If you’re thinking about getting a Doberman, you might be curious about the differences between male and female Dobermans.
Although Doberman males and females are similar in many ways, there are some significant differences to consider before choosing.
In general, male Dobermans are bigger than females. Their aggression and alertness make them excellent guard dogs. Meanwhile, female Dobermans are smaller, lighter, and less aggressive. Females also mature earlier and are easier to train. However, they may not be the best choice as protection dogs.
This article discusses the similarities and differences between male and female Dobermans so that you can decide which is better for you. So, keep on reading to learn more about the differences between male and female Dobermans.
Physical Differences
Male Dobermans
The difference in the physical appearances of male and female Dobermans is not that significant compared to other breeds, especially when it comes to coat color and quality. Still, for dog owners, these differences are a huge deal.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, male Dobermans are typically larger and heavier than females.
Male Dobermans typically weigh between 75 and 100 pounds and reach a height of 26 to 28 inches when fully grown. Males are generally a few inches taller than females and slightly larger overall.
Male Dobermans have more muscle mass, wider chests, and necks. If you want a good guard dog, they are perfect for the job due to their intimidating looks and alert gait.
With one look at a male Dobie, you will notice that its head is stockier compared to a female Dobie. This stocky head goes hand in hand with its bulkier build.
Female Dobermans
Female Dobermans are typically smaller and lighter than males. They usually weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. When fully grown, their height ranges from 24 to 26 inches.
Females are less likely to suffer from joint problems than males due to their smaller size. Being a few inches smaller than male Dobies, they are perfect companion dogs for families living in smaller spaces.
Female Dobermans are also known to have smoother, sleeker, and shinier coats than male Dobies, making them refined and elegant.
Like males, they also sport long snouts and pointy ears. In terms of coat colors, they can also display common black and rust, brown, and red coats, as well as the rarer blue, black, and white colors.
Temperamental Differences
Male Dobermans
In terms of temperament, male Doberman Pinschers are independent and can be challenging to handle. Males are also less affectionate and distant. However, they are very protective of their whole family, not just their owner.
However, do take note that males have a strong urge to dominate other dogs, regardless of gender. They also tend to be more territorial than females.
As a result, this also means males are more likely to challenge intruders, whether it’s another animal or person. In fact, a friend of mine who was a victim of burglary two years ago asked me if I could source a guard dog for his family after the incident. We got a male Doberman for the role.
Since then, the Doberman has acted as a reliable guard dog, protecting their family day in and day out. Along with the male Doberman’s intimidating physique, no further incidences of territory encroachment have been reported by my friend.
On the other hand, there is a tendency for male Dobermans to be clumsy and mischievous. They can be playful, but this usually subsides once they reach age four or older.
Female Dobermans
Female Dobermans are known to be calmer, more loving, and more sensitive than their male counterparts. They tend to have stronger ties to their families and can have a more difficult time adjusting to new people.
Compared to males, females tend to be more calm and more composed. They are intelligent and respond quickly to commands.
However, they can also be unmanageable if they are not adequately trained and socialized early on.
Hormones can also play a part in their temperament. Females going through their estrus cycle can become grumpy when around males in heat.
Here’s a video showing the most common differences between a male and female Doberman Pinscher:
Behavior and Training
Male Dobermans
A male Doberman Pinscher tends to be more goofy and playful when younger. These traits have the potential to be a significant factor that affects their training.
Male puppies can be endearing because of their playfulness. However, some may not find this trait admirable as they grow older because they may mistake it for aggression, especially if they are unfamiliar with the Doberman breed.
Also, their high energy levels can sometimes be challenging, especially since they require more physical activity than females to stay calm.
Moreover, the Dobermans Pinscher breed is known for territory marking. This is especially true for male Dobermans.
In order to stop this behavior, you can neuter your male Doberman. It has been shown that this can reduce territorial marking by about 50 to 60 percent, according to the AKC.
Female Dobermans
Training a female dog is a bit easier compared to males. Female Dobermans are more intelligent and obedient even during their younger years.
Females are not as hardheaded and stubborn as their male counterparts. They will quickly catch on to what is expected and follow commands more readily.
When it comes to obedience training, females are quicker to pick up commands. They can learn instructions faster and retain information better than males.
Thus, housebreaking will be easy since they learn quicker compared to male Dobermans.
Regarding territorial marking, females may also leave urine marks, but it’s not as common as male dogs. They will mark their territory if other dogs are lingering around their favorite spot.
And just like with male dogs, spaying your female Doberman can curb its territorial marking behavior. Close supervision of them can also help reduce the tendency to urinate around the house.
Health Differences
Male Dobermans
Male Dobermans are more susceptible to bone, joint, and hip problems due to their larger size and weight compared to female Dobermans.
Some Doberman owners have noted that male Dobermans tend to have a shorter lifespan, potentially due to the strain put on their hearts.
The males of the Doberman Pinscher breed are more prone to Von Willebrand’s Disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and hip dysplasia, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Male Dobermans are also prone to prostate-related conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia refers to the enlargement of a male dog’s prostate gland due to hormones.
Moreover, a male Doberman may also get prostatitis and prostate cancer, two of the most common sex-related issues in Dobermans.
Prostate cancer may affect a male Dobie when they reach nine. You may need to watch for signs like blood in its urine and difficulty urinating or defecating.
Neutering your male Doberman is the preferred method of prevention and even treatment for these health issues.
Female Dobermans
On the other hand, the female Doberman has fewer bone, joint, and hip problems than the male due to its smaller size. It also has a lower risk of having dilated cardiomyopathy.
Spaying or neutering your dog is your responsibility as a Doberman owner. For females, spaying reduces the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections, two leading health issues in female dogs.
Female Dobermans are one of the top five large dog breeds that are affected by mammary tumors. The main reason this affects female Dobies is an increased level of progesterone in their bodies.
Another common condition in female Dobermans is pyometra, a urine infection resulting from the increased progesterone level in the urinary tract. This thickens the uterine lining and produces fluid ideal for bacterial growth.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Dobermans
No matter the situation, male Dobermans should not live with same-sex dogs. Having males neutered prevent same-sex aggression. Still, a house where two dogs of the opposite sex live together would be ideal.
Male Dobermans are more outgoing and playful than their female counterparts. This is often beneficial, as they are more likely to approach other animals and strike a friendship.
However, it is essential to consider that this personality trait can also lead to problems. A male Doberman may be more likely to pick fights with other dogs or animals if not properly socialized.
A male Doberman should therefore receive proper socialization training from an early age. They are also great family pets for any pet owner if they are correctly trained to get along with other animals.
Female Dobermans
Female Dobermans are less likely to assert dominance at the dog park. Playing with other dogs can be challenging when your female Doberman is attached to you. Hence, seeing a new dog can make them cautious.
A male Dobie will get along better with a female Dobie since female-on-female aggression exists. Some even claim it is as prevalent as male-on-male aggression.
If you’re considering having two female dogs in your household, it’s important to be aware that it’s recommended to have at least a two-year age gap between them.
They are also generally good with other pets or animals in the same household, provided they have been properly socialized at a young age.
With Children
Male Dobermans
Male Dobermans are clumsier because of their size. Having a Dobie that weighs 100 pounds could be a problem if you have young children. Until age four, a male Doberman acts hyper and engages in rough play.
Apart from accidental injuries, there are no other risks associated with male Dobies around children. Even male Dobermans that tend to be intimidating can be the sweetest dogs for your young kids.
Male Dobermans love attention, so they will play with your children for as long as they put up with them. You should give this some thought if you have children who like to interact with dogs in a playful manner.
Female Dobermans
Due to their rapid maturation and seriousness, females are more cautious around young children. This is extremely beneficial when you have small kids in the house since accidents are less likely.
A female Doberman in the house is more likely to form strong bonds with one family member. Unlike females, males bond equally with everyone. For example, the female may refuse to sleep in the same room with a child.
A female will still enjoy running and playing with children but will not be as likely as the male to “go all day” with them. When the kids become too demanding, female Dobies will need their space.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Dobermans
Male Dobermans
Since male Dobermans are heavier and have greater muscle mass, they can be better guard dogs for individuals and families.
Male Dobies are also perfect for active people since they have more energy to burn. If you are looking for a companion for any activities, male Dobermans are perfect for you.
On the other hand, males are more likely to roam and escape. They are also more aggressive towards other dogs, which can be problematic if you have other family pets.
Below is a table summarizing the pros and cons of a male Doberman:
| Pros | Cons |
| Better guard dog | Often careless and reckless |
| Gets along easier with strangers | Cannot be left alone with children |
| Tends to be more playful | Can be extra-territorial |
| Obedient in nature | Tends to be messier |
| Gets along with other pets | Takes longer to mature |
Female Dobermans
Female Dobies have their own set of pros and cons. For instance, females tend to protect their owners and territory more. They are also less likely to roam than males.
Females can easily be trained since they aren’t easily distracted. They are also more likely to get along with other pets in the house. They can also get along quickly with children since they are more gentle.
If you decide to potty train them, it will be easy because they can pick up lessons faster than their male counterparts. They can also retain information well.
But like male Dobermans, female Dobies will also have their own set of cons. They are not that sociable when around strangers, pets, or other animals they might encounter.
While females have some cons, they are often outweighed by the pros. Therefore, a female Doberman may be your best choice if you are looking for a simple, loyal, and intelligent companion.
Female Dobermans have the following pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easier to train | Less playful |
| Less needy of attention | Less social with animals and pets. |
| Matures earlier | Cautious to strangers |
| Tends to be cleaner overall | Puppy years are less hyper |
| Excellent companion | Less likely to be a people-pleaser |
Should You Get a Male or Female Doberman?
A Doberman is a versatile dog originally bred as a personal protection dog. They can be excellent family pets because they are loving, loyal, easy to train, and adaptable compared to other dog breeds.
Choosing which Doberman is right for you is not going to be simple. Many factors, such as your lifestyle, family, or other pets you currently have, can contribute a lot to your decision-making.
So, if you’re looking for a personal protection dog that is also playful, the male Doberman is a perfect choice. Male Dobies can also match your active lifestyle if you train them.
If you’re also concerned about bringing an additional family member to your home to be with your other pets, trust a male Dobie because they tend to get along pretty well with other pets.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a calmer and more passive dog companion who can be trained as a guard dog, the female Doberman is more suitable for you.
As for other dog owners, cleanliness is a huge factor when it comes to choosing a perfect companion for them. You won’t see these large dog breeds rolling around grass and dirt, regardless of gender.
Further, no matter what your decision is on what gender fits you better, it is always best to deal only with reputable breeders who can produce healthy puppies and practice ethical standards in breeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Dobermans Calmer?
There is no simple answer to the question of which gender of a Doberman is calmer because each dog is an individual and will have its unique personality.
Nevertheless, some people believe that female Dobermans tend to be calmer and more loving. Since they mature faster, they seek alone time more often. However, it is essential to note that this is not always the case.
Are Male or Female Dobermans More Affectionate?
Female Dobermans are very picky to whoever they will be affectionate. Usually, they will only be devoted to their owners. So it can be difficult if you have other family members seeking to be close to your Dobie.
Male Dobermans are known for being highly affectionate and not overly needy. If they feel they can trust you, they will happily show you loyalty and shower you with affection.
Their friendly and outgoing nature also makes it easy for them to show love toward their owners.
Are Male or Female Dobermans Easier to Train?
Every dog is different, but female Dobermans may be easier to train than males. Females are less distracted by their surroundings and can be more focused on the tasks given to them.
Females also respond better to commands during training when positive reinforcement is used.
Final Thoughts
Generally, all Doberman Pinschers, regardless of the dog’s gender, are adaptable dogs that require adequate training and socialization at a young age.
The key is to socialize them properly and put in some effort, regardless of whether you choose a male or female Doberman.
They may have their differences, but ultimately, an individual dog’s temperament depends on its environment and upbringing more than which gender they are.
Have you decided which gender of Doberman would make the most suitable companion for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts on male and female Dobermans in the comments below.
