Poodle crossbreeds have soared in popularity in recent years due to their cute looks, glorious personalities, and low shedding, hypoallergenic fur.
But have you ever heard of a Doberdoodle? Think of the curly wurly Poodle and the handsome Doberman … put them together and viola – the Doberdoodle is born!
Let’s explore their breed characteristics and find out more!
Other poodle crossbreed articles you might like: Cavapoochon, Micro Sheepadoodle, Mini Bernedoodle, Aussiedoodle
Table of Contents
How did Doberdoodles come about?
Also known as the Doodleman Pinscher, the Doberdoodle, like many other cross breeds, is not recognized by the American Kennel Club
Through selective breeding, a Doberdoodle may have first been bred sometime around the 1980s to take advantage of both parents’ attributes.
To understand more about Doberdoodles, we can look at each of the German-originating parent breeds:
The Doberman
Dobermans are a large breed of dog developed in Germany around 1890 by Karl Doberman who bred a mix of dogs in order to protect him in his role of tax collector.
The average height of the Doberman averages between 68-72cm (27-28inches) and weighs between 70lbs-100lbs (30-50kg’s). The Doberman is confident, outgoing, and fiercely protective, they make an ideal guard dog.
Dobermans have short coats which are low maintenance and shed minimally. They are usually black and tan.
The Poodle
Poodles come in different sizes; toy, miniature, and standard. The standard poodle was bred in Germany in the 1800s and was bred to hunt waterfowl.
Poodles are excellent swimmers and highly intelligent. They are loyal, obedient, and easy to train.
The average height of the standard Poodle ranges between 35-40cm (13-15inches) and weighs between 45-70lbs (20-35kgs).
The fur appears to have tight curls and is regarded as high maintenance, regular grooming is essential.
Beautiful peaceful morning walk with #retrievers #sprocker and #workingcocker
Then afternoon with #doberdoodle #bernadoodle #sprockapoo #cockapoo
Don't think the love Rusty had for Daphne was mutual today 🙈
“Diane what do you do with your spare time?”
…whatever this lil’ guy wants 🙃
#coloradosunshine #frisbeedog #thatsofetch #doberman #poodle #doberdoodle #cutiepatootie
Skye noticed Daphne was smelling good for a short moment 🏳️🌈 Possibly Daphne has only eyes for Maud.
#dogwalking #goldenretrievers #cockapoo #sprockapoo #doberdoodle
Alot of love today.
Maud and Daphne were both very much in love the full 2 hours.
Walked Rusty separate from Daphne this afternoon while she's smelling nice and he only has one thing on his mind but looks like Luna is his new victim 😂🙈
#springer #sprocker #workingcocker #cockapoo #bullador #lurcher #doberdoodle #bernadoodle #hornybunch #boydogproblems
Morning with #labs #sprockapoo #bernedoodle
Afternoon was different from the norm. Took them on a street walk then Daphne came up to the nursery with me
#doberdoodle #workingcocker #sprocker
This is a circular, #dogfriendlywalk of about 6.5 miles starting from Club Sulis car park in #clavertondown (BA2 7AU). Incorporating views of the #bathskyline . No stiles, but there are livestock in almost all the fields (cattle), so some time on leash time is necessary. There are opportunities for off leash walking, too. There are also some short, but steep, ascents. Swipe for route.
#dogfriendly #dogfriendlybathandbristol #doberdoodle #doberman #standardpoodlesofinstagram #standardpoodle #mobilephotography #phonephotography #dogoftheday #dogslife #dogpics #bigdogsofinstagram #doodlesofinstagram
What do Doberdoodles look like?
The Doberdoodle is usually large, although its appearance can change depending on which genes the dog has inherited from its parents.
In some dogs, the appearance of a Poodle may be more prominent, while others may look more like the Doberman, they can also be a perfect combination of the two.
The Doberdoodle’s body is often muscular and slender, with a long neck and deep chest. The breed boasts long legs and floppy ears with a medium to long muzzle length.
Their coat is often water-repellent. It will usually either be curly in appearance or short and flat. Coat colors can develop white patches which usually appear over the chest and face.
lifespan:
colors:
white, black, blue, grey, brown, red
height:
weight:
exercise requirements:
grooming frequency:
shedding:
trainability:
friendliness:
good with children:
The temperament of the Doberdoodle
Doberdoodles usually have good temperaments, they are usually playful, and energetic with a lust for life, making them a good-natured family pet.
On occasion, the Doberdoodle may inherit the protective and sometimes aggressive nature of the Doberman (although different types of aggression can be seen in Poodles on occasion too). The key is good training skills and early socialization as a puppy.
The Doberdoodle often bonds well with other animals in the house. They are great with children and enjoy playing and being part of the family.
One aspect where the Doberdoodle may struggle is with separation anxiety, they can sometimes not cope well when left alone. Destructive behaviors can occur such as soiling in the house or destroying furniture. De-sensitization and training will be required to help combat this.
Doberdoodle training requirements
On the whole, Doberdoodles are very easy to train. They require a firm owner and plenty of positive reinforcement.
Doberdoodles are an extremely intelligent breed thanks to the Poodle side of their genetics, they can sometimes be mischievous and even outsmart their owners!
Early socialization is essential, especially if you have a puppy. Introduce them to plenty of different scenarios by meeting other people, meeting other dogs, walking through busy areas, and having strangers come to the house. This will avoid issues later on in life.
The Doberdoodle can make a fantastic agility course performer and all-round trick learner. Adequate time should be set aside for training sessions and obedience classes to achieve best results and good habits.
Housekeeping training such as toileting outside is generally easy to establish. All members of the household should participate in the training so that the dog is given consistent rules.
How much exercise does Doberdoodle need?
For any breed of dog, exercise is crucial to being happy and healthy. Doberdoodles should be given at least an hour of exercise per day. This can be split over the course of the day in intervals, or in one exercise block.
The Doberdoodle is an active dog, both mentally and physically. Ensure that you have a yard plenty big enough for them to stretch their legs and have a good run around. Walks are also vital, whether it be sidewalk exercise or off-lead running in a park.
Ensure that they are also offered plenty of mental stimulation. This can be through training, puzzle-solving toys, or through the use of something like a kong.
Always remember that a stimulated dog is a happy dog and the more exercise and stimulation you offer, the happier they will be. They will also be less likely to demonstrate destructive behaviors.
Avoid long exercise sessions for puppies as their bones are still developing.
How much grooming does a Doberdoodle need?
Doberdoodles are relatively high maintenance in terms of grooming. Exactly how high maintenance they will be, depends on which type of coat they have inherited from their parents.
Some dogs may inherit the poodle coat which is thick and curly, others may inherit the Doberman coat, which is short, straight, and flat. Some lucky canines may inherit a beautiful combination of the two and have a wavy, soft coat.
All aspects of the dog should be cared for, including the teeth, ears and anal glands.
coat
If your Doberdoodle has inherited the Poodle coat, then unfortunately they can be prone to knots and matting due to the lack of shedding of fur. This can sometimes lie close to the skin and be painful to brush out or remove.
The coat should be brushed ideally twice to three times weekly, with regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will help keep on top of matts and keep the coat healthy.
If your Doberdoodle has inherited wavy or straight fur, then their coats may not be as high maintenance.
Eyes
A dog’s eyes should always be clear and free from discharge. Any build up of dirt in the corner of the eye can easily be wiped away.
Your Doberdoodle may have inherited beautiful, long eyelashes from its Poodle parent. These should be checked to ensure that they are not curling back and rubbing on the eye. If you are at all worried, speak to a groomer or veterinarian.
ears
Ears should also be routinely checked. They should be clear, free from discharge and should not emit any foul odor.
Doberdoodles can sometimes have an excess of hair build up within the ear on account of their Poodle genes. This can cause dirt to become trapped and lead to swelling, discomfort, or potentially cause infection.
Some groomers may trim or pluck the ears to help prevent issues from arising.
teeth
A Doberdoodle’s teeth should be white and there should be minimal smell emitting from the mouth. In an ideal world, the teeth should be cleaned at least once a day with a good canine toothbrush and paste.
Dental chews can be a great way to combat any build-up of tartar and plaque but you should avoid chews that contain high levels of fat and sugars. A brilliant, natural alternative to chews is dried fish skins.
Feeding a dry food diet causes more friction against the teeth and can help to remove excess plaque and dirt.
claws
The claws should not be too long or sharp, overly long claws can begin to curl round into the paw pad.
You can easily trim the nails yourself at home but be mindful that there is a small blood vessel running through the nail that can bleed if the nail is cut too short. Your veterinarian, groomer, or even YouTube can help you learn how to master it safely.
Walking your dog on hard surfaces helps keep the nails shorter naturally by wearing them down and filing them.
Anal glands
Oh yes anal glands! One of the joys of Poodle heritage. The poodle can often be predisposed to issues with the anal glands, as they become blocked or difficult to express.
If your dog scoots across the floor or develops a fishy odor from the mouth it may be that they are experiencing the discomfort of anal glad issues. You should consult your veterinary surgery if you are at all concerned.
Nutrition
A good quality diet is imperative to having a healthy and happy dog. A high-quality diet should always be offered throughout all life stages. There are specialized foods that can be offered depending on their age such as puppy, young adult, adult, and senior.
If you are planning on neutering your Doberdoodle, then some dog food brands offer specific food ranges. After you have neutered your dog, their metabolic rate decreases, making them prone to weight gain.
Your veterinarian will be able to recommend good quality food for your Doberdoodle.
Health
There may be a chance that certain health issues may be more common to the Doberdoodle due to their Doberman and Poodle parents.
Ear infections – Unfortunately, due to their floppy (and sometimes overly hairy) ears, Doberdoodles can be more prone to ear infections. Bacteria can build up due to the ears not being open and upright.
If you notice symptoms such as a smell emitting from the ear or your dog is shaking its head more than usual, contact your veterinarian. Ear infections can usually be treated by a course of antibiotics and regular cleaning.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus – A gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) is considered the one true medical emergency. This is a life-threatening condition that can affect any large breed dog.
A GDV is essentially a bloated stomach that can sometimes twist back on itself. This causes intense discomfort as the tissues begin to become necrotic and die. Symptoms include a bloated abdomen, unproductive vomiting, lethargy, collapse, and pale gums.
If you notice any signs of bloat, contact your veterinary practice immediately.
Allergies – Yet again, you have the Poodle parent to thank for the inherited problem of allergies. Doberdoodles can suffer from allergies to their environment, food intolerances, or medications. Common symptoms include red skin, chewing at the paws, watery eyes, and sneezing.
If your Doberdoodle is showing any of these symptoms, speak to your veterinary surgeon about allergy testing.
Cardiomyopathy – Cardio means heart, myo relates to muscle, and pathy relates to disease. Put it all together and you have heart-muscle-disease. Any heart condition can make it difficult for blood to be pumped around your dog’s body. Common symptoms include sudden collapse or increased coughing.
Speak to your veterinary surgeon if your dog is displaying similar symptoms.
How much do Doberdoodles cost?
Expect to pay in the region of $500 to $1000+ for a Doberdoodle.
The cost of your Doberdoodle depends greatly on where you get them from. Factors such as coat type may also influence the price, as curly coated, non-shedding Doberdoodles can be more sought after.
Where can I get a Doberdoodle from, can I adopt one?
Doberdoodles are most commonly purchased from breeders as puppies. If purchasing a pup, ensure you find a reputable dog breeder. Speak to other Doberdoodle owners or online forums to see where others have purchased puppies from.
Suggested reading: Adopting vs buying a dog
It may be beneficial to contact the registered Poodle and Doberman breeders on the American Kennel Club website. They may have contacts who they can refer you to.
There are lots of great reasons to adopt and rescue centers may have Doberdoodles, although this may be a rarity.
You should also bare in mind that they may not be aware of the dog’s heritage and that they can be labeled as the incorrect breed so keep an open mind when searching.
Suggested reading: Ways to find a reputable dog rescue shelter, Why is it so hard to adopt a dog from rescue?
It may be best to look at Doberman or Poodle breed-specific rescue centers to see if they have any crossbreeds looking for a new home.
Suggested reading: Best pet adoption websites, 10 reasons dogs are returned after adoption, First 24 hours with rescue dog
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great family dog
- Good with children
- Loyal, obedient, and playful
- Friendly temperament
- Low shedding and sometimes can be considered ‘hypoallergenic’
Cons
- Some Doberdoodles may have a high-maintenance coat
- Separation anxiety can sometimes become an issue
- Destructive behaviors can occur
- High energy levels which some owners may find challenging
- Expensive to purchase
Final word on the Doberdoodle
Overall, Doberdoodles can make a brilliant family pet. As with any animal, a great amount of thought and preparation should be undertaken before adopting an animal, to ensure the correct time and care can be invested.
Upon adoption of a new animal, always seek the help of a veterinary surgeon to ensure that your new friend has a clean bill of health!
