Different Kinds of Doberman Pinschers

The Doberman pinscher is a very recognizable dog breed, with its narrow snout and long, pointed ears. This breed can have an intimidating look, but it is actually a loyal breed that makes a good family dog. There are several different types of Doberman pinschers, so select the type perfect for you, your family and your lifestyle. While most Doberman pinschers are black with red markings, they can also be blue and fawn or white.

  1. Large or Giant Doberman

    • Large or giant Doberman pinschers are also known as the warlock Doberman. While these are the largest Dobermans, they are considered a medium-large dog breed. They can reach up to 28 inches tall and up to 95 pounds. The giant Doberman pinscher was bred to satisfy people who wanted big Doberman pinschers for protection and intimidation. However, breeding such large Doberman pinschers has resulted in a variety of health issues related to their size, along with a less agile type of Doberman.

    Miniature Pinscher

    • Interestingly, although the miniature Doberman pinscher is thought to be a smaller version of the large Doberman, it actually is not. This dog is a separate breed and is actually a toy terrier. However, because of its striking resemblance to the Doberman pinscher, these dogs are considered a part of the Doberman family. While they are not genetically related to the larger Dobermans and their personalities are not similar, the miniature pinscher is a good option if you like the look of a Doberman, but want a small dog. These dogs are between 10 inches and 12 inches tall and weigh between 8 and 10 pounds.

    European Doberman

    • European, or German, Doberman pinschers were originally raised in Germany and were bred for police work, military work and as protection for families and children. Because of their purpose, Doberman pinschers are not seen as pets as much in Europe as they are in the United States. They are raised to not allow anyone outside of their family to touch them and are expected to attack when they perceive an attack. These Dobermans look like the typical Doberman most people think of and grow to about 22 inches tall to 28 inches tall and 66 pounds to 88 pounds.

    American Doberman

    • American Doberman pinschers look the same as European Dobermans, but they are very different. Breeders of this type of Doberman have worked to nurture personality traits like friendliness and soft temperaments and downplay typical Doberman traits, such as wariness and aggression. These dogs are also raised as pets rather than working protection dogs, so that can change their personalities as well. While American Doberman pinschers can still be fiercely protective of their families, they are not trained and bred to be so.