Everything you need to know about breeding Dobermans responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Understanding your Doberman's protective nature and athletic build is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 75-100 lbs
Female: 60-90 lbs
Male: 26-28 inches
Female: 24-26 inches
10-13 years
With proper care
Alert, Loyal
Natural guardian
Created by tax collector Louis Dobermann for personal protection. Combines strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Needs mental and physical work.
Extremely bonded to their family. Follow owners everywhere. Can develop separation anxiety. Not outdoor dogs - need to be with their people.
Protective without being aggressive when properly bred and trained. Aloof with strangers. Excellent family guardians.
Built for speed and endurance. Excel in protection sports, agility, obedience. Need 2+ hours exercise daily. Destructive when bored.
Dobermans face serious health challenges, particularly heart disease, requiring extensive testing
Annual echocardiogram and 24-hour Holter monitor MANDATORY. Leading cause of death in Dobermans. Can appear suddenly at any age.
Genetic testing MANDATORY. Blood clotting disorder. 70% of Dobermans are carriers. Never breed two carriers together.
Cervical spine instability causing wobbling gait. More common in Dobermans than any other breed. X-rays recommended. No genetic test.
OFA or PennHIP testing required. Both parents should have good or excellent ratings.
Annual thyroid panel recommended. Very common in the breed. Affects metabolism, coat, and behavior.
Liver disease more common in Dobermans. Annual liver function tests recommended. Often genetic component.
White/albino Dobermans have vision problems, sun sensitivity, and behavior issues. Z-factor testing available. Never breed whites.
Deep-chested breed at high risk. Prophylactic gastropexy recommended. Feed multiple small meals.
Up to 60% of Dobermans will develop DCM, a fatal heart condition where the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump effectively. Many dogs show NO symptoms until sudden death occurs.
Mandatory annual testing includes:
DCM usually strikes between ages 4-10. Many breeders retire dogs early due to this risk. Be prepared for heartbreak - even the most careful breeding cannot prevent DCM entirely.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Doberman breeding
Male Dobermans
2 to 8 years
Female Dobermans
2 to 6 years
Wait until cardiac testing can begin. DCM often doesn't appear until middle age, so continue testing throughout breeding career.
DCM is the #1 killer of Dobermans. Cardiac testing cannot be skipped. Many dogs appear healthy then die suddenly.
Females: No more than once per year, maximum 4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Quality over quantity. Focus on health testing and temperament
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