Mixed breed dogs are a topic that can be debated for days, and every dog lover has their own opinion on it.
Some people are enthusiastic about mixing two different types of dogs to get a dog that will inherit the best traits from both of its parents. However, some others do not approve of mating two different dog breeds and think it does more harm than good.
Some mixed breeds are totally acceptable to us, and we see the logic in mating two quite similar dog breeds. But, sometimes, we are shocked by which two types of dogs the breeders decided to mate.
The Doberman Poodle mix may initially seem like a rather unusual combination of two completely different types of dogs. Are these dogs healthy? What will they look like? Which parent will this dog resemble more?
Keep reading to find out all the answers about this crossbreed!
What Is A Doberman Poodle Mix?
As the name suggests, this dog is a mix of two purebred dogs: the Doberman Pinscher and the Standard Poodle. This dog is also called the Doodleman Pinscher and the Doberdoodle.
This dog has some great character traits, and many dog fanciers will find this crossbreed interesting and desirable for a family pet.
First, we need to briefly introduce you to the main traits of both of these dog’s parents. Looking at their characteristics, we are able to see a picture of this mixed dog when it grows up.
We can not tell for sure which parent this mixed dog will look like more, so, it is necessary to describe both the Doberman Pinscher and Standard Poodle to get a complete insight into their mix.
A Word On The Parent Breeds
The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal and alert dog breed that makes a fantastic protector of families. On the other hand, the Standard Poodle is a smart and elegant dog, and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
So, do these two dogs have anything in common? Or, are they totally different? Let’s find out all about these two amazing dogs.
Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a dog that originated in Germany and was bred to be a guard dog of top-quality. This dog is intelligent, athletic, and equally successful as a family companion and military and police dog.
According to the Doberman Pinscher growth chart, this dog’s height goes from 24 to 28 inches, while they usually weigh from 60 to 80 pounds. Doberman belongs to the American Kennel Club Working Dogs group and they are considered as a medium to large dog breed.
Since this dog is an excellent guardian dog, many people find it as an aggressive or dangerous dog breed. But, the truth is totally different – the Doberman Pinscher is a gentle and loving, yet fearless dog. So, if they sense any kind of danger, Dobermans will protect their family.
These dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Also, they need mental stimulation, and early socialization and training to grow up to be obedient and well-behaved dogs.
The Doberman Pinscher does not like to spend time alone; rather, this dog wants to be part of all of his family members’ activities.
Dobermans have a sleek, smooth short coat. Colors recognized for this dog breed are blue and rust, black and rust, Isabella and rust, and red and rust. It is recommended to brush this dog once a week, while frequent bathing is not necessary not recommended.
The average lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher is estimated at 10 to 13 years. Some of the health issues that Dobermans might deal with are hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, cardiomyopathy, Wobbler’s syndrome, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat).
Poodle
The Poodle is mainly known to people for being one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. This dog is a delight for all people who enjoy quality dog training, since Poodle is a highly trainable dog who can learn many commands and tricks quickly.
All Poodle owners know that this dog needs to have something to do all the time, or it will show destructive behavior.
According to the Poodle growth chart, this dog is from 18 to 24 inches tall. Female Poodles weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, while males are slightly heavier and usually weigh from 60 to 70 pounds.
Many people might think that a Poodle is just a pretty dog made for dog shows, but, actually, there is a lot more behind this cute dog. The Poodle was bred to fetch waterfowl, and is a very successful dog in sports such as agility and obedience.
This dog is smart, playful and needs adequate socialization and training from an early age, so as not to become a dog that is the boss in your home. When properly trained, a Poodle is a loyal and loving to love who loves to please its owners.
This dog also makes a fine guard dog and might act hostile towards strangers, at least until it gets to know them a little better.
The Poodle has wiry, curly hair that comes in many different colors. Their hair is what makes these dogs stand out from the rest, and many Poodle owners visit professional groomers often to keep dogs’ hairstyle fancy.
Poodles’ average lifespan is estimated at 12 to 15 years. Some of the health problems this dog might suffer from are bloat, Addison’s disease, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, Sebaceous Adenitis, and hip dysplasia.
What Is A Doberman Poodle Mix’s Temperament Like?
We learned a bit about the main characteristics of both Doberman Pinscher and Poodle.
Now, let’s see the temperament of their mix and what character traits we can expect a Doberdoodle to inherit from its parent breeds.
Is Doberdoodle Friendly?
This dog will be super friendly with its human family and people he gets used to seeing often. However, he will not be friendly with strangers and probably with other animals, too.
Since the Doberman Pinscher is so protective, and the Poodle might also defend its human family (but not so much as the Doberman), there is a big chance that the Doberdoodle will also act hostile towards strangers.
But, once this dog senses that he can trust a certain person, he will become very friendly with it. Also, if this dog is raised with other pets from the very start, he will make friends with them. It is all in early socialization and proper training!
Is Doberdoodle Aggressive?
Many people find the Doberman as a dangerous dog breed. The truth is this dog is highly protective and will do anything to defend its owners. This is why many people will instantly conclude that this dog is aggressive.
What can we tell about the Poodle Doberman mix and aggressiveness? This mixed dog is likely to be as protective as its Doberman parent, so its main task will be to protect and take care of its family.
But, a protective dog does not have to be an aggressive dog. One thing all dog owners should do is to start with dog training and socialization on time.
If you are inexperienced with dogs, do not give up from this crossbreed right away! They are many professional dog trainers out there that will make your Doberdoodle obedient and well-behaved.
Is Doberdoodle Intelligent?
Doberman Poodle mix is an extremely intelligent dog. Its Poodle parent is considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds, and the Doberman Pinscher is not too far behind!
So, a Doberdoodle is a dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation and brain games to keep it focused. This dog should not ever feel bored – if it does not have some task to do, it might show disobedience and destructive behavior.
Is Doberdoodle A Good Family Dog?
When raised well, socialized and trained from an early age, a Poodle Doberman mix makes a great family dog. This dog loves to be around its human family and enjoys sharing any kind of activity with them.
They actually get so attached to their owners that they can develop separation anxiety when their humans are not around them.
This crossbreed also gets on well with children and is loyal and protective towards them. So, with a lot of training and attention, the Doberman Poodle mix makes a wonderful family companion.
Is Doberdoodle Energetic?
This mixed dog is highly energetic; it is always up for some action and loves to share any kind of activity with its family!
So, considering these characteristics, a Doberdoodle is a better choice for people and families that have an active lifestyle. If you prefer owning a dog that will snuggle up on a sofa with you, you better look at a list of lazy dog breeds.
One thing is sure – a Poodle Doberman mix is everything but lazy!
Doberman Poodle Mix Appearance
This crossbreed is likely to be a medium-large to large dog breed. It is expected to grow up to be 24 to 28 inches tall, while it will weigh from 65 to 85 pounds. Depending on which parent side it leans more toward, the Doberdoodle may or may not be one of the big Poodle mixes.
Both of this mixed dog’s parents have a muscular body (especially the Doberman Pinscher!), so a Doberdoodle will inherit this body trait.
We cannot say for sure how these dogs will look, but there is a high chance they will have a fluffy tail, and floppy ears.
Coat Characteristics
This mixed dog’s coat will be short or of medium-length, but we cannot tell for sure which coat type it will inherit – a curly one from the Poodle parent, or a smooth one like Doberman’s.
Poodle Doberman mix coat’s can come in blue, brown, black, gray, or white color.
Do Doberman Poodle Mixes Shed?
The Doberman Pinscher does shed, but its shedding can be described as moderate. When it comes to Poodles, they are known not to shed much, and this is the reason why many people with allergies choose to own a Poodle.
When it comes to the mix of these two dogs, this dog will probably inherit the shedding characteristic of its Doberman parent. So, the dog will shed, but this does not mean you will have to clean its hair all day long.
A moderate shedder is still a way better option than a heavy shedder!
Is A Doberdoodle Hypoallergenic?
With mixed dogs, we can never be entirely sure which parent will the dog resemble more. Since the Poodle is considered hypoallergenic, there is a huge chance that the Doberdoodle will also be hypoallergenic.
However, there is also a huge chance that this crossbreed will not suit people with allergies.
So, we cannot say one hundred percent that the Doberdoodle is a hypoallergenic dog. Still, there is not a single dog that does not shed, at least a little bit – so, people struggling with allergies should know which dogs are a better option for them.
Doberman Poodle Mix Health
Many people consider mixed dogs way healthier than purebred dogs. A Doberdoodle’s parents are both strong and healthy dogs, and if you take good care of your mixed dog’s nutrition, exercise, and regular vet visits, there is a big chance that you will get to live many happy years with your pet.
However, there are still specific common health issues for both Poodle and Doberman that their mix might also inherit.
Let’s look at some of those most common health problems.
1. Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is a hereditary blood clotting disorder in dogs. This medical condition occurs due to a deficiency of the von Willebrand Factor protein, which causes bleeding disorders in dogs.
Symptoms of this disease are blood in the dog’s urine, nosebleeds, bloody gums, and anemia. If it is a milder form of the disease, it can be treated, and the dog will live quite normally.
However, if it is a more serious form of the disease, the dog may need a blood transfusion, or even an operation.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones in dogs. Medium and large dogs, as well as sterilized female dogs, are more susceptible to this disease.
If your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, you will probably notice certain symptoms, such as obesity, hair loss, hyperpigmentation of the skin, and high cholesterol levels in the dog’s blood.
Hypothyroidism in dogs is treated with the addition of a synthetic hormone.
3. Bloat
Bloat, or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, is a disease which mostly occurs in larger dogs with a deep chest. A dog suffering from this disease has a dilated stomach, that is, a distended stomach that is filled with a large amount of air.
Gastric torsion or volvulus occurs when the dog’s stomach turns around its longitudinal axis.
In a dog with this disease, it is noticed that he is agitated, scared, and lethargic. Also, the dog may try to vomit, but without success. If the dog has these symptoms, it is necessary to take it to the vet immediately to avoid a fatal outcome.
The veterinarian will first try to reduce the pressure in the dog’s stomach, then perform an operation to restore the dog’s stomach to its correct physiological position.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Doberdoodle?
Similar to its parents, the lifespan of a Doberdoodle is estimated at 12 to 15 years. Unfortunately, in some cases, health problems might significantly decrease a dog’s estimated lifespan.
This is why it is essential to take our dogs for regular vet check-ups and to ensure they have a balanced diet and enough exercise on a daily basis.
Taking Care Of A Doberman Poodle Mix
No matter which dog you have – a purebred or a crossbreed – you must be aware that this dog needs proper care. This means that you, as a responsible dog owner, will take care of this dog’s diet, health, exercise, grooming, and socialization.
If you are unsure whether a Poodle Doberman mix is the right dog breed for you, let’s look at what a good care for this dog looks like. Maybe then you will have your answer!
Do Doberman Poodle Mixes Need A Lot Of Exercise?
This crossbreed needs a lot of exercise to stay a healthy dog. This does not mean that a short walk around the block will satisfy this dog’s needs. You should be aware that this dog needs to run, play fetch, and have interaction with you and your family on a daily basis.
Together with nutrition, exercise is an essential part of taking care of the Doberdoodle. Physical exercise is not the only thing you should take care of – mental stimulation is equally essential for this dog.
If you want to ensure your Poodle Doberman mix will not show destructive or aggressive behavior, you must take care that this dog has enough exercise every day.
What About Nutrition Requirements?
To keep your Doodleman Pinscher happy and healthy, you must feed it with high-quality dog food. These dogs are quite energetic and large, and they need food as fuel for their everyday activities. These dogs need food rich in proteins.
Of course, every dog needs to always have fresh drinking water available. You can find pieces of useful advice in our Doberman feeding chart, as well as in the Poodle feeding chart.
What all dog owners should always do is to check the ingredients on the food they are about to feed their pets with. You should avoid giving your Poodle Doberman mix food rich in fats, as well as dairy products.
Is Grooming This Crossbreed Demanding?
When it comes to grooming, the Doberdoodle is more like its Poodle parent rather than a Doberman. This means you will need to brush this crossbreed quite often to avoid matting of its hair.
It is not recommended to bathe this mixed dog too often – since bathing a dog too frequently might cause stripping off the natural oils from their coats.
Remember other steps of dog grooming routine, such as teeth and ears cleaning, and nails trimming. These are all equally essential steps for your Doberman Poodle mix to be a healthy and clean dog.
Is It Difficult To Train A Doberdoodle?
Both of its parents are highly intelligent dogs, so training a Doberdoodle should be quite easy, right?
Well, they are intelligent, but, let’s not forget that a Doberman is a protective and dominant dog. Also, both of this mixed dog’s parents are working dogs, so they always need to have a task to do.
For a dog owner to successfully train a Doberdoodle, the key step is to start on time. From the moment this pooch comes to your home, you need to start with obedience training.
Also, you need to learn how to show dominance to this dog right from the start. You don’t want to scare your dog or make it not like you, so we suggest using a positive reinforcement method in dog training. And, to have a lot of patience and tolerance!
What Are Some Other Dog Breeds That Can Be Mixed With A Doberman?
If you like the idea of a mix of Doberman with some other equally awesome dog breed, there are more great mixes except the Doberman Poodle mix.
For example, the Great Dane Doberman mix is a loyal and devoted dog that might be an excellent therapy dog.
A mix that might sound quite unusual is a mix of a Doberman with a Chihuahua, which is one loyal, protective, and alert dog.
If you are looking for a serious guardian dog for your home and your family, we think you cannot go wrong by choosing a mix of a Doberman with an American Pit Bull Terrier.
All mixed dogs have amazing traits – you just need to be sure what exactly you are looking for in your future pet!
Conclusion
Both Doberman and Poodle are dogs with exceptional traits. We find the Doberman Poodle mix equally great as its parents!
This dog is protective, active, and intelligent. This mixed dog makes a great family pet when provided with adequate socialization and training from an early age.
However, it is only up to you to decide whether this dog is a right choice for you. It needs a lot of exercise, space, and it might not be friendly toward strangers. Owning this dog does not mean just cuddling with it on a sofa – it is a far more serious obligation.
But, it is all worth it since you will get a protective and loyal companion that will make your life more beautiful for many years!
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