Are Dobermans High Maintenance? What You Should Know Before Getting a Doberman
Dobermans are often admired from a distance—sleek, commanding, intelligent. However, the focus should not be on aesthetics for those considering bringing one home. It should be on whether one can actually live with a “high maintenance” dog and what “high maintenance” means when we talk about Dobermans.
The answer isn’t simple—but in a way, it is: Dobermans are purpose-built. And that makes them high maintenance only in one sense—they don’t thrive in low-effort, low-engagement homes. They are not casually designed pets. They are the only breed in canine history selectively bred specifically for personal protection—and with that, to bond intensely to a single person, respond to the environment in real time, and act on subtle cues (American Kennel Club [AKC], 2023; Willis, 1992).
Understanding this design intention is the key to everything: their behaviors, needs, and the deeply rewarding (but demanding) relationship they offer.
Understanding the Doberman: Purpose-Built, Not Personality-Driven
Most breeds were developed to hunt, herd, or guard flocks. The Doberman stands alone in being engineered for personal protection—a dog created by tax collector Louis Dobermann in the late 19th century to move with him, watch over him, and respond without hesitation (Willis, 1992).
This purpose left its mark:
Hyper-awareness: They scan the environment continuously. If you have ever owned a Doberman, you will likely have caught them looking into the sky above them to… watch airplanes. Talk about hyper-awareness.
Deep human orientation: They outcompete any other breed in monitoring your posture, tone, and energy more than commands. In short, they know you and the world around you better than anyone else, including yourself.
Preemptive behavior: They act based on your (and others’) emotions before you may even recognize them yourself.
To mistake this for neediness is to misread design. However, as you will see, when people refer to Dobermans as ‘high maintenance,’ they’re referring to characteristics that can be challenging if you do not expect them or know how to interpret and, therefore, channel them.
Temperament: Sensitivity, Structure, and Deep Attachment
Dobermans are emotionally perceptive and react not just to commands but to inconsistency. They’re bred to pick out environmental anomalies so that they can protect you. Thus, they’re the masters in picking out any environmental discrepancies, including the ones you create.
They are not aloof or independent thinkers in the way many working dogs are—they bond through daily life, and the more you involve them, the more they’ll develop what many call “Velcro Dog” tendencies. This close bond is a natural succession of what the breed was designed to do: be close to you, and if they can’t, it can frustrate them more than any other breed.
As such, their ‘Velcro’ nature can become a challenge for unprepared owners. While Dobermans are not necessarily more prone to separation anxiety, they potentially need more patience and consideration when practicing being without you. However, separation-related behaviors, anxiety, or defiance often stem from a lack of clarity, not a lack of training (Horwitz & Mills, 2012). Dobermans don’t just need casual interactions or rules—they need a reliable presence and tone, so they don’t feel they have to think for you and get anxious when they cannot accompany you. In short and, maybe harsh terms, if you want a dog that enjoys being an independent entity more than your shadow that actually often walks in front of you, a Doberman is not for you.
Energy & Exercise: Movement with Meaning
Dobermans have a moderate-to-high energy profile, but that doesn’t mean they need hours of free play. They need structured outlets—walks with purpose, agility, or tracking games, or calm but stimulating mental tasks.
They’re sprinters by design, not marathoners. And despite the stereotype, they’re capable of relaxing—but only after their minds have been engaged. Research suggests that mentally enriching, low-impact activities, such as interactive play, exploration, or conspecific engagement, can significantly reduce stress and increase relaxation in dogs, especially those in working or training contexts (Hunt et al., 2022). For cognitively driven breeds like Dobermans, this kind of stimulation may be more beneficial than repetitive physical exertion alone.
However, puppies should be protected from joint-damaging activities such as long-distance running and long on-leash walks until growth plates have closed, typically around 15 months, depending on sex (Kinsman et al., 2022). Many breed enthusiasts conservatively state that 18 months is more appropriate. We would recommend that you talk to your veterinarian about your specific situation.
However, again, we would like to emphasize that research indicates that repetitive, on-leash walking—especially at a slow human pace—can lead to unnatural gait patterns in dogs, potentially stressing their joints over time (Foltin and Gansloßer, 2021). This situation is of great concern for growing puppies; therefore, you should avoid long walks on a leash, especially during puppyhood.
Training: Clarity Over Control
Dobermans rank among the top five most intelligent working breeds (Coren, 2006). But this intelligence isn’t passive—it scans for loopholes. Inconsistent reinforcement or emotional confusion leads to equally inconsistent behavior.
The myth that Dobermans need “a firm hand” is outdated. What they need is clarity. Their reactions are often accurate reflections of the emotional energy around them. That makes them easy to work with—if the handler is present, calm, and consistent.
Positive reinforcement, engagement-based training, and boundaries introduced early all result in extraordinary responsiveness.
Socialization & Bonding: Built to Be Close
Dobermans are not “social butterflies,” but highly social with their people. They bond deeply, often to a single individual, and their social development needs careful shaping in the first year. However, socialization means teaching them to be neutral instead of hyper-happy to meet other people, dogs, or anything else, for that matter.
Without early socialization and exposure to varied environments, they may default to suspicion or reactivity—a trait wrongly labeled as aggression (Overall, 2013) in poorly raised Dobermans. What they truly are is insecure, which causes reactiveness.
However, it’s essential to understand that even well-socialized Dobermans, especially adolescents, may still display reactivity, generally or in specific contexts. This isn’t always a training failure; it can stem from a combination of genetic temperament, environmental triggers, and individual sensitivity.
This is not unusual for the breed. Some dogs, like Persephone, who is currently 1.5 years old and well socialized, may be sweet and stable once introductions are made, yet remain reactive in initial encounters with people or other dogs. Others, like Drake, may hold that tension more quietly but stay alert and distant initially. We can attest that this difference lies mainly in their differences in inborn temperament, which often can be linked to, but is not limited to their sex. Early exposure helps, but it doesn’t override temperament. Dobermans are often slow to generalize social experiences, and many retain a degree of vigilance that may translate to reactivity well into adulthood.
Living with a Doberman means sharing space with a being who always watches you and the environment. For some people, this is overwhelming. For others, it’s everything they’ve ever wanted in a dog.
Health Considerations
Like many large breeds, Dobermans come with certain known risks:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM remains the most significant health threat facing the Doberman breed today. According to Wess et al. (2010), a large-scale European study found that 58.2% of the Dobermans examined developed DCM over time.
In North America, prevalence appears somewhat lower—approximately 44% in Dobermans over six years of age, but across all ages, 58% of Dobermans showed signs of disease (Vets Now, 2021). In general, the prevalence is estimated between 45%-60% (Gordon et al., 2022).
Genetic predisposition is the dominant risk factor. Both autosomal dominant inheritance patterns and specific gene mutations (e.g., PDK4 and TTN) have been implicated in familial DCM in Dobermans (Meurs et al., 2012). This makes routine cardiac screening essential, even in outwardly healthy dogs. Annual Holter monitoring and echocardiography are considered the standard of care, beginning as early as two to three years of age (Wess et al., 2017).
von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder common in Dobermans, caused by a deficiency in a clotting protein. Most affected dogs have Type 1 vWD, which results in reduced levels of von Willebrand factor but not a complete absence. While the genetic mutation is widespread in the breed, many dogs never show clinical signs and remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, making the condition easy to overlook without testing (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).
Hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia also occur, but less frequently than in some other working breeds.
(For a comprehensive health issue list and article, please click on ‘all blog articles’ in the menu and search for ‘common health issues’)
Proactive care, screening (especially echocardiograms), and nutritional support (including taurine where appropriate) are essential.
Is This the Right Breed for You?
Dobermans are not ideal for people who want a laid-back, low-engagement companion. But for those who enjoy structure, mutual responsibility, and the kind of bond that requires daily attention, they are unmatched. While they may still think of them as high-maintenance sometimes, especially during puppyhood, people who understand and appreciate them consider Dobermans worth the extra effort. They are also great family dogs, but not without some considerations discussed in a different blog article.
In the end. Ask yourself:
Do I have time for daily interaction, not just feeding and walking, but communicating?
Am I emotionally consistent enough to be a partner for a highly perceptive dog?
Do I want a dog who will follow me, anticipate me, and hold me to account, every day?
If yes: you may be ready.
If not: that’s not a failure. It’s respect for a breed that is willing to give you their everything, but, in exchange, cannot be considered low-maintenance for at least a large stretch of their lives on multiple levels.
References
American Kennel Club. (2023). Doberman Pinscher breed standard. https://www.akc.org
Coren, S. (2006). The intelligence of dogs: A guide to the thoughts, emotions, and inner lives of our canine companions. Free Press.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Canine von Willebrand disease. Animal Health Diagnostic Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/laboratories/comparative-coagulation/clinical-topics/canine-von-willebrand-disease
Foltin, S., & Gansloßer, U. (2021). Let’m loose – The importance of off-leash walks for pet dogs. Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 9(6), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.avs.20210906.14
Gordon, S. G., Wesselowski, S., Estrada, A. H., Braz-Ruivo, L., Morris, N., Häggström, J., O’Grady, M. R., & Malcolm, E. (2022). Prospective evaluation of the combined value of physical examination and biomarker variables in screening for preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 40, 69–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2022.03.004
Horwitz, D., & Mills, D. (2012). BSAVA manual of canine and feline behavioural medicine (2nd ed.). BSAVA.
Hunt, R. L., Whiteside, H., & Prankel, S. (2022). Effects of environmental enrichment on dog behaviour: Pilot study. Animals, 12(2), 141. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020141
Kinsman, R. H., Main, K. E., Casey, R. A., Da Costa, R. E. P., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S. C., Knowles, T. G., Tasker, S., & Murray, J. K. (2022). Dog walk frequency and duration: Analysis of a cohort of dogs up to 15 months of age. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 250, 105609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105609
Meurs, K. M., Lahmers, S., Keene, B. W., White, S. N., Oyama, M. A., Mauceli, E., & Lindblad-Toh, K. (2012). A splice site mutation in a gene encoding for PDK4 causes familial dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers. Human Genetics, 131(8), 1319–1325. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00439-012-1160-2
Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Vets Now. (2021, August 25). Dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermans. Vets Now Professionals. https://www.vets-now.com/professionals/2017/08/29/dilated-cardiomyopathy-dobermans/
Willis, M. B. (1992). Genetics of the dog. Howell Book House.
Wess, G., Schulze, A., Butz, V., Simak, J., Killich, M., Keller, L. J., & Kraft, M. (2010). Prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers in various age groups. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 24(3), 533–538. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0474.x
Wess, G., Mahling, M., & Hirschberger, J. (2017). Use of 24‐hour Holter monitoring to detect arrhythmias in Doberman Pinschers with and without dilated cardiomyopathy. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 250(3), 366–371. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.250.3.366
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other healthcare professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or prescribe any medication or other treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your pet's healthcare regimen, especially if they have or suspect they may have a health problem. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, or procedures mentioned in this article. The use of this information is at the reader's discretion and risk.
