Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
The German Shepherd Doberman mix is a special dog that comes from mixing a Doberman with a German Shepherd. Some folks prefer purebred dogs, but others think mixed breeds are just as cool and faithful.
When you mix a Doberman and a German Shepherd, you get a big dog with awesome qualities from both breeds. In this guide, we’ll talk more about this mixed breed before you think about getting one for yourself.
“Combining strength with smarts, the German Shepherd Doberman mix is a vigilant guardian and loyal companion, embodying the best of both worlds.”
German Shepherd Doberman Mix Appearance, Personality and Traits
- Height: 22-28 inches
- Weight: 60-90 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
- Coat Type: Short to medium-length, dense and straight
- Body Type: Muscular and athletic
The way a German Shepherd Doberman mix looks depends on which parent’s genes are stronger. Usually, these mixes tend to look more like Dobermans than German Shepherds.
Depending on the genes, the dog might have pointy ears like a German Shepherd or floppy ears like a Doberman.
Many Doberman owners crop their dogs’ ears, and some might choose to do the same for a German Shepherd Doberman mix if they want.
The German Shepherd Doberman mix is a large dog with a strong build, making it look fierce. Its scary appearance matches its brave nature.
This mix relies a lot on its instincts to guard, which could accidentally hurt others. It tends to be aggressive, but with clear rules and understanding, it can be managed. Because it’s smart, it can learn how to behave well in different situations and develop social skills.
The life expectancy of a German Shepherd Doberman mix is around 13 years. You can help them live longer by getting them vaccinated at the vet and feeding them a healthy diet with nutritious food.
German Shepherd Doberman Mix Pictures
German Shepherd Doberman mix pictures showcasing the unique blend of these two majestic breeds.
German Shepherd Doberman mix Grooming
Taking care of a German Shepherd Doberman mix’s coat usually doesn’t need too much work. Because they have short hair like Dobermans, they don’t shed a lot. You should brush their coat about three to four times a week.
However, these dogs typically don’t enjoy baths, so it’s best to start getting them used to it when they’re puppies. Here are some dog shampoo and moisturizer products you can use:
Healthy Breeds Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo: Made with aloe and oatmeal, this shampoo promotes a healthy and shiny coat for your dog. It has a pleasant pine scent and comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo: This waterless shampoo comes in a foam mousse form with a calming lavender and chamomile scent. It fights bacteria that cause bad smells and forms a protective barrier on your dog’s coat while also reducing dandruff.
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo: This shampoo is made from coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It helps keep your dog’s coat shiny and moisturized.
Don’t forget about your dog’s nails! Like many dogs, your German Shepherd Doberman mix will need regular nail trims using special dog nail clippers. The German Shepherd Doberman mix black coat is quite eye-catching. It’s also important to clean their ears occasionally and brush their teeth.
German Shepherd Dobermans Mix Health ProblemsÂ
The German Shepherd Doberman mix usually stays healthy, but it can still get sick like its parents. It’s important to exercise regularly and go to the vet sometimes to avoid health problems:
Cardiomyopathy: One problem is Cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart. It can lead to lung and heart failure. Symptoms include trouble breathing, lack of appetite, tiredness, coughing, bluish skin, and fainting. Regular check-ups with the vet can help catch and treat this early.
Wobbler Syndrome: Wobbler Syndrome, also known as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy. It’s a condition common in big dogs like Doberman Pinschers. It happens because of a bone problem in the neck, which can make the dog walk unsteadily and have neck pain.
Hip Dysplasia: Another issue is Hip Dysplasia, which is a genetic disease. It’s common in many dogs. Sometimes, being overweight or not eating right can make it worse. This disease slowly damages the hip joints and can cause problems with how the bones fit together.
Megaesophagus: Megaesophagus, where the esophagus gets too big. It’s something dogs are born with. It makes it hard for food to go from the mouth to the stomach, leading to symptoms like throwing up, losing weight, not eating, and having bad breath.
Degenerative Myelopathy: A Doberman shepherd mix might face health problems like Degenerative Myelopathy, which is when the spinal cord slowly breaks down. This can lead to paralysis and signs like weak back legs, stumbling, not standing up, muscles getting smaller, being less clean, feeling stressed, and being sad.
Anxiety: This happens when the dog feels upset when left alone. Even though they’re very loyal, if their owner spends less time with them, they can get anxious. They need to learn that it’s okay to be alone sometimes by getting used to toys and building their confidence.
While a German Shepherd Doberman mix might not have specific health problems, they can still get sick from their parents’ genes. It’s important to be aware of these potential issues and take care of your dog’s health.
German Shepherd Dobermans Mix Food Requirements
A German Shepherd Doberman mix is a big and active dog, so it might eat a lot and gain weight if it doesn’t get the right food. It needs a balanced diet with plenty of protein and some carbs and fats. Depending on how busy the dog is, it should eat twice a day. Here are some food suggestions:
- Wysong Epigen
- Evo (Turkey and Chicken, Red Meat Formula, or Salmon and Herring)
- Solid Gold High Protein (featuring Duck)
- Instinct Ultimate Protein (Chicken or Duck)
- Crave Grain-Free (Containing Protein From Salmon and Ocean Fish)
When picking food with lots of protein, check the label for ingredients like chicken, lamb, or salmon. Also, remember that the ingredients are listed from most to least in the food.
Feeding your German Shepherd Doberman mix should be balanced, just like any other dog. Talk to your vet about the best foods and make a plan for their diet, including a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein means too many calories, which can make them gain too much weight.
Choose the best dry dog food you can find for your furry friend. Brands like Wellness Core Dog Food or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement might be good options. Your dog deserves the best quality food to stay healthy.
German shepherd puppies need lots of energy to play and grow, and they also need vitamins and minerals. It’s important to give them food that has everything their body needs.
For older dogs, they have different needs, so it’s good to look for the best senior dry dog food. This will help them stay healthy and strong as they get older.
Make sure to avoid the worst dry dog food because it won’t help your pup stay healthy.
You can also find helpful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists. These lists might have some food that your dog will love. Always remember to consult your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.
German Shepherd Dobermans Mix Best Dog FoodÂ
Choosing the right food for a German Shepherd Doberman mix means considering what these active and strong breeds need to eat.
Look for a high-quality food made specifically for large breeds. It should have real meat as the main ingredient to help build strong muscles and keep them energized, which is important for both Dobermans and German Shepherds.
Brands like Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Adult Dry Dog Food and Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog are good options to consider. To purchase, click on the links below.
German Shepherd Dobermans Mix Exercise
The German Shepherd Doberman mix is a very active and lively dog, just like its parents who were bred for work. Because of this, it needs a lot of exercise to use up its energy. Doing things that make it think is also good for its brain. Here are some activities for the dog:
Herding: This is a good activity because both the Doberman and German Shepherd are good at it. Even though most dogs live in cities, herding lets them use their instincts.
Running: One fun game is flyball, where dogs race to fetch a tennis ball and bring it back. It’s like a relay race with four dogs on a team.
Scenting Games: This is a game where the dog has to use its nose to find things. German Shepherds like to track things, so this is a good way to keep their brain busy. They can play games like finding treats, hide and seek, or finding toys.
Military Training: Some dogs can be trained to help soldiers, especially those who have a hard time after being in war. This can also help the dog learn to follow commands.
German Shepherd Doberman Mix Training
Training your German Shepherd Doberman mix should start early. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are known for being protective dogs, and their mix might show aggressive behavior if not trained properly. It’s important for the dog to learn how to behave around people and other animals, especially children.
Here are some training methods you can use:
Positive Reinforcement: When your dog listens to you and follows your commands, reward it with treats or toys. This encourages good behavior and strengthens your bond with the dog.
Socialization: Your dog needs to meet different people and animals when it’s still a puppy. This helps it learn how to protect and interact with others. With time, it will learn to control its aggressive tendencies.
Puppy Training: Spend time with your puppy and play with it. This helps it understand the importance of your relationship and see you as its leader.
Playing with toys you give it teaches the dog that being with you is fun. Training your dog from a young age helps you control its protective instincts and aggressive behavior in a positive way.
Varieties of German Shepherd and Doberman Mixes
Selecting the right dog breed for your lifestyle is crucial. Many dogs end up abandoned or given away each year because their owners didn’t think about their needs before getting them.
If you’re not sure if the German shepherd Doberman mix dog is right for you, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are some German Shepherd mixes:
German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix
German Shepherd Doberman Mixes and Their Interaction with Families
German Shepherd Doberman mixes can seem scary to families at first. They might show aggression, but it’s usually because they want to protect their owners.
It’s important to train them early to control this behavior. Socializing them with family and visitors is key so they learn who’s a friend and who’s not.
It’s a good idea to get one when it’s a puppy and let it meet everyone in the family and those who visit often. This helps them feel comfortable and not see people as threats. As they grow, they become very loyal and loving pets.
They can even feel sad if they’re not given attention. They’re fiercely loyal and will do anything to keep you safe. They’re great at protecting your home from intruders.
The German Shepherd Doberman mix needs a backyard to play and burn off energy. Living in an apartment might not be good for them because they can feel scared and may not like strangers walking around.
They might act aggressive towards people you meet, which can affect your social life. This dog is best for active families who spend time outdoors. If you live in a cold place and can’t take the dog out much, it might not be the right pet for you.
Overall, the German Shepherd Doberman mix is both fierce and loving. It might not be the best choice for families with kids or first-time dog owners, but with patience, you can make it a great family pet. Just remember, they’ll protect you no matter what.
German Shepherd Doberman Mix Puppies For Sale
Before getting a German Shepherd Doberman mix puppy, think about the money you’ll need. It costs over $1500 for buying the puppy and taking care of its health needs like medicines and vaccinations. Usually, these puppies cost between $450 to $500.
If you’re looking for a German Shepherd Doberman mix puppy, start by finding breeders who specialize in breeding them. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder to ensure you get a healthy puppy.
Reputable breeders make sure the parents are healthy, reducing the chance of health issues in the puppies. However, be prepared to pay more for puppies from these breeders.
Another option is to check adoption centers or breeders who offer puppies for adoption. These places might interview you to make sure you can take care of the dog properly.
Responsible breeders will do background checks on potential buyers. Below are some places to find a German Shepherd Doberman mix puppy:
- Kraftwerk K9 German Shepherds
- Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue
- Bluegrass Doberman Rescue
- Adoptapet.com
If you prefer, you can also buy a German Shepherd Doberman mix puppy online. Just make sure you check the seller’s background carefully, just like you would with a breeder.
Another option is to go to professional dog shows, join dog clubs, or speak with a vet. They might know or recommend a breeder who specializes in this mix.
3 Reasons Why Owning a German Shepherd Doberman Mix Might Not Be Right for You
- A German Shepherd Doberman mix might have a tendency to be aggressive if not trained early. This dog relies on its instincts to guard and might see things as threats, reacting strongly if it doesn’t learn to control its suspicions.
- This mix is dominant, both in looks and behavior. With its cropped ears and strong-willed nature, it can appear intimidating. It needs an owner who can match its dominance and show leadership.
- Because of its short coat, this mix might struggle in cold weather. It’s not the best choice for people living in chilly areas and would prefer warmer climates instead.
3 Reasons Why Owning a German Shepherd Doberman Mix Could Be Beneficial for You
- The German Shepherd Doberman mix is super protective. It’s fearless and makes an excellent guard dog that nobody wants to mess with. This mix is very cautious around strangers and can sense even the smallest hint of danger to protect its family.
- It’s really smart! Both its parents, the Doberman and the German Shepherd, were working dogs, even used in the military. That means this mix is easy to train and loves doing activities.
- This mix is incredibly loyal and bonds closely with its owner. It’s known for being loving and affectionate. But if you leave it alone for too long, it might get separation anxiety.
Note:Â German Shepherd Doberman mix puppy for sale – find your perfect furry companion. The German Shepherd Doberman mix price typically ranges from $200 to $500, depending on factors like breeder reputation and lineage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Does a Full Grown German Shepherd Doberman Mix Get?
German Shepherd Doberman mix size, can vary, but they generally reach a height of 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 65 to 90 pounds (29 to 41 kg).
What is the Average Lifespan of a Doberman German Shepherd Mix?
Doberman German Shepherd mix lifespan, typically ranges from 10 to 13 years.
What are the Characteristics of a Doberman German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix?
The Doberman German Shepherd Rottweiler mix, also known as a “Dobie Shepherd Rott,” is an intelligent, loyal, and protective dog with a strong guarding instinct. They require regular exercise and training for proper socialization and behavior.
What are the Characteristics of a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
The German Shepherd Husky mix, or Gerberian Shepsky, is a smart, loyal, and energetic dog known for its striking appearance and versatility. Proper training and exercise are essential for their well-being.