Dobermann
Elegant, athletic and highly trainable, the Dobermann is a devoted guardian for experienced owners. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the breed's most serious health concern.
Key facts
Lifespan
10–12 years
Height
63–72 cm
Weight
32–45 kg
Exercise
~120 mins/day
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Training
Easy to train
First-time owners
Experience helps
About the Dobermann
Created in 19th-century Germany as a personal protection dog, the Dobermann is intelligent, energetic and intensely bonded to its family — they follow their people from room to room. They need consistent training, real exercise and thorough socialisation. DCM affects a substantial proportion of the breed and can cause sudden death, so cardiac screening of breeding stock is essential.
Living with a Dobermann
Active households with secure space; feels the cold badly.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets— depends on the individual
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) — the breed's leading cause of death
- Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)
- Cervical spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome)
- Hip dysplasia
Ask the breeder for
- Annual echocardiogram and Holter monitoring for DCM in breeding stock
- DNA test for von Willebrand's disease (vWD type I)
- BVA/KC hip scores; eye testing
Dobermanns for sale
No Dobermann adverts are live right now. New adverts are posted daily — or set your sights a little wider.
All dogs for saleDobermann FAQs
How long do Dobermanns live?
A Dobermann typically lives 10–12 years.
How much exercise does a Dobermann need?
Around 120 minutes of daily exercise for a healthy adult, plus mental stimulation. Puppies need considerably less until their joints have matured.
Are Dobermanns good for first-time owners?
Dobermanns are better suited to owners with previous experience, because of their training, exercise or handling needs.
What health tests should a Dobermann breeder have done?
Annual echocardiogram and Holter monitoring for DCM in breeding stock. DNA test for von Willebrand's disease (vWD type I). BVA/KC hip scores; eye testing.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.