Which Is Better Doberman Or German Shepherd

Doberman Vs German Shepherd Which Is Better For You

Many questions are kept in the mind while adopting a dog that may be about dog behavior, dog food issues? Dog health issues, or dog poop issue, but one should keep it in mind that owning a dog is a full-time responsibility that one should keep before adopting.

German Shepherd is considered to be suitable for family and kids play, but both the dogs can be adopted as the main thing is the training you provide.;

Which Dog Is Stronger Doberman Or German Shepherd

Both originated in Germany and were bred as working dogs. German Shepherds were herding dogs, while Dobermans were bred as guard dogs. Those genetic traits persist today, with Dobermans tending to be the more protective. A full-grown German Shepherd weighs about 75-90 pounds, compared to 60-80 for the Doberman.

Doberman Pinscher Vs German Shepherd Vs Rottweiler General Appearance Comparison

Also Check: German Shepherd Birth Process

Grooming And Shedding Problem

The Dobermanâs short coat is typically easy to maintain. This dog breed does not shed too much and usually looks smooth and shiny with daily brushing.

On the other side German Shepherd Husky Mix dogâs long, and double-layer coat can shed more. This is especially during the twice-annual seasonal when the entire coat replenishes itself. You have to be committed regular brushing and grooming during these shedding and hair falling times.

German Shepherd Care And Training

German Shepherds do best with socialization and obedience training at a young age to prevent problems, such as over guarding, aggression, and separation anxiety. They need a firm owner who will establish dominance and clear direction. Their owner needs to expose them to other people and pets, but only under supervision. They also dont do well with long periods of isolation. Does all this sound familiar? It should, I could easily have written this paragraph under the Doberman column!;

German Shepherds are high energy dogs, just like Dobies. They need ample exercise and mental stimulation daily. They need 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily to prevent boredom and anxiety. Shepherds left alone too often with too little exercise are prone to separation anxiety and being destructive.;

For more information about separation anxiety in German Shepherds specifically, see the All Shepherd Rescues article about this topic here.

Read Also: What Size Dog Collar For German Shepherd

Doberman Vs German Shepherd Temperament

Both the Doberman and the GSD are popular pet dogs!

The Doberman is currently the 15th most popular pet dog registered with the American Kennel Club and the German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular pet dog.

Overall, both dog breeds have a loving, calm and confident temperament.

Both breeds are very smart and eager to please their people.

Key Differences Between German Shepherds & Doberman

Also Check: Black German Shepherd Long Hair

Problems More Common In German Shepherds

• Degenerative disc disease
• Hypothyroid disease the thyroid has a lower activity than normal, requiring lifelong medication.
• Hemophilia a clotting disorder that affects a different pathway than von Willebrands but has similar results.
• Epilepsy seizure disorder that may be hereditary in some lines

Doberman Vs German Shepherd Shedding And Grooming

The Dobermans short coat is typically easy to maintain.

This dog breed wont shed much and usually looks smooth and shiny with just a bit of daily brushing.

In contrast, the German Shepherd dogs medium, thick, double-layer coat can shed quite a bit.

This is especially during the twice-annual seasonal coat blows when the entire coat replenishes itself.

You will need to commit to more regular brushing and grooming during these times.

You May Like: When Should You Neuter A German Shepherd

Which Is The Better Guard Dog And Which Is More Dangerous

Dobermans may seem more protective than German Shepherds, but this again relates to its origins.;

In Dobermans, according to professional dog trainer John Soares, the hunter and mastiff-type ancestry causes them to vigorously defend their space biting only as a last resort.

Dobermans will put on aggressive displays without any physical contact. However, reflective of the terrier and Molossoid influences, when a Doberman does bite, its with the full intent of causing harm.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, move more readily into an intruders space and give less warning before biting.

They bite more frequently, sometimes resorting to nipping and bumping. The focus of their bites is often control rather than bodily harm.

German Shepherds are involved in more biting incidents than Dobermans, and are only slightly behind Pit Bulls at No. 3 according to a new AAHA study.;

Both dogs have excellent protective instincts and usually dont require any guard training. Some experts actually discourage formal protective training for German Shepherds or Dobermans, citing obedience as the more important goal.

Dobermans and German Shepherds have similar biting power. A Doberman has a stronger bite force at 305 pounds of pressure per square inch compared to the German Shepherds 238 pounds.

According to Doberman Planet, GSDs fall a little short of the average for pet dogs, which is 269 pounds of pressure per square inch.

Origin Of The German Shepherd And The Doberman

To better understand the personality of these dogs, it’s important to go back to their origin. Let’s start with the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd breed originated in the 19th century with the intention of having these dogs work herding sheep. The breed immediately exceeded this task and began working on other tasks such as assistance, security, police or military work, etc. They are also a great companion dog for any single individual or family as they are incredibly smart and loyal.

The GermanDoberman is another popular dog of German origin. Although it is not as popular as the German shepherd, it is still an overall popular choice. Its origin also dates back to the 19th century, but they weren’t intended for herding sheep, instead, the Doberman breed was designed to be guardians, a task that they continue to carry out to this day. However, through the years they have also become well-known for being a great companion dog.

Don’t Miss: German Shepherd First Litter Size

Health Issues More Specific To Doberman Pinschers

• von Willebrands disease clotting disorder diagnosed with special blood tests
• Demodicosis a type of mite most common in puppies that have compromised immune systems
• Wobblers Disease affects the vertebral column causing impingement on the spine
• Liver disease some liver problems are hereditary in Dobermans.
• Parvo a life-threatening virus that more commonly affects puppies with compromised immunities, causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting
• Dilatative cardiomyopathy Dobermans are overrepresented. An enlarged heart chamber with thinning walls greatly shortens the lives of affected dogs.

Doberman Vs German Shepherd: Which Makes A Better Family Dog

Dobermans and German Shepherds are both loving, loyal, devoted, and protective animals. They are great family companions, and as long as you introduce them early to children, they will be great with them as well.

Dobermans as a Family Dog

However, Dobermans are stubborn, while Shepherds can be anti-social, so if they are not used to children or other pets in the house, they can act aggressively and refuse to follow commands.

Even if you do not have children or other pets in your home, the situation might change during the 10-year lifespan. Do not make the mistake of ignoring these factors of training and early socialization.

German Shepherds as a Family Dog

German Shepherds are less stubborn, learn faster, and are more easygoing, while Dobermans are more playful and charismatic. However, try not to leave them alone with really young children and encourage your children and other family members to participate in training sessions.

Also Check: German Shepherd Grooming Tips

What Are The Characteristics Of A German Shepherd And Doberman Mix

Doberman Shepherd dogs come from pure breeds that are similar in temperament. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is brave and confident, but, like its parents, its not all bite.

This crossbreed is also known for its affectionate nature and its loyalty to its owners.

The German Shepherd/Doberman mix dog is so loving, in fact, that it will want to spend most of its time around you. Dont be surprised if your new puppy follows you even into the bathroom.

Look at this Doberman Shepherd returning to its owner every few minutes while its off the leash:

Given its size, the German Shepherd Doberman mix breed is not the ideal pet for apartment living. This dog needs plenty of space, and it thrives in homes with huge backyards where it can run around.

The German Shepherd Doberman mix will also be more comfortable in warmer climates. This crossbreed may have inherited this trait from the Doberman Pinscher, which has a low tolerance for cold weather because of its low body fat and short coat.

Doberman And Health Issues

The main concern that comes out as Doberman grows old in age are:

Also Check: German Shepherd Nail Trimming

Shetland Sheepdog Vs Doberman Pinscher Vs German Shepherd Comparison

“Find similarities and differences between Shetland Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher vs German Shepherd”

Doberman Pinscher Vs German Shepherd Vs Rottweiler Characteristics Comparison

Recommended Reading: When Do German Shepherds Start Shedding

A Smidge Of The History Of Both Breeds

Both of these large breed dog varieties find their genetic origins in Germany. They are both considered confident, intelligent work dogs, but lets dig a little deeper.

Doberman History

The Doberman is a Pinscher breed. First bred by a German by the name of Louis Doberman, these dogs have always been used as guard dogs.

Doberman bred his Doberman Pinscher from a variety of breeds, most notably the German Pinscher and the Rottweiler.

The Doberman takes its angular, elongated snout from the German Pinscher, adding the larger, more muscular frame and coloring of the Rottweiler.

This breed first came to being in the 1800s. The Doberman was officially added to the American Kennel Club registry in 1908 and has been one of Americas most popular working breeds ever since.

A Doberman named Storm won Westminsters Best in Show back-to-back in 1952 and 53. Dobermans became the official war dog of the US Marine Corps during World War II, where they acquired the nickname Devildogs.

German Shepherd History

While German Shepherds are most often associated with Police K-9 units thanks in no small part to shows like Rin Tin Tin and K-9 the primary reason for its breeding in the late 1880s was to standardize the herding breed.

As the need for herding dogs declines, German Shepherds began working as cadaver and drug dogs and guard dogs or watchdogs with the military and with law enforcement.

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 owners 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 dogs 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 wont 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 youre in danger. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house.

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 dogs 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

Don’t Miss: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy

Is Doberman Stronger Than Rottweiler

When comparing the Rottweiler vs Doberman Pinscher, youll find the breeds are quite comparable. Both Rotties and Dobermans are intelligent, protective, and strong. Rottweilers are larger, stronger, and shed more. Dobermans are known for their loyalty, they can run faster, and tend to live a little longer.

Which Is More Intelligent/easier To Train

When it comes to training, as similar as these breeds are, you will notice personality and temperament differences.

• Friendliness- You can train both dogs, but German Shepherds are less friendly than Dobermans. Shepherds puppies need to be around strangers more often, or they will tend to see a threat in every bypasser.
• Training Focus- Dobermans are more playful and aloof, so it is essential to keep a firm grip on their training sessions. Without the needed consistency and seriousness in training, Dobermans tend to become less aware of dangerous situations.

Shepherds are more temperamental and have higher energy levels, and they do not like closed living areas. With that, Dobermans tend to show aggression more often than Shepherds. It can be considered an advantage, as well as a disadvantage. It all depends on the situation and if there is a real threat.

As long as you invest enough time into training, both dog breeds will show intelligent behavior when it comes to guarding and protecting their owners.

You May Like: What Age Do German Shepherds Calm Down