Instructions
Observe the puppy's fur coloration. While not all Dobermans are the same color, the vast majority of them are predominately black with brown covering their feet, chest and face. Some Dobermans are born albino, with fur, eyes, skin and nails white in appearance. If you are trying to discern whether an albino puppy is a Doberman, then you will have to rely on characteristics other than coloration to identify it.
Make note of the length of the puppies' fur. Doberman puppies have soft, short fur covering their bodies. If the puppies' fur is long, then you can be sure that it is not a Doberman.
Examine the puppies' tails. Doberman's are born with tails roughly half the length of their bodies. The tails tend to curl upward, and are typically thin. While adult Dobermans often have their tails cut off for aesthetic purposes, the puppies' tails will still be intact.
Observe the shape of the puppies' head. Dobermans have a triangular structure to their skull that results in an elongated snout and sharp jawline.
Check the ears of the puppies. While Dobermans often have their ears surgically pointed for aesthetic purposes, puppies' ears hang low.
Observe the general shape of the puppies' torso. Dobermans puppies have a barrel-chested appearance. Their waists are usually thin, while their chests are large and sturdy.
How to Tell if They Are Doberman Pups
Whether your family dog has just had puppies, or you've come across a litter of strays, it can be hard to identify exactly what breed a puppy is just by looking at it. For this reason, dog specialists have established a number of characteristics that can help you to identify a puppy's breed. Everything from the shape of the ears to the color of fur will give you some hint with which breed puppy you are dealing.