Sweet Cinnamon could barely stand and was so weak that she displayed zero typical puppy energy or excitement. She barely held her head up and wouldn’t look at anyone—she was shut down and in both emotional and physical pain. Rescuers knew she was on the brink of giving up, but they were determined to show her that humans could love her and keep her safe, and they started her recovery immediately. 

^{Source: @animalfriendsofthevalleys}

Cinnamon Gains Some Strength & Learns To Be a Puppy

Within a few days of her arrival at Animal Friends of the Valleys, Cinnamon was starting to get her spark back. Many hearty meals, fresh water, and love from staff and volunteers had done her wonders, and Cinnamon was proving that she still had plenty of life left in her. Cinnamon was like a new dog—she was playing, socializing, and making friends with the other pups at the shelter. 

The once-shut-down puppy was suddenly full of energy, and both her emotional and physical scars were starting to fade. 

Leaving a Painful Past Behind: Cinnamon Gets Adopted

It didn’t take long for Cinnamon to make a full recovery. Though she had endured so much trauma in her short life, finally receiving love was all it took to give Cinnamon a chance to recover. The scar on her muzzle healed almost entirely, and her peppy, playful personality got her plenty of attention from shelter visitors and potential adopters. 

Then, one day, the perfect people for Cinnamon came for a visit, and this sweet puppy’s road to happily ever after was finally over. Cinnamon got adopted and is now living her best life with her new family. Despite the immense cruelty she was shown at the beginning of her life, Cinnamon proved just how resilient and full of love dogs truly are. Cinnamon was ready to give humans a second chance, and all she needed was for the right people to come along and give her that opportunity. 

If Cinnamon’s beautiful road to recovery and a forever home has inspired you to adopt a dog, visit your local shelter and get to know the residents—a dog with so much love to give you is just waiting for you to give them a chance. 

But after overcoming these hurdles, Gema recently found the forever home she deserves—proof that even the most challenging rescues can get their happy ending.

Source: Facebook

Anxiety Kept Gema From Her Forever Home

Because of this, the Texas-based rescue was determined to find Gema a very specific home: one where she would receive regular physical and mental stimulation, and with a dog who could match her energy and intensity.

Gema is an incredibly sweet dog who adores everyone, and the rescue remained confident that a perfect home was out there for the 1.5-year-old, despite her unique needs. 

The Search Comes To A Fruitful End

In a social media post about Gema’s journey, the rescue shared how a family from New Mexico initially traveled to meet another dog. But, after getting to know the family and observing the personality of their dog, the staff suggested they meet Gema instead. 

When Gema came out to meet them, it felt like a perfect match. As experienced dog handlers, the couple seemed well-equipped to care for Gema. Best of all, their dog proved to be the ideal fit for Gema’s playful energy.

The family decided to take Gema home for a trial run, while the rescue waited anxiously for good news. Fortunately, they chose to adopt the wonderful girl, and Gema’s new mama sent a text to the rescue saying she’s a “fairytale fit” for their family. 

Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka says, “Every dog deserves a second chance, and sometimes that means finding the right family that understands their unique needs. Gema’s journey was full of challenges, but her story shows that no matter the setbacks, the right match is out there waiting.” 

With over 5K likes on Instagram, Gema’s post is spreading joy, as countless users share their love and support in the comments section. Susan Warntjes writes, “This match makes my heart explode!” 

Meanwhile, another user adds, “Yay Gema! You are a lucky girl to have found that special family and with a fur brother who loves you already ❤️”

In the late 19th century, a man named Louis Dobermann worked as a tax collector and dog catcher in the town of Apolda, Germany. His job often required him to travel through some of the rougher neighborhoods alone, collecting fees and capturing strays. Seeking a canine companion that could protect him on these journeys, Dobermann set out to create a breed that combined strength, intelligence, and loyalty.

A New Watchdog was Born

Through careful crossbreeding of various dog types including the Old Shorthaired Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Black and Tan Terrier, Dobermann developed a new line of watchdogs perfectly suited to his needs. These early Dobermans were admired for their courage, obedience, and ability to discern friend from foe.

As word of Dobermann’s remarkable dogs spread, the breed quickly gained a reputation among the local aristocracy and authorities as elite guard animals and personal protectors. It was around this time that the dogs became known as “Dobermanns” or “Dobermann Pinschers” in honor of their masterful creator.

Police & Military Dogs

While Dobermann sadly passed away with little fanly in 1894, his namesake dogs went on to achieve international acclaim. The Doberman Pinscher was one of the first breeds employed by police and military forces for duty work thanks to its fierce determination and easily trainable nature.

Today, the Doberman remains a popular choice as a personal defense dog and companion animal, retaining the impressive abilities carefully cultivated by the humble tax collector who gave the breed its name so many years ago. So the next time you cross paths with one of these sleek, powerful canines, remember – beneath that tough exterior beats the heart of a dog created by a civilian servant for the safety of the working class.

Northcutt Approached the Pup Calmly and Slowly

Officer Northcutt’s body camera captured the entire rescue from her vantage point. She cautiously approached the frightened Doberman by crouching down and calmly moving. She gently reassured  the pup, allowing trust to build over those crucial first few minutes. 

Officer Northcutt was able to safely grab the leash still around the dog’s neck without causing further distress. She then brought him out of harm’s way to receive the urgent care and relief he needed after his terrible ordeal. She held him close as a bystander carefully cut the zip tie, freeing the dog from the cruel muzzle that had bound him for an unknown length of time. The tie was clamped down so hard that it left a deep indentation around his snout.

Northcutt then transported him to the South Bend Animal Resource Center, where the rescued dog could get his wounds treated and the investigation into the abuse would begin.

Just Days Later, The Doberman Finds His Fur-Ever Home

The vets who cared for the dog after he arrived at the shelter said that he would not suffer any long-term physical effects from his injuries. Despite the horrendous treatment he received at the hands of a vicious human, he was doing extremely well.

Officer Northcutt knew from the moment she met the resilient pup that he would be the perfect addition to her family. She immediately began the process of adopting him. Bestowing him with the name Zeus, Northcutt introduced the rescued dog to her other canine companions, ensuring they all spent quality time getting acquainted.

The South Bend Police Department announced on their Facebook page that Zeus’ adoption was official and complete. In a heartwarming twist, the department revealed this wasn’t the first time the animal-loving officer had rescued a dog she found in dire circumstances while on patrol. Though no additional details were provided, they shared that Officer Northcutt had humorously quipped, “The dispatchers at St. Joseph County 9-1-1 should stop sending her to animal calls because she will soon run out of room at her house!”

Officer Northcutt Is Giving Even More Back to Her Community

Officer Northcutt’s compassion didn’t end with rescuing and adopting Zeus. Moved by how deeply the community was touched by the pup’s harrowing story and her kindness, she decided to sponsor two more adoptions at the shelter. Northcutt’s sponsorship of additional adoptions allows more fortunate dogs to experience the loving redemption that changed Zeus’ life forever. 

^{Source: Facebook}

Though over a month has passed, the investigation into Zeus’ appalling mistreatment remains open, with no updates provided to the community thus far. Those following the case fervently hope the perpetrators of such cruelty will soon be identified and brought to justice for their deplorable actions.

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These beautiful dogs have hit the jackpot with their fosters. Even as they are being taken home in the truck, they seem to understand they are safe with the Goodlin family @thegoodhype. Despite never having met before, these dogs were destined to cross paths.

Divine Timing

The Goodlin siblings had gone to rescue a Doberman, now named Atlas. This poor guy was skin and bones, losing hair and otherwise struggling with his life in the shelter. Never having owned a Doberman before, they were excited for their first one.

While filling out paperwork, a woman arrived to surrender a female Doberman named Feyre. Sadly, this girl had been turned in twice before for running away. Now, she was being abandoned again at the Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino County, even though her current owner understood that this meant she would be euthanized. Fortunately, seeing Atlas getting a second chance with this family, the owner pleaded they take this girl, too. They tell us Feyre sealed the deal by placing her head on her new foster’s lap.

Living Their Best Lives in Their New Abode

Atlas made himself right at home! He excitedly sniffed the furniture, taking in the smell of other dogs, and he discovered a stuffed ball. He then vigorously shook it, causing the fluff to scatter. He likely went without toys for a long time and was undoubtedly having some fun. Ferye hiked with some of the other family dogs. She’ll be able to stay cozy after playing in the cold water, thanks to a new winter jacket. And although she may have run away before, she doesn’t seem interested in going anywhere now.

Getting Their First Baths

Both dogs also received their first baths. Atlas was apprehensive, but that didn’t stop him from being a good boy. Although his back end might still be fragile, he rallied to shake off the suds. It won’t be long before he’s well enough to remove them with gusto! Ferye, however, seemed to enjoy her spa experience from the start, taking in the water’s warmth and all the extra pets. She even handled getting her nails trimmed and her teeth brushed with no sign of agitation.

Adding Two More Dogs to the Pack

This caring foster family already has 11 dogs of their own and other fosters, now including Atlas and Ferye. Although it may seem challenging to imagine a house with dozens of paws running around, this family doesn’t hesitate. They willingly open their hearts and homes to provide a better life for dogs that would have otherwise been at the end of the road. 

Watch them begin their journey to happiness in a video:

@thegoodhype First time meeting our new foster babies and they’re both the absolute sweetest babies 🥹♥️ #shelterdogs #fosterdogs #rescuedogs #dobermans ♬ a thousand years – Christina Perri

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Thanks to a recessive dilute gene, a Doberman’s pigment that would ordinarily be black is transformed into a beautiful blue-toned grey. When paired with rust, blue Dobermans are considered breed standard and are highly coveted by enthusiasts of rare dogs and breed conservation alike.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the most beautiful Doberman Pinschers you’ll ever see, and teach you what you need to know to make one of these magnificent dogs part of your family!

Meet 5 Blue Dobermans from Instagram

Get ready to set your eyes on dogs that look so good, they should be full-time models! The Doberman Pinscher is a statuesque dog, and these gorgeous blue ones are positively breathtaking. Take note of the variety of blues you’ll see in these individual dogs—some have dark, steely-grey fur while others are almost as light as Isabella. 

1. Draco

This handsome blue and rust Doberman is Draco from Norman, Oklahoma! Draco is five years old and a super snuggly boy who would rather be under a blanket or snoozing on the bed than anywhere else. See how Draco’s nose is the same shade as his fur? The blue dilute gene doesn’t just affect fur, it lightens skin pigment, too!

2. Aspen

Aspen (center right) is a gorgeous blue and tan Doberman Pinscher who belongs to a pack of four! This is a good chance to get a look at some different Doberman colors including an albino Dobie (left), a black and rust Doberman (center left), and a chocolate and rust Doberman (right). 

3. Thor

Thor is a very handsome five-year-old blue and tan Doberman from Las Vegas who has legs for days! Sweet Thor has an even and sweet temperament, but he also has that classic Dobie watchfulness built into his DNA. 

4. Astrid

Don’t mistake beautiful Miss Astrid for a Weimaraner—she’s a blue and rust Doberman Pinscher with floppy ears! Astrid is five years old and lives in Philadelphia with her humans who make sure she has tons of toys, gets to do agility, goes on lots of walks, and enjoys a wide selection of delicious and nutritious treats. 

5. Bruce

Bruce (left) is a gorgeous blue and rust Doberman whose sister, Nova (right), helps him show off that amazing diluted color. Can you see the subtle difference in their hues? It almost looks like the Doberman-printer ran out of ink!

Blue Doberman Basic Info

While some breeders might make it seem like you’re encountering a rare blue Doberman Pinscher, blue is a standard color for this breed! Blue is a diluted color produced by a recessive gene that lightens black pigment to produce a steely grey tone. You might even see some people refer to blue Dobermans as blue-grey Doberman Pinschers. 

Blue fur is coveted in the dog world, but it’s 100% natural, and blue Dobies can even be shown at official dog shows! Now that you’ve had a chance to meet a few blue Dobermans and you’ve worked up an appetite for some dog facts, let’s dive into the details of owning this breed. 

Blue Doberman Temperament

Known for their watchfulness and loyalty, Doberman Pinschers form such close bonds with humans that some are described as “velcro dogs”. Because Dobermans are often “one-person dogs” they may experience separation anxiety and be wary of strangers and new situations at first. Thanks to a high level of intelligence, training, and early socialization can help prevent or manage these behaviors. 

“[Dobermans are] great dogs. High energy, very intelligent. You have to train them or they will walk all over you. They expect there to be an alpha and if you aren’t it, they will happily take the lead. I’ve had three Dobermans…they were all very affectionate and extremely protective of the family.”  

Reddit comment

Sometimes brave to a fault, the Doberman Pinscher is tenacious and determined and will push itself to the limit trying to reach a goal or complete a task. Thoughtful dogs who may be prone to touches of neuroticism and obsessive behavior, Dobermans do well when given a “job” and plenty of mental stimulation in addition to regular exercise. 

Dobermans are affectionate and love to snuggle when relaxed, and are often good with respectful children. However, some Dobermans can be a little nervous, and not all will be comfortable with small children, so this is not a breed commonly recommended to families with young kids. 

High-energy and curious, Dobermans are often used as working dogs and guard dogs, and excel at canine sports and training. Though they can be focused and precise, Dobermans respond best to humans with gentle confidence who are experienced dog trainers. The Doberman is not a breed for a beginner. In the right environment, Dobermans can become very relaxed and will turn into “big babies.” 

“[Dobermans are] the best dogs I’ve ever had and known! They’re more sensitive than you might expect and their feelings get hurt. Training is easy peasy…be gentle with them!” 

Reddit comment

Blue Doberman Size

The Doberman Pinscher is a large breed that stands 24–28 inches tall and weighs between 60–100 pounds when full grown. 

Blue Doberman Health

Dobermans are often healthy dogs but may be prone to several health problems unrelated to having a blue coat. The blue dilute gene is only associated with one health issue, which we’ll cover in a moment. Otherwise, you’ll only need to know about general breed-specific health problems, like:

• Bloat
• Hip dysplasia 
• Eye issues (e.g. progressive retinal atrophy)
• Skin infections
• Von Willebrand’s disease (a clotting disorder)
• Heart issues (e.g. cardiomyopathy)
• Hypothyroidism 

Color dilution alopecia—sometimes called “Blue Dog Disease”—is a genetic skin condition that causes hair loss and skin problems in some blue dogs. Skin issues related to CDA typically manifest as itchy or flaky skin, and the hair loss may vary in severity. Typically, dogs with color dilution alopecia will regrow their fur, though they may lose it again after regrowth. 

Where To Find Blue Doberman Puppies

Especially because blue dogs carry a genetic mutation associated with a skin issue, it’s super important to find a responsible breeder if you plan to buy a blue Doberman Pinscher puppy. Ethical breeders perform extensive genetic testing on their dogs to do their best to eliminate inherited health issues and pair the healthiest, most compatible dogs. 

To start browsing reputable breeders of blue Doberman Pinschers, we suggest starting with the American Kennel Club marketplace or the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s breeder referral list. 

Of course, we always recommend considering adoption if it’s an option for you! There are tens of thousands of dogs in need of homes, and many of them are purebred dog breeds like Doberman Pinschers. Here is a fantastic resource listing Doberman Pinscher rescues by state. 

Blue Doberman Pinscher FAQ

Find answers to your specific questions about blue Doberman Pinschers here—we’re answering everything on your mind!

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In this guide to the floppy ear Doberman Pinscher, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of ear cropping and why some people choose to remove part of their Doberman’s ears. Doberman Pinschers are born with beautiful floppy ears, and only through plastic surgery and weeks of “shaping” can their ears point straight upwards. But are cropped ears purely for aesthetics, or should a Doberman always have their ears docked for their health and safety?

Before we dive into all the ins, outs, and ethics of Doberman ear-cropping, let’s meet a very special floppy-eared Doberman named Bear. 

Pictured above: Bear—a two-year-old Doberman mix who was recently found wandering a parking lot searching for scraps—sitting with Rocky Kanaka, pet rescue advocate.

Bear is a sweet young Doberman Pinscher mix in need of a home! As you can see, Bear is emaciated and has been on the street fending for himself for quite some time. Although Bear has a microchip, his owners tragically are not willing to claim him. When Rocky heard about this two-year-old pup who was feeling stressed at the shelter, he took it upon himself to get involved and gain Bear’s trust. 

Like a classic Doberman, Bear took a little time to warm up to Rocky, but we can already tell he is ready to be someone’s shadow if they are willing to open their heart and home to this good boy. Click here to learn more about adopting Bear who is currently getting lots of tasty food and plenty of love at a shelter in Wildomar, California. 

Meet 7 Floppy-Eared Dobermans from Instagram

Ready to take a look at some Dobermans with their full, intact, floppy ears? These pups are so cute, and we guarantee you’re about to fall in love with the natural floppy ears Doberman Pinscher. 

1. Loki

Loki is a one-year-old Doberman Pinscher who not only has his beautiful natural floppy ears, but his gorgeous long tail, too! Ear cropping and tail docking are equally unnecessary, and we’re so happy to see a Dobie who has all of his body parts intact. 

2. Reyo

Handsome Reyo is a five-year-old Doberman with floppy ears and a tail so long it doesn’t even fit in the frame! Reyo lives in Belgium and his humans say he is a professional smoocher and sock thief. 

3. Duke

Would you believe it if we told you this stunning, royal-looking Doberman is a rescue? Duke’s humans are dog savvy and very understanding and are helping him manage life as a reactive dog, and they love his beautiful natural floppy ears. 

4. Arya

Beautiful Arya—whose full name is Winningmood Zensation Zaladane—is the youngest in a pack of floppy-eared Dobies from Helsinki, Finland. Still just a pup, Arya has a lot of growing to do, but she’s already absolutely gorgeous. Unlike the first three Dobermans on this list who are black and rust, Miss Arya is red and rust!

5. Ted

Ted is a two-year-old Isabella and rust Doberman with natural floppy ears and a long intact tail! The lightest Doberman Pinscher color approved by the American Kennel Club, Isabella and rust is one of the most sought-after color combos for the breed. 

6. Harlee

Harlee is a very attentive five-year-old red and rust Doberman with floppy ears who loves to play outside and go on adventures with her human. 

7. Whisky

Whisky is a full-grown one-year-old Doberman now, but we just had to show you how adorable he was when he was a little tiny baby puppy! Whisky still has his beautiful floppy Doberman ears and lives a lovely life in Japan with his Toy Poodle bestie. 

Floppy-Eared Doberman Basic Info

Aren’t floppy-eared Dobermans so stinking cute? We love how this breed looks with all of its natural features. But what is owning a Doberman Pinscher like, floppy ears or not? 

Doberman Pinscher Temperament

Doberman Pinschers are alert, intelligent, and incredibly loyal dogs who form deep bonds with their humans. Many Dobies are described as “velcro dogs” since they will choose a person and want all their time and attention. Because of this, some Dobermans are prone to separation anxiety and nervousness around strangers, but these issues can be managed with training, socialization, and proper handling. 

High-energy, fearless, and sometimes obsessive, the Doberman Pinscher commands attention and requires an owner with dog experience and plenty of time to dedicate to this canine. While they can be excellent with children, some Dobermans are a touch neurotic and may be mouthy or skittish around younger children who don’t understand dog boundaries. 

With their humans, Dobermans are very loving and cuddly but will snap to attention and devote all their energy to investigating a noise or sound. Curious and tenacious, Dobermans make excellent working dogs and respond well to training and routine from an early age. 

Doberman Pinscher Size

Dobermans are large dogs standing 24–28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in at 60–100 pounds. 

Doberman Pinscher Health 

Generally healthy dogs, Dobermans are prone to several health conditions unrelated to whether or not their ears are cropped. A few health issues to keep an eye out for if you own a Dobie include: 

• Bloat
• Hip dysplasia 
• Eye issues (e.g. progressive retinal atrophy)
• Von Willebrand’s disease (a clotting disorder)
• Heart issues (e.g. cardiomyopathy)
• Hypothyroidism 

Where To Find a Floppy-Eared Doberman Puppy

If you’re committed to getting a Doberman with its natural floppy ears and long tail, we recommend starting with a quick Google search. Something like “natural-ear Doberman breeder near me” will bring up at least a handful of results, or forums where you can connect with other Doberman lovers and the breeders they trust. 

Of course, you can also adopt a Doberman, floppy ears, or otherwise! Take a look at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s list of approved Doberman rescues to start the search for your new best friend.  

If you live in California and want a floppy-eared Doberman, consider adopting Bear who is currently in need of a home! 

Pros & Cons of Cropping Doberman Ears

So, you’ve purchased a Dobie puppy and you’re wondering: Should I crop my Doberman Pinscher’s ears?

If it were up to us, the answer would always be NO! But if you’re still on the fence, let’s take a look at the benefits and potential risks of cropping a Doberman’s ears. 

Pros: Why is cropping a Doberman’s ears important? 

While we understand that personal preference is often the reason people choose to crop their Dobermans’ ears, we will not be including this as a reason to crop your dog’s ears. The whims and wants of a human should not dictate whether or not a dog gets to keep their ears, and we will solely be focusing on what we see as legitimate considerations in favor of ear cropping. 

You may have heard myths that some of the reasons people crop their Dobermans’ ears are medical and to improve their senses, but there is no evidence that ear cropping reduces ear infections, improves hearing, or has any medical benefit. 

1. Meeting Breed Standards

As mentioned, the American Kennel Club considered pricked/cropped ears and a docked tail to be breed standard for the Doberman Pinscher, but you do not have to crop your dog’s ears or tail if you are a regular pet owner. Unless you are going to be bringing your dog to breed-confirmation competitions, your dog does not need to conform to “breed standards.”

2. Protecting Working Dobermans from Injury

Some people who train Dobermans as guard and watchdogs, police dogs, and for other canine professions believe that cropping their ears and docking their tails can prevent them from sustaining extra injury on duty. The idea is that the floppy ears and long tail are easy to grab, which can easily stop the dog from doing its job and cause serious damage. 

Dogs who are being trained using watchdog or working dog methods but are not professional working dogs should not have their ears cropped or tails docked. 

3. Emergency Ear Cropping

The only medically necessary ear cropping procedures are to address serious ear damage following an accident, dog fight, etc. Some vets may recommend amputation of your dog’s ear if the tissue cannot be saved. 

Cons: ‌Are Dobermans better with or without cropped ears?

Decidedly, Dobermans—and all dog breeds—are better with their natural ears and tails! Cropping is a cruel, outdated practice that poses more risk than reward. Let’s take a look at some of the very real reasons ear cropping can be harmful to your Doberman. 

1. Risks During Surgery

To have their ears cropped, Dobermans need to be put under general anesthesia. Unfortunately, general anesthesia is always a risk, and some dogs can experience sudden medical emergencies or even death during the ear cropping procedure. 

2. Risk of Infection

Once your puppy comes out of ear cropping surgery, it becomes your job to keep their wounds clean and prevent them from busting open their stitches for the next week or more. As most people know, puppies aren’t very clean or easy to keep still for long periods, and puppies run the risk of developing infections in their newly cropped ears. 

3. Pain, Discomfort, & Disorientation 

The days and weeks following an ear cropping surgery can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your Doberman puppy. Not only will they have lost the majority of their ears, they will be dealing with open wounds and bandages that need to be changed regularly. To achieve the pricked ear look, your Dobie will also need to wear special tape to hold their ears in an upward position, which is uncomfortable and disorienting. Dogs don’t like to have their ears covered, and Dobermans spend weeks of their puppyhood forced to wear confining ear bandages, casts, tape, and cones. 

4. Reducing Your Doberman’s Expressiveness

Ears are an important tool for dogs to express their emotions, and cropping reduces their ability to show humans what they are thinking. By cropping your dog’s ears and docking their tail, you remove an entire avenue for communicating with them. 

5. Making Dobermans Less Approachable

Unfortunately, dogs with cropped ears look more intimidating and can deter people from approaching them or learning more about the breed. Not only is this bad for the individual dog’s socialization it can also cause issues while trying to find housing thanks to breed discrimination. 

Is Cropping a Doberman Pinscher’s Ears Cruel?

Yes, Doberman ear cropping for aesthetics is considered a cruel and unnecessary process. Although cropped ears are considered “breed standard” by the American Kennel Club, this only applies to dogs shown in breed-conformation dog shows. For everyday pet owners, conforming to this “breed standard” requires subjecting your beloved puppy to a painful procedure that may or may not be successful in the short and long term. 

Many veterinarians now refuse to crop ears and dock tails for dogs not participating in Kennel Club dog shows, and even show dogs can be refused this procedure. 

Unfortunately, many breeders still crop their dogs’ ears themselves, and some everyday pet owners choose to do at-home surgeries to crop their Dobermans’ ears without a professional’s help. Both of these situations are exceptionally cruel to the dog, have far lower success rates , and pose a higher risk of infection or complications. 

Floppy-Eared Doberman FAQ

We’ve got more answers to the internet’s pressing questions about Doberman ears and whether to crop or not! 

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One uncommon Doodle cross is the Doberdoodle, a cross between a Doberman Pinscher and a Poodle. While Poodles and Doodles are very popular pets, Dobermans are more uncommon– which means that it’s likely you’ve never seen a Doberman Pinscher Poodle mix before! Here, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this crossbreed and even share some Doberdoodle pictures.

Meet 3 Delightful Doberdoodles from Instagram

Before we get into the details of what makes a Doberdoodle a Doberdoodle, let’s see a few examples of these dogs. 

1. Buddy

Buddy was taken in by a Doberman rescue group in Colorado called Saving Dobermankind—we’ll share more from this rescue later—along with his siblings. The result of an accidental litter, Buddy is a shy, intelligent pup who will make his forever family very happy. 

2. Wallace

Wallace is a five-year-old Doberdoodle from Massachusetts who is an agility champion! When Wallace isn’t working on his athleticism, he’s hanging out with his brothers Otis and Elwood!

3. Reggie

Reggie is a big ‘ol boy whose family says “he doesn’t know how to Doberman or Poodle!” Reggie goes everywhere with his family, even to baseball games, and he’s a friend to other dogs both big and small. 

Doberdoodle Basic Info

So just what are Doberdoodles? 

A Doberdoodle is what you get when a Doberman and Poodle mix. Usually, this crossbreed is 50% Doberman and 50% Standard Poodle, but sometimes there may be a little bit of genetic contribution from other breeds. 

This Doberman Pinscher Poodle mix is very rare and is frequently the result of an accidental litter. The Poodle parent is usually a Standard Poodle because Miniature and Toy Poodles are much smaller than a Doberman. This cross is not recognized by any organization, and due to the temperament differences in the two parent breeds, this cross is more likely to be an accidental litter than an intentionally bred crossbreed.

Doberdoodle Temperament

Every dog is unique, and while some traits have strong genetic links like a Border Collie’s herding instinct or a Pointer’s ability to point, this is not true of all behaviors! Additionally, a dog’s history, personal experiences, and personality play a huge role in determining what kind of temperament they will have. Since Doberdoodles are a combination of Dobermans and Poodles,  let’s look at some of the key traits of both breeds.

Dobermans: 

• Intense
• Protective
• Headstrong

Poodles:

• Energetic
• Intelligent
• Sweet

Because Dobermans and Poodles have such wildly different temperaments, if you want to adopt one, you should find out as much as you can about the pup in question. This is one of the big advantages of adopting from a rescue; the rescue coordinators and foster pet parents will have been working with the Doberdoodle and will know more about how they react to different situations.

Even siblings won’t have the same temperament; for example, the Colorado rescue Saving Dobermankind worked with an accidental litter of nine Doberdoodles. Even though all of the pups were from the same parents, one pup was a “Velcro” dog while her siblings were more independent. Some of the puppies were good with other dogs; others were shy.

These dogs can be amazing companions, but you do have to socialize them a lot as puppies to help them be comfortable around other animals. And it is unlikely that they will ever be truly friendly with strangers– Doberman crosses are typically very family-oriented and prefer the company of those they consider their “pack.”

One Doberdoodle owner described their Doberdoodle named Bouncer as their own “Secret Service protection agent,” mentioning that Doberdoodles are “fearless protectors; we once woke to Bouncer’s barking and facing off a massive bear at 2 am.” If you want a dog who will tell you when any human or animal is within 500 feet of your house, the Doberdoodle might be the dog for you! 

Doberdoodle Size

Doberdoodle size can vary widely depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Doberdoodles are usually between 60 and 80 pounds, although 90 pounds or more is possible. They are usually about 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder. 

Doberdoodle Health

Crossbreed dogs are often less prone to certain health conditions than their purebred parents– and for Doberdoodles, that’s a very good thing, because Dobermans are prone to serious heart conditions that are usually less likely in their offspring. 

However, even crossbreeds have health conditions to look out for. Here are some of the most common health concerns that affect Poodles and Dobermans.

• Bloat
• Eye & vision problems
• Joint problems like hip dysplasia
• Thyroid problems

Where Can I Find Doberdoodles for Sale Near Me?

Do you want to make a Doberdoodle your next best friend? The best place to find one of these crossbreeds is actually going to be a Doberman rescue! Doodle and Poodle rescues may take them in as well, but because there are a lot more Doodles than Dobermans out there, rescues and fosters that focus on Dobermans are likely to be more knowledgeable about these dogs.

Doberdoodle FAQs

Demanding to know more about the Doberdoodle? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from dog lovers about them!

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