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Doberman Pinscher
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
60-100lbs, 24-28in
Coat Type:
Short, smooth, straight
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Affectionate, loyal, protective, intelligent
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
10-13 years
How Do You Adopt a Doberman?
The Doberman Pinscher, known commonly as the Doberman or the Dobermann, is a German dog breed with a long history of aiding humans as a working dog. First bred by German tax collector Louis Dobermann, this dog has a somewhat intimidating and ferocious appearance, but the breed is actually very affectionate and loyal. Today, the Doberman is commonly seen as a happy family companion, though they often work alongside their humans as guard dogs, watchdogs, and personal safety dogs.
If you want to adopt a Doberman, you have two choices – check local shelters and national Doberman-specific animal rescues or consult a breeder. In general, it can be harder to find purebred Dobermans in a shelter, as purebred dogs must come from a breeder; these dogs are typically purchased as puppies, and many breeders have contracts that state the dog must be returned to the breeder if the dog can no longer be kept with the owner. However, Doberman-specific animal rescues may be able to provide you with a puppy or adult Doberman that needs a forever home.
If you can’t find a Doberman from an adoption center, you will need to work with a breeder. It’s not particularly hard to find a Doberman breeder, as this dog is far from the rarest breed around, but you will need to do your research to ensure that your Doberman is coming from a reputable and ethical breeder.
Typically, breeders who truly care about the health and longevity of their Dobermans will ask you as many questions as you might ask them, show you around their facilities, and introduce you to the parent dogs. You will usually be asked to sign a contract and put down a deposit on your Doberman puppy, and there may be a wait of several months up to a year before you are able to bring your Doberman puppy home.
The cost of adopting a Doberman varies depending on your location and the genetics and age of the dog you are adopting, but you can expect to pay between $5000 to $1,000. Costs that are much lower or much higher than this average cost should be treated with caution and scrutiny.
Doberman Pinschers For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Doberman?
Caring for your adopted Doberman includes meeting your dog’s food, exercise, and mental stimulation needs, in addition to providing them with routine and a loving home. Dobermans are dogs that benefit from adequate socialization and training, as these dogs tend to be high-energy and hard to handle if they do not have the proper training. It’s very important that you make consistent training and obedience skills a key part of your Doberman’s care.
Additionally, your Doberman will need a few moderate to long walks each day, plus some dedicated playtime. These dogs love to be around their owners, and they will enjoy outdoor adventures at your side in addition to playtime in the backyard with their favorite toys
Dobermans are also fairly good around children, as long as the children are old enough to know how to interact safely with a dog, though they can be hit or miss with other dogs.
This general mistrust comes from their nature as guard dogs, and it can take lots of slow interactions to get your Doberman settled alongside other animals. Dobermans are not the best choice for being in homes with small animals like cats or prey animals.
Your Doberman will have minimal grooming needs, as their fur is short and smooth. You will need to brush your dog a few times a week to remove loose fur and keep them feeling their best, and you can bathe your dog as needed. Make sure that you give your Doberman a high-quality diet of fresh or dry dog food and ensure that they have enough physical and mental stimulation to prevent destructive and bored behaviors when they are at home alone.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Doberman As Your First Dog?
Dobermans are wonderful dogs, but this breed is not the best choice for individuals who are first-time dog owners. Dobermans can be hard to handle without receiving the proper training, socialization, and boundary-setting they need to keep in mind.
Also, first-time dog owners are usually not very experienced when it comes to starting a consistent training routine and ensuring that their dog knows the hierarchy of the home. This is a skill and a sense that comes with time over the course of dog ownership, and you don’t want to find out the hard way that your training methods are not working with your Doberman.
Additionally, Dobermans are historically guard dogs, they are very intelligent, and they require a significant amount of mental stimulation and exercise. Dog owners must be prepared to dedicate a good portion of their days to keeping their Doberman happy – which many first-time dog owners might be happy to do – but this can often feel overwhelming to those who have never had a dog before and are suddenly committing a large part of their day to caring for their dog.
That being said, first-time dog owners who are very knowledgeable about the Doberman’s care needs, have the right lifestyle, and have potentially worked with dogs before on a volunteer basis may be able to provide the Doberman with the home they need to stay happy and thrive. Always evaluate your comfort level when considering adding a dog to your family, especially a higher-maintenance dog breed like the Doberman, and only adopt a Doberman when you feel confident that you can provide for them properly and safely.
Adopt the Right Doberman for You
Dobermans are an amazing dog breed with plenty of loyalty to their owners, an alert nature, and high intelligence. These dogs love to spend time with their families, and they thrive in households where they have routine and structure; older children and a minimal number of other animals in the home make the perfect fit for this breed. Your Doberman will also need proper training and socialization, and they will benefit from plenty of adventures at your side.
If you are an experienced dog owner and you are prepared to properly care for the Doberman, you can start looking at dogs in local rescues or shelters or start the process of finding a reputable breeder. From there, you can take your time meeting dogs, speaking to breeders, and waiting for the moment when you find the perfect Doberman to bring home and give a long, full life.
