinscher”, while the rest of the world uses the term “Dobermann”.

For the rest of the world, an extra “n” was also added onto the name “Doberman” to make the spelling of the breed’s name “Dobermann”, which is how Louis Dobermann spelled his last name.

For a complete breed overview of the Doberman Pinscher, including more about Louis Dobermann and his role developing the breed, see my article The Doberman Pinscher: A Complete Breed Overview.

European “Dobermann” vs. the American “Doberman Pinscher”

Due to significant differences with breeding practices in America and Europe, the Doberman breed has split into two varieties of dog; the European Dobermann and the American Doberman Pinscher. These two varieties have so many differences that some experts have argued they should be separated into two different breeds entirely. Currently, they’re still classified as the same breed. However, they have significant differences in both temperament and physical appearance. 

The European Dobermann is a slightly larger dog with more muscle mass and a shorter, thicker neck. Thie European variety has a high drive and is very well suited for personal protection or any other working dog assignments. The American Doberman Pinscher is a slightly smaller, sleeker, and some argue “more elegant” looking dog. These dogs have thinner necks that seem to slope up from the body in a curved manner. They’re generally calmer and better suited for use as a family pet. Despite the differences between these two varieties, they are the same breed of dog.

The European Dobermann should always be spelled with two n’s in the word Dobermann while the American Doberman Pinscher should always be spelled with one “n” in the word Doberman.

Doberman — Spelled With One ‘N’

The term “Doberman”, spelled with one “n”, is technically incorrect if you’re referring to the European dog and it should be spelled as “Dobermann”. However, the term Doberman (spelled with one ‘n’) is still used quite widely as just a shortened way of referring to the entire breed (both the American or European variety). 

So if you write the word “Doberman” (like I do quite often on this website), you aren’t wrong, you‘re simply using a less formal way of referring to the entire breed. This informal reference can refer to either the European Dobermann or the American Doberman Pinscher, or both.

If you want to remain formal, and as correct as possible, use “Doberman Pinscher” to refer to the American variety, and “Dobermann” to refer to the European variety.

Dobermann — Spelled With Two N’s

Dobermann spelled with two n’s is the formal way of referring to the European Dobermann. This is also how the creator of the breed, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann spelled his last name. This term, however, is not a shortened way of referring to the American Doberman Pinscher. Writing “Dobermann” while referring to the American Doberman Pinscher is incorrect.

Many people in other countries will still use the term “Doberman” (with one ‘n’) as a slightly shortened, or just informal, way of referring to the same dog.

When in doubt, just use the word “Doberman”. This is the slightly less formal (although still very common) way to refer to either variety—or the breed as a whole.

Doberman Slang

Doberman owners love their dogs. They’re often very dedicated to the breed and convinced that there is no other dog breed in the world like the Doberman. They also like to have fun with their dogs and often times find them doing pretty humorous things. That’s why over time, a few slang words have been developed to refer to the breed such as:

• Dobie (pronounced “Dough-bie”): This is short for “Doberman” which could be used to refer to either an American Doberman Pinscher, European Dobermann, or the breed as a whole.
• Dobe (pronounced “Dowb” or “Dough-bie”): This is another shortened term for “Doberman” which could be used to refer to either an American Doberman Pinscher, European Dobermann, or the breed as a whole. This also has two different pronunciations.
• Doberdork (pronounced “Dough-ber-dork”): This is a loving way a Doberman owner may refer to their dog. It’s a reference to their playful and, at times, humorous demeanor. It can be referring to either an American Doberman Pinscher or a European Dobermann.

You may see some other slang terms floating around for these dogs and they almost always can be used to reference either variety of Doberman (either the American or European), or the breed as a whole.

Miniature Pinscher

Is a Miniature Pinscher the same as a Doberman Pinscher? Although they may look similar, the Miniature Pinscher (or “Min Pin”) is a completely different dog breed from the Doberman Pinscher. They may share a few genetic similarities, as it’s believed that the German Pinscher breed may be in the genetic makeup of both dogs. However, that’s about where the similarities end. The Miniature Pinscher is not simply a smaller version of a Doberman.

Main Take-Aways

I know that’s a lot to soak in if you came to this page thinking that these two terms referred to two different types of dogs. So let’s see if we can simplify it further for you.

• If you are referring to an American Doberman Pinscher – Say “Doberman Pinscher” or “American Doberman Pinscher”. However, you can also use the slightly less formal, and shorter term, “Doberman” although this will not signal to others which specific variety you’re referring to (American or European).
• If you are referring to a European Dobermann – Say “Dobermann”. If you’re writing the word, you are welcome to write it simply as “Doberman” with one “n”, but this is less formal and will not signal to others which specific variety you’re referring to (American or European).
• If you live in America or Canada – Use the term “Doberman Pinscher” or the less formal “Doberman” to refer to the breed.
• If you live in Europe or anywhere else in the world – Use the term “Dobermann” or the less formal “Doberman” to refer to the breed.

Using the correct terminology will make it clear to others exactly which type of Doberman you are referring to. It will also help to make sure you don’t sound uninformed when it comes to the breed. Remember, when in doubt just say or write “Doberman” and you won’t be wrong.

Related Questions

What’s the difference between a Doberman and a Dobermann? Both the terms “Doberman” and “Dobermann” refer to the same breed of dog. However, Dobermann (spelled with two n’s) refers specifically to the European variety.

Is a pinscher a terrier? The word “pinscher” means “terrier” in German. Therefor a pinscher is the same thing as a terrier.

Is it spelled “Doberman” or “Dobermann”? The correct spelling is Dobermann (with two n’s) if you are referring to the European Dobermann variety. Doberman (spelled with one ‘n’) refers to the breed as a whole and can be used to reference either an American Doberman Pinscher or European Dobermann.

The post Doberman vs. Doberman Pinscher: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Doberman Planet.

What’s the difference between an American and European Doberman? The main differences are that an American Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, elegant, show dog that possesses an ideal temperament for use as a family pet, while the European Doberman is a slightly larger, more muscular dog with a high drive and a temperament better suited for use as a working dog.

The differences certainly go a bit deeper than that, however, and there are certainly very good reasons why the Doberman breed has split into these two variations. While the two breeds might look very similar to someone who isn’t familiar with Dobermans, with some practice you’ll be able to spot a European Dobermann versus an American Doberman Pinscher fairly quickly. There are also significant temperament differences between the two that you should be aware of.

American Doberman

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Overview

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Height: 26 – 28 inches (male), 24 – 26 inches (female)

Weight: 75 – 100 lbs (male), 60 – 80 lbs (female)

Price: $1500 – $2500

Lifespan: 10 – 13 Years

Colors: Black, red, blue or fawn (Isabella)

Markings: Light rust colored—often with a small white patch on chest.

Temperament: Intelligent, loving, in tune with owner’s emotions, ideal family dog.

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Physical Traits

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Overall Build: Longer refined body, thin, elegant and toned show dog build. Thinner bone structure.

Head: Thinner wedge-shaped head with thinner muzzle and jaw.

Eyes: Lighter brown.

Neck: Longer and thinner—rises sharply at the shoulder.

Chest: Smaller, narrow chest.

Body: Long and lean.

Legs: Thinner, more elegant.

Feet: Smaller refined structure.

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Temperament

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• Alert, loyal, loving, and protective.
• Less likely to be physically protective.
• More in tune with human emotions.
• Loves beds and sofas—readily shares personal space.
• Calmer, with slightly fewer exercise requirements.
• Excels as a family dog.
• Responds well to positive reinforcement and is more sensitive to physical correction.
• May need reassurance in new or unusual surroundings.
• When family is threatened, may react with barking and some physical intervention. May occasionally retreat.
• Likely to be successful in AKC conformation shows—not likely to be successful in working events.

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Complete Breed Standard: AKC Doberman Pinscher Standard

European Doberman

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Overview

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Height: 27 – 28 inches (male), 25 – 27 inches (female)

Weight: 80 – 105 lbs (male), 65 – 85 lbs (female)

Price: $2500 – $3500 (less in Europe)

Lifespan: 10 – 13 Years

Colors: Black or red (brown)

Markings: Dark rust colored—with no white patch on chest.

Temperament: Intelligent, loving, confident, ideal working dog.

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Physical Traits

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Overall Build: Thicker, more compact, body and a more muscular working dog type build. Thicker bone structure.

Head: Broader head with thicker muzzle and jaw structure.

Eyes: Darker brown.

Neck: Shorter and thicker—less rise from the shoulder.

Chest: Larger, broad chest.

Body: Compact and muscular.

Legs: Thicker, more muscular.

Feet: Larger compact structure.

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Temperament

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• Alert, loyal, loving, assertive, and protective.
• More likely to be physically protective.
• In tune with human emotions.
• Loves beds and sofas—but may be a space hog.
• High stamina, drive, and exercise requirements.
• Excels as a working dog.
• Responds well to strong direction and less sensitive to physical correction.
• Confident when exposed to new or unusual surroundings.
• When its family is threatened, may react with barking and physical intervention. Rarely retreats.
• Likely to be successful in working events—not likely to be successful in AKC conformation shows.

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Complete Breed Standard: FCI Dobermann Standard

To figure out what genetic influences your dog has, including where it’s ancestors came from and if there are any other genetic influences besides pure Doberman in their past, check out my Doberman DNA Testing Guide here which will help you do a simple test at home to answer your questions!

Video: How to Choose Which One is Best for You

Doberman Buyer’s Guide: Take a look at my guide for selecting the right type of Doberman (here) which will walk you through how to select the best type of Doberman for your specific situation!

Physical Differences

The most obvious difference between the two varieties of Doberman is in their physical build. This is also what will allow you to quickly and easily identify the specific variation of Doberman. Although each dog will differ slightly based on its individual genetics, the following are the primary physical differences between the two.

The height and weights listed below are per the breed standard for the American Doberman Pinscher as described by the AKC standard and the European Dobermann as described by the FCI standard. The weights listed in the side by side comparison above are real-world weights that you are likely to see for each type of dog (and are not based on the breed standards). You’ll note that the AKC sets a very broad range on the acceptable weights of the American Doberman while the FCI sets a very tight weight range. Regardless, the European dog is almost always heavier than its American counterpart.

American Doberman Pinscher

The American Doberman Pinscher is a more elegant dog that is built to excel in the show ring. The overall look of the American Doberman is that of a longer, slimmer, and sleek looking dog. Think of the build of a high-endurance athlete.

Their legs are long and slim, their paws are smaller, and the head is a slim wedge shape with smooth angles. The muzzle is also long, slim, and come to more of a sharper point than the European variety. The overall body is also noticeably longer and thinner.

The following is the height and weights for the American Doberman Pinscher as outlined in the AKC breed standard.

• Height: 26 – 28 inches (males) or 24 – 26 inches (females)
• Weight: 75 – 100 pounds (males) or 60 – 90 pounds (females)

Probably the easiest physical characteristic to spot from a distance is the neck. On an American Doberman Pinscher, the neck will slope quickly upwards from the shoulders of the dog with a graceful sloping arch. The neck widens gradually towards the body. The neck is also significantly longer and thinner than its European counterpart.

European Dobermann

The European Dobermann is an overall larger dog that is built to excel as a working or personal protection dog. Overall, the European Dobermann is a larger, heavier, dog with a thicker bone structure. The dog is more compact and not as long as the American version.

Their legs are thick and muscular, paws are larger, and their head is a thicker block-shape with sharper angles. The muzzle of the European Dobermann is thicker and blunter at the end than the American variety.

The following is the height and weights for the European Dobermann as outlined in the FCI breed standard.

• Height: 27 – 28 inches (males) or 25 – 27 inches (females)
• Weight: 88 – 99 pounds (males) or 71 – 77 pounds (females)

Again, the differences in the necks of the dogs are the most apparent. The neck of the European Dobermann is thicker, shorter, and protrudes out from the shoulders with less of a noticeable upward arch.

The European Convention makes it illegal to crop the ears of all dogs and dock the tails of the majority of dog breeds. That means you likely won’t see European Dobermans, living in Europe, that have cropped ears. Some European countries haven’t adopted the European Convention, however, and therefore owners may still choose to crop their ears in most of those countries.

Color Differences

While the differences in color between the two Doberman variants are not as noticeable as the other physical differences, they can certainly be easily observed when the two dogs are side by side. The biggest difference is that the European version has more pigment than the American variety resulting in darker, deeper colors.

There are six known colors of Doberman to exist, however, not all colors are recognized as a “breed standard” by their respective kennel clubs. For a more in-depth examination of all the different Doberman colors (including pictures), see my article, All the Colors and Types of the Doberman Pinscher.

American Doberman Pinscher

The American Doberman has the same possible colors as the European, however, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the following colors as being standard colors for the breed:

• Black and Rust
• Red and Rust
• Blue and Rust
• Fawn (Isabella) and Rust

The markings on the coat of the American Doberman consists of sharply defined rust-colored areas that are lighter in color than the European. The rust markings appear above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, and chest. They also appear on the legs, feet, and just below tail—the same as the European variety. However, the American may have a small white patch appear on the chest area (not to exceed one-half square inch in size), something that isn’t present on the European Dobermann.

The eye color is generally a lighter brown color than that of the European Dobermann, although there are some variations in the color of the eye.

European Dobermann

The European Dobermann can have many variations of their color just as the American Doberman does. The most notable regulatory organization for the European Dobermann, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) only recognizes the following colors as being the standard for the breed:

• Black and Rust
• Red and Rust (aka “Brown and Rust”)

Any dogs that are not of these two colors are not recognized by the FCI and cannot be certified by them or approved for breeding.

The markings on the European Dobermann are also sharply defined rust-colored markings above each eye, on the muzzle, throat, chest, legs, feet, and just below the tail. Although the European Dobermann’s markings are a darker rust color than the American variety. Also, the small white patch on the chest is not present.

The eye color of the European Dobermann is also a darker brown than the American variety, although some variation in eye color of the individual dog does exist.

NOTE

Like with people, every dog is different and possesses a unique genetic makeup. Therefore it’s common to see variations in temperamental and physical traits. This is true of any Doberman—American or European.

Behavior Comparison

In July of 2021, Doberman Planet conducted an extensive survey of experienced Doberman owners who had first-hand experience owning both American and European Dobermans. Through our search, we located 82 real-world owners who have experience owning both varieties of Doberman and had each of them complete a detailed survey comparing their behaviors. This information was compiled to provide amazing insight into the differences in how these two varieties of Dobermans behave.

The complete results can be found here: American/European Doberman Behavior Survey Results (PDF)

Legal Notice: The information below is the product of original research performed, compiled, and calculated by Doberman Planet LLC. This research is copyrighted and only intended for use on DobermanPlanet.com. All rights reserved. We will protect our original work and aggressively pursue legal action as necessary to do so.

Assertiveness

The assertiveness of both the American and European Dobermans was rated on a scale of 1 to 10 by owners who had both of these dogs. One being “very shy” at all and 10 being “very assertive”.

American

European

As you can see, while both Dobermans are certainly on the assertive side, the European Doberman was rated as a 7.7 out of 10 by those who have owned both varieties of Doberman. Whereas the American came in at 6.6. This is a significant difference. The European Doberman is more assertive and direct than the American Doberman. The European is known for asserting themselves when they want attention, something to eat, or are wary of a situation.

Training Style

The most effective training style for each type of Doberman was rated by owners on a scale of 1 to 10. With a rating of one being “positive reinforcement only”, 5 being “a mix of both”, and 10 being “firm direction only”.

American

European

The training style that seems the most effective for each type of dog is an incredibly important thing to know. All Dobermans seem to respond best to a mix of positive reinforcement and firm direction during training. But there are some differences. The American Doberman prefers a softer approach to training with frequent positive reinforcement while the European Doberman needs clear, firm direction during training.

Age at Mental Maturity

At what age each type of Doberman reaches a noticeable stage of mental maturity was also scored by owners who have owned both American and European Dobermans. This is the age when the dog noticeable “calms down” and seems to be past their high-energy puppy stage and enter into the stereotypical stoic Doberman stage.

The interesting thing here with this data is that Dobermans are thought as a whole, to reach that mental maturity by the age of two. According to this information:

• 61.8% of American Dobermans reach mental maturity by 2 years of age.
• 58.3% of European Dobermans reach mental maturity by 2 years of age.

Therefore you can conclude that American Doberman Pinschers tend to hit mental maturity earlier than European Dobermans. Although to be fair, the difference between them is quite small. It’s also interesting to see that a much larger percentage of European Dobermans didn’t hit that maturity level until after 5 years of age as compared to Americans.

Energy Levels

How energetic each type of Doberman is on an average day was also scored by owners on a scale of 1 to 10. A score of one was “very lazy (doesn’t need must exercise)” and a score of 10 was “tons of energy all day long (needs lots of exercise).”

American

European

How much energy a dog has is one of the top things for new owners to take into account when deciding if a breed is right for them. This can be very telling of how much time and dedication will be needed from you to keep your Doberman happy. A European Doberman will need significantly more exercise throughout the day than an American Doberman will.

The European Doberman scored a 7.7, significantly higher than the American Doberman as 6.2, indicating that they will need much more attention in terms of activities and exercise from their owners on a daily basis.

Acceptance of Strangers

How accepting each variety of Doberman was towards strangers who were brought into their homes was also rated in this survey. This was also a scale of 1 to 10, with one being “very accepting” and ten being “very suspicious”.

American

European

This section was a dead tie between both the American and European Doberman with both dogs having a slight bias towards suspicion of strangers at a score of 5.7, which of course rings true to the Doberman breed as a whole. While the European Doberman is often more confident than the American Doberman, both dogs are protective of their homes and often suspicious of strangers.

Of course, this behavior will vary greatly from dog to dog based heavily on factors such as how much socialization they receive during the “critical socialization window” of their development for example.

Behavior in New Surroundings

Owners of both American and European Dobermans also rated each of their dogs on how they behave in new or unusual surroundings. There were three options to describe how their dog behaves, see tables below.

It’s extremely interesting how well you can see the confidence of the European Doberman here as compared to the American Doberman. Traditionally the European has always been described as being more sure of themselves in new situations and this data certainly backs that up. American Dobermans are less likely to stray far from their owners in new surroundings than European Dobermans.

Only about 22% of European Dobermans will stick close to your side and never leave in a new situation whereas almost 46% of American Dobermans will. Remember that the most common reasons for sticking close to their owner’s side in a new situation specifically is fear, lack of confidence, or protectiveness.

In-Tune with Owner’s Emotions

How in-tune each dog seems with its owner’s emotions was also rated on a scale of 1 to 10. With a score of one being “not in-tune at all” and 10 being “very in-tune with my every emotion.”

American

European

Both varieties of dogs came in very close here, at 7.9 for the American Doberman and 7.4 for the European. Notice that both dogs are very in-tune with their owners which is a great feature of this breed, although the American is a bit more so. The American Doberman Pinscher tends to be more in tune with its owner’s emotions as compared to the European Doberman.

This makes things like bonding with and training your dog much easier. It also helps with the dog’s original purpose as a protection dog as they can easily “read” when their owners are uncomfortable in a certain situation and react accordingly.

Bonding with Family

Who a dog bonds with is also a critical piece of information to know for a new dog owner as it’ll give a glimpse into daily life with that dog. In this question, owners of these two varieties were asked about who the dog bonds most to, an individual, or the whole family.

This is another area where the differences between the American and European Dobermans are a bit difficult to see. You can see that Dobermans in general like to bond with one person overall. However, from this data, you could conclude that American Dobermans are more likely to bond to the whole family equally than European Dobermans are. Similarly, European Dobermans tend to bond tighter to one person more than American Dobermans.

Off-Leash Behavior

The behavior of European and American Dobermans while off-leash was also examined in this survey of experienced owners. Many Doberman owners love taking their dogs off-leash so knowing how each variety will act is incredibly important to those people.

American Doberman Pinschers are known to be more in-tune with their owners than European Dobermans which may explain some of these results. You can see from this data it appears that American Doberman Pinschers tend to be better off-leash dogs as compared to European Dobermans. They respond to commands more consistently and are more frequently trusted to be off-leash by their owners.

Although obviously other factors such as training and the dog’s individual genetics plays a major role here as well. It does make sense though that the head-strong European Doberman might be more likely to have some issues off-leash. I would suspect that these incidents have more to do with the stubbornness of the European variety than their abilities to be trained off-leash.

Summary of Behavior Differences

These dogs are similar in many ways as far as temperament—after all, they came from the same ancestors of Louis Dobermann’s creation. Both dogs are highly intelligent, easily trainable, loving, alert, protective, and loyal family companions. Both are very in-tune with their family (or “pack”) and both are happiest in an active household.

American Doberman Pinscher

When asked to pick a few phrases to describe their American Doberman, owners with experience raising both American and European Dobermans most often chose the words:

• Loving
• Protective
• Easy to train
• Good with kids
• Trustworthy while alone.

The American Doberman is considered to be an ideal family pet. They’re slightly calmer than their European counterparts with a bit less drive. Which can be great for a family since Dobermans, in general, have an extraordinarily high level of drive. Like the European, the American dog loves relaxing on the bed or couch, but the American variety is more comfortable sharing his personal space and more likely to cling to their owners.

The American responds very well to training that consists of positive reinforcement and soft corrections along the way. They thrive on reassurance from their owners and are more sensitive to human emotions. They’re cautious in unfamiliar surroundings and are generally a bit more “careful” with their behavior depending on the circumstances and their surroundings.

The American Doberman is protective of their family much like the European. If their family is threatened, however, they may be more cautious with their reaction as well. Their level of intervention will likely include barking and possibly physical intervention. On occasion, the dog may retreat. Overall, the American Doberman is great for a broader audience and less experienced dog owners.

European Dobermann

When asked to pick a few phrases to describe their European Doberman, owners with experience raising both types of Doberman most often chose the words:

• Loving
• Protective
• High-energy
• Confident
• Alert

The European variety can also be a great family pet, however, they excel as a working dog. This means that they’re ideally suited for police, military, search and rescue, and other similar types of work. The European Dobermann has a very high level of drive and determination. They also have higher exercise requirements to keep them happy throughout the day than their American counterparts. The European loves time spent on the couch or bed with its owners as well, but is more likely to be a bit of a “space hog”.

The European Dobermann generally needs clearer and firmer direction to be successful with their training. They can be considered a bit more “headstrong” than the American variety. They’re generally confident and not phased in chaotic environments and will behave the same regardless of their surroundings.

If their family is threatened, the European variety is more likely to have a reaction that involves physical intervention. They’re less likely to retreat than the American Doberman. Overall, the European Dobermann is a bit tougher to handle for the inexperienced dog owner but can certainly thrive with clear and concise training.

Health Differences

Information and studies regarding the health differences between the two breeds are few and far between. Both the American and European Doberman are prone to the same list of health issues including; Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV or Bloat), hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), chronic active hepatitis (CAH), von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), cervical vertebral instability (Wobbler Syndrome), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypothyroidism, and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Traditionally it has been thought that European Dobermanns are not as likely to be affected by genetic diseases as the American variety, however, this attitude is starting to change as health issues with the European dogs seems to have increased in recent years.

American Doberman Pinscher

The American Doberman Pinscher comes with the same laundry list of potential health issues as the European. However, in America, health testing of puppies (and potential breeding partners) is much more common and inexpensive.

There was one study on the matter however, that looked at a very common issue with both varieties of Doberman, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM or just “enlarged heart”). The study concluded that rates of DCM were much lower in American Dobermans than in Europeans (source).

European Dobermann

As mentioned earlier, the European Dobermann is susceptible to the same list of health issues as the American version. However, DCM is a growing issue in Europeans and the same study concluded that 58% of European Dobermanns will develop DCM in their lifetimes—a much higher rate than in American Doberman Pinschers (source).

Genetic health testing of dogs in Europe is far less common and much more expensive. Some will argue that this is because European Dobermans are less prone to genetic defects as compared to the American dogs and the breeding pool is larger, therefore health testing isn’t necessary. However, this issue is certainly not resolved and is vigorously debated on both sides.

Puppy Price Differences

Puppy prices from reputable breeders will vary dramatically based on bloodline, breeder reputation, genetic testing that’s been done, how many vaccines have been given, if ear cropping has been performed, and if the breeder considers the dog to be “pet quality” or “show quality”, with the latter being much more expensive.

For a more in-depth explanation, see the article I wrote all about Doberman puppy prices (for both European and American puppies).

American Doberman Pinscher

The average price for an American Doberman Pinscher is between $1500 and $2500 in the United States. The lower end of that range will be for a “pet quality” Doberman and the higher end for a “show quality” Doberman. All this means is that the show-quality dogs have been examined by an expert and determined to have desirable physical traits that will make them competitive in breed conformation shows.

European Dobermann

The average price for a European Dobermann, purchased in the United States, is between $2500 and $3500. Since European Dobermanns are less common in the U.S., they command higher prices.

However, a European Dobermann purchased in Europe will be significantly cheaper since they are more common. The price range for a Dobermann in most European countries is between $500 and $2000. Russia, Ukraine, and Poland have reputations for having inexpensive Dobermanns near the bottom of this price range.

Many owners will go out of their way to purchase Dobermanns directly from Europe since it’s believed that European breeders send their less desirable dogs to the U.S. for breeding there, while their best dogs stay in Europe to be bred. If you live in the United States and do buy a Doberman directly from Europe, you’ll likely pay around $250 to fly home with your new dog should you decide to pick him or her up in person, or $800 to have it shipped back.

Breeding Regulation Differences

Breeding a Doberman in Europe is certainly a much different experience than in America. In Europe, laws and regulations exist surrounding the breeding of Dobermans where in America, the free market has a bigger role in driving what the breeders produce.

American Doberman Pinscher

In America, there are no laws surrounding the breeding of Dobermans, and anyone is free to do so without regulation. This is more of a free market way of progressing the breed than in Europe, which certainly has its downsides.

There are no requirements or tests to pass to breed a dog in the United States. Even registering your dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is very easy to do. Your dog merely has to be the offspring of AKC registered parents and certification can be obtained online with a simple fee. No inspection of the dog is required.

American Doberman Pinschers are much more likely to be successful in breed conformation shows but less likely to be successful in working dog events such as Schutzhund/IPO.

European Dobermann

In Europe, you are legally not permitted to breed a Doberman unless that dog has passed ZTP testing which is a standardized series of temperament tests. The ZTP tests are designed to gauge the self-assurance, stability, nervous disposition, natural drives, and protective instincts of the dog.

Among many other tests, the dog is tested by being placed in chaotic environments and in a situation where physical protection of the owner is necessary. If the dog fails to perform in these tests, it will not get ZTP certification and you will be unable to breed the dog.

Also, Doberman puppies in Europe are considered to be more valuable if their parents have successfully competed in working dog events such as Schutzhund/IPO. These working dog events are focused on the dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection qualities.

European Dobermanns are unlikely to be successful in breed conformation shows but more likely to excel in working dog events (Schutzhund/IPO).

The American vs. European Doberman Controversy

The main reasoning for the differences in the two variants is the differences between breeding dogs in Europe versus in America. In fact, the different regulations and motivations behind breeding the Doberman in these two areas of the world have gone on for so long, that it has resulted in the two dogs possessing many different traits from one another—both in disposition and physical characteristics. Many argue that the Doberman breed should be split into two entirely different breeds.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding both of these Doberman variants and there are certainly passionate people on both sides claiming that their Doberman type is “the best”. I will present the common arguments of both sides below.

American Doberman Pinscher

The predominant kennel club in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) judges dogs primarily on looks, or “conformation”. So dogs that have won titles at AKC shows have primarily displayed exceptional physical characteristics in the show ring (as opposed to ideal temperamental traits).

Since puppies that are the offspring of “AKC Title Holders” are highly desirable and fetch higher prices, the Doberman Pinscher is bred largely based on looks in the United States. This means that the disposition of American Dobermans may not be consistent. However, many argue that this has created a much more elegant-looking dog. While most reputable breeders do consider the dog’s disposition before breeding, some do not and there are no regulations requiring breeders to.

Another factor that can help an American Doberman breeder fetch higher prices is producing a dog that is “family-friendly” and easy to handle for the novice dog handler. Proponents of the European Doberman argue that generations of breeding strictly for show or for a family pet have made the American Doberman much more timid, sensitive, fragile, and less driven than the breed was originally meant to be. They claim the American Doberman Pinscher needs constant reassurance and is not confident without their owners by their sides.

European Dobermann

The disposition of European Dobermans tends to be much more standardized than the American Dobermans, primarily due to the fact that every dog needs to pass ZTP temperamental testing prior to being approved for mating. To be successful with ZTP temperamental testing, the dog needs to maintain a certain level of confidence in many different situations and must also physically intervene to protect its owner during the testing.

Because of this, many American Doberman proponents will argue that generations of breeding merely to pass these tests have created head-strong alpha dogs that are not easy to handle for anyone except professional dog handlers—effectively making the dog out of reach for the average dog owner.

Proponents of the American Doberman also often argue that the European dog is a large, bulky, and clunky dog that is unrefined in appearance. They’ll also say the dog is independent to the point that it is not in tune with their master’s emotions like the American variety is.

“The European Convention forbids all ear cropping and most tail docking of dogs. That’s why you generally don’t see Dobermanns in Europe with either of these features.”

John Walter – DobermanPlanet.com

Choosing the Right Doberman — Which is better?

The right Doberman is the one that you believe will mesh the best with the environment you intend to bring it into. A dog whose temperament is a good fit for you should be your top priority. Since, like people, every dog is different and possesses its own temperamental characteristics, regardless of their genetics, each potential puppy that you’re considering should be evaluated to determine if they’ll be a good fit for you and your family.

Although I strongly believe the individual dog you pick is far more important than whether you pick a European or American Doberman, below is a good starting point to help you zero in on the right dog for you.

A European Dobermann might be best if you…

• Have an active family and want a dog to join a lot of family outings.
• Are an experienced dog owner.
• Want the best guard dog possible.
• Like a larger, more powerful looking Doberman with visible muscle mass.
• Want to compete in working dog events, protection events, join search and rescue organizations, etc.

An American Doberman Pinscher might be best if you…

• Have a tight family environment and want a dog that sticks close by your side.
• Are an inexperienced dog owner.
• Value a dog that can read human emotion well.
• Love the beauty of a refined and noble looking Doberman.
• Want to compete in breed conformation shows.

Once you decide which Doberman variant is most likely to fit your lifestyle, take the time to find a reputable breeder and then pick the specific dog from that litter that will be the best fit for your family.

For help on how to properly test a Doberman puppy’s temperament so that you can pick the one who’s the best fit for you, see my article How to Choose the Best Doberman Puppy from a Litter. This article also has a free printable puppy test worksheet that you can bring with you to help guide you through performing temperament testing on each puppy. Taking the time to pick the right puppy from a litter, instead of blindly purchasing any puppy, is critical to long-term success with your new dog.

If you are still torn about which Doberman you should be getting, let me set you at ease, I really don’t think you can go wrong. Both dogs are incredibly intelligent, loving, bond strongly to the family, and are easy to train. Both are wonderful with kids if socialized with them from a young age, and both are likely to make a great addition to your family. No matter what you choose, I’ll be here to help you through the process!

Now it’s time to choose whether you want a male or female Doberman. You may be surprised at how different they can be. To see exactly how they are different, see my article Male vs. Female Doberman: Which is Better?

Related Questions

Are European Dobermans more aggressive? European Dobermans are considered to have a better temperament for guard and protection work. While they don’t typically show aggression to their owners, they do display more drive and determination than the American Doberman Pinscher in protection dog competitions.

What is a king Doberman pinscher? The king Doberman pinscher doesn’t exist. Typically, puppies advertised for sale as “king Dobermans” are actually a cross between a Doberman and another breed, such as a Great Dane or Rottweiler.

What is the difference between a Doberman and a Doberman Pinscher? There is no difference between a “Doberman” and a “Doberman Pinscher”. These two terms refer to the same breed of dog.

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