The Average Size and Weight of a Male Doberman

Male Dobermans, or Dobies, are usually larger and heavier than females. Males average 75 to 85 lb. and stand from 26 to 28 inches from the ground to the top of their shoulders as they stand, according to "The Howell Book of Dogs." Individuals can vary from this average. Male Dobermans allowed to get overweight will develop health problems.

  1. Normal Growth

    • Newborn Doberman puppies weigh 10 to 20 oz. At 6 months old, the healthy male Doberman puppy should weigh three quarters of an adult male, or from 56.25 to 63.75 lb. An adult male reaches full height when 1 year old, but will not reach full weight until he is between 3 and 4 years old, according to Theresa Mullen of the Doberman Club of America Public Education Committee.

    Underweight Dobies

    • Doberman bodies are leaner than many dog breeds. But too-thin Dobermans will not have prominent skeletal structures like spine or ribs showing through their skin. When looking down on a standing healthy Doberman, it will show an hourglass figure with a slight waist. When petting the dog, it will have a layer of fat over its ribs. The ribs should not be easily felt, according to veterinarian Dawn Ruben. Dobermans are prone to the potentially deadly exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, according to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms." Weight loss in Dobermans coupled with a normal appetite needs immediate veterinary attention.

    Overweight Dobies

    • Doberman males are most prone to becoming overweight when they are seniors or over 6 years old. Older dogs tend to rest more often than younger dogs. Their diet needs to be adjusted so that they are not eating as many calories or as great a fat content as when they were young. But Dobermans of any age are prone to cardiomyopathy and hypothyroidism, according to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. Symptoms include weight gain, distended abdomen and lethargy.

    Misconception

    • There is another breed that looks identical to a Doberman pinscher, but is called the standard pinscher or German pinscher. It is smaller and lighter than a Doberman. The German pinscher breed was used in creating the Doberman pinscher. However, animal rescue workers or dog breeders may mistakenly call a German pinscher a Doberman. German pinscher males average 19 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 35 lb., according to "The Howell Book of Dogs."