Dobermann at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 65–69 cm
- Weight
- 30–40 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Shedding, Garden.
Is the Dobermann right for you?
Like every breed, the Dobermann is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Dobermann fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Dobermann
The Dobermann is a large, squarely built dog with a clean outline, a wedge-shaped head, a keen expression and a short, smooth coat. Powerful yet elegant, it is loyal, intelligent and energetic, and loves to be involved in everything its owners do.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The largest of the Pinschers, the breed is named after Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in Apolda, Germany, who wanted a fierce-looking dog to protect him at work. Pinscher blood formed the foundation, and other breeds such as the Rottweiler, Greyhound, Weimaraner, Manchester Terrier and German Shepherd are thought to have been added for intelligence, speed and toughness. The German Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1899.
The Dobermann's intelligence and trainability have been used by the armed forces and police, in guarding, tracking and other roles. With an experienced owner, its loyal and obedient nature also makes it a good family dog.
Dobermann temperament
Dobermanns are typically loyal, affectionate and intelligent, and with the right training they can be calm and well-tempered. They form strong bonds with their family, and many attach most closely to one person.
They have a natural guarding instinct and can be protective and suspicious of strangers, both human and canine, so early and ongoing socialisation is essential. They are not known for barking excessively, but may be more vocal when someone new visits. Because they become so attached to their owners, they should never be left alone for more than four hours, and some cannot cope even with that.
Size and appearance
Dobermanns are large dogs. Adults typically stand around 65–69 cm at the shoulder, with males taller than females, and weigh around 30–40 kg.
The coat is short and smooth. Breed standard colours are black, brown, blue or fawn (Isabella), each with rust red (tan) markings.
How much exercise does a Dobermann need?
Dobermanns need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day, ideally spread across the day rather than in one go. Include a couple of walks with time to run off lead in a secure area, plus playtime, training and enrichment toys to occupy their minds. Without enough exercise they may chew things out of boredom.
They suit active households with plenty of space. A large house and garden, ideally with access to the countryside, suit them best. Despite their tough image, they are quite sensitive to the cold.
Training a Dobermann
Dobermanns are clever, eager to learn and extremely trainable, but they can be a little wilful and slow to mature. They need training to a high level to stay safe and controllable.
- Use kind, consistent, reward-based training with a firm but fair attitude.
- Socialise them early and widely with people, dogs and new experiences.
- Keep training going throughout their life to keep their minds active.
- Teach them to settle and relax as well as to work.
- First-time trainers should get help from an accredited trainer or classes.
Dobermann grooming
The short coat is very low maintenance and only needs brushing around once a week, or a rub with a rubber grooming mitt. Dobermanns do shed, more so in spring and autumn, when extra brushing helps. They usually only need a bath if they have rolled in something, and because of their size you may prefer a professional to do it.
Living with a Dobermann
Dobermanns can make devoted family dogs, but because of their size, strength and energy they are generally not recommended for families with young children. They often do not know their own strength and may knock people over by accident, so they are better in child-free homes or with older, sensible children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Dobermann health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like many purebred dogs, Dobermanns are at risk of some breed-related conditions. Ask breeders about health screening; a Kennel Club Assured Breeder must meet extra requirements.
Von Willebrand's disease
A bleeding disorder that stops blood clotting properly. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for vWD1 before breeding.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
A heart disease in which the heart muscle weakens and the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump properly.
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint does not fit together properly, eventually leading to arthritis. Hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme is recommended before breeding.
Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
An eye defect that develops before birth. The Royal Kennel Club recommends dogs are eye tested at least once before breeding.
Wobbler syndrome
Instability of the bones in the neck, which can make the back legs weak and the walk wobbly.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
The stomach twists. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland, which can cause problems with weight, skin and energy levels.
Other tests and conditions
Dobermanns can also develop certain cancers. The Royal Kennel Club also lists a DNA test for DINGS2 as best practice before breeding.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Dobermann home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Dobermann cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Dobermann home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Dobermann
If you have decided the Dobermann suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Dobermann
Dobermanns do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Dobermanns looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Dobermann adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Boxer
Lively, strong, loyal, playful, intelligent, friendly, protective and fearless.
View breed guide
Dobermann FAQs
Is the Dobermann good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Dobermann live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Dobermann need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
How much grooming does the Dobermann need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Dobermann easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Dobermann be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Dobermann bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Dobermann good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Dobermann live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Dobermann get?
Adults typically stand 65–69 cm at the shoulder and weigh 30–40 kg.