The Doberman is a fiercely loyal dog with an undeserved reputation. These intelligent dogs are incredibly trainable and will be by your side for life once bonded. The costs for this medium-large breed can vary. In general, adopting a Doberman can cost between  $250–$800 and if you buy one from a breeder, it can cost $1,000–$2,500+.  because of their size and intelligence, they can cost more than other breeds of the same class. However, they’re more than worth it; this article will break down just how much a Doberman will cost you in 2023.

Bringing Home a New Doberman: One-Time Costs

Deciding where to source your Dobie puppy is one of the most important decisions when bringing them home. There are places where Dobermans may be offered for free, but they typically have older dogs that are being surrendered for some reason.

Adoption is a great way to go; the dog’s history may not be as clear as it would be if a new puppy were purchased, but the costs are usually much lower for an adoption. Of course, purchasing a puppy is always an option, but the price may be too great for some, particularly if looking for a specific color of Dobie.

Free

Sourcing a free Doberman can be difficult, as the breed is a niche one. You may be able to find a Doberman for free in classifieds or adverts online. For various reasons, some owners may give away their Doberman for free (or for a reasonable fee). The prior owners will usually ask questions regarding your home and lifestyle.

Always try to ascertain why the owner is rehoming since Dobermans are big and powerful dogs. Knowing how they behave around children, certain types of people, and other pets is a must before you bring them home. Bringing a new Doberman home for free can be an excellent option for those on a tighter budget and can give a dog another chance without going to the pound.

Adoption

Adopting a Doberman can be exciting and rewarding; you can give a dog another chance at a happy home life away from a shelter. Dobermans from around the USA usually come with an “adoption fee.” This payment goes to the shelter they’re adopted from and covers expenses such as:

These costs vary by area. We’ve rounded up the average prices per area for Doberman adoption to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay:

These prices relate primarily to adult Dobies, with puppies being more expensive and seniors being cheaper.

Breeder

The cost of buying a Doberman puppy also varies by geographical area, but not by much. The lowest you can expect to pay for a Doberman puppy from a breeder is around $1,000, with most going for $2,000+.

If the puppy comes from show stock, this price can easily top $2,500, so it is a significant investment but worth it. Finding a reputable breeder is essential, and investigating how the puppies, mother, and general surroundings are kept is paramount to ensuring you get a happy, healthy forever dog.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Your new Doberman will need certain supplies and items to keep them happy and comfortable in their new home, which can start at $150 for basic supplies like food and bowls if you already have leashes, harnesses, and crates from a previous pet.

If you need to buy everything outright, however, costs like large crates, durable toys (as the bite force of a Doberman is between 245 and 305 PSI), and initial vet visits can ramp up the costs.

List of Doberman Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Doberman Cost Per Month?

Puppies will cost more initially than adult Dobies month to month, but the price for the monthly outlay includes factors such as food, health care, toys, and other consumables. The cost can fluctuate depending on the quality of the items, like food and toys, but generally falls into the $245–$450 per month mark. The best quality services and products can increase this to around $695.

Health Care

The overall health care costs for a Doberman will vary depending on geographical area and health care plans for your pet. Preventative health care plans that include flea, tick, and heartworm medications can cost between $30-$60 depending on the area and items included. Toothbrushes and toothpaste add a small amount to this, and certain additives to keep plaque away can also be added to the price, but generally, these can be found cheaper online.

Food

Food is a largely fluctuating factor for dogs since some food brands are much cheaper than others. Your Doberman will eat more than other breeds due to their size ( around three and a half cups of kibble per day), but the food can be in different forms and of varying quality.

The cheapest dog foods available probably aren’t any good for your pup, but there are budget-friendly options that offer great value. On the other end of the spectrum, customizable dog food providers charge $250 just for a formulation fee, so the price really does vary.

Grooming

Grooming needs for the Doberman are relatively small, as the breed has a short, straight coat that only requires weekly brushing to keep it in check. While every dog needs a bath if they get stinky, Dobermans don’t require premium shampoos or conditioners.

For a home groom session or mobile groomer, the initial cost is around $25–$35, but in some areas, a groomer may charge by weight, which is where prices around $70+ can occur.

Medications and Vet Visits

For routine visits and medications, a Dobie will cost between $20 for basic meds or consult fees and $150 for a nose-to-tail check-up. However, the price for these visits sharply increases if your Doberman needs an emergency appointment, and surgeries for a dog of that size can reach the thousands.

For a monthly price, assuming no illness or injury occurs, meds will cost an average of $50 for a Doberman.

Pet Insurance

Insurance policies will vary depending on coverage level, annual deductible, and reimbursement you wish to receive for your Doberman, as well as by geographical area.

Be aware that each Doberman is evaluated before a price is established, as additional factors such as age, sex, and prior history can also be factored in.

Environment Maintenance

If you have a puppy Doberman to bring home, the monthly outlays will be slightly higher than for an adult dog due to their general messiness and accidents during toilet training. Poop bags and deodorizing spray are a universal need, and a few rolls of bags and bottles of spray can be expected to be purchased a month, but this depends on how house-trained and messy your Dobie is.

Entertainment

Toys that can withstand the strong jaws of a Doberman can be more costly to buy and need replacing more regularly. Still, customizable toy subscriptions can be tailored to your Dobie and their needs. These boxes range from $40 to $50 per month and are a good option to ensure your intelligent pups are given exciting and safe new toys each month.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Doberman

The total monthly cost will vary depending on your geographical area, the activity level, and the size of your Doberman, as well as the quality of consumables such as toys and food you wish to purchase. For the average Doberman owner, prices look to be around $350 a month for standard quality items and consumables.

Additional Costs to Factor In

The additional costs for a Doberman are more than some other breeds due to their intelligence and size. A Doberman can become reactive and destructive if they aren’t well-trained and their energy isn’t channeled, so training and socialization classes are essential to keep them happy. Training is around $70 for weekly group sessions, right up to $150 for hourly at-home sessions.

Pet sitting or boarding for when your Dobie needs a bed if you go on vacation costs, on average, around $30 to $50 a night in the US. However, some luxury kennel boarding experiences charge more than $85 for an all-in pamper session.

Other costs considered one-offs, such as treat days for your pup or travel expenses if you take them away, can also add up. Thinking about these before you bring your Doberman home can keep costs down.

Owning a Doberman on a Budget

You can keep a Doberman perfectly healthy and happy on a budget. Using comparison websites and choosing the essential coverage on pet insurance, for example, is an excellent way to ensure you keep your Dobie safe without spending additional dollars.

In terms of food, many excellent brands can be bought in bulk, which minimizes costs and still provides adequate nutrition. These tips take time but will save you a surprising amount on your Doberman’s monthly bill.

Saving Money on Doberman Care

Comparing and searching for the lowest prices on insurance and equipment can cut costs. Researching the best, most appropriate type of food and looking for sales can also help to lower costs, but it’s best to go with what you can afford.

For Dobermans, high-quality and long-lasting toys will be a much better investment than toys that will break (and potentially cause injuries).

Conclusion

Dobermans can cost more than smaller breeds because of their size. Despite this, there are plenty of ways to cut monthly costs and plan for emergencies (such as getting pet insurance), which will help you save money.

Average costs will vary by your location, the age of your Doberman, and the quality of items purchased. Initial outlays for puppies are usually more than for older dogs. The need for puppy pads and training ramps the monthly price up for puppies too, but monthly costs for older dogs will fall as they mature.

Lastly, additional expenses like grooming, boarding or sitters, and even paying for incidents or illnesses can add to the costs. Still, budgeting for them can help keep you in the black and worry-free.

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