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The Doberman Pinscher

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Breed Traits and Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Doberman Pinschers. 

 

  • Height

    26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)

  • Weight

    70-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)

  • Life Expectancy

    10-12 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Smooth/Short

  •  100 Affectionate with Family
  • 100 Good with Young Children
  • 60 Good with Other Dogs
  • 100 Trainability Level
  • 100 Energy Level
  • 60 Barking Level
  • 80 Shedding Level
  • 40 Drooling Level

History

The Doberman was bred by Louis Dobermann, a tax collector in the town of Apolda, Germany, around 1890 for a specific purpose – protection from hostilities at collection time. While their exact lineage is largely a mystery, it is believed that Dobermann crossed Rottweilers, German Pinschers, Black and Tan Terriers, and several other breeds to create a dog suitable for his needs.

The Doberman’s intelligence and athleticism led to international recognition as a working dog. The United States Marine Corps selected the Doberman Pinscher as its official service dog, and the breed garnered fame during World War II for their contributions to the war effort. Today’s Dobermans are celebrated show dogs, excel as therapy or service dogs for the disabled, and continue to retain popularity as guard dogs and trustworthy pets.

Doberman Pinscher Personality & Temperament

Train Your Doberman

The Doberman Pinscher possesses an ease of movement and regal appearance befitting their royal status in the canine kingdom. Originally bred as guard dogs, Dobermans are strong and athletic, with boundless energy and keen intelligence that makes them highly trainable. Equally loving and loyal, these compactly-built dogs are very popular pets – provided their owners can cope with their energy level.

Doberman Pinschers have sweet, appealing personalities and stable temperaments. They are extremely loving, loyal, and trustworthy, and even play well with other dogs – provided they can run the show! Dobermans are generally stable and trouble-free. Instances of timidity or aggression can be easily rectified if addressed early in their development, as their high intelligence means they respond well to training.

If you are thinking of purchasing a Doberman, it is important to source from a responsible breeder who is breeding for not only looks, but health and temperament as well. Rescues are also great options for prospective Doberman owners. Contact your local Bark Busters trainer today to learn about great breeders and rescue organizations near you!

Doberman Pinscher Physical Characteristics

Dobermans are a strong, whip-smart breed, with medium-size square bodies. Their appearance projects elegance and nobility, as well as a sense of endurance and speed befitting their energetic nature. They make excellent watch dogs, as they are constantly alert and observing their surroundings.

Class & Color

Class

  • Working Group

Color

  • Blue & Rust
  • Black & Rust
  • Black Brindle & White
  • Fawn & Rust
  • Red & Rust

Size & Life Expectancy

Size

  • Medium to Large
  • Height: 26-28 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
  • Weight: 75-100 pounds (male), 60-90 pounds (female)

Life expectancy

  • Doberman Pinschers typically live between 10 and 13 years.

Other Traits

  • Sleek, graceful physique
  • Angulated head with long muzzle, tapered at nose
  • Flopped ears and long tail (though some owners crop both)
  • Smooth, semi-coarse topcoat and a soft, fine undercoat

Bark Busters Trainer Jeff Drier on the Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are renowned for their natural leadership qualities and protective natures – noble traits that can create dangerous situations if they misinterpret human behavior, make errors in judgment, or start to determine who is and isn’t welcome at home on their own.

Case Study

Take King, whose human family included two teenage siblings. Like most brothers and sisters, they would squabble and sometimes roughhouse with each other. King’s protective instincts would kick in, leading him to misinterpret their wrestling as something more serious. King would growl and bark at them, and one day even bit the son when he was wrestling with his sister. He fortunately escaped without serious injury, but it was clear to the family that King needed help.

Our trainer reviewed King’s behavior and developed a plan to teach King that it was the parents’ job, not his, to police the kids. Being a typical Doberman, he was very smart and took to the re-education very quickly. The family soon reported that King had vacated his duties as policeman and was no longer reacting to the teens’ dustups, instead letting the parents handle any disputes at home.

Like any breed, Dobermans can make poor decisions and mistakes in judgment. Your local Bark Busters trainer can quickly help establish new patterns of behavior – often in just a single session.

Tips for Potential Doberman Pinscher Owners

Doberman Pinschers are susceptible to certain health risks. Responsible breeders will screen breeding stock for medical conditions inherent to the breed.

Dobermans are extremely active and require space for play and exercise, making them poor choices for apartment-dwellers.

Early socialization and basic obedience training are important to establishing patterns of good behavior with your Doberman.

The Doberman is an energetic athlete who needs a lot of exercise and free play. Taking your dog for long walks and hikes is great for their wellbeing.

We are always available to help you develop a consistent, compassionate approach to good behavior for your Doberman Pinscher. Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our trainers today!

Connect with Us!

Need help training your Doberman Pinscher? Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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Doberman Pinscher Health & Grooming

Health

The breed is usually healthy, but can be susceptible to bloat (a digestive condition), heart ailments like hip dysplasia and enlarged hearts, and a spinal condition called wobbler syndrome. Potential owners should purchase from responsible breeders, who typically genetically test their breeding stock for these issues.

Grooming

Dobermans are brush-and-go-type dogs that require little care for their short coats. A few minutes brushing and one wash per week should be enough to remove the soft, fine undercoat hairs that can shed or contribute an unpleasant smell if left alone. The American Kennel Club recommends monthly nail trimming, regular teeth brushing, and wiping out their ears with a small amount of baby oil on a paper towel every few days.

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Hear from Bark Busters Clients Who Have a Doberman Pinscher

Had a Doberman that was misbehaving. Marcus did a wonderful job working on his issues. Now we can go for walks. The barking and charging has stopped. Now its our turn to work.
Kay S.
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Scott has been helping us with a reactive Doberman who also has very high anxiety. After seeing her get worse we did private and group training classes but those used shock collars and we didn’t know then that we were making things so much worse and more traumatic for her. We then tried one of the top rated animal behaviorists; but they were the polar opposite. The more we paid the less they did. I felt hopeless and knew we would lose her if we had anymore biting incidents with her. I found Bark Busters and was immediately drawn to the fact that they do not use shock collars, clickers, treats or any things else you have been taught to keep your pup in line. The lady on the phone was fantastic and answered all my questions and told me about Scott. I honestly was surprised he was not working with famous people at how good he looked on paper. Scott came to our home and was so calm and patient. He listened and empathized; but then he got to work. The exercises we did during our FIRST session were already making a complete difference. He helped us with exercises and guided us as needed and left us with tips, tricks and tools to use until his next visit. He also made himself readily available if we were in crisis or needed help of any kind. I have had too many nights crying thinking I am going to have to put my Doberman baby down and now I feel such excitement and a newfound sense of confidence. Scott is honest and straightforward and will not tell you what you want to hear. He understands our crisis and how close we were to giving up. Scott is an all around professional and while he is our last ditch effort to save our dog, I full confidence that he will help us keep her happy, healthy and safe for a long time to come. Thanks Scott and thanks Bark Busters.
Kadie Rose O.
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I would like to start out by saying i have had 9 dobermans in my lifetime, most lived to be between 12 and 3 actually to 15 years. I thought i had seen it all. Never needed a trainer. Well our newest puppy challenged us. Our pup extreme high energy, very excitable, and out of control with puppy biting and jumping like a kangaroo. I had to resource to a trainer. No success the first 2 trainers and their methods, so we tried barkbusters. Chris, came to our home, and had immediate success on one command with our puppy, at the time 5 months old. I have to compliment the training methods suggested by Chris and barkbusters because they were successful, and totally humane. But the key as to anything is consistency. I am not going to say we are over the hump just yet since we are approaching 9 months and getting challenged daily with his new teenage doggy interests and challenges, but the overall experience was well worth it, Chris was great, and the best thing??? He is just a text, call or email away forever, and very quick to respond to our ongoing needs if necessary. highly recommend!!
Vonnie D.
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I have two dobermans ages 3 1/2. I needed to learn how to be the leader of this pack. The skills Sharon taught me were/are very effective with my boys. In addition, we worked on their backyard behavior. In the first session she had my boys greeting the neighbors dog with out aggression. Sharon knows dogs and is very patient when teaching her clients. This was well worth the investment. I am so happy I made the appointment. I would definitely recommend her services. Thank you Sharon.
Jeanine C.
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We hired Justin for our 1 year old Frenchie, Medusa. She used to be a total nightmare. Food aggressive toward our other Frenchie, snapping whenever we tried to wipe anything in front of her, couldn't fix blankets without her attacking them, constant jumping/hyperactivity and she would NEVER sit in her car seat for a ride, constantly had to be held. After working with Justin, everything changed.

Justin never used a shock collar or boarded her. He came to our home and used his corrective action and tool kit to keep her in the green zone at all times. Within a few sessions she stopped guarding her food, allowed us to clean without any aggression, and for the first time she slept through an entire car ride.

The results have been dramatic and lasting. Justin also taught US clear, humane cues so we can keep the progress going on our own. If you want a trainer who respects your dog, works in your environment, and delivers real, lasting change, Justin is the one to call. He is also a super amazing human who has great energy and responds to every text/questions even after the sessions. He will definitely be getting a Christmas gift! He has changed our lives and hers!!
Andrea A.
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We have two dogs whom we rescued and, despite weighing only 30 lbs. each, they were running the place. They only responded to commands when there was something in it for them.
We just had our initial 3 hour session with Michael, and already they are calmer, less timid in new situations, and respond almost immediately when they are corrected - by using our voices and/or clapping almost exclusively.
We have tried obedience classes and training methods before with other dogs - and none of them have made this much difference in so little time!
Anne B.
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Michael was amazing as he was very kind and patient.His knowledge of a dogs brain and how it works made our first session a success.I am impressed how much Duke learned in a short period of time.Now instead of feeling anxious about taking him out I feel more confident.Looking forward to our next sessions.Thank you Mike!!
Lori A.
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Highly recommend! Barbara has been amazing with my dog. After the first visit alone, I saw such a big difference in his manners. Not only has it been great for my dog, but for me as the owner. Barbara has helped me gain such a boost in confidence in training him also.
Ally G.
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We would highly recommend Sharon and Bark Busters. We were having trouble with our pup especially with personal space, general obedience, no recall, fear of people, and barking at everything. We have had many dogs before but this one is a handful. When Sharon came, it was remarkable how quickly our dog responded. She showed us simple, effective exercises and clearly explained what we needed to do to get our dog where we wanted her to be. It was also great to have a training method that is friendly and not treat-driven. Looking back, it’s surprising how far off we were in using the right approach, but with Sharon’s guidance, we’ve seen a dramatic improvement in our dog.
Alex P.
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Bark Busters training absolutely transformed the dynamic with our two beloved pit bull rescues!!
As dog-owners for 18 years, it was extremely disheartening to be experiencing such a difficult time with these two otherwise sweet and affectionate dogs. Both were very reactive to other dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, etc. and walks had become a dreaded task. One was extremely fearful and reactive to loud noises. After numerous incidents of being dragged or knocked over during walks, we decided to look into some training. Within one session, James taught us how to communicate effectively with them and gave us skills to practice to achieve calm, relaxing walks with our pups. It is well worth the time and the expense to give it a try. We wish we had done it sooner instead of spending a fortune on dozens of leashes, "no-pull" harnesses, prong collars, even pet store training classes that never, never fixed the problem. The method James teaches WORKS!! It is not an exaggeration to say it was life-changing for our family!!
And in the span of just a few weeks, I have never seen our two dogs, Honey & Cookie, more confident and content.
Maria M.
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Our super reactive lab has been through 4 different trainers and he has gotten a little better each time but has been VERY challenging with guests at our home and walks in our neighborhood - until we met James with Bark Busters! Having James come to our house and train in our neighborhood has been a game changer. We had SIGNIFICANT progress after just one visit - more than several lessons with all our other trainers.

James is great at explaining how to read Carl, he gives us different tools to use for Carl's different issues and always follows up with a thorough summary of what we went over in lessons and what to continue to work on.

It is incredible the change we have seen in our boy Carl and we are so grateful to James! And he is a super nice guy to boot!
Jennifer S.
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We had a fantastic experience working with James and can't recommend him highly enough.
Our dog Yaki used to be a serious puller on walks and would get overly excited whenever he saw other dogs.
It got to the point where we'd actively avoid other dogs altogether--which isn't exactly practical in a townhome community full of them.

James didn't just "train the dog"-he trained us. He helped us understand how to recognize when Yaki was entering that "yellow zone" before things escalated to red, and gave us the tools to redirect him early. His approach focused on energy, body language, and even using our own "bark" to communicate clearly and confidently.

The biggest shift was helping Yaki understand that he doesn't need to protect us--we've got that covered.
That change alone made a world of difference.

Now, walks are actually enjoyable. We can move through our neighborhood calmly and confidently without the constant stress we used to feel.

If you're dealing with similar challenges, James is absolutely worth it.
Carl C.
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Lynn Woodard was above and beyond our wildest expectations. She only had 2 weeks to work with our daughter’s dog, Daisy. She was so professional, kind and supportive, and after only 3 sessions we all saw a huge change in both Daisy’s behavior and the way in which our daughter now felt comfortable and in control.
Thank you Lynn for all your help. You are an asset to your company, a real gem.
Muffy D.
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Lynn is a class act! She is truly amazing. So kind and professional and knowledgeable. We are so impressed! Thank you Lynn!! Love the approach and the simplicity. She is a real gem!
Megan D.
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First I want to start by saying it all started with the first initial phone call…. Hanna was wonderful and put me at complete ease with my difficult pet situation. We then met and again still just as wonderful in person as on the phone she’s great with my pets and helps to train us as well!
Lauren R.
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Wow.... Hannah from Bark Busters is pure magic at teaching us about dog psychology and how to manage dog behavior. Our 1 year old golden retriever was really a wild teenager 2 days ago. Today he is well mannered and making the right choices. Hard to believe but totally true! I highly recommend Hannah at Bark busters Phoenix/Scottsdale..
Elisabeth P.
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Hannah has worked with us to train our puppy and our senior dog (and us) ever since we brought our puppy home. Her positive approach to training works like a charm — it is truly amazing to watch her in action. She is encouraging and patient with each new challenge we have faced as our puppy develops, arming us with the tools we need to succeed. Thanks to Hannah, we are a happy “pack” with years of enjoyment ahead of us. I recommend her wholeheartedly!
Dara D.
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Bark Busters has been absolutely incredible so far! Our dog Aurelius, a high-energy and highly intelligent Jack Russell, has already made huge strides thanks to their thoughtful and strategic approach to training.

As any Jack Russell owner knows, they’re clever, spirited, and will definitely test boundaries if you let them! From the start, Hanna has shown a deep understanding of Aurelius’ needs. She’s not only brilliant during our 1:1 sessions, but she’s also developed a personalized training plan that gives us tools to use in everyday life. The consistency between sessions and homework has made all the difference.

What stands out most is the clarity and structure of Bark Busters' program. Hanna’s expertise has helped us build the right kind of boundaries—ones that support Aurelius’ confidence and reinforce our role as calm, assertive leaders.

We’re so excited about the progress we’ve already made, and we know we have more to go—but it’s reassuring to know we have such an amazing trainer guiding us. If you're on the fence, this is hands-down the best investment you can make in your dog’s behavior and your peace of mind!
Ralph M.
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Hannah is incredible! My GSD, Elvira caught on the very first day. I was afraid she was going to be untrainable!!! I look forward to more training seasons. At this rate Elvira will be making our family dinners! 10/10 recommend.
Melissa D.
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I was apprehensive of all dog training honestly!! Hanna and Bark Busters approach is completely different than all other trainers and facilities I’ve interviewed. I feel more empowered and the dogs are happier, and our bond has increased. It sounds odd to say but I feel the dog love flowing between us and them even more, because boundaries are clear so we can enjoy the time together without stress! It’s life changing magic it really is.
My husband has had dogs all his life but these two special personalities needed extra attention from a pro to manage some reactivity and just over the top goofy behavior. Well worth every penny spent!!!
Nicole W.
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Hannah has been an amazing with our rescued golden doodle. He had severe reactivity with other dogs and she gave us the tools to improve his behavior significantly. After a few trips to the dog park walking around the outside just observing and desensitizing him he was able to sniff a few dogs through the fence without getting aggressive. We still have lots of work to do but I would highly recommend Bark Busters and Hannah. She’s fabulous and very patient!
Kristi H.
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Just started working with Hanna and so far super impressed with the work that she has done. We have a very smart 10 month old puppy who is too smart for his own good. Hanna spent over two hours working with us and getting us into a good routine. Reinforcing what we were doing right and teaching us (and our up) where we needed to make adjustments. Great job so far!!
Ted M.
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Hanna is amazing! Our dogs are 8 and 11 and we are correcting some behavioral issues along with leash training. We didn’t think it would be possible to train them at this age! Highly recommend Bark Busters!
Jen F.
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We addressed all of her concerns and troubles. We highly recommend to anyone! She now doesnt pull on leash and is understadning her place.
Miranda
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Scot, thank you very much for our training session. We feel that it was successful. Our dogs bark much less on walks. They sleep separately all night. Seem much more obedient. We definitely will recommend your service to others. Sincerely Janna and Boris, Lucy and Dusya. 🦮
Jessica
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I felt very comfortible with our session. Orlando was wonderful. I am happy we got Bellas collar on and happy to see them not jumping on people when they coem to the door.
Tiera&Robert
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Orlando was punctual & polite. Orlando taught the training in a digestible & easy to understand manner.
Hannah&Dylan
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Was a learning lesson for all of us. Interesting getting to know dog behavior was amazing!
Paola&Daniel
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Struggling With Your Doberman’s Behavior? Submit Our Form to Find the Training Support You Need!

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