Have you heard of the King Doberman? For sure, one of your thoughts is that it belongs to a noble kingdom of dogs. Well, it’s not, but it does have the title of a king due to its special quality that makes it stand out among other Dobies.
The King Doberman Pinscher may also possess the general appearance and temperaments of the regular Doberman Pinscher. However, this dog has an overwhelming size that makes it more intimidating.
If you are a fan of big and scary dogs, there is no need to look further. This guide will tell you all you need to know about the King Doberman, including amazing facts about this huge canine. If you’re ready to learn, let’s get going!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 28 – 32 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 175 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, blue, red, fawn |
| Temperament: | Energetic, watchful, fearless, obedient |
| Suitable for: | Experience owners; family with room to play; active singles |
What Is a King Doberman?
The King Doberman, also called warlock or goliath Doberman, is a cross between a Doberman and another large dog breed, usually the Great Dane. More often than not, this dog takes on the same temperament as regular Dobermans. The only striking difference is that King Dobermans are much bigger.
This dog’s history dates back to when there was a significant market for oversized Dobermans. The Doberman, however, should not grow larger than what is considered desirable, as this may cause it to lose its agility and speed.
Breeders associated the term “King, Warlock, and Goliath” with an oversized Doberman to advertise it as the better Doberman. However, it was only a gimmick for exploiters or backyard breeders to sell puppies.
Although it retains the majority of traits of a standard Doberman, it does not satisfy the breed standard. The fact that it is larger than the breed’s usual size and has a mix of another dog breed makes it clear that it is not purebred!
King Doberman vs. Regular Doberman: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, there is no way to distinguish a King Doberman from a standard Doberman; however, if you look at them side by side, you’ll realize that the King Doberman is noticeably bigger!
Additionally, if you do your homework, you will discover that King Dobermans differ from standard ones in terms of their parent dog breeds, maturity periods, and particular health-related difficulties.
The King Doberman is the crossbreed of a Doberman and a Great Dane, or any giant dog breed. In contrast, the purebred Doberman is a cross between the German Pinscher, Black & Tan Terrier, and Rottweiler.
Due to King Dobie’s huge skeletal frame, it matures more slowly than the standard. This dog’s ultimate size might be seen after it reaches 18 months old, while the standard Dobie might be in its full size before 18 months.
Although the King Doberman has a larger size, this pooch is more susceptible to some illnesses, including cancer and bone issues, because it may experience abnormal cell growth as it ages and gets bigger.
King Doberman Size and Weight
A King Doberman’s size exceeds the ideal measurement of a regular Doberman. This dog normally weighs around 60 to 175 pounds and has withers that measure between 28 and 32 inches.
Large dog breeds, like the King Doberman Pinscher, take a little longer to mature than regular Dobermans. The rationale is that this dog’s larger bones require more time to develop.
This dog typically reaches its 50 percent growth at six months of age. Once it reaches the age of 18 months, you can anticipate its gigantic size. In certain cases, this dog may even keep growing in size well into the 24-month mark.
King Doberman Appearance
The King Doberman Pinscher typically resembles the appearance of a purebred Doberman. It has a slender, athletic, and powerful appearance that is perfect for speed and endurance.
More often than not, it may also take after the purebred’s stunning coat. It will have a short and silky coat that is often black and tan. If this dog appears to have a faded color, it might be referred to as the blue King Doberman.
The Doberman King may also have a blue, red, or fawn base with tan or rust markings over its body.
The ears of a King Doberman are commonly cropped and carried erect while the tail is docked, giving it a pointed and sharp appearance. However, these qualities are still merely optional.
Even though the King Doberman Pinscher has all the same characteristics as a regular Doberman, there is one glaring difference between the two — its size!
To help you visualize, here is a quick clip of Warlock or King Dobermans having fun in the sand:
King Doberman Lifespan and Health Issues
King Doberman breeds are generally healthy and may live between 10 and 12 years. However, researchers have found large breeds such as the King Doberman may have shorter lives than the smaller breeds.
Thanks to advances in veterinary science, the life expectancy of our pets is gradually increasing. Further, by being aware of potential health issues, we can also help our pets enjoy longer, higher-quality lives.
Here are some of the health conditions that frequently affect the King Doberman:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A King Doberman Pinscher with dilated cardiomyopathy develops progressively thicker and weaker heart muscle over time. If not addressed, it might lead to cardiac and respiratory failure.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: Many dogs, including King Dobermans, frequently get a hereditary blood ailment called von Willebrand’s disease. It is a bleeding condition similar to hemophilia and can cause your dog to bleed uncontrollably.
- Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH): If your King Doberman is confirmed to have CAH, its liver won’t be able to process the copper present in many dog meals. The amount of copper may then increase to dangerous levels. As a result, it may result in the buildup of scar tissue, liver failure, or even death.
- Wobbler Syndrome: The neurological condition known as wobbler syndrome is caused by the compression of the spinal cord. It can impair the neck of your King Doberman Pinscher. Some warning indications of this illness include shaky walking, dragging of the back legs, and neck pain.
It is advised to take your pets to the vet on a regular basis to detect illnesses early. However, if you observe anything strange with your King Dobie, you should seek medical attention right away.
King Doberman Temperament and Personality
Size has no direct impact on a King Doberman’s temperament or personality. Therefore, this dog will be just like the regular ones. Consequently, it is still possible for you to get a dog that is extremely intelligent and active.
Additionally, this dog is incredibly devoted to its family members and is very trustworthy. It is a natural protector that won’t think twice about taking action if there is a threat. Yet, it is not aggressive without cause.
When it comes to kids and other pets, the King Doberman is not as nasty and violent as it may appear. This dog is very loving, playful, and affectionate. So long as they are raised together, this dog can get along well with anyone.
A king Doberman Pinscher likes to be mentally and physically active. It would be great to provide it with a lot of activities to keep it from getting bored.
However, due to its inquisitive nature, it may be hard for the King Doberman to stay focused.
How to Take Care of Your King Doberman
King Dobermans are large and powerful dogs. If you want them to perform at their best at all times, you would need to have an extensive understanding of how to feed, groom, train, and exercise them.
Here are some pieces of advice to guide you on your adventure as a King Doberman owner:
Food and Diet
The amount of food your King Dobie eats will vary based on its current age, size, and activity level. Whatever the case, you should start feeding it high-quality dog food thrice a day as a puppy and twice daily as an adult.
Moreover, large dogs like the King Doberman Pinscher can have sensitivity issues with certain food components and nutrients. Because of this, dog food specially formulated for large breeds is recommended.
Ensure that your pup’s diet has all of the six basic nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients are important to the fundamental processes of your King Doberman’s entire body.
For guidance on what and how much to feed it, you should speak with your veterinarian.
Cleaning and Grooming
The coats of King Dobermans are easy to maintain, even though they can be moderate to heavy shedders. Quick daily grooming with a slicker brush or a grooming mitt will keep their coats shiny and healthy.
A King Doberman Pinscher does not need to be bathed too frequently as it may irritate the skin and cause the loss of its natural coat and body oils. It is sufficient to bathe it at least once a month or just when necessary.
After every bath, the King Doberman’s ears should be cleaned carefully with a paper towel to remove any moisture that could lead to problems.
It’s also important to trim your dog’s nails, especially if they begin to touch the ground. By doing this, you could keep your dog’s nails protected from any issues or injuries.
If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning and grooming your King Doberman yourself, you can take it to a professional groomer.
Training and Exercise
The King Doberman is an intelligent and active dog, making training simple. But it may also be a problem, especially if this dog gets bored. This dog tends to listen to its own instincts and do whatever it wants to do.
As a result, it would help to train your dog to recognize you as the head of the household. This way, your pooch will obey you at all times.
The ideal time to begin your dog’s training is when it’s eight weeks old or as soon as you bring it home.
Further, like every dog, a King Dobie needs early socialization. This helps your King Dobie puppy turn into a well-rounded dog. Enrolling it in a kindergarten is a great start to provide it with much more than just positive reinforcement.
In terms of exercise, the King Doberman needs at least one hour daily. If it has been properly socialized, it will appreciate regular exercise more if it is done with kids or other animals.
How Much Does a King Doberman Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a King Doberman can range from $2,500 to $4,000. It is considerably more expensive than the ordinary Doberman, which typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500, clearly showing its larger stature.
In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a King Doberman, you will also need to set aside money for its basic requirements.
Make sure to have these prepared before bringing your new King Doberman home:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $80 – $150 |
| Bowls | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $50 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $60 – $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 | $30 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $620 – $3,150 |
Aside from the listed above, getting pet insurance is a good idea. Even if you think you can afford veterinary care, doing this could still end up saving you thousands of dollars if your King Doberman gets sick or hurt.
Places to Find King Doberman Puppies for Sale and Adoption
King Dobermans have been in demand recently because of their regal appearance and extra size. However, locating a place to find these dogs can be very challenging as breeding them is not a simple task.
To help you with your search, here are some breeders where you can find a King Doberman Pinscher for sale:
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies was founded in 2000 with the goal of matching healthy puppies with devoted households. They have a photographer who directly observes King Doberman and other puppies of a breeder and keeps an eye out for warning signs about the pet’s welfare and treatment.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an online advertising site exclusive to Keystone-certified breeders. They have a large range of purebred and designer breed puppies for sale, including the King Doberman Pinscher.
- Lancaster Puppies – Finding healthy pups from reliable dog breeders across the United States is simple with Lancaster Puppies. This organization is a one-stop shop for finding, buying, and selling puppies. You can even get a King Doberman through their website for as low as $500.
If you’re financially unprepared for the cost of a King Doberman puppy, the option to adopt from a rescue is always open.
Below are some sources where you can find a King Doberman Pinscher for adoption:
- Doberman Rescue League, Inc. (DRLI) – Established in 1977, DRLI is a group of volunteers who were eager to provide their time, knowledge, homes, and tender loving care to help place Dobermans in need of rescue. Expect a vaccinated, heartworm-tested, and spayed or neutered dog when you decide to adopt a King Doberman from them.
- Dobies and Little Paws Rescue (DLPR) – Situated in the rural community of Fillmore, California, the DLPR is a no-kill sanctuary, which means they do not put any dogs to death if they are not adopted. In the event that your adoption of a King Doberman does not come out as planned, they are willing to take returns for any reason.
- Doberman Assistance, Rescue & Education (DAR&E) – DAR&E is a nonprofit organization that offers rescued Dobermans veterinary care, foster homes, and the opportunity to be adopted into devoted, long-term families. If you intend to adopt a King Doberman from them, set aside $150 to $350 for adoption fees.
For more options, you may also drive around your neighborhood for local rescues and shelters tp increase your chances of getting a King Doberman without hurting your finances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Biggest Type of Doberman?
The King Doberman is the biggest type of Doberman. These dogs range from 28 to 32 inches in height and weigh a hefty 60 to 175 pounds.
However, if you are curious about the biggest type of purebred Doberman, it would be the European Dobie.
The European Dobie is the biggest type among the purebred Doberman Pinscher. This dog stands around 25 to 28 inches and weighs around 65 to 105 pounds.
Are King Dobermans Aggressive?
Large dogs, like King Dobermans, are typically calm, docile, and very mellow. But because of their Doberman bloodline, these dogs may exhibit some level of aggression.
King Dobermans respond to the circumstances. They often don’t act aggressively unless they feel threatened and need to defend themselves or their owners.
Final Thoughts
If you are already a fan of Dobermans, you probably have an idea of what to expect from a King Doberman. Though it has pretty much identical qualities to the regular Dobie, this dog has a little extra trait – it is physically larger.
With its size, you may need a large space for them to move and play. You may also need huge patience and effort in giving this dog the mental and physical stimulation it needs.
If this challenge sounds easy for you, the King Doberman Pinscher may suit you! Have more thoughts about this dog? Let us know in the comment section for us to have a fruitful discussion about King Dobermans.
