Some people wrongly fear them, accusing them of being aggressive. Others love them, but everyone can agree that Dobermans look like magnificent dogs, all power and beauty! But are there any dog breeds that look like Dobermans?
If you have asked that question, this is the perfect place to be because we have a list of 19 dogs that look like Dobermans! From big dogs to small dogs, from almost the same as Dobermans to those with more distinctive characteristics, they are all here.
And they are all a unique combination of both beauty and power.
19 Dogs That Look Like Dobermans
Before we start talking about the other dogs, let’s take a look at the Doberman.
Their full name is Doberman Pinscher, and their nickname is Dobie. They originated in 19th century Germany when a tax collector called Louis Dobermann created an excellent big guard dog by mixing a Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, and German Pinscher.
Dobermans can be used as guard dogs or working dogs, but they are wonderful family pets too! Because of their high level of affection and loyalty, they go great with all families, including those with small children.
They are AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized and they have distinctive looks:
• slim and muscular body
• long neck
• long legs
• long muzzle
• cropped pointy ears (they don’t have to be cropped)
• cropped tail (doesn’t have to be cropped)
As for the Doberman colors, they come in 4 AKC (the American Kennel Club) registered variations, but there are some unique coat color variations that make them even more special, like the red Doberman or the fawn Doberman Pinscher.
Dobermans are highly intelligent, playful, and loyal purebred dogs that will delight any dog owner.
1. Beauceron
Let’s start with the Beauceron, an old French Shepherd dog breed developed all the way back in the Middle Ages. Since the day they were introduced to people, these amazing dogs have had many different jobs. People used them as herding dogs, military dogs, companions, and watchdogs.
Just like their Doberman cousin, the Beauceron was used as a police dog, and even in both world wars, standing loyally next to their fellow human soldiers.
The Beauceron is a true representation of black and tan power in a dog but, at the same time, great affection and sensitivity too. They can make great family dogs where small children are involved if they go through proper early socialization.
They have a smooth and short double coat that comes in 4 color variations, of which tan and black, and tan and rust are the most common.
The Beauceron’s average weight can be more than 100 pounds, and they can grow up to 27.5 inches in height.
This dog is generally a healthy dog, but with some health issues that can occur just like in any other dog breed. What can be more characteristic of this breed is bloating (or GDV). Also, any serious and reputable dog breeder will test these dogs for possible hip, heart, and eye problems.
2. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is like the grandad of some of the most popular German dog breeds, like the Miniature Pinscher and our beloved Doberman Pinscher. If you take a look at these breeds, you will find a lot of similarities.
The German Pinscher looks a lot like a Doberman, but it is slightly smaller. They can weigh up to 45 pounds and can be up to 20 inches in height.
The German Pinscher also has a smooth and short coat with 4 AKC accepted coat color variations.
They are very affectionate and loyal to their owner, but they do not get on that well with other dogs and small children. If they go through proper early socialization then they can become great companion dogs. But, it is better to supervise them while they play with children.
German Pinscher has a high energy level. That means, they will require a lot of daily exercise. You will have to take German Pinscher on long walks or hikes or provide a good source of interactive toys that the dog can use on its own.
This dog breed is generally healthy, but they too can have some health problems, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and some dental problems might occur too.
3. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large dog, growing up to 27 inches in height and weighing up to 135 pounds. They are powerful and muscular dogs with characteristic Doberman dogs’ tan markings on their short and smooth coat.
This is another very old dog breed used in the making of the Doberman Pinscher. The Rottweiler dates back to the Roman Empire, where they marched together with magnificent Roman legions. But, today we have 3 types of Rottweiler dogs, with some differences depending on the country where the dog breeders are located. They can even come as a long-haired type of Rottweiler!
But, the similarities are that they have large heads with broad upper and lower jaws. They come in only three AKC-accepted colors:
• black and mahogany
• black and rust
• black and tan
As for their temperament, most people assume that Rottweilers are dangerous or they wonder if Rottweilers are good with children, but the fact is that these are lovely and affectionate dogs that can be amazing family pets. Of course, proper socialization plays a big role, but Rotties were not bred to be aggressive dogs!
The Rottweiler is a loving, loyal, and confident guard dog that will show you a lot of affection!
4. Austrian Black
As the name suggests, this dog originated in Austria and has the Austrian (German) name Brandlbracke and their full name is Austrian Black and Tan Hound.
They are medium-sized dogs that have a short coat that is smooth and shiny. The color accepted by the UKC (United Kennel Club) is black and tan with clearly defined fawn markings on the head. With such looks, the Austrian Black definitely belongs on the list of dogs that look like Dobermans. Their height is from 19 to 22 inches, and they can weigh up to 50 pounds.
These dogs are working dogs, used in hunting for decades, so they do have a high prey drive. But, nonetheless, they can be great family dogs that get on well with children of all ages. Once again, socialization is the key to a successful relationship between your dog and children, new people, or other dogs.
But, still, these dogs have high energy levels and they want to run, search, sniff, and hunt! They were born for hunting parties in the Austrian forests. You can have them as companion dogs, but being such energetic dogs, they require a lot of attention and physical stimulation.
5. Pharaoh Hound
The resemblance is obvious between these two dog breeds. Although, the Pharaoh Hound is slimmer than the Doberman Pinscher and they do come in different colors.
But, remove the color and you get the picture:
• pointy erect ears
• long neck
• slim, muscular body
•long muzzle
Sounds familiar? This is the Pharaoh Hound! There is another difference: Pharaoh Hounds have much larger ears than Dobermans and they are much more expensive, definitely taking one of the top spots on the list of the most expensive dog breeds.
This is an ancient dog breed, originally brought and spread around the Mediterranean seacoast by the Phoenicians.
The Pharaoh Hound can grow to 25 inches in height and they can weigh around 55 pounds. Also, the Pharaoh Hound is recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are slim and muscular looking dogs, with long legs and a unique coat color that comes in 4 colors: chestnut, tan, rich tan, and red golden.
They are a smart and very friendly breed of dog with a lot of energy and they are extremely fast! They were used to hunt gazelle, after all!
6. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is a small version of dogs that look like Dobermans. They can grow up to 16 inches, and weigh around 22 pounds.
They live long: with a usual lifespan of 17 years! As the name suggests, they belong to the Terrier dog breeds and, as such, their nature is all about hunting! They are one of the best dogs people used to hunt small animals. The Manchester Terrier is an energetic dog that is very trainable, so you can combine these two facts and use all kinds of physical activities to teach your doggy some new tricks or some new social manners.
The Manchester Terrier has a smooth and short coat that comes in only one AKC registered color: black and tan. The other color variation is solid black. They are low-maintained dogs that need weekly brushing and an occasional bath to make their coats healthy and shiny.
These dogs can be prone to a disease called juvenile cardiomyopathy. For now, there are no genetic tests that can enable early diagnosis of this usually fatal disease.
They can also have other health problems like “loose knees” as well as patellar luxation.
7. Canis Panther
Photo from: @canispantherappreciationpage
This dog breed is an amazing representative of powerful dogs that look like Dobermans! They are also called Panther dogs, and they were originally bred in the US in the 1970s. Their height is around 28 inches and their weight is from 120 to 150 pounds.
A man named Scorpio Jones, a famous dog trainer, developed this dog because he wanted to make the best guard dog that was, at the same, one of the most loyal dogs out there! The dog breeds that were used to make this unique dog were the Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Black Labrador Retriever, and American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
This dog breed is very rare, and even though it is considered a purebred because of its rarity, it is still not officially recognized by any major organizations.
The Panther dog is a muscular, scary-looking guard dog with long legs, a long neck and muzzle, and pointy cropped ears. Black color is the most common color, but they can come in blue, chocolate, or fawn colors too.
They are extremely loyal but are not good with other dogs or strangers. This doesn’t mean they are aggressive, it simply means they are very protective of their owner, and that they should be supervised when there are strangers around. Also, socialization at puppyhood plays a vital role in the future temperament of the dog.
8. Chinese Red Dog
Photo from: loki.the.laizhou.hong
Laizhou Hong is this breed’s original Chinese name. They are a Chinese dog breed that originated in the 19th century by crossing local Chinese working dogs with a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Doberman Pinscher.
The Chinese Red Dog can weigh up to 85 pounds and can grow to be 32 inches tall. They have large bodies with lots of muscles. They are very powerful-looking dogs with short, shiny, and smooth coats. The coat color is black with reddish markings presented as a mask with characteristic Doberman eyebrows on the face.
These dogs are friendly and very brave, with a lot of energy so keeping them active and giving them a lot of mental and physical stimulation is something that is expected of you on a daily basis.
They are low-shedding dogs that don’t need a lot of grooming, and it makes them one of the more hypoallergenic dogs.
9. Transylvanian Hound
This is another very old dog breed with roots going back to before the Middle Ages. They were bred in today’s Hungary and there were two types of this dog breed – a long-legged and short-legged Transylvanian Hound. Unfortunately, today, we only have the long-legged type.
They can weigh more than 55 pounds and can be up to 26 inches in height. This is a hunting dog with a medium-sized muscular body adapted to long hunting parties.
The Transylvanian Hound comes in three AKC registered coat color variations:
• black and tan
• black and white
• black, tan, and white
This dog breed is extremely affectionate and loyal, and are great with small children. These traits make this dog a wonderful family dog. And, they match very well with other dogs too! So, feel free to bring this amazing old purebred dog to your home and enjoy all the benefits of its wonderful nature.
But, remember it’s a hunting dog with a lot of energy, so they will need either a large place to run around or daily walks and other types of activities to keep the dog happy and healthy. You can even try interactive dog toys if you are unable to play with the dog for a long time.
10. Miniature Pinscher
This is a small dog breed that can weigh up to 10 pounds and can grow to 12.5 inches in height. They also have a cool nickname: Min Pin.
Even though we do not know the exact or approximate year of their origin, we do know that they used the Italian Greyhound and Dachshund to make this amazing dog breed.
They are fun and adorable, but loyal and brave and make great small guard dogs at the same time! Imagine a Chihuahua but with a better temper and more affection and tolerance towards children. Just like the Manchester Terrier, the Min Pin belongs to the small dog group that look like Dobermans.
Also, they are easy to groom. But, even though they have a low-shedding, smooth, short coat, you can always use the grooming time to bond with your new puppy. As for their coat color, they can come in different colors, but the black and tan bi-color is the most common.
The Miniature Pinscher is a healthy dog breed with no specific health problems. Though they can have some joint issues, especially Patellar luxation, which is characteristic of small dog breeds.
They do bark a lot, but with their other traits being trainability and intelligence, you can easily adjust this behavior and throw away those earplugs.
11. Australian Kelpie
This dog breed did originate in Australia, but they were developed from Scottish dog breeds that were imported there. One of those dog breeds is the amazing sheepdog breed Collie, and so our Australian Kelpie has pointy ears and a long muzzle.
The Australian Kelpie is an amazing working dog. They are very intelligent and hard-working dogs that will do anything to please their owners, making them one of the best cattle dog breeds in the world.
They have a smooth, double, and short coat that does shed a lot! But the grooming itself is not complicated. They need weekly grooming to remove dead hairs and, of course, an occasional bath to keep them clean and smelling nice.
The Australian Kelpie can grow to 20 inches and they can weigh around 50 pounds.
This dog breed is one of the healthiest dog breeds in the canine world. But, just to be sure your puppy is alright, you can do genetic screening tests in consultation with your veterinarian.
If you like the description of this dog breed, check our list of best Australian Kelpie breeders.
12. Polish Hunting Dog
Another amazing European dog breed, this time coming from Poland. Their height is from 20 to 23 inches, and their weight is from 48 to 57 pounds. The Polish Hunting dog is loyal and intelligent, bred to accompany and help people in their hunting parties.
They come in one coat color: black and tan with “the Doberman eyebrow” patches on the face. But, they are a dog breed with long ears, similar to the Black and Tan Coonhound that we’re going to talk about later.
The Polish Hunting dog is a scenthound that was bred to help hunt big prey like wild boars or bears all across Europe. But, they are great companion dogs too. You just need to take care of their high energy level by going on long walks, giving them space to run around, or giving them enough toys to play with.
They are great with other dogs as they were bred to be functional in a large pack of hunting dogs, but they shouldn’t be left unsupervised with small children. They are not aggressive dogs, they just don’t have a lot of patience for children and their poking and pulling of tails.
13. Prague Ratter
Here we have another small dog breed that looks like a Doberman. It is the Prague Ratter or the Prazsky Krysarik – their original name in the Czech language.
They have long roots too, spanning several centuries and going back to Bohemia where they were bred and loved by the aristocracy.
The Prague Ratter really looks like a Doberman Pinscher the size of a Chihuahua. They are cute!
But, don’t forget the name – Ratter. They were bred to hunt rats, which means they are agile, fast, and very energetic! That’s what you will get – a small-sized hunter dog with a lot of energy to burn. You will need to properly physically stimulate the Prague Ratter to keep it happy and healthy. Be careful, though, because they have a high prey drive and they will chase off a small cat or a squirrel if they get the chance.
They don’t require specific grooming techniques. The Ratter has a short and smooth coat that needs weekly grooming with a rubber brush.
Also, they are generally healthy dogs, but they can have a joint problem called Patellar luxation, something that all small dog breeds are prone to. To make sure your dog is healthy, you can do DNA tests in consultation with your veterinarian.
14. Black And Tan Coonhound
They have been around for a long time, descended from The Bloodhound and Foxhounds. As their name reveals, they were bred as scent hounds to find and hunt down raccoons all across the US.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are large dogs that can weigh more than 100 pounds and that can grow 27 inches tall.
They are brave and easy-going dogs that are excellent with small children and other dogs, and are very affectionate. Because of their innate strong hunting instinct, they might not do well with other animals. But, if they are properly trained, they won’t make problems. After all, they want to do everything their owner tells them. It’s in their nature to please and be the best in the pack.
Another fact that makes them very popular in the US is that they are one of the cheapest dog breeds in the States. That doesn’t mean you can find them for under $1000 if you are looking for a purebred Black and Tan Coonhound.
As you can imagine, they come in one coat color variation: black and tan. Most dogs have the Doberman tan eyebrow patch above the eyes, but not all of them.
They are healthy dogs, but because of their long and floppy ears, they can be prone to ear infections caused by a foreign object that can easily get stuck. That’s why you should always check your Coonhound’s ears when you groom them.
15. Slovensky Kopov
They have two more names: Slovak Hound or Slovakian Hound. They originated in Slovakia and were first recognized in the 1870s.
Slovensky Kopov has a rough and short coat that comes in one coat color of black and tan with Doberman eyebrow tan patches on the face. They can grow to 20 inches and can weigh up to 44 pounds.
These dogs are very intelligent hunting dogs. They are courageous and determined and will not stop until they have the prey between their teeth. But, not in an aggressive way. They are not aggressive dogs at all. They simply have one of the highest hunting instincts in the European doggy world.
They were used to hunt wild boars, which means these dogs have very high energy levels. These dogs are not everyone’s cup of tea, and they are especially not for people who are looking for lazy dog breeds to spend time on a sofa. The Slovensky Kopov will cuddle, just not as often as other breeds and possibly after a good long period of exercise.
This dog breed is generally healthy with no specific health issues or conditions characteristic of this breed. But, you should always buy puppies from reputable breeders to ensure they are healthy.
16. Bulgarian Scenthound
We’re still in Europe, going to Bulgaria where they bred the Bulgarian Scenthound or Gonche in Bulgarian.
This is yet another ancient dog breed with an unknown year of origin, but which definitely belongs on the list of dogs that look like Dobermans. We do know for sure they are amazing hunting dogs that are at the same time brave and affectionate. They love their human family and will show affection and seek affection often.
They make great companion dogs, too. But, as with all hunting dogs, you should know the rules of how often to walk a dog depending on their activity and energy levels, age, and breed type.
Bulgarian Scenthound has long legs, a muscular body, a long muzzle, and one coat color of black and tan. Their ears are button-shaped, a bit longer than uncropped Doberman ears.
These are healthy dogs but, as always, DNA tests are available to be sure your dog is 100% healthy. And, proper vaccination and regular vet checks with proper high-quality food are a must if you want your dog to be happy and healthy.
There is one problem, they are not easy to buy outside the Balkans, so you might have a hard time finding a reputable breeder or Bulgarian Scenthound breeder at all in the US.
17. Balkan Hound
The breed has another, newer name – Serbian Hound. They have been around the Balkan Peninsula for a long time, side by side with hunters to help them bring down wild boars, deer, and bears.
They have longer, button-shape ears, and black and tan coat color with more tan on the head than the Doberman. But, they still have a resemblance with their long legs, long snout, and muscular but elegant body.
They can grow from 18 to 22 inches in height and can weigh 40 to 48 pounds.
These dogs are also very kind and gentle when it comes to children of all ages, making them one of the best companion dogs in the hunting dog world. They do need proper socialization early in puppyhood, but they are generally very easygoing.
These dogs are healthy dogs, and you won’t have a lot of problems with them at all. They have a good gene pool, common to most Balkan dogs.
You can always do genetic (or DNA) screening tests for dogs to make sure you got it all covered.
18. German Hunting Terrier
The original name of this dog breed is Jagdterrier and it literally means “Hunting Terrier” in the German language. These dogs were developed after World War I by crossing the Old English Wirehaired Terrier and the Welsh Terrier.
The German Hunting Terrier is friendly, playful, and very trainable. They are agile and energetic small dogs that can weigh up to 22 pounds and grow to 16 inches in height.
They don’t bark a lot, but they do give a lot of dog kisses! This is a very affectionate dog breed and it will seek its human companion everywhere to show loyalty and love. They will also eagerly go on any adventure with you! So, get ready to keep this pooch active and entertained in order to make them and keep them happy and healthy.
They come in three coat color variations:
• black
• black and gray
• dark brown
Their coat is short and can come in two types: wiry and rough or smooth. But, don’t worry, no matter the coat type, they only require weekly grooming and occasional baths to keep them shiny and clean.
19. Weimaraner
This is another hunting dog breed coming from Germany. They were bred in the early 1800s, originally in order to hunt bears and mountain lions, but later they were used as bird hunting dogs and were splendid at it!
The Weimaraner can grow about 27 inches and can weigh up to 90 pounds. They can come in a Mini Weimaraner version too! The colors of the Weimaraner accepted by the AKC are blue, gray, and silver gray.
These dogs are amazing guard dogs as well. But, what makes them wonderful is their affection and loyalty to their human family. They are wonderful with children of all ages! But, when it comes to openness to strangers and to other dogs, it is better to keep them supervised. Of course, proper early socialization can help a lot to adjust this Weimaraner trait.
Their coat is smooth and short, but the answer to the question, Do Weimaraners shed a lot? might surprise you. They are moderate to heavy shedders. So, they will need weekly grooming and you should always check the ears. They have slightly folded ears which can be a common ground for infections.
Doberman Pinscher Mixes
We finished the list of the 19 dogs that look like Dobermans, but that’s not the end. This list was about purebred dogs and not the sea of possible Doberman Mixes.
Of course, we will only mention those that more closely resemble the Doberman’s unique physical characteristics, rather than the other dog parent breed. We’ll call them honorable mentions, and here they are:
1. Doberdane – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and Great Dane
2. Doberhound – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and Greyhound
3. Doberman Shepherd – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and German Shepherd
4. Rotterman – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and Rottweiler
5. Doberman Bulldog – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and English Bulldog
6. Doberman Pit – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and Pit Bull Terrier
7. Dobie Argentino – a mix between Doberman Pinscher and Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiff)
The Conclusion
In the end, no matter which dog that looks like Doberman you chose as your best dog breed, they are all truly wonderful.
They all have amazing traits, some of which they all share: loyalty and high energy levels. All of these dogs will become your best friend, giving you all of their heart and showing you all the love a doggo can give. It is only fair to say we should return the same amount of love and take good care of them.
A dog is man’s best friend for a reason, and we should prove we can be best friends to a dog too.
Love, care, and cuddles to each and every Doberman look-alike out there.
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