American vs European Doberman
At first glance, the European and American Doberman Pinscher breeds look nearly identical. However, physical and behavioral differences are essential to get familiar with if you’re considering buying or adopting a large breed dog. While their characteristics may not seem different initially, they can significantly influence the breed you choose as a family pet.
Physical Characteristics of the European and American Doberman
The most noticeable difference between the two Doberman breeds is their physical stature. Due to their temperament and strength, European Dobermans are slightly larger, with a muscular frame and lots of energy, and are best suited as working dogs.
American Dobermans are leaner, sleeker in appearance, and make great family dogs. They tend to be calmer and gentler compared to their European counterparts, so they are ideal as show dogs. On the other hand, European Dobies are excellent guard dogs for their protective nature and are ideal for law enforcement.
American Doberman Attributes
American Dobies stand at a height between 24 and 28 inches, female Dobermans are usually between 24 and 26 inches, and males are closer to 28 inches. Their weight can range between 60 to 100 pounds, and they typically live up to twelve years. This American dog breed comes in several coat colors, including blue, red, fawn, and black, with distinctive markings on the chest area that are light rust color with white.
The slender, elegant body shape of the American Doberman breed sets them apart from the European Dobie, and they also have a bone structure that’s thinner than other similar breeds. American Doberman dogs have long bodies with sharp features, including almond-shaped eyes that are typically dark or medium brown, a narrow chest, and delicate legs.
European Doberman Attributes
European Dobermans are more prominent and robust than their American counterpart. They generally stand at the height of between 25 and 27 inches, which is relatively similar for both male and female European Dobermans, and they weigh between 65 and 105 pounds.
Like the American Dobie, this European dog has a life span of up to twelve years. They have coat colors available in brown with rust, red, or black, and dark rust markings. Unlike the American Dobermans, they do not have white markings on their chest.
You’ll find this dog is more compact yet broader in size and has a thicker bone structure than the American breed. They are wider, muscular, and have a stronger, bulkier build. European Dobermans have dark eyes and stockier legs, and solid torso.
Temperament and Behavioral Characteristics
The American Doberman Pinscher is similar to the German Shepherd in that they are loyal, alert, and brave. While this dog breed is not ideal for police work, they are excellent guard dogs due to their protective nature and sensitivity to human emotions. American Dobermans become very attached to their family and human companions. If they don’t exercise regularly, they tend to enjoy often relaxing, which may impact their physical fitness.
Like many other dog breeds, it’s best to start obedience training when your American Dobie is a puppy. While they tend to be alert and active in most situations, they don’t chase as often as other dogs and bark when they feel threatened or sense danger. When these American Doberman puppies are trained, they respond well to soft commands and positive reinforcement.
The European Doberman Pinscher is similarly loyal, brave, and alert, much like their American counterpart. They are excellent as working dogs in the military and with the police. Their robust, muscular build makes them ideal as protectors, and they loyally stand up for their family when there is an imminent threat or danger. While they are not as sensitive towards human emotions as American Dobermans, they articulate human feelings and respond well.
This large breed requires regular exercise to maintain their big, muscular size, though they must be adequately trained and monitored, as they enjoy chasing smaller animals and prey. Unlike the American Doberman, this breed requires firm training and strong discipline. European Dobies respond well to strict obedience training, which should begin when they are puppies.
Grooming Requirements for Doberman Breeds
Doberman breeds are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as they have short fur and don’t shed as often as other dog breeds. Generally, you’ll find that the grooming care for Doberman puppies and most Doberman breed types are relatively easy and only require occasional combing or brushing to remove stray hairs and prevent shedding.
Since the coat of this dog breed is naturally shiny, combing one every two to three days will spread your pup’s natural skin oils, which protect your dog’s skin and coat.
American and European Dobermans are essentially groomed similarly, having similar coats. They require shampooing and bathing once every six to eight months, though you can bathe them more often if they spend lots of time outdoors. It’s essential to trim your Doberman’s nails and regularly check their teeth, eyes, and ears to ensure they are healthy.
Which Doberman Breed Is the Best Option?
While the European Doberman is larger and stockier in size than the American Doberman, both breeds are considered large dogs and require lots of space indoors and outside, so they can play and socialize regularly. The type of Doberman dog best for your family depends on the type of family pet you’re looking for and your experience with large breed dogs.
Generally, American Dobermans are easier to adopt, as they respond well to soft commands and don’t run off or chase smaller animals as often. On the other hand, European Dobermans are excellent protectors, though they require greater discipline and robust training to develop good behaviors as they grow into adulthood.
Summary
Before you adopt or buy a European or American Doberman puppy, you’ll want to get acquainted with each breed’s physical and behavioral characteristics to plan obedience training, grooming, and general care for your pup.
It’s essential to schedule routine visits with your veterinarian, to ensure that your Dobie is reaching all the milestones in their first year and as they grow throughout adulthood. Training, a balanced, nutritious diet, and plenty of exercise.
