The Doberman is a medium-breed dog that has won the hearts of dog owners worldwide. The dogs are so loved that they even have their own breed type in America and Europe. These two types are the same loveable breed but have different sizes and breed standards. So, how big do these dogs get? Read on to find out!
Facts About Dobermans
The Doberman has two distinct types within the breed: the European Doberman and the American Doberman Pincher. These two types have different breed standards, with the American type being more slender, sleeker, and smaller than the more muscular European Dobie.
Because the Doberman is classed as a medium breed, it doesn’t have the same health problems as large breed dogs like Great Danes. However, they, unfortunately, still have their share of issues, including Dilated Cardiomyopathy and von Willebrand’s disease.
Doberman Size and Growth Chart
This chart will look at the size and growth of the Doberman throughout its life, along with its typical weight.
| Age | Weight Range | Length Range |
| 1 Month | 10–18 lbs | 5–7 inches |
| 3 Months | 26–32 lbs | 10–12 inches |
| 5 Months | 36–54 lbs | 12–20 inches |
| 6 Months | 41–64lbs | 22–24 inches |
| 8 Months | 50–79 lbs | 24–26 inches |
| 12 Months | 59–94 lbs | 24–28 inches |
| 14 months | 60–98 lbs | 26–28 inches |
| 17 months | 60–100 lbs | 26–28 inches |
| 18+ months | 60–100 lbs | 26–28 inches |
It’s worth noting here that these numbers are all estimates, and your Dobie may follow a different growth curve. These are good guidelines for a healthy Doberman’s weight and height, but each Dobie is different and may be bigger or smaller. However, it’s unlikely they’ll be too much over or under.
When Does a Doberman Stop Growing?
Both variants of the Doberman stop growing at around one year; however, Dobies continue to grow and add weight and muscle into their 2nd year. This is because they do most of their growing in bursts during the first 12 months of their lives as their growth plates harden and fuse.
A Dobie’s most prolific growth period is between birth and its first year. This is when the most significant height changes will be seen, and a Doberman usually reaches its maximum adult height at around one year.
The subsequent growth phase achieves their ideal weight and size (via muscle growth and fat gain), which is what the AKC and FCI breed standards reflect.
Factors Affecting the Size of a Doberman
Several factors can affect the end weight and height of a Doberman, ranging from genetics to what they were fed as puppies and even some health conditions:
American vs European
The European Doberman is slightly bigger than the American variant (as identified in the breed standard), weighing an average of 10 pounds heavier. It is thicker around the chest and muzzle, partly due to the European variant being bred and used more as a working protection dog.
Dwarfism and Gigantism
While these two conditions are very rare, they can affect several breeds, including Dobermans. Dwarfism is a bone growth disorder that leads to a smaller stature, bulging eyes, and deformities.
Gigantism (or acromegaly) is a growth disorder caused by the pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone. Characteristics of gigantism in dogs include an overgrowth of soft tissue, connective tissues, and bone, leading to excessive weight and size.
Nutritious Diet
A Doberman that is fed an appropriate, balanced diet with the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins from puppyhood can reach its growth potential and gain substantial muscle mass, bone density, and adequate (but not excessive) fat. Conversely, dogs on a poor diet can suffer from malnutrition and become either emaciated or obese.
Genetics
A Doberman puppy will be bigger or smaller than average, depending on the size of its parents. A puppy will inherit the DNA markers for how large they will grow from their parents; however, this is a guide, and some puppies are born smaller or larger (which is true of the runt).
Gender
Male Dobermans tend to be larger and more built than females. This occurs with practically every breed and may be due to male dogs physically (but not mentally) maturing faster than females.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
The ideal diet for Dobermans should be first measured out and portioned according to their weight. Correct portion sizes are usually listed on the back of dog food bags or available online.
Finding food that balances palatability and nutrition is vital for maintaining a healthy weight.
Pairing a good diet with adequate exercise is also key to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.
How to Measure Your Doberman
To measure your Doberman to find out if they’re the correct weight and height, you need to weigh them and take certain measurements from specific points on their bodies:
Use a soft tape measure to get your dog’s measurements. Then make sure you use an accurate scale to weigh your Dobie. Next, you can compare your figures to those on the weight chart above to see how your Doberman measures up.
Conclusion
Dobermans are classed as medium dogs and have an upper and lower size limit regarding breed standards. There will be differences in weight and height between male and female Dobies, and the European version of the breed tends to be bigger and more muscular than their American counterparts.
Our weight and height chart displays the average weight and height range for a Doberman puppy as it grows into adulthood, but if you have any concerns about your Dobie’s condition, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet’s office.
Featured Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock
