By Macy Gen Veterinary AssistantMacy Gen Last updated: 18th October 2022

Doberman Shepherd

By

Macy Gen Veterinary Assistant Macy Gen
Last updated: 18th October 2022

The Doberman Shepherd is a giant-sized, breed developed by crossing the German Shepherd and the Doberman Pinscher. These well-muscled, robust and compact dogs have an attractive appearance similar to their parents. They may have large, erect ears like the German Shepherd or even droopy ones. Owing to their versatile nature, they excel in a series of activities including racing, herding, sighting and military services.

Doberman Shepherd Pictures

Quick Information

Other NamesGerman Shepherd Doberman Mix
Coat Short-haired, Silky
ColorTan, brown, black
Breed TypeCrossbreed
Group (of Breed)Designer; Working
Lifespan10 to 13 years
SizeBig
Weight90 to 110 pounds
Height22 to 26 inches
Behavioral CharacteristicsIntelligent, Bold, Energetic, Confident
HypoallergenicNo
Good with ChildrenNot suitable for small children
BarkingOccasional
SheddingLow to Moderate
Competitive Registration/ Qualification Information DRA
Originated inU.S.A

Doberman Shepherd Puppies Video


History

Like all other designer breeds, this one too had evolved during the 1990s. Though not much is known about the history of its origination, breeders may probably have wanted to develop a kind of dog that would possess the intelligence, guarding instincts and hardy nature of both its parents, at the same time being attractive to look at.

Temperament and Personality

Inheriting the loyalty, intelligence and watchful nature of both its parents they can make for an excellent guard dog, going to any extent to safeguard the security of its masters.

Their strong-willed and dominant nature may sometimes cause them to be stubborn, which is one of the reasons why they are not recommended for younger children until socialized.

Despite their inherent obstinate disposition, many owners have found these dogs to be loving, affectionate and well-mannered, that may be polished with proper training.

Like most dogs, this one too loves to be in the company of people always, suffering from separation anxiety when left alone.

Similar to their Doberman Pinscher parent, this breed may not cope well with the cold weather, needing to be kept indoors during these times.

Care

Exercise

These athletic dogs need proper physical activities so that they do not get destructive sitting idle. Taking it out on regular walks and giving it sufficient playtime in a big yard would help it to be physically and mentally fit.

Grooming

Being low shedders, they do not need much grooming. However, it is required to brush their coat three to four times a week. Bathe your pet whenever it gets dirty. Other measures like brushing its teeth, trimming the nails and wiping its eyes as well as ears are essential to ensure proper hygiene.

Health Problems

Though the Doberman Shepherd does not suffer from any known genetic problems, it may acquire the health concerns of its parents like bone dysplasia, heart disease, eye ailments or allergies.

Training

Obedience: Make sure you give rewards in the form of treats at short intervals while teaching it certain commands like “stay”, “off” or “sit” so that it begins to enjoy the training process rather than resenting your instructions. You should lay particular emphasis on the command “stop” so that he ceases to bark or restores normal behavior once a threat is diminished.

Socialization: To channelize their guard dog instinct in a positive way, it is needed to make them interact more with people and animals, so that they gradually learn to differentiate threats and negative experiences from regular occurrences and do not get aggressive at everything.

Separation anxiety: It may be increasingly stubborn if it has the Doberman-like separation anxiety inherent in it. One of the ways you can counter it is by keeping your pet alone for some time during the day with the span increasing eventually. For this, you would need a safe area in your home that will comprise of its bedding, toys or other belongings. This will help it to gain self-confidence.

Feeding

You can give it dry dog food in a measurement of four to five cups on a daily basis. However, ensure not to overfeed it as it has a tendency of becoming obese.

17 responses to “Doberman Shepherd”

  1. Patricia Czovek says:

    I have a 3 yr old female Doberman Shepherd that I adopted from my son. She has had very little training, but is very playful, lovable, energetic, can be very scary looking to others, but she barks a little too much when she sees what or whom she sees as a threat. is it too late to train her, and teach her better behavior for when guests are here? and to not pull the leash when taking her for a walk? your advice is appreciated, thank you.-Patricia

  2. Joe Scott says:

    My pup is a 2.5 years old female, loves girls, tolerant of guys (despite me being a guy), very watchful, super trainable, great personality, loving, velcro-ish, super chill, about a 14 hour bladder, prefers to eat with me (will wait all day with a full food dish), is just now getting over some environmental allergies with shot regimen, walks off-leash (must be careful around squirrels). Just an amazing dog. Just had an episode with a loose pitbull who tried to charge a friend at the park. Kensy went from being a lazy dog hanging around my feet to a ferocious whirlwind of teeth, snarling, barking and air chomping, putting herself between the pit and us, herding the dog back away from our group, but never actually attacking the dog. As oon. as I called her off, she immediately stopped her actions and came back, grumbling to herself and distinctly proud of herself. Lol. Great girl. Would love breeding this dog…need to find a female doby and male shepherd to get this amazing breed available to all my friends who now want one. 🙂

  3. Jonathan Barber says:

    Where can I buy a Shepherd Doberman mix puppy?

  4. Ania says:

    I have a three year old female and am looking for a male for one breeding only I live in wisconsin

  5. Tanya says:

    My boyfriend and i had a stray dog follow us home(actually we were concerned about him being hit by a car so we coaxed him to follow us).We have been trying for about a week to locate his owners but i believe someone abandoned him. I would live to keep and got curious about his breed. I believe he is a doberman shepherd…very well mannered and lovable. Thanks for the information posted here, it definitely helped me.

  6. Kevin says:

    We have a mix pup and he is a total couch potato or playful pup. Totally docile, loving and curious. Training is fairly easy but he is strong willed and loves to go after the shoes.

    This mix is awesome and smart. I believe a Doberman Shepherd id one of tje better choices for people willing to work with and love their dog actively. There is no passive with ours and there is no alone either.

  7. Chuck MacDonald says:

    I have had Max, my Shepherd/Dobie mix for 12 years. He is by far, the best dog I have ever had. As a puppy, he was so easy to train! He is off leash trained and just wants toake me happy, and he does! I pay him back with lots of love and hiking!

    • C says:

      So random! I’m here bc I was researching my childhood dog (I’m in my 30’s). He was a Doberman Shepard, very intelligent, sweet and loving to the family but otherwise protective (my parents didn’t socialize him, given the right upbringing I don’t think he would’ve been aggressive).
      Anyway, my first pet. Why am I commenting? His name was also Max!!! His full name was “Maximus Supa” lol
      Just very random and I thought I’d share ????

  8. Natalie says:

    This is what my girl is. She’s so majestic and beautiful, with huge erect ears bigger than her head. She’s very wild & headstrong and a lot of training, though. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

    • Jordyn says:

      I just adopted a baby who we think is a Doberman Shepherd, after seeing this video, I’m pretty positive that’s what he is. However, he’s 6 months old and only 33 pounds. He was hit by a car and has had a difficult time gaining weight. He has a giant appetite but can’t seem to keep anything inside (lots of pooping) but He’s getting much much better. Anyone know how big this breed typically gets? Without any weight gain the first few weeks I’d had him, I have no clue how big he may get.

  9. Mack Keefer says:

    I’m looking for a puppy of this breed near west Virginia I had one before I miss him

  10. Stephanie says:

    Can someone tell me where I can buy one? Anyone in the New England area

    • Terra says:

      If your idea of researching a good breeder is making a random post on a general dog breed website, then you are far from capable of the time, dedication, and energy that owning a mix of two high energy, high intelligence, high drive breeds entails.

      • George says:

        If your idea of making a helpful response that may have a useful effect on the person you’re addressing is to insult them, then you are far from having the ability to make a meaningful contribution in a way that could hep either a potential dog owner, or dogs.

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