Dobermann essentials
About the Dobermann Breed
Dobermanns are athletic, perceptive, and people-oriented guardians. At Night Watch Companions we raise them inside our home, pairing their natural loyalty with calm, confident handling so they grow into steady family protectors.
Temperament
Devoted, alert, eager to please
Energy
High—needs daily work + mental play
Ideal Home
Active families who like routine
Coat & Care
Short coat, light shedding, weekly brushing
Adult Size
65–95 lbs, 24–28 in. at the shoulder
Lifespan
10–12 years with proactive wellness
Temperament & Home Fit
Dobermanns bond deeply with their people. They want to be part of daily life and thrive when given structure, positive leadership, and clear routines.
- Steady watchdog instincts without being nervy or reactive.
- Highly intelligent—loves puzzle toys, obedience, and scent games.
- Affectionate and people-facing when socialized from puppyhood.
Best families for this breed: active households that enjoy training, walks, and involving their dog in everyday errands. They do best when they can be close to their people rather than left alone for long stretches.
Training Pillars We Use
- Confidence first—controlled exposure to new sounds, surfaces, and people during the critical 8–16 week window.
- Calm handling—grooming, feet, and mouth handling taught early so vet and home care stay stress-free.
- Marker training—rewarding desired behaviors fast to channel drive into obedience.
- Impulse control—sit-for-greetings, waiting at doors, and loose leash skills to keep excitement in check.
- Enrichment—daily mental work (place training, tug with rules, scent games) to prevent boredom and chewing.
- Clear boundaries—crate training and quiet time to teach self-soothing and rest.
Health & Longevity Priorities
We screen parents for genetic and structural soundness to give every pup the strongest start possible.
- Regular cardiac evaluation to monitor for Dilated Cardiomyopathy risk.
- von Willebrand’s Disease and thyroid screening when pairing parents.
- Hips, elbows, and gait assessed for balance, efficiency, and athleticism.
Your role: keep your Dobermann lean, schedule annual cardiac checks with your vet, and maintain a consistent exercise program that balances strength (hikes, hill walks) with brain work.
Puppy-to-Adult Timeline
- 8–12 weeks: Foundation Short, fun sessions for name recognition, recall games, handling, and crate comfort.
- 3–6 months: Social skills Calm exposure to people, friendly dogs, car rides, and vet visits to build neutrality.
- 6–12 months: Adolescent focus Adolescence brings big feelings—keep boundaries tight, reinforce impulse control, and expand obedience in new environments.
- 12+ months: Lifetime rhythm Blend physical outlets with mental work, refresh training often, and prioritize heart-health checkups.