When you think of a guard dog that can also be a family pet, you usually think of German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, Akita, Giant Schnauzer, American Staffordshire Terrier, and so on. And sometimes, you want to know what are their comparisons. Other times, you might want a mixed breed, like the German Shepherd Doberman mix.
This crossbreed is a large dog that inherits personality traits from both parents. And as a result, you might get an even better guard dog and family pet.
This German Shepherd mix has a similar look to its parents, usually inheriting the forehead of the German Shepherd, and the ears of the Doberman.
Let’s talk more about it.
Meet The Breed
The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a combination of two popular guard dogs. They are both versatile working dogs that are also amazing family pets. The German Shepherd is a bit more versatile, filling roles like a herding dog.
In the past several years, mixed-breed dogs have been rising up in popularity. The large dog has admirable traits from its parent breeds. Let’s find out what makes it special.
Meet The Parents
The Doberman Shepherd puppy is a relatively new canine, introduced in the 1990s. We do not know the exact origins of it, but we know the history of its parents.
This breed came from mixing purebred dog breeds like Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd. It doesn’t matter which breed is the mother and the father.
German Shepherd
When you think of the German Shepherd, you think of one of the most versatile dogs in the canine world. It can fill any role you want, be it a companion dog, protection dog, military dog, police dog, herding dog, or even one that excels in dog sports.
Famous for their incredible loyalty and protective personality, German Shepherds are a joy to have. They are eager to please and will make training a breeze.
Most of the personality traits pass on to the German Shepherd Doberman mix. But more on the personality traits of the mixed breed later on.
Doberman Pinscher
Originating in Germany, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann is responsible for this working dog. He created the breed as the perfect working dog.
Nowadays, fans and enthusiasts adore its docile, protective, and intelligent personality. And same as with the other parent, most of the personality traits pass on to the mixed breed.
Appearance
So, what does a Doberman Shepherd mix look like? Well, there is no specific breed standard, since The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize mixed breeds.
Yet, history shows that you get a muscular, compact dog with a long muzzle and dark eyes. The ears are typically upright, unlike those of the Doberman Pinscher.
They usually have soft but short coats that can be in black, tan, or black and tan colors. In some cases, you might see a red Doberman Shepherd puppy, but it is a rarity. These are usually bred from fawn or rust-colored Dobermans.
As for the size, this large dog grows between 22 and 26 inches, weighing between 90 and 100 pounds when reaching adulthood. It is slightly smaller than the purebred Doberman, and almost the size of a German Shepherd.
Temperament
We talked about how the German Shepherd Doberman mix inherits some of the personality traits of its parents.
What is different is that it is less dominant than the purebred Doberman, and will have a laid-back and sensitive side. And when compared to German Shepherd, it is a bit more protective and has better-guarding tendencies than the friendlier German Shepherd dog breed.
You have to remember both parents are similar in temperament. They are brave and confident, but their offspring mixed breed is known for their more affectionate nature.
This dog is more loving and will want to spend more time around you. That is a bit different than its purebred parents that are more independent. Don’t be surprised if your mixed puppy follows you to the bathroom.
These dogs are highly observant and alert, but a bit friendlier towards strangers and other animals. They will use a loud and attention-grabbing bark to alert you of potentially dangerous situations.
Training
Dobermans and German Shepherds fall into the group of some of the easiest dog breeds to train. Training this puppy should be a breeze. Yes, you might face a stubborn personality every now and then, but they are quite trainable.
Begin training as early as possible and do it using a positive reinforcement method. Treats, praise, and patience will help you with obedience training.
These dogs do not do well with aversive tactics like punishment. They are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please. But you should establish yourself as the leader of the pack. And you can do that using games and positive tactics.
Keep the training session short to medium. Do not train your dog for hours. It is counter-productive.
Exercise Needs
Dobermans and German Shepherds are among the most active dogs. They need plenty of physical exercises and mental stimulation. They need between 60 and 90 minutes of exercise per day. And your mixed breed dog needs as much.
This crossbreed is the result of two working dog breeds. They want and need to work. Without working and exercising, they are prone to destructive behavior.
Because they are high-energy dogs with high intelligence, it is best that you utilize games like fetch in your training sessions. They also love to work, so work with their sniffing sense. Because they are usually food driven, make sure to bring dog food with you.
Health
One of the reasons why mixes have been so popular lately is their improved health condition. Your German Shepherd Doberman mix has a life expectancy of between 11 and 14 years. They are relatively healthier than the regular German Shepherd, and on pair with your Doberman Pinscher.
With plenty of exercises, mental stimulation, regular vet visits, and a proper diet, you can have a canine companion for many years.
Be careful not to overfeed your dog, as it can be prone to obesity. This puppy also inherits some of the health risks of the parents, but to a lower percentage. Those are cardiomyopathy, Wobbler syndrome, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.
Grooming
A Doberman Shepherd mix will require a low to moderate amount of grooming. They do shed, but not as much as the German Shepherd. They have shorter coats, and sometimes, they might inherit the single-coat gene of their Doberman parent.
If that is the case, they will shed considerably less than the German Shepherd who has a double coat.
Why Should You Avoid This Dog?
If you want a show dog, The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize mixes. But that is not the reason you should think twice before getting a German Shepherd and Doberman mixed puppy. Here are three reasons for that.
- They can be dominant, not as much as their parents, but they do retain a dominant and strong-willed nature
- They do not cope well in a cold environment because of their short coat
- This dog can be aggressive if not socialized properly. It is a puppy with two parents with guarding instincts
Why Should You Get One?
Now let’s talk about why this crossbreed might be the best thing for your family and household.
- You get an extremely loyal dog that is attached to its dog owner. It is a loving and affectionate dog that loves children and expands its guarding instincts to the entire family
- An extremely intelligent puppy that can make training a breeze
- They have a strong sense of protectiveness, with a fearless character
