Everything about your Doberman Shepherd

  The Doberman Shepherd is a hybrid breed where the Doberman Pinscher is crossed with the German Shepherd. The hybrid will be a large dog, with an average weight of 90 to 110 pounds. Very intelligent and having a lot of energy, this dog will need a family that can give him a significant amount of daily activity. The Doberman Shepherd can be stubborn, making it important that his owner be clear that he, not the dog, is in charge.

Overview

  The Doberman Shepherd is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

Breed standards
Breed Type: Crossbreed
Group (of Breed): Designer; Working
Other Names: German Shepherd Doberman Mix
Average lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Average size: 90 to 110 pounds
Coat appearance: Short-haired, Silky
Coloration: Tan, brown, black
Hypoallergenic: No

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

  The Doberman Shepherd will inherit the loyalty, intelligence and observation skills of both of his parents, making him an excellent guard dog. He may be strong-willed and stubborn, though at the same time loving and affectionate. He is the kind of dog who prefers to be with his family and will suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Early socialization and training will be helpful for the Doberman Shepherd so that he will not try to dominate members of his family. The Doberman Shepherd tends to do poorly in cold weather and should be kept indoors in when temperatures are low.

Health 
  To avoid having health issues with your dog try to buy from a reputable breeder and avoid places like puppy mills and pet stores. You are more likely to get a dog with potential health issues from those kind of places. The kind of health problems he might inherit from his parents includes bloat, EPI, heart problems, joint dysplasia, allergies and eye problems.

Care

  Maintenance of the Doberman Shepherd is minimal as they are low to moderate shedders. It is recommended that you brush your Doberman Shepherd three to four times each week with the slicker brush and bathe him when he gets dirty. It is a good idea to train your Doberman Shepherd to get in and out of the tub from a young age, so that you will have an easier time bathing him when he is full grown. Getting him used to having his nails clipped as a puppy will be advantageous, as will having his teeth brushed. The ears of the Doberman Shepherd should be cleaned each week, wiping off any parts that you are able to reach.

 Activity Requirements 

  The Doberman Shepherd is a very active dog with a lot of energy. Keeping him busy is important not only for his health but to ensure that he does not become destructive in the home. This hybrid is clever and was bred for work, so still likes to have a job to do or a mission to accomplish. Activities can include several long walks per day, accompanying you on runs and hikes, playing games, and visits to the dog park. He may enjoy obedience trials which serve to keep the mind stimulated. Not suited for apartment living, this large dog needs space. A rural environment or an urban home with a large yard are best for him.

Grooming 

  He does not need a lot of grooming really somewhere between low and moderate. He does not shed a lot usually but the Doberman Pinscher is a moderate shedder and it is possible he will shed a bit like that. He needs brushing at least three times a week but you may find once a day works better. Bath time is going to be tricky unless you have trained him from a young age how to get in and out of the tub. Just bathe when he needs it, go to a groomers parlor if it is a struggle to do it at home or use the garden hose! Since his nails need clipping occasionally you could ask the groomer to do that for you unless you know the correct way to cut a dog’s nails. You should clean his ears weekly wiping just the parts you can reach, and brush his teeth each day too.

Children and other animals

  It helps if he has been raised with the children and the other pets, as well as being socialized and trained. But that is true of any dog. He should not be left alone with children if he has not been socialized certainly. If you have him and then have children he will be very good with them, and see them as part of his family because he will have grown as they grow together. The same for other pets and other dogs.

Is the Doberman Shepherd the Right Breed for you?

Moderate Maintenance: Regular grooming is required to keep its fur in good shape.

Minimal Shedding: Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with hair in their cars and homes.

Easy Training: The Doberman Shepherd is known to listen to commands and obey its owner. Expect fewer repetitions when training this breed.

Very Active: It will need daily exercise to maintain its shape. Committed and active owners will enjoy performing fitness activities with this breed.

Not Good with Kids: In isolation, this dog breed might not be the best option for kids. However, to mitigate the risks, have the puppy grow up with kids and provide it with plenty of pleasant and relaxed experiences with them.