Doberman Pinschers are energetic, affectionate dogs who love being around their humans. They’re game to go anywhere and do anything so long as they’re with their owner, whether it’s a hike through the woods or lounging by the fireplace. They’re loyal to and protective of all their family members, and will frequently stand guard when placed in unfamiliar situations.

Most Dobermans are so bonded to their owners that they spend most of their time just following their owners around the house. This behavior has earned them the nickname “velcro dogs” due to how closely they stick to their owner’s side. 

Dobermans are also very eager to please their human family members, and are sensitive to the mood within the house. They are so adept at picking up on human emotions that Dobermans are one of a short list of dog breeds that have been trained as therapy dogs. 

Despite being known as guard dogs, they thrive when in the company of people, and require significant amounts of exercise and training. Their intelligence and energy level means they’ll crave mental and physical stimulation, so they may not do well if left alone for most of the day. 

As part of Louis Dobermann’s breeding program, he looked for dogs that could keep up with his work schedule and needs. This resulted in a highly-energetic breed that needs multiple hours a day of either work or play. 

A Doberman should get at least an hour and a half of exercise per day, alongside their training. It is best if some of that time is spent off-leash in a fenced yard so that the dog can run around as they please. Most Dobermans will still be up for even more walking and play even after that is done. 

It may be a good idea to invest in challenging dog toys and puzzles to give your Doberman the mental stimulation they require. Like most other working dogs, a tired Doberman is a well-behaved and happy Doberman. Their daily exercise regimen is a must for their overall health and well-being. 

The Doberman is a very easy dog to groom and care for, due to its short and sleek coat. They shed only lightly, and do not have the seasonal shedding of double-coated dog breeds.

Brushing your Doberman is still a vital part of their care, and should be done at least twice or thrice a week to keep the shedding to a minimum. Baths can be done every couple of months, or when your Doberman gets dirty from playing outdoors. 

Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo to maintain the natural oils produced by the skin. Due to their short coat of fur, Dobermans have little protection from the elements, so their skin needs to be as healthy as possible. 

As with most other dog breeds, daily tooth brushing is advisable to maintain tooth and gum health. Nail trimming may be done if your Doberman does not naturally wear down their nails.

As dogs bred for work, Dobermans are intelligent and pick up on training very quickly, so long as the training routine is consistent and reward-based. Their sensitivity makes them unsuited to harsh rebuke, and positive reinforcement is required to get the best results. 

The Doberman can fill almost any role their owner has in mind for them, so long as they are socialized and trained early on in life. They are equally adept at being trained for a role in the show ring or simply to follow commands at home. 

This breed does best when training is consistent, so even Dobermans kept as pets need clear rules to be enforced by all members of the household. Their high intelligence allows them to learn complex tasks and tricks, so don’t be afraid to challenge your Doberman’s abilities with advanced training. It may actually be even better to do so, as it gives them the mental stimulation they require to be happy and fulfilled. 

Dobermans have an average lifespan for dogs of their size, with a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Dobermans may be prone to:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy – also known as DCM, this inherited disease causes the heart muscle to weaken and may result in heart enlargement or arrhythmia
• Von Willebrand’s Disease – an inherited condition that affects the blood’s ability to form clots
• Hip dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint is malformed, causing pain and lameness in one or both of the rear legs
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as GDV or “bloat”, this is a life-threatening medical condition that happens when the stomach twists and traps gas

Despite their large size, Dobermans are built with lots of compact muscle, resulting in a sleek, powerful silhouette. They are both tall and heavy, standing 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder for male Dobermans, while females stand 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Male Dobermans weigh between 70 to 100 pounds, while females weigh between 60 to 90 pounds. 

Their size and energy levels mean that they take up a lot of space in the home. Their natural athleticism is best expressed outdoors, preferably in a secure fenced yard so they don’t go running off after the first squirrel or other small animal that they see. 

A Doberman should be kept indoors in their own space set aside for them. Despite their working dog heritage, they are not suited to living and sleeping outdoors. Their short coats do not protect them from the elements very well, and they tend to get cold very easily. They are also closely bonded to their humans and need to be part of family life and activities.