The Great Dane Doberman mix, also known as the Doberdane is a crossbreed of a Great Dane and a Doberman Pinscher. These dogs are usually quite large and have a lot of energy, making them perfect for jogging and other high-energy activities.
Doberdanes are not well-known as the more popular breeds, but they have been gaining popularity recently. It is not rare to see these dogs in homes with children, but they can also be used as guard dogs.
To know more about this versatile designer dog breed, keep reading!
What Does a Great Dane Doberman Mix Look Like?
Considering the mix of two exclusive breeds, the Doberman holds a distinctive appearance. They carry heavy bones and strong muscles in their sturdy body which is relatively long that it is tall. Their head is similar to their Great Dane parent that holds a sure muzzle and natural floppy ears (although many Doberdanes in the US may have cropped ears). Doberdanes have a short and smooth coat. The coat color can range from black, brown, red, fawn, and brindle.
How Big Can a Doberdane Get?
As you might have already guessed, Doberdanes are huge dogs who take the size after their Great Dane parent and stature after their Doberman parent. A male Doberdane typically stands 30-35 inches tall at the shoulder with a weight ranging from 100-140 pounds. A female Doberdane, on the other hand, stands 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder with a weight ranging from 95 to 140 pounds.
Doberdane Temperament
The best thing about the Great Dane Doberman mix breed is that they get the best traits of both the parent breeds. This means that a Doberdane will most likely have a loving, gentle, protective, and noble personality. This mixed breed is also one of the most intelligent and empathetic dogs, who are often used as therapy dogs.
Doberdanes are also equally popular as companions, who make great friends with children and adults alike. These dogs can get along with other animals as well if they are raised together and socialized from puppyhood. Doberdanes can also make great hunters, watchdogs, and guard dogs. They have an incredible sense of smell and hearing which helps them to detect threats from far distances. These dogs also possess an intense bark that will keep any intruder away. Their intense bark, however, doesn’t mean that Doberdanes are habitual barkers, they’re only vocal when they sense a hint of a suspicious event.
5 Doberdane Training Tips
The Doberdane is a very intelligent dog that can be trained to perform many different tasks such as agility, obedience, and tracking. Here are some Doberdane training tips that you should know before getting your hand on these strong breeds:
- Use a lot of positive reinforcement techniques like praising or giving your dog some treats for things done well.
- Make short, fun training sessions so that you can retain your dog’s attention and engagement. Long and continuous sessions can make your dog feel bored.
- Establish yourself as the ‘pack leader’ and use a firm, consistent hand.
- Avoid harsh punishments or negative reinforcements. These will only create problems in the future.
- Socialize your puppy from a young age to hone their social skills.
Doberdane Grooming Requirements
Doberdanes require minimal grooming, thanks to their short and smooth coat. Gently brushing your dog’s coat once a week is enough to maintain the fur from getting tangled. Doberdanes don’t require frequent bathing like other designer dog breeds. You can bathe your dog when they’ve been really dirty after playing outside or you can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. Make sure that you clean their paws as well.
Other grooming requirements include basic care:
- Nail trimming
- Checking the ears for any signs of infection
- Cleaning the floppy ears with wet cotton balls or a damp cloth
- Brushing the teeth regularly with a vet-approved toothpaste
- Cleaning the corner of the eyes with a wet cloth
Price of a Doberdane Puppy
There isn’t a standard price for these designer dog breeds. The price can vary depending upon where you live, breeder type, health clearances, and so on. To estimate the price spectrum, we will have to look at the parent breeds’ price.
A Great Dane puppy typically costs anywhere between $1,500 up to $3,000 for the initial purchase. A Doberman puppy, on the other hand, can cost from $1200 up to $3000. So, a Doberdane puppy will likely be $1000 up to $3000.
You might also be interested in the Great Dane German Shepherd mix.
3 common Doberdane Health Issues
Doberdanes have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. This means that they generally live longer than Great Danes (only 6-8 years). Unfortunately, Doberdanes do suffer from some health issues that you should know of:
1. Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. This can lead to inflammation and infection, which may cause blindness. There are many causes of entropion, including genetics, trauma to the eye or head, or an infection such as conjunctivitis or corneal ulceration.
2. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a congenital disorder that affects the hip joint. It can cause pain, swelling, and deformity. It can be diagnosed at an early age and treated with a variety of medications and surgery depending on the severity of symptoms.
3. Bloat
Bloat is a common health issue that can be fatal if not treated. It is a condition where the stomach or abdomen of the dog distends and twists, causing the airway to be blocked. Bloat is most commonly seen in large breed dogs like German Shepherds, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, Saint Bernards, and Siberian Huskies. It is more likely to occur when the dog is fed too much food and water, or when the dog is not given enough exercise.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Doberdane
Is Doberdane the right breed for you? We have listed the pros and cons of getting a Doberdane that will help you know whether this hybrid dog is your ideal dog choice.
Pros of Getting a Doberdane
- They are loving, exceptionally loyal dogs
- They can be used as therapy dogs
- They make excellent guard dogs
- They are easy to groom
- They are intelligent dogs who pick up commands and instructions quickly
Cons of Getting a Doberdane
- They are large dogs who need plenty of space and exercise
- They are not suitable for novice owners
- They are expensive to feed (considering their food intake quantity)
Conclusion
Doberdanes are smart and loyal dogs who make great family pets. If you can provide invest your time and effort to exercise, train, and care for these hybrid dogs, they will make life-long companions!
Thank you for reading the article.
To explore more about the two parent breeds, here are some articles on the Great Dane and the Doberman Pinscher that you might be interested in.
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