Doberman German Shepherd Mix Facts

The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a combination of the Doberman breed and the German Shepherd breed. While most people commonly like pure breed dogs, others equally find mix breed dogs fascinating and loyal too. A Doberman German Shepherd Chow crossbreed is a large dog that has admirable traits from their renowned parent dogs. Let’s get into this guide that tells you more about the mixed breed before considering owning one yourself.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Doberman German Shepherd Crossbreed

1. The dog is more likely to be aggressive without early intervention generally. The Doberman German Shepherd mix, by nature, relies on its guarding instincts. The dog may see a person or situation as a threat and act destructively on it if the dog does not learn how to regulate its suspicions.
2. It is a dominant dog. This is a fierce dog in both appearance and behavior. The cropped ears of a Doberman German Shepherd give it an intimidating look, while the dog’s strong-willed nature makes it a bold dog that needs a master who can equally match its dominance. The owner of this dog should know how to be an “alpha” and show leadership to it.
3. The dog may not cope well in a cold environment. Due to its short coat, the Doberman German Shepherd mix cannot withstand more freezing temperatures. The dog may not be suitable for owners who reside in cold regions, and it may live better in warm or tropical conditions.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a German Shepherd Doberman Crossbreed

1. The dog has a strong sense of protectiveness. As a fearless dog, it is a great guard dog that no one would like to get into its bad side. The Doberman German Shepherd is very wary to strangers, and the slightest suspicion of a threat could alert it and the family.
2. It is extremely intelligent. Both of its parent dogs served as working dogs. Moreover, the Doberman and the German Shepherd were used in the military. The Doberman German Shepherd is easily trainable, and it enjoys engaging in different activities.
3. The dog is very loyal and attached to its owner. It is known to be a loving and affectionate dog to its master. Its inherent guarding instinct may be a contributor to the dog’s soft side. Leaving the dog behind for days may also result in separation anxiety.

Other German Shepherd & Doberman Mixes

Choosing the dog breed that aligns with your lifestyle is the most important decision you can make. Every year tens of thousands of dogs are abandoned or put up for adoption because the owner was irresponsible and didn’t do their research before choosing a dog that isn’t a great for their lifestyle.

Not sure the Doberman German Shepherd aligns with your lifestyle? Consider adopting one of 50+ popular German Shepherd mixes or Doberman mixes.

Here are the most popular German Shepherd Mixes:

German Shepherd Beagle Mix	German Shepherd Lab Mix
German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
Doberman German Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix
Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Border Collie Mix
Great Dane German Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Poodle Mix
Malamute German Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Boxer Mix
Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix	German Shepherd Chow Mix

Appearance, Personality and Traits of a Doberman Mixed with German Shepherd

Height	22 to 26 inches tall
Weight	90 to 110 pounds
Body Type	Medium to large size; muscular and similar body type to the Doberman
Coat Type	Short and silky coat with low to moderate shedding. It is more likely to inherit more of the Doberman appearance than the German Shepherd side.
Coat Color	Black, dark brown, tan
Life Expectancy	10 to 13 Years
Family-Oriented	If the dog receives socialization training early on, yes. Without early intervention, it may not distinguish threats properly and act aggressively. The dog is generally not suited for children.
Indoor Pet	Depends. The dog requires some outdoor space to loosen up when bored, but it should have a warm place to stay during cold seasons.
Excessive Barker	Occasionally. The dog’s guarding instincts can cause noise

The appearance of a Doberman German Shepherd mix depends on which parent gene becomes more dominant. Majority of Doberman German Shepherd mix owners have dogs that resemble the look of a Doberman more than the German Shepherd. Depending on the more dominant gene, the dog may either have naturally pointed ears of the German Shepherd or floppy ears of the Doberman. Most Doberman Pinscher owners have their dog’s ears cropped, and the same may be done on the Doberman German Shepherd if desired.

This is a big dog with a robust feature which makes it stand ferocious. Its intimidating look also comes with a courageous personality. The Doberman German Shepherd mix can heavily rely on its guarding instincts can cause unintended harm on other people or animals. The dog’s aggressive nature is hardwired in it but can be put under control by establishing boundaries and mutual understanding. Since the dog is highly intelligent, it will learn how to behave correctly in front of different situations and learn new social skills that may help the dog in acting on its suspicions.

The Doberman German Shepherd has a life expectancy of about 13 years. You could also prolong the dog’s lifespan by taking it to the vet for vaccinations and providing it with a variety of whole foods and nutritious dog food.

German Shepherd Mix with Doberman Puppies For Sale

Before buying a Doberman German Shepherd puppy, you need to consider the budget and expenses involved after paying for its ownership. About more than one thousand and five hundred dollars is required for purchasing the puppy and providing it with medicines and vaccinations. The typical price of a German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher offspring range from four hundred and fifty dollars to five hundred dollars.

The best way of looking for this puppy is by checking out dog breeders who specialize in breeding Doberman German Shepherd offspring. To guarantee the quality of your puppy, you should consider reputable dog breeders because the parents of the puppy are surely healthy with offspring that are less likely to inherit “bad” or unhealthy genes. Besides crossing out possible health issues from parent dogs, your other concern when looking for quality breeders is the price of their puppies.

Another budget-friendly method is by looking at adoption centers or Doberman German Shepherd mix breeders who are open to adoption. You should expect to be interviewed by the staff since they need to ensure their dog’s overall wellbeing once it’s released to you. An excellent and responsible dog breeder is someone who makes as many background checks on the buyer as possible. Below are some dog breeders and websites to get a Doberman German Shepherd puppy:

1. Dobies and Little Paws Rescue
2. Kraftwerk K9 German Shepherds
3. German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions
4. Vom Hismerh German Shepherds and Dobermans
5. Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue
6. Doberman Rescue Unlimited
7. Bluegrass Doberman Rescue
8. Other Canine Clubs
9. Adoptapet.com

You can also buy the puppy online for as long as you take the responsibility of double checking the background of the seller just as you would with a dog breeder. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you.

Grooming Your Doberman Shepherd Mix

A Doberman German Shepherd mix may require a low to moderate degree of grooming for its coat. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. You should brush the dog’s coat about three to four times a week. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. Here is a list of dog shampoo and moisturizer products:

1. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It works as a moisturizer that helps maintain the dog’s glossy coat.
2. Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo, Waterless, No Rinse Foam Mousse with Calming Lavender & Chamomile Scent. This dog shampoo helps in bacteria that cause unpleasant odor on the dog’s coat. It works as a protective screen on your dog’s coat after applying the product, and it also alleviates dandruff.
3. Healthy Breeds Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed.

Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well.

Health Problems German Doberman Mix

The Doberman German Shepherd mix has little to no health conditions or issues, but it is still prone to illnesses that the Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd have. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems:

• Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness.
• Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain.
• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation.
• Megaesophagus. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath.
• Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression.
• Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. It needs to be taught how to associate other things with you while you’re gone such as toys and build more self-confidence.

The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs.

Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements

As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Here are some dog food suggestions for your dog:

1. Wysong Epigen
2. Instinct Ultimate Protein Chicken or Duck
3. Evo Turkey and Chicken, Red Meat Formula or Salmon and Herring
4. Solid Gold High Protein with Duck Dry Dog Food
5. Crave Grain Free With Protein From Salmon and Ocean Fish Dry Adult Dog Food

When choosing a dog food with high protein content, you should always check the label and look for words including “chicken,” “lamb” or “salmon” and understanding that the ingredients are ordered by the highest to the lowest available amounts found in the dog food.

Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight.

Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. You might get some ideas in Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement.

Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs, as your pup won’t benefit from it.

You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. Don’t forget to seek advice from your vet before making any bigger changes in your dog’s diet.

Best Dog Food for Doberman German Shepherd Mix

Selecting the optimal dog food for a Doberman German Shepherd mix entails addressing the distinct nutritional requirements of these active and robust breeds. Opt for a premium large breed formula, prioritizing real meat as the key ingredient to support the muscle development and energy levels inherent in both the Doberman and German Shepherd components.

German Dobermans Exercise Requirements

This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog:

• Racing. Flyball is a dog sport that encourages a lot of running since it’s a relay contest. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins.
• Herding. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused.
• Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD.
• Scenting or Tracking Games. This particular type of activity serves for the dog’s mental enrichment. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy.

Doberman German Shepherd Mix Training

Training your Doberman German Shepherd mix should be done as early as possible. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog:

• Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency.
• Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call.
• Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Developing an obedient dog should provide you the leverage to control the dog’s guarding instincts and channel its aggressive behavior towards less harmful objects.

German Shepherd Dobermans And Families

Doberman German Shepherds can generally be intimidating pets for a family. The dog may be naturally predisposed to aggression, but this destructive behavior is for the sake of its owner’s safety and protection. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. Again and again, socialization can significantly have an impact on the dog’s future with the family since it needs to learn how to control its natural tendencies.

You should consider getting one as a puppy and introduce it to all the family members and people who frequently visit your house so that the dog won’t treat them like a threat. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. It has immense loyalty and will always protect you when it thinks that you’re in danger. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house.

The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. In terms of lifestyle, the Doberman German Shepherd mix will thrive well with people who are active outdoors or who are willing to adjust to the dog’s athleticism. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you.

Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. It may not be the best dog for children or first-timers, but you can easily get around the dog’s less favorable side and turn it into a more family-oriented pet. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate

References:

1. Madhusudhan, H. S., et al. “Estimation of Maintenance Energy Requirements in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Dogs in Bangalore, India.” Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, vol. 102, no. 1, 26 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1111/jpn.12709.
2. Dyggve, H., et al. “Antihistone Autoantibodies in Dobermans With Hepatitis.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 6, 30 Sept. 2017, pp. 1717–1723., doi:10.1111/jvim.14838.
3. Coile, D. Caroline. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, 2003.
4. Marder, Scott, et al. Doberman. Idea & Design Works, 2015.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobermann