Male vs. Female Doberman (What is The Best Choice)

Male vs. Female Doberman (What is The Best Choice?)

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If you want an amazing dog like a Doberman Pinscher, there are a few important things to consider.  The differences between the genders are an important part of making a sound decision.

What Are the Size Differences between Male and Female Dobermans?

The biggest and most obvious difference between male and female Dobermans is their size.  Males are much larger than females.

Male

Males have huge muscle mass, like a bodybuilder.  On average, they stand 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 100 pounds.  They look like strong and powerful beefcakes.

Female

In accordance with feminine characteristics, female Dobermans are more elegant, sleek, and smooth.  Their weight can range from 60 to 90 pounds and reach between 24 to 26 inches tall.  Females have a delicate build designed for speed and agility.

Differences

As you can see, males are much larger by two or more inches in height and 20 to 30 pounds more in weight.  The females are more feminine, demure, and delicate.

What Are the Temperament Differences Between Male and Female Dobermans?

The temperamental differences between male and female Dobermans are noticeable.  When deciding to have one, these marked disparities are often what draw the line between which one to have as part of the family.

Male

Male Dobermans tend to be goofy, social, and independent.  They are always down to play and are cozy with strangers.  Males go their own way, especially when distracted by fast-moving objects.  They are fine to be away from their humans, but they do tend to create a mess. 

High Energy

Their energy is infectious to children and will keep them entertained for hours.  Males are a little clumsy, though, and can sometimes be weird because of their carefree attitudes.  This can make it difficult to get them to focus during training.  But, they are eager to follow instructions and have an inner drive to complete tasks. 

Testosterone

Because males have testosterone, they are aggressive and stubborn with aloofness toward listening.  Testosterone excites and drives them to be violent when angry or uncomfortable.  Although useful in guardianship, it does pose some risks to family members, especially small children. 

He can become less aggressive with neutering.  But, understand, testosterone is an important hormone in building up his muscle mass.

Female

Female Dobermans stick to one person and are needy.  Their docile, maternal nature makes them excellent with smaller children.  Sober, focused, and consistent, females obey commands and follow instructions to the letter.

Possessiveness

Females become much attached to their chosen human, some to the point of obsession. It’s this characteristic that makes them suited for nanny dog training.  

They tend to have separation anxiety but maintain good behavior when left home alone.  But, this obsession can pose a danger when violent or over-protective.  They don’t let anyone get close and are serious about it.

Affectionate, Alert & Clean

Female Dobermans are consummate cuddlers with a soft, gentle demeanor.  They are very reserved around other dogs and tend to exude sophistication.  Females are clean and mindful of being dirty. 

They can be moody and emotional, but they are very responsible and are quick to understand their role.  When respected, well-trained and loved, female Dobermans take their job seriously.

Differences

Because of such distinct temperaments, some people prefer males because they are more willing to love everyone in a larger family.  But, some people prefer females because they are great as a nanny dogs.

Regardless, you cannot let either gender get out of control because both can become a serious danger.  Socialization and training must come into the equation when deciding on a Doberman.

Is There a Price Difference Between Male and Female Dobermans?

There is no price difference between male and female Dobermans.  They can cost as little as $800 but as much as $2500.  The lower end of this price is more for older dogs or rescues.  The initial cost is only one part of the expenses; it’ll be around $1000 for the first year.  You want to account for the following:

  • Leash, collar and tags: $35 to $50
  • Crate: $75 to $100
  • Deworming, flea and tick medications: $60 to $85
  • Bed: $60 to $75
  • Dog license: $15 to $20 (yearly)
  • Dog toys and teething rings: $50 to $75
  • Food and water bowls: $25 to $45
  • Puppy insurance: $30 to $75 (monthly)
  • Puppy pads: $25 (pack of 150)
  • Spay/neuter: $200 or more

You will also have to consider hiring a walker if you’re going to be away all day, along with boarding and rooming costs when going on vacation.  Plus, training school will cost a good chunk of money. 

Are There Training Differences in Male and Female Dobermans?

Dobermans are easy to train.  Both genders excel at agility and obedience along with guard duty.

Male

Because of the male’s high-spirited energy, they can be difficult in training situations.  They lack focus and become easily distracted, which makes training take longer. 

As pups, male Dobermans prefer fun activities and aren’t ready for official training until they’re four years old.  But, with time and patience, they will follow instructions and are happy to complete tasks. 

Female

Since Female Dobermans are mature at a young age, they are easier to train.  Training can start as young as two years old.  You can even leave them at home alone this young so long as they’re potty trained. 

However, if the female grew up with many males in her litter, she may exhibit certain signs of severe aggression.  This is because she felt forced to keep up with the rest of the pack, and it can make training a little difficult.

Regardless, they are close to one owner and are eager to please, making them faster at responding to instructions.  Females are more docile, calm, pensive, and alert, which means you can trust them with children.  Their sensitivity makes them intuitive and sympathetic and thus perfect for nanny training.

Differences

Even though there are some disparities in the training of males and females, these are very slight.  Yes, the female will train quicker and more efficiently.  But, make no mistake, both genders are excellent in almost any training situation. It’s just that the males have less focus.

Want To Train Your Doberman With Peace Of Mind?

If you haven’t trained your Doberman properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.

The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.

With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.

So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!

And in most cases, it’s still going to be:

  • Cheaper than hiring a professional.
  • Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
  • And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.

Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Doberman completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.

And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!

So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!

(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)

Are There Any Differences with Health?

The only major difference in specific health concerns between males and females is with a female’s ability to birth a litter of pups.  If you don’t plan on breeding, either gender, then this difference is insignificant. 

But, if breeding is part of the plan, then regular vet visits for a female will also have to become part of the overall picture.  That said, there are several serious health issues either sex of Doberman Pinschers can incur in their lifetime. 

  • Wobbling Syndrome: a neurological condition that prevents dogs from rising or walking on their own.
  • Chronic Active Hepatitis: an inability to process copper in the liver
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy: known as having an enlarged heart with thicker and weaker heart muscles
  • Bloat: a very serious and deadly abdominal disease
  • Hypothyroidism: a genetic condition that prevents the production of thyroid hormones
  • Von Willebrand Disease: a bleeding disorder from genetics
  • Hip Dysplasia: a painful hip and joint disease that prevents vigorous activity

Which Gender of Doberman is More Affectionate?

Both Doberman sexes are very loving and affectionate.  They seek to please their humans and look for reassurance.

Male

Male Dobermans are very fun-loving, affectionate and they are not needy.  They offer love rather freely and are not very reserved.  Because of their stubbornness, they can sometimes not care about pleasing or reassurance.

Female

The love and affection of female Dobermans go only to her favorite human.  If part of a family, she will engage in affectionate behavior with others.  But her good loving goes to her preferred human of choice.  The love of a female comes with conditions and is very reserved around others.

Differences

Because female Dobermans are needier, their love can become obsessive and possessive.  But, this is what makes them far more affectionate than males, in general.  However, males are more friendly and free-loving.

Are Males or Females More Independent/Dependent?

The general temperament differences between males and females determine their dependence or independence. 

Male

The testosterone level of males is equivalent to independence, in which their uncanny ability toward distraction and preference for fun compounds the issue.  If they aren’t interested in the training task, they won’t do it.

Female

Since females become so attached to one person, combined with an inclination toward being emotional, they are very dependent.  They don’t harbor an affinity toward fun if it’s not the intended task at hand. 

Differences

The difference between genders in this way is a matter of hormones:  males have more testosterone, and females have more estrogen.  A female’s inclination to be more emotional means she needs more reassurance than a male.

Are Males or Females Better Guard Dogs?

Both sexes are excellent at guardianship; it’s the whole raison d’être for this breed.  So, either gender will be fantastic for this purpose.  As a matter of fact, this is the official breed of the US Marine Corps.

Male

They are very intimidating because of a male Doberman’s sheer size, force, strength, and power.  All these are desirable qualities for guarding, protecting, and surveillance.

Female

Protection is the instinct of a female Doberman.  Her ease of training at an early age makes her desirable as a guard dog.  Her fierce sense of loyalty and connection to those she loves makes her fierce and fearless.

Differences

Which gender makes a better guard dog is in an owner’s personal preferences.  Both are fabulous guard dogs and will do an outstanding job. 

Which Doberman Gender is Better for Families?

When you get a Doberman as a pup, both sexes can be great for families.  But this will take a lot of training and socialization to be successful.

Male

When looking for a dog with a large family or a small family with older children, a male Doberman is perfect.  But if you have young children, a male may not be the best idea.

Female

Families with smaller children will benefit from a female Doberman.  Her instinctive and maternal nature will be kind and gentle.  But, even then, it’s best to wait until the youngest child is at least three years old, so socialization is easier.

Differences

In general, Dobermans are hit or miss for families.  Both genders have a great sense of aggression which can prove dangerous to younger and more vulnerable members.  If you have to have a Doberman, go with a female.

Are Males or Females Better With Other Pets?

Like small children, other household pets may not get along with either gender.  Different owners report varying results with things like other dogs, cats, and birds.

Male

It is not advisable to have pets like cats or birds with male Dobermans.  Other dogs are okay, but other pets have a low success rate.

Female

Females don’t bother themselves too much with other pets.  They can tolerate other dogs, cats, and birds for the most part.

Differences

The difference between these two genders of Dobermans in getting along with other pets will really come down to the dog’s individual personality.  But, if socialized young to other animals already in the house, it should be fine either way.

Who Is A Male Best Suited For?

Male Dobermans tend to be territorial, so they are better for things like property, larger families, and outer perimeters.  If you’re single, a woman should have a male Doberman.

Who Is A Female Best Suited For?

Since she attaches to one individual, a female Doberman is best for personal guardianship or for rescue work.  Single men living alone should have a female.

Recap

For an easily housebroken and trainable dog with empathy and docility, yet fierce and acute, the female Doberman is the way to go.  But, if you’re looking for brawn with sociability, then the male will more than likely be a better choice.

Sources

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