Besides the classic black & rust, many owners are also drawn to the majestic brown Doberman Pinscher. Fierce yet elegant, it is no surprise they come next to black & rust as the Doberman’s second most popular color variation.
To the naked eye, people perceive this pooch as brown; however, they are recognized by the breed standard as red.
Regardless of what they are called, however, their coat color gives off a unique vibe that makes them head-turners.
What does a brown Dobie look like? How are they different from other colors? In this article, you’ll find out answers to these questions and more.
What Is a Brown Doberman? What Is a Brown Doberman Called?
The brown Doberman is a purebred Doberman Pinscher that sports a coat color ranging from light copper to dark chocolate. Some describe its coat as light brownish-red or dark reddish-brown. Due to its subtle red undertones, the brown Doberman is also referred to as the red Doberman.
Also sometimes called chocolate Dobermans, brown Dobermans sport brown and red hues in their coat that result from a recessive gene.
The color brown is not officially listed under the standards of the breed; however, it is usually classified under the red & rust coat class. As they are interchangeable, this is also the case with the so-called red Dobermans.
Other official color variants of the breed are black & rust, white, fawn (Isabella) & rust, and blue & rust, where the blue Doberman is classified under.
Unsurprisingly, the most noticeable difference between browns and other Doberman variants is their coat color. Their physical appearance, personality, and intelligence are very much the same as any Doberman Pinscher.
While the brown Dobie at present has quite the following, it hasn’t always been like this in the past. In fact, back then, only the more famous black & rust Dobies were getting all the attention from breeders and fanciers.
Are Brown Doberman Pinschers Rare?
Brown Doberman Pinschers may not be as common as the black & rust Doberman, but they are not rare either. In fact, brown is the second most common Doberman color.
That said, you can expect to find reputable brown Doberman breeders easily. Price-wise, these pups are priced similarly to the classic Doberman.
Usually, brown Dobies cost less than the rarer solid-colored Dobies, such as solid red or solid chocolate Dobermans.
Apart from solid-colored Dobies, much rarer colors of the Doberman include blue and fawn or Isabella. Blue Dobies are diluted black, whereas fawn or Isabella Dobermans are diluted red.
Moreover, white Dobermans are also considered rarer than browns. This is to be expected, as not a lot of breeders are purposely breeding white Dobies.
Brown Doberman Appearance
The most noticeable difference that distinguishes brown Dobies from other Dobermans is their coat color. Other than that, they share the same physical features as other Doberman variants.
In terms of coat colors, the brown Doberman sports a coat that ranges from light copper with red or brown tones to a dark chocolate shade. In addition, its coat is short and has a shiny appearance.
They also have rust markings on their tail, face, and body. Sleek, muscular, and compactly built, brown Dobermans exhibit a strong, square body with a majestic stance.
Their chests are broad and well-defined, while their backs are firm and solid. Furthermore, brown Dobies typically have docked tails that appear to be a continuation of their spine.
Traditionally, their ears are also cropped and upright; however, some owners keep their natural ears which are long and floppy.
Dobermans have the same nose and eye color as their coats, so the brown Dobie will often have a brown nose and eyes.
Their muzzles are narrow and long, whereas their deep-set eyes are almond-shaped with an energetic expression.
Classified as medium dogs, brown Dobermans are around 24 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 100 pounds. That said, they are exactly the same size as other Doberman Pinschers.
A Dobe’s appearance may also vary depending on gender, but you will only notice the differences when you know where to look.
Brown Doberman Color Genetics
The Doberman has two basic colors: black (B) and brown or red (b). The genotype bbDD gives a Doberman its brown coat color.
In other words, to produce a brown or red Doberman (bb), both parents should have the red (b) recessive gene.
Two black and rust Dobermans that both have red recessive genes could possibly birth red Dobermans; however, only about one out of four would turn out brown.
A black Dobie that carries the red gene bred with a red Doberman has a 50% chance of producing brown Doberman puppies.
On the flip side, a black Doberman without the red gene may be bred with a red Dobe, and although the offspring will carry the red gene, it won’t be visible in their appearance.
Ultimately, a surefire way of getting an all-brown Doberman litter is breeding two red Dobermans.
Brown Doberman Temperament and Personality
As a breed, Dobermans are loyal and gentle family pups, and the same can be observed with brown Dobies. Some owners say brown Dobermans are more light-hearted, playful, and less territorial than black & rust Dobies.
However, such claims are yet to be backed up by scientific evidence. Still, brown Dobies, especially when properly socialized, are obedient, patient, and affectionate dogs that get along well with families.
They even treat children as puppies of the pack. When it comes to strangers, however, brown Dobermans tend to be aloof or aggressive. They are extremely protective and consider any unfamiliar face a threat to their family’s safety.
Coming from a working breed, brown Dobies are energetic and thrive on physical and mental stimulation.
Training them should be fairly easy, as they are alert and intelligent. Being fearless-natured, they are also one of the world’s finest protection dogs.
Watch this video to meet Salem, a brown Doberman service dog who saved his owner’s life:
Brown Doberman Lifespan and Health Issues
The brown Doberman, like other color variants of the breed, has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The kind of care they receive is also a huge factor affecting their lifespan.
That said, despite being relatively healthy, the brown Doberman may develop a handful of health problems. These issues are often linked to their genetics as well as their environment.
Below are some health issues common in brown Doberman Pinschers:
- Skin Issues: Among the other Doberman colors, brown Dobies are slightly more susceptible to skin and fur issues. They are likely to develop these in their puppyhood. However, these are usually treatable and temporary. Some common skin and fur issues in brown Dobies include hair loss, allergic dermatitis, and folliculitis.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Mainly observed in large and giant breeds, the brown Doberman Pinscher is more likely to suffer from DCM. It is a cardiac muscle disease causing the heart’s ability to pump blood to decrease. Dogs with DCM have enlarged, weak hearts that do not function normally.
- Wobbler Syndrome: Often characterized by a “wobbly” gait, hence the name; this condition commonly affects large and giant breeds. Although genetics is thought to be the culprit, the root cause of Wobbler syndrome is still unclear. Dogs with this disease may exhibit walking with their head down, one of the common symptoms.
The best way to ensure that you have a healthy brown Dobie is by acquiring your pup from responsible breeders. If possible, you should also ask the breeder for your pup’s health guarantees and genetic test results.
How Much Does a Brown Doberman Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Since they are quite common, brown Doberman puppies are around the same average price of $1,500 to $2,500 as the classic black Dobies. Factors such as breeder, bloodline, and gender contribute to the price of a brown Dobie puppy.
It is worth noting, though, that the prices mentioned are just upfront costs. There are expenses that occur even before you take home a brown Doberman.
Here’s a rough estimate of costs you can expect during your initial ownership of a brown Doberman:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
On average, you can expect to spend around $505 to $3,150 for your brown Doberman’s initial expenses. Keep in mind, though, that these prices may vary depending on your place.
Places to Find Brown Doberman Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Buying a puppy can be daunting and stressful. Fortunately, brown is the second most popular color of the Doberman breed. This means there can be quite a plenty of breeders producing high-quality brown Dobies.
Below are some trusted Doberman breeders where you can find brown Doberman puppies:
- Von Hohenhalla Dobermans – This breeder from Atlanta mainly breeds red and rust and black and rust European Dobermans. They have the ultimate goal of sharing their knowledge of Dobermans with people interested in the breed. You may reach them through their website to see if they have brown Doberman puppies available at the moment.
- Unique Dobermans – Located in Colorado, Unique Dobermans has been trusted in the breeding business since the 1980s. They breed well-tempered, healthy, and work-suited European and German Dobermans. Recognized around the world, they produce only the finest Dobermans.
- Foxfire Dobermans – Established in 1979, Foxfire Dobermans has been producing healthy and mentally sound Dobies for over 40 years. They have also been recognized by multiple organizations for being an outstanding breeder and making a positive impression on the Doberman breed. Fill out a form on their website to see if they can match you with the brown Doberman.
Adoption is another route you can take if you want to own a brown Doberman. While most Doberman rescue organizations require a fee and usually have strict rules before you can get a pup, they are often for understandable reasons.
Here are some places where you can find adoptable brown Dobermans:
- Doberman Rescue Minnesota (DRM) – Founded in 1999, DRM is dedicated to finding the right home for Dobermans in their adoption program. They only consider adoption from areas such as Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Visit their website or Facebook page to know if they have adoptable brown Dobies.
- Doberman Rescue of North Texas, Inc. (DRNT) – Since 1994, DRNT has placed over 1,400 Doberman Pinschers in loving homes. All dogs under their care are spayed and neutered without exception. They pre-screen applications to evaluate if a potential adopter can be trusted with their Dobies.
- Desert Harbor Doberman Rescue (DHDR) – DHDR is the first and oldest rescue organization in Arizona. Their mission is to rehome Dobermans in qualified forever homes. They also want to educate the community about the breed. If you wish to adopt a brown Doberman from DHDR, you may contact them through their website.
There are also ways where you can adopt pups in your area for free; you just need to be patient. Whether you choose to buy or adopt a brown Doberman, keep in mind that this is just the first step to lasting dog ownership.
Best Dog Names for Your Brown Doberman Puppy
One of the fun and exciting parts of getting a brown Doberman puppy is naming them.
Just the same, you want to carefully choose the best name to give your brown Dobie pup, one that is meaningful yet easy for them to recognize.
If you have not made up your mind on what to call your pup yet, let us narrow down your choices with these brown Doberman common name ideas:
- Amber
- Brandy
- Scarlet
- Poppy
- Sunny
- Rojo
- Chestnut
- Rusty
- Copper
- Merlo
As you would notice, the names above go well with the red or brown Doberman color. Apart from their color, you can pick a name that suits their personality.
Remember to make their name as meaningful as it is creative. After all, it is going to stick around for quite some time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Color of Doberman?
Fawn, or Isabella, is the rarest color of Doberman. It has a light brown or beige coat.
Only the American Doberman type has a recognized fawn color as per breed standards. The fawn or light brown Dobie is the least popular among its main colors.
Most breeders avoid this color as it is considered unqualified in some dog shows. People also deem them inferior to red & black Dobies, associating them with color-related issues.
Due to this, it might be difficult to find fawn Dobermans in the market.
Do Brown Dobermans Shed a Lot?
Much like the other colors in the breed, brown Dobermans do shed, but not a lot.
They have single coats, and unlike breeds with double coats that shed year-round and heavily twice a year, brown Dobies shed moderately throughout the year.
In effect, this makes brown Dobermans fairly easy to groom. You would only need to brush their fur once weekly for it to keep its natural shine.
They can be bathed every 6 to 8 weeks or more frequently, depending on their level of outdoor activity.
Are Brown Dobermans Hypoallergenic?
No, brown Dobermans are not hypoallergenic. Although there are low-shedding breeds, Dobies are not one of them. The fact that they have red coats also does not indicate how frequently they will shed.
Given this, they may not be the best choice for allergy sufferers, as shedding comes with dander, an allergen that could make one’s symptoms worse. As such, dog hair should not be mistaken as a trigger for allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts
The brown Doberman Pinscher is just like any Doberman we know and love — highly intelligent, incredibly athletic, and elegantly fierce, except they have brownish coats.
Their unique color gained the attention of many Doberman Pinscher lovers.
Red, chocolate, or brown Dobermans, whatever you call them, these pups are worth the respect, not the stigma the breed is receiving.
They may not be the right dog for everyone, but they can certainly be for owners who are willing to embrace them.
Are you interested in adding this handsome-looking pooch to your family? We’d love to read your thoughts about the brown Doberman Pinscher in the comments below.
