The Doberman Pitbull mix is a powerful, intimidating mix of the Doberman Pinscher and the American Pit Bull Terrier. If you plan to have them as pets, you have to prepare yourself and your home to welcome them. Some basic requirements of having a Doberman Pitbull Mix include a spacious yard and plenty of exercises. They also need attention and capable dog ownership. These working dogs are a combination of ability, intelligence, and grace.
There are so many positive things about these two breeds. However, they are also subject to a bad reputation. Some people expect their mix to be overly aggressive. On the other hand, many dog owners can prove that they are just like any other dog. The Doberman Pitbull mix may look intimidating, but they can also be loving, loyal, and family-oriented pets!
There is a lot of debate circulating about this first-generation mixed breed. So, before you decide on getting a Doberman Pitbull mix, you should find out everything about them first. This article has information on how these mixes would look, their temperaments, health issues, and potential as a modern family pet.
The Origin of the Doberman Pit Mix
The Doberman Pinscher breeds first came out in 1890 in Apolda, Germany. Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector wanted to have a dog that looks intimidating. He wanted a companion to protect him as he collects taxes from dangerous neighborhoods. Dobermann also owned a shelter for dogs. Thus, he had access to various dog breeds. It is thought that he mixed terriers with short hair like Weimaraner, Black and Tan Manchester Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd. Eventually, he comes up with the Doberman Pinscher breed.
Later on, Doberman Pinschers are brave and hardworking guardians. They also served in World War II as messengers, scouts, and sentries. The American Kennel Club accepted its registration and recognized it as a breed in 1908. And in 1921, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America was formed.
Meanwhile, the American Pitbull Terriers are descendants of the Bull and Terrier breeds. They were developed in England for bull and bear baiting sports. People also used them for dog-fighting, which led to their aggressiveness towards other dogs.
When immigrants brought Bull and Terrier breeds into the United States, they worked in farms and hunted wild game. They also protected the family and property. The American Kennel Club recognized the American Pitbull in the 1930s. It eventually changed the name to American Staffordshire Terrier to separate the dog from its fighting history. Pitbulls were used to represent the US forces on posters during World War II and worked in the military.
Presently, both the Doberman Pinscher and Pitbull breeds are highly-recommended family pets.
The Appearance of the Doberman Pitbull Mix
For the Doberman Pinscher, they are medium to large dogs with compact and athletic built. It stands from 24 to 28 inches tall. It weighs around 60 to 100 pounds. These dogs sport a short and sleek coat. It is usually black with brown markings. Some distinctive colors in the breed include white, red, fawn, and blue.
On the other hand, American Pit Bull Terrier dogs are medium-sized, strong, and muscular dogs. They have large, wedge-shaped heads with a few wrinkles. The ears are naturally floppy, and they have a tapered tail. These dogs are 17 to 20 inches in height. And it weighs around 30 to 80 pounds. Pitbull dogs have a short coat with a coarse texture. They come in various colors, but the common combinations are brindle, merle, brown, and black with brindle.
Your Doberman Pitbull mix puppies may take after the looks of any of its parent breeds. But it may also result in Pitbull mix puppies with an adorable combination of the parent's physical attributes.
Size and Weight of Pitbull Doberman Mix
Dober Pit mix colors, size, and appearance depend primarily on the genes that they inherit from their parent breeds. But they are more likely to be medium-sized dogs that weigh around 80 to 90 pounds.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Personality Traits
When it comes to temperament, it is also difficult to predict these dogs' exact personalities. It is often best to look at the parent breeds' characteristics to know what you can expect from your mix. But even this is not simple. There is a lot of dispute when it comes to the nature of Pitbull and Doberman breeds.
For Dobermans, their personality traits vary from one dog to another. Some are fearless and outgoing, while some are shy. When raised well with early socialization and training, Dobermans become obedient, loyal, and sweet. They love their humans and are great companion dogs. When socialized early, they do well around children and other pets. Despite being perceived as an aggressive breed, these powerful and protective dogs are very obedient.
They will never attack unless they are commanded to do so.
Additionally, Dobermans also suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. It can develop destructive behavior or excessive barking.
On the other hand, the Pitbull breed is always portrayed as dangerous and vicious. They are feared for being an aggressive breed making them illegal in some countries. Still, many owners agree that these dogs are loyal and loving to their family members.
These dogs are brave and stubborn; thus, they need a firm and capable owner to handle them. Even when socialized early, some of them still show aggression toward other animals or dogs. Moreover, they are significantly affected by separation anxiety. They become destructive when left alone for extended periods; thus, pet owners often give them up to shelters.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Temperament
Looking at the Doberman and Pitbull's personalities, your mix can inherit any or a combination of these traits. Its uncertainty can be exciting for many crossbreed owners. However, one should be confident and capable of handling whatever the outcome is. Both breeds are prone to separation anxiety; thus, a Doberman Pit puppy will need an experienced, knowledgeable, and available handler.
Likewise, you have to remember that some dog owners taught their Doberman Pit mixes to be aggressive in various situations. Thus, you need to socialize them early and shower them with positive reinforcement to develop them into calm and confident adult dogs. With proper care, a capable handler, and a loving environment, you can tame these aggressive tendencies.
Considering all this information, the Doberman Pitbull mix is not an ideal pet for first-time dog owners. A powerful and stubborn dog requires an owner with experience in obedience training.
Training and Exercise Requirements of A Pitbull Doberman Mix
Both the Pitbull and Doberman are working dogs with high energy levels. As puppies, they have the same exercise requirements as their parents. Owners should find time to take them out for at least two hours of vigorous walks per day. Ideally, these dogs should have access to a secure backyard where they can run freely and play games like fetch or frisbee.
Keeping them physically and mentally stimulated with exercises, games, or activities will prevent them from becoming bored. When your pet is content, and their energy is spent, they will not feel any frustration or develop destructive behavior.
If there are dog obedience and agility training camps for working breeds in your area, you can take them there to start their training. These activities will surely benefit both you and your dogs.
Lastly, people believe that canines bred for aggression need to be "dominated" by their owners to keep them in line. However, this theory has been conclusively and widely discredited. Like all other dogs, Doberman Pitbull mixes responds best to training that is firm but patient, kind, and use positive reinforcement.
Grooming Your Doberman Pitbull Mix
Doberman and Pitbull breeds both have short and smooth coats. They shed moderately all year round and need minimal grooming to remove loose hair. The Doberman Pit bull mix has the same grooming needs. Brushing their hair once or twice a week is enough to keep them clean and healthy. If they become extra dirty, you can bathe them as needed.
Additionally, clean their ears and trim their nails regularly. Some dogs naturally wear down their nails, but if you hear clicking noises when they walk, it means that clipping is needed. Like other dogs, these mixes benefit from good oral care; thus, be sure to brush their teeth daily.
Some dogs are not comfortable with grooming or touching. Your Doberman Pit Bull should also be taught about grooming while they are still young. When used to these activities, they will be more comfortable around others for grooming and cleaning purposes.
Feeding and Nutrition Needs of Doberman Pitbull Mix
Nutrition and diet requirements typically depend on the dog's size and activity level. Every dog is unique and will have different nutritional needs. Unfortunately, many dog owners in the United States are too lenient with their dogs' diet. Thus, a lot of dogs become overweight. You can prevent this from happening by providing proper portions and high-quality food for your Dober Pit mix.
A Doberman Pitbull mix will benefit in diets that include fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These are essential in preventing hip and elbow dysplasia. You may give them supplements but consult with your veterinarian about it first.
Some dog owners are also interested in giving raw food diets for their mix. Again, check with your veterinarian if this type of diet will be suitable for your Doberman Pit Bull mix. Some dogs are not tolerant of raw food and may develop reactions to it.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Health Issue
Mixed breeds are often prone to the same health issues as their parent breeds. Although hybrid breeding aims to produce healthier and more resilient puppies, pet parents should still know about the potential conditions that the mixes are prone to develop.
Both the Doberman and Pitbull dogs are both working dog; thus, they enjoy a healthy and robust constitution. Their muscular bodies and high energy might make them appear healthier than others, but certain health conditions affect them more than any other dog breeds.
If you get a Doberman Pit Bull puppy, make sure that both parent breeds have clearances for common diseases, such as hip dysplasia and thyroid diseases. Reputable breeders will provide you with these clearances and health certificates.
Finally, seek out a simple test for von Willebrand's genes in Dobermans. Additionally, as for health clearances for the Pitbulls parents' degenerative myelopathy genes. These tests are readily available, and they will help rule out such diseases in your puppy.
The Lifespan of A Dober Pit Mix
Both the Doberman and Pitbull dogs are generally robust and active. A Doberman Pinscher's average lifespan is from 10 to 12 years, while the Pitbull's average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. With proper nutrition, lots of exercises, and regular veterinary check-ups, these dogs can live beyond these years.
Doberman and Pitbull Mix Puppies
Ask the breeders to see both of the parent breeds, especially since these dogs have unpredictable temperaments. Also, check test results or certifications that will prove that the dogs are healthy in the kennels. Before buying, observe the living conditions and health of the puppies as well.
Are Pitbull Mix Dogs Dangerous?
No, cross-breeding Pitbulls does not result in having dangerous puppy mixes. Any dog can attack or become dangerous as a result of lousy human ownership. A dog can act aggressively if they were subject to abuse, abandonment, neglect, or taught to attack.
There is plenty of debate about the Pitbull mixes. Critics claim that Pitbulls are inherently dangerous because it is in their DNA. On the other hand, supporters say that it is only because of the bad reputation and perception that these dogs get. There are more powerful dogs than Pitbull, but people fear them because of some misconception about their breed.
Is a Doberman a Bully breed?
The term "bully breed" refers to various terrier-type dogs. It includes the American Pitbull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Bull Terriers.
Are Dobermans an aggressive breed?
Dobermans are generally non-aggressive to their owners. These dogs are mildly aggressive to other canines, and they can be quite aggressive to strangers. They guard and protect their owners. But depending on their training, dogs can behave in different manners. These days, Dobermans are excellent family companions that go well with kids and other pets. Their protective nature still makes them excellent watchdogs to protect the family and the property from intruders.
Before getting a Doberman Pitbull Mix puppy, you must check any ordinance against owning Pitbull, Doberman, or their mixes in your locality. More so, keep in mind that Doberman Pitbull mix dogs are unique. It will require extra time, effort, and care on your part as owners to have them as pets.
Doberman Pit mix dogs make excellent companions, but they need experienced and knowledgeable owners to provide them with proper training. You will need ample living space with secure grounds when you have a dog of this size and energy level. Additionally, it would be best if you put in the effort to exercise them physically and provide them with mental stimulation.
With proper training and socialization, Doberman Pitbull mix dogs have the potential to become a perfect family pet. Just like any other dogs, these dogs are loyal, loving, and intelligent companions for the right family.
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