Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
European Doberman, a breed known for its elegance, strength, and intelligence. Originating from Europe, this distinguished canine possesses unique traits that set it apart from other breeds.
From its striking appearance to its loyal and protective nature, the European Doberman has captivated dog lovers worldwide. Will Judy says:
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Overview of European Doberman
- Appearance: They come in black or red (brown) colors with dark rust-colored markings, usually without a white patch on the chest.
- Temperament: European Dobermans are intelligent, affectionate, and confident, making them well-suited for various working roles.
- European doberman lifespan: They have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
- European doberman size: Male European Dobermans stand approximately 27 to 28 inches tall, while females are typically 25 to 27 inches in height.
- european doberman weight: Males weigh between 80 to 105 pounds, while females range from 65 to 85 pounds.
- Cost: European Dobermans are priced between $2500 to $3500, although prices may be lower in Europe.
Characteristics
The European Doberman is easily recognized by its strong, sturdy physique. It has a dense, compact body with robust bones and muscles. Their broader heads, thicker muzzles, and jaws give them a unique look, along with their darker brown eyes.
They have shorter, thicker necks and larger, broader chests, which make them look powerful. Their bodies are muscular and agile, supported by thicker, muscular legs. Their feet are larger and compact, adding to their imposing presence.
The European Doberman is a large dog, trained for working or as a personal protection dog. It’s bulkier and sturdier than the American Doberman.
Its legs are strong, and its paws are bigger. Its head is solid and square-shaped. Compared to the American version, its muzzle is thicker and shorter.
Here are the sizes and weights for European Dobermans:
- Males: They’re 27 – 28 inches tall, weighing 88 – 99 pounds.
- Females: They’re 25 – 27 inches tall, weighing 71 – 77 pounds.
A noticeable difference is in their necks. European Dobermans have thicker, shorter necks that don’t stick out as much from their shoulders.
In Europe, there’s a rule called the European Convention that says you can’t cut the ears or tails of most dogs. So, you’ll usually see European Dobermans with their natural ears. But in some European countries, people can still choose to crop their dog’s ears.
European Doberman Temparament
The European Doberman is watchful, loyal, loving, confident, and protective. Likes to keep its family safe. Understands human feelings. Enjoys relaxing on beds and sofas, but might take up a lot of space. Needs plenty of energy, activity, and exercise.
Does well in tasks that involve working. Listens better to clear instructions and isn’t easily affected by physical punishment. Stays self-assured in new places.
May bark or get involved physically if its family is in danger, hardly ever backing down. Likely to do great in work-related competitions but probably won’t win in AKC conformation shows.
European Doberman Color
The European Doberman comes in different colors, just like the American Doberman. The main organization that sets rules for European Dobermans is called the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
They only accept two colors as standard: Black and Rust, and Red and Rust (also known as Brown and Rust). If a dog doesn’t have one of these colors, FCI won’t recognize it or allow it for breeding.
European Dobermans have clear rust-colored marks in specific places like above their eyes, on their muzzle, chest, legs, and tail area.
These marks are darker than those of the American Doberman. Plus, European Dobermans don’t usually have a white patch on their chest.
The European Doberman’s eye color is usually a darker brown compared to the American version, though some variation can exist among individual dogs.
European Doberman Behavior
European Dobermans are often described as loving, protective, high-energy, confident, and alert by their owners. They can make great pets for families but are especially good as working dogs.
They’re well-suited for jobs like police work, military service, and search and rescue missions. European Dobermans have a strong drive and need plenty of exercise to stay happy.
They enjoy spending time with their owners on the couch or bed, but they might take up a lot of space, earning them the nickname “space hog.”
Training a European Doberman requires clear and firm instructions. They can be a bit headstrong compared to American Dobermans. Despite this, they remain confident and calm in chaotic situations.
If their family is in danger, European Dobermans are more likely to physically intervene rather than back away. They’re tougher to handle for new dog owners but can do well with proper training.
European Doberman Health
The European Doberman can have similar health problems. But, a big issue for them is DCM, which is a heart condition. A study found that 58% of European Dobermans might get DCM in their lives, which is higher than in American Dobermans.
In Europe, genetic health tests for dogs are not as common and are more costly. Some people say this is because European Dobermans have fewer genetic problems, and there are more of them, so tests aren’t needed as much. But, this is still a big debate among experts.
Breeding Regulation
In Europe, it’s not allowed to breed a Doberman unless they’ve passed a series of temperament tests called ZTP certification. These tests measure how confident and self-assured the dog is, as well as its protective instincts.
During these tests, the dog is placed in different situations, including chaotic environments and scenarios where the owner needs physical protection. If the dog doesn’t perform well in these tests, it won’t receive ZTP certification, and breeding it will be prohibited.
In Europe, people consider Doberman puppies more valuable if their parents have excelled in working dog events like Schutzhund/IPO. These events assess the dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection abilities.
While European Dobermans may not shine in breed shows, they often excel in working dog events like Schutzhund/IPO.
European Doberman Controversy
European Dobermans usually have a more consistent temperament compared to others. This is because every European Doberman has to pass a temperament test called ZTP before they can be bred. To pass this test, the dog must show confidence in different situations and protect its owner when needed.
Some people who support Dobermans say that breeding them to pass these tests has made them strong-willed and hard to handle for regular owners. They think only professional handlers can manage them well.
They also argue that European Dobermans are bigger and clumsier in appearance. They say these dogs are too independent and don’t understand their owner’s feelings as well as others do.
Consider Choosing a European Doberman
If your household is lively and often goes on family outings and you’re experienced with dogs, looking for an excellent guard dog, preferring a Doberman with a larger and more muscular build, and interested in engaging in activities like working dog events, protection events, or joining search and rescue organizations, then these qualities align with what you’re seeking in a dog.
European Doberman Price
Buying a European Doberman puppy in the United States can cost between $2500 and $3500 because they’re not as common there, so they’re more expensive.
But if you buy a European Doberman in Europe, it will be much cheaper since there are more of them. In most European countries, they can cost between $500 and $2000. Some countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland have cheaper ones, usually at the lower end of this price range.
If you’re looking for a European Doberman, you might prefer to purchase directly from European Doberman breeders. Many believe that these breeders maintain superior quality dogs in Europe, reserving the less desirable ones for breeding in the U.S.
If you’re in the U.S. and decide to buy a Doberman from European breeders, you may incur costs of around $250 to bring them back with you or $800 for shipping them to your location.
You can find European Doberman puppies for sale at ‘Paul Doberman Kennel,’ offering top-quality pups with European lineage.
European Doberman vs American Doberman
European Dobermans and American Dobermans have some differences in their characteristics and breeding standards. European Dobermans are often larger and more robust than their American counterparts.
They tend to have a more standardized temperament due to rigorous testing requirements, such as the ZTP certification in Europe. These tests evaluate their confidence, stability, and protective instincts.
On the other hand, American Dobermans are often bred for conformation shows and may have a more varied temperament. They are sometimes considered more agile and sleek in appearance compared to European Dobermans. Additionally, American Dobermans may have a higher prevalence of health testing compared to European ones.
In terms of activities, European Dobermans are often favored for working roles, such as police work or search and rescue, due to their strong drives and determination. American Dobermans may excel in conformation shows and agility competitions.
Overall, both types of Dobermans make excellent companions, but their differences in temperament, appearance, and breeding purposes cater to different preferences and needs of potential owners.
If anyone wants to learn more about pets, they can read our articles at harpersatelier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are European Doberman Pinschers?
European Doberman Pinschers are a type of dog breed originating from Europe. They are known for being larger in size and having a sturdy build. These dogs often have a consistent temperament and are popular for their protective instincts and suitability for different types of work.
What is a German Doberman?
A German Doberman refers to a Doberman Pinscher breed originating from Germany. German Dobermans are known for their robust build, intelligence, and loyalty. They are often bred for working roles such as police work, search and rescue, and personal protection.
Are there European Doberman Red?
Yes, there are indeed red European Doberman. The term “red” refers to the rust or mahogany-colored markings on their coat. This color is a distinctive feature of some European Dobermans, making them easily recognizable and setting them apart from other variations of the breed.
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