Dobermann | breed profile

Appearance and Personality

Dobermanns are large dogs, who can grow up to 72 cm in height and weigh up to 45 kgs. Females are typically a little smaller than males. They are typically black and tan but there are blue variants as well. Their life expectancy is around 9 to 12 years. In the past, their tails and ears were typically cropped however this is no longer legal in any part of Australia for welfare reasons, so we now get to enjoy the beautiful long tail of the Dobermann as it should be.

Dobermanns are famously loyal and intelligent. They are energetic and athletic, so daily exercise is vital to keep them happy and healthy, so they are better suited to an active household of experienced dog people. They do tend to be protective of their families and can be aloof with strangers so early socialisation and training with other dogs, people and animals is very important to ensure good manners later in life. As a large and active dog, they are better suited to larger properties rather than apartment living. Dobies have a short and glossy coat that is easy to maintain.

Common Health Concerns

In 2020, Dobermanns most commonly visited the vet for traumatic accidents, including wounds and tendon injuries, cancers and tumours, heart problems including heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), skin conditions such as allergies, and gastrointestinal conditions.

According to PetSure claims data, from 2020 the five most common reasons for a Dobermann to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) were:

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider

For the same period, the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for insured Dobermanns from PetSure claims data were:

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider

Most popular Dobermann names (PetSure data, 2020)

Most Popular names

1. Odin
2. Roxy
3. Arthur
4. Ava
5. Daisy
6. Franklin
7. Lenny
8. Lola
9. Luna
10. Onyx

Most popular female names 

1. Roxy
2. Ava
3. Daisy
4. Lola
5. Luna
6. Xena
7. Amber
8. Angel
9. Anna
10. Bailey

Most popular male names:

1. Odin
2. Arthur
3. Franklin
4. Lenny
5. Onyx
6. Rex
7. Rocky
8. Thor
9. Ace
10. Apollo

Did you know?

Dobermanns have had their fair share of cinematic appearances, including a 1976 film called “The Amazing Dobermans”, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”, “Chinese Zodiac” alongside Jackie Chan and recently in the 2020 film “The Invisible Man”.

References

1. The Kennel Club, Working Dobermann, Intelligent and courageous service dog, accessed on 23/03/2021, available at: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/working/dobermann/
2. Wikipedia, Dobermann, accessed 23/03/2021 available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobermann
3. Walter, J, Famous Dobermans in Movies and Television: The Complete List, Doberman Planet, accessed on 23/03/2021, available at: https://www.dobermanplanet.com/famous-dobermans-in-movies-and-television/