Wondering if a Doberman Pitbull mix is the right dog for you?
Then read on to find out more!
In our complete guide, we have all the information you need regarding this working dog combination.
Find out which parent the Doberman Pitbull mix looks like, whose temperament they’re likely to get, how long they live, and whether they make a suitable pet.
Meet the Doberman Pitbull Mix
The Doberman Pitbull mix, also known as Dober Pit or Pit Pinscher, is the result of cross-breeding a Doberman Pinscher with an American Pitbull.
However, both these breeds have a bad reputation for aggressive behavior and often receive bad press.
Is it wise to cross breed these two dogs, or is the stigma unjustified?
The Doberman cross Pitbull is a first-generation mixed breed.
There is much debate regarding these designer dogs.
Therefore, before you decide on a Doberman Pitbull mix, find out first what the controversy is all about.
Designer Dog Controversy
Designer dogs have become extremely popular over the last two decades, especially with their quirky names like Dorkie, Pugle and Labradoodle.
There is, though, a great deal of debate surrounding these hybrid breeds.
They often demand higher prices than purebreds despite having no registration papers.
And whilst their breeders always hope to capture the best qualities and traits of the two parent breeds, that’s not the guaranteed outcome.
Whereas purebred dogs have predictable traits regarding size, temperament, coat type, and care requirements, hybrid dogs are a bit of a lottery.
A designer dog may inherit more characteristics from one parent than the other, including the best – or worst – traits from either breed.
Does Crossbreeding Make Healthier Dogs?
Due to inbreeding practices, many purebreds are now prone to widespread hereditary health issues.
Mixed breed dogs are likely to be stronger, healthier, and less likely to inherit genetic disorders, because they draw from a larger gene pool.
This is known as hybrid vigor.
We’ll see in a minute which illnesses Dobermans and Pitbulls are most vulnerable to, and how to make sure Doberman Pitbull mix puppies are as healthy as possible.
First let’s look at the history of this tough-dog hybrid.
Origin of the Doberman Pitbull mix
Like most first-generation crossbreeds, we don’t know where or when the Doberman Pitbull mix originated.
However, we can learn more about this working dog blend by looking at the history of his parents.
Origin of the Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher was developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Apolda in Germany during the late 1800s.
Dobermann, a tax collector, wanted to produce a dog with an intimidating appearance, aggressive enough to protect him in dangerous neighborhoods.
Dobermann ran a local dog shelter so had access to a variety of dog breeds.
Many believe that the Doberman developed was from shorthaired shepherd dogs, black and tan terriers, Rottweilers, German Pinschers, Greyhounds and Weimaraners.
The German Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1900 and the American Kennel Club in 1908.
The Doberman worked in both World Wars, searching for and rescuing wounded soldiers and detecting enemy locations.
Origin of the American Pitbull
The Pitbull can trace his ancestry back to the early 1800s in the UK.
They were developed from Old English Bulldogs, and used for bull baiting.
Aggression was bred into these dogs, but coupled with it was an unwillingness to bite people.
Immigrants to the USA brought these Pitbulls with them. They were used for working on farms, protecting property, and as companion dogs.
More about Pitbulls:
The breed was named the American Pitbull Terrier by the United Kennel Club in 1898.
They were recognized by the AKC in the 1930s but renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier to separate the dog from its fighting past.
Pitbulls represented US forces on posters during World War I and served in the field with the military.
What Does the Doberman Pitbull Mix Look Like?
Because you are cross-breeding two different breeds, it is difficult to predict the size and looks of a Doberman x Pitbull dog.
Doberman Pitbull mix pictures may give you some idea of the end result, but there is no guarantee.
Let’s take a look at the defining characteristics of the parent breeds.
Doberman features
The Doberman is a medium-large dog that is compact and athletically built.
He stands at 24 to 28 inches in height and weighs between 60 to 100 pounds.
The coat is short and sleek and usually black with brown markings.
Less common colors are red, blue, fawn and white.
Pitbull features
The Pitbull is a medium-sized, muscular dog.
He has a large wedge-shaped head with slight wrinkles, floppy ears and a tapered tail.
He stands 17 to 20 inches high, weighing anywhere from 30 to 80 pounds.
The coat is also short but with a coarse texture and is seen in all colors and patterns.
Popular combinations are brindle, red nose, and blue nose.
The size, color and appearance of a Doberman Pitbull mix depends on which genes they inherit from the parent breeds.
However, they are likely to be medium-sized, weighing around 80 to 90 pounds.
Doberman Pitbull Mix – Grooming
Both breeds shed moderately all year round and require little grooming. Brush their coats once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
A Doberman and Pitbull mix breed will have the same grooming requirements.
Brush their teeth daily, and clean ears and trim nails regularly.
Doberman Pitbull Mix – Temperament
It is difficult to predict the Doberman Pitbull mix temperament, since it is a crossbreed.
We need to look at the personalities of the two parent breeds.
However, even that is not simple, because there is much dispute regarding the nature of Doberman and Pitbull breeds.
Whilst responsible owners say they are misunderstood and make great pets if handled correctly, they are still widely perceived as aggressive and dangerous.
Is this reputation justified?
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Doberman temperament
The personality traits of the Doberman vary from dog to dog. Some are outgoing and fearless, whereas others are shy and reserved.
Despite being stereotyped as aggressive, well-raised Doberman dogs are sweet, loyal, and obedient.
They love people, make excellent companions, and are good with other pets and children if socialized early.
They have a powerful instinct to protect their family, but as they are an obedient breed, only attack on command.
The Doberman does, however, suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
This can result in destructive behavior or excessive barking.
Pitbull temperament
Unfortunately, the Pitbull is often portrayed as vicious and dangerous. He receives more bad press than any other breed.
The breed is illegal in many countries around the world including the UK and parts of Canada and Australia.
In the US, many cities and towns, as well as military bases, now ban Pitbulls.
However, many owners agree that Pitbull dogs are loyal and loving towards all family members.
They can, however, be aggressive to other animals, even if socialized early, due to their fighting bloodlines.
The Pitbull is a fearless, stubborn dog who needs the right handling.
He can suffer significantly from separation anxiety, which causes destructive behavior. This is the main reason this breed ends up in shelters.
How Will Your Doberman Pitbull Turn Out?
Your Doberman Pitbull mix may inherit any of the personality traits mentioned from the parent breeds.
This uncertainty is exciting for many crossbreed owners, but you need to be confident you can handle any outcome.
Since both breeds are at risk of separation anxiety, their puppies need a knowledgeable and experienced handler.
For generations, both breeds were taught to respond to some situations aggressively.
They will need lots of socialization and positive reinforcement to grow up calm and confident, so they don’t resort to aggression again.
Therefore, the Doberman Pitbull mix is generally not suitable for first time dog owners.
Doberman Pitbull Mix – Exercise and Training Requirements
As working dogs, both the Doberman and Pitbull have high energy levels.
A Doberman and Pitbull mix puppy will have the same exercise requirements her parents.
This means at least two vigorous walks per day and access to a secure backyard where she can run loose and play games like fetch and frisbee.
The best way to prevent a bored dog taking their frustration out on the furniture is by burning up their energy.
Training your Doberman Pitbull Mix
Both breeds are highly intelligent and used in the military, as well as finding use as police dogs, guard dogs, and therapy dogs.
A Doberman Pitbull mix dog likes lots of doggy jobs to do to channel that focus and feel purposeful.
If you can find dog classes near you specially tailored to working breeds, that’s a great place to start!
Finally, some people are still of the mistaken impression that dogs historically bred for aggression need to be “dominated” by their owner to keep them in line.
This is categorically not the case. Dominance theory has been widely and conclusively discredited.
Like all dogs, your Doberman Pitbull mix will respond best to patience, kindness, and positive reinforcement training.
Doberman Pitbull Mix – Health Issues
Next let’s look to Pitbull and Doberman health, to find out what conditions there offspring might be prone to.
The Doberman has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years – fairly average for a dog of their size.
Since they were bred for work, their health hasn’t been compromised by pursuing any kind of exaggerated appearance.
And breeders looked for healthy dogs to sire more good workers – so generally this breed enjoys a robust constitution.
However, like all pedigrees, there are some health conditions which affect Dobermans more frequently than the canine population as a whole.
The most prevalent amongst these are
- heart disease
- thyroid disease
- hip dysplasia – abnormal formation of the hip bones, causing arthritis and lameness
- and von Willebrand disease – a blood clotting disorder.
The Pitbull’s lifespan is an average of 12 to 14 years.
This breed is also generally healthy but prone to
- degenerative myelopathy – a progressive neurological condition that causes hind limb paralysis
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- thyroid disease.
It is especially important that both parents of Pitbull Doberman mix puppies have been screened for the diseases they have in common – thyroid disease and hip dysplasia.
Tests for both of these should be arranged by the breeder with their vet.
You can read more about understanding the results of the hip exam here.
There are also simple tests readily available to identify Dobermans which carry the von Willebrands gene, and Pitbull who carry the degenerative myelopathy gene.
Doberman and Pitbull Mix Puppies
When looking for Pitbull Doberman mix puppies, it is vital that you go to a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for genetic health disorders.
You should also be welcome to observe the living conditions and the health of the puppies.
Puppies under 12 weeks old should still be with their mom when you meet them.
For dog breeds with unpredictable temperaments, like the Doberman Pitbull mix, insist on meeting both parents before you commit to a puppy.
Is a Doberman Pitbull Mix Right for Me?
Before considering a Doberman Pitbull mix, you should check that it is legal to keep this type of dog where you are living.
This mixed breed makes a great companion but requires a knowledgeable and experienced owner to provide excellent training.
You’ll need an appropriate living space with a secure backyard and the time to exercise this energetic dog.
Since many Dobermans and Pitbull experience separation anxiety, their pups thrive best in households where someone is home for most of the day.
Although the Doberman Pitbull mix is good with children, he may not get along with other pets due to the Pitbull’s fighting roots.
In the right hands, though, the Doberman Pitbull mix has as much potential as any other dog to be a devoted, loyal, intelligent companion.
Do you have a Doberman Pitbull mix?
Do you think we’ve done them justice here?
Tell us about your experiences in the comments!
You might also enjoy our guide to the Pitbull Lab Mix
Extra Reading/References
Canine Health Information Center
Beverland et al, Exploring the dark side of pet ownership: Status- and control-based pet consumption, Journal of Business Research, 2008.
Lockwood & Rindy, Are “Pit Bulls” Different? An Analysis of the Pit Bull Terrier Controversy, Anthrozoos, 2015.
Collier, Breed-specific legislation and the pit bull terrier: Are the laws justified?, Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 2006.
Fred says
I had a doberman x pit bull boy. I got him from the owner at 12 weeks old fit and healthy. I took him to the park regularly and socialized him with others dogs often. How ever as about the age of 6 months he got into a fight with another older staffy where i noticed he went for the dogs throat to hold and kill. He still got to see his parents and brother and sister though out his time. He had 2 fights with his brother leaving his brother cut up and blood requiring many stitches. My dig was just the better fighter. He still needed minor stitching. He then got more and more agressive towards most other dogs as he reached the 1 year mark. I could never let him off the lead when other dogs were around in fear he would maul them. There were 2 other instances were he got into fights with other dogs were i was bitten breaking up the fights. It all ended one day at about age of 1 and a half were he suddenly went into kill mode when with his brother again. There was no stopping him. He went into kill mode ripping chunks out of the brothers neck and face and ears. I had my hand badly mauled trying to stop him. They both fought for about 10 minutes before i finally got them seperated. His brother had to go to the vet in serious condition and recieve multiple treatments. I had him put down later that day. He was such a sweet and loving dog but i could never trust him around other animals or children. He was my best friend but i had to think of other peoples saftey. The underlying agression was to severe and breed into his bloodeline. I will muss hom dearly.
Jason Baughman says
We have 3 pups ( Scooby, Loki, and precious) they’re 5 months old and are the laziest pups I’ve ever had, except for the shoe chewing and garbage can diving. My entire family loves them and they love us right back.
Marijke says
Hi! You have done a wonderful job explaining this breed. I adopted a rescue (I believe) bull terrier/red doberman mix. This breed seems to split the behaviour down the middle. She is the cuddlist dog I have ever owned (terrier) yet she seems to bond strongly with only one person in the house (doberman). She is no longer good with most other dogs since we bonded however I strongly believe this behavior could have been avoided with strong knowledge and training while in the puppy fearful days. She is an on/off dog there is no in between. She’s either sleeping in her bed or on alert. She has an incredibly high prey drive and hates fetch. As much work as she is (needs strong training/hand) the love she gives is worth it all. As far as grooming she has long nails and some minor ear issues but barely sheds. Health wise she has some underlying problems with her heart which I believe is related to her having heart worm when I adopted her although my vet says this isn’t the case. It has been prevalent until now and she is around 8 years. It took a while to find the right food for her but once we did I have had no other heath issues. Hope this helps further doberman terrier owners!
Lizzie Hughes says
Story time!
When I was about 10 years old, our family dog was the chunkiest, dimwitted, baby-lover sugar plum you would ever meet. Her name was Mo and she was a pure bread German Doberman. We were visiting with some family out of town when Mo came up missing.. We found her half a day later ‘stuck’ with the neighbors red-nosed Pit. About 2 months later, we were being terrorized by 9 (huge) puppies.
They. Ate. Everything. The walls, the gates, the legs to tables and chairs, ankles, shoes, you name it. They were the sweetest little balls of energy you would ever meet, but did not know how to settle down. We ended up selling and giving away all but two puppies(we ensured they all went to loving families). These two puppies would end up being my very best friends.
Samson and Delilah is what their names ended up as. They were my protectors, running buddies, roller-blade-pulling beasts. They were the biggest babies ever- UNTIL I was by myself. If a man approached me that they did not know, they were out for blood. When we were with my parents, they were kind to anyone and everyone.
Once they were about two-three years old, they started to calm down.. We were able to train and teach them amazingly. They were two of the smartest dogs I have ever met still to this day.
Unfortunately Samson died in 2016 from a stroke. There were no signs or symptoms, nothing. Our family was devastated.
We are ever so grateful to still have Delilah in our lives- She will be turning 12 this October. She has turned into the sassiest, most pampered, anxiety filled, wrinkly faced old lady.. But she still to this day acts like shes a pup(when she’s not napping). We walk/run a minimum of two miles a day and she is still dragging me behind her. Totally clean bill of health from her veterinarian as well. She loves to go into stores and to parks to demand all the pets from anyone walking by.. but has a very very difficult time being left home alone.
I wish that there wasn’t such a stigma about dobermans and pits. It’s about how they are raised, not the breed of dog. I love that in this article, it states that the pits were bread for aggression.. but they would never bite a human. This rings so true. They are the biggest babies you will every meet. I hope everyone enjoys my little input and considers this when thinking about getting a “Dob-It”-like my family always called them.
Shari Kwiatkowski says
I drove to a bad part of Miami to buy a “Labrador Mixed puppy listed on Craig’s List. In the photo of the puppy, he looked like a Black Lab with a white spot on his chest. After I got him to our home, I quickly realized that he was not a BLACK LAB! In my younger years, I adopted a Stray Dobie that came to my 3 year old daughter in the woods and became her guardian for life, The moment that I watched my supposed “BLACK LAB” puppy move and run, I knew he was a Doberman. I had a DNA test done and found that his main lineage was Doberman on paternal lines with Pitbull on maternal lines. Oops, A Rooster in the hen house? Whatever, he is an Awesome Dog! He is a Doberman and Pitbull mix, yet, I never in all my Old age years, have found a more sweeter and obedient dog. As an older female (over 60), he is easy to train and handle, despite his massive size, and I always feel safe when he is by my side. He is my Baby Puppy…and sadly, he has a sissy bark, because when he was a puppy, we took in my Dead Mother’s Pomeranian that taught him about life. My Dobie/Pitbull loved and respected that 12 pound Pomeranian. Go figure?
Chuck says
In August of 2019 we thought we were adopting aN uncropped 4 month old female blue Doberman puppy from the rescue Doberman Underground. When the volunteer brought her to our home I immediately noticed the white patches on her chest and neck along with the brindle coloring where it should’ve been tan. The size of her paws and shape of her head seemed slightly different too. We were already experienced Doberman owners and I asked the volunteer if they were sure she was all Doberman and she stated yes. As Jyn which is what we named her grew we became more sure she was not full Doberman and suspected she had pit terrier in her. We did a DNA test through Wisdom Panel and confirmed our suspicion. Jyn is a perfect 50/50 split of Doberman & American Staffordshire Terrier. She has the body shape and chest of a Dobie but head of a pit. She got along very well with our senior male Doberman and senior male min-pin (both who recently passed)as well as with our senior female cat. We recently adopted a male 10 week old Rottweiler mix (waiting on his DNA results). Jyn loves him to death and they have completely bonded. Jyn is amazing and a beloved family member. I did spend a lot of time training her as a puppy which is key with any breed.
Andrew says
I have brother and sister puppies. They are great with my daughter who is 2. They are working on house training. I worked with K9’s in the IDF and these are 2 of the best puppies I have had. Love them!
Sanad says
I have a 4 month old puppy and she listens real well already and is basically potty trained already. All she ever wants to do is play and be given love. She does have severe seperation anxiety and thats a big hassle. But im sure she will grow out of it.
Jason Baughman says
Not likely she will never leave your hip
TeeVee says
Our first dog was a Doberman Pit Bull and he was the biggest marshmallow – not an ounce of hostility in him, no trace of aggression towards any of the numerous cats we had, the other pup we brought home, or even the Chihuahua that attempted to attack him on one of our walks. He got as tall as his Doberman dad and as broad as his Pit Bull mom and weighed in at 130 at his highest. He was impressive looking and his appearance alone kept people from approaching the house, once they got on they’d see he was sweet and lazy. God I miss that dog!
Kevin says
Do you have any advice my wife and I have one he is almost a year old and have no manors at all he chews on everything and has bad separation anxiety we need help
Paige says
Our Koda (African for the baby of the family) was a Walmart puppy when we got him at 5 weeks and we were told that he was a pitt chocolate lab. But there are an awful lot of breeds that look like chocolate labs when you only see their butt. I took him one: because my husband passed and I had been wanting a dog since about a year after my lou passed. Two: I could tell he wasn’t the six weeks they were claiming and even though I usually refuse unless the pups are 12 weeks, the people wanted them gone and didn’t care. And finally: I very had and trained dogs for 30 years. I knew whatever he was I could handle it and teach my kids about raising tiny puppies, as they had only been exposed to adult rescues prior. I consider Koda a rescue because I know the odds of even one Walmart puppy surviving to adulthood.
Anyway. Koda definitely has the separation anxiety and the moment I’m home he’s wrapping his arms around me and whining as if I have been gone years. However, my youngest teen is homeschooled and I am confident that Koda will protect her with his life if needed. He loves her and is just as dedicated to her as to me. He is a giant clown who loves throwing his toys around the yard and hiding my shoes.
I haven’t had DNA tests done yet, but will be getting one done by the end of next month. His health is perfect as far as the vet and I can see. He looks like someone put a putt head and muscles onto a greyhound body, but still sleek as the best racehorse. He is liver colored, but in direct sun he has golden brindle stripes. And since he was taken before he was weaned he didn’t get as big as he probably should have, only about 60 pounds. And on his hind legs for kisses I don’t have to bend down for loves.
We really lucked out, but I’ve also put hundreds of hours into training him. Koda fits perfectly with his super intelligence, goofy personality, expressive face, and unconditional love. We got the best of both worlds with my baby boy.
Alisa LaVine says
I just found out through DNA testing that my 10 year old Am Staff mix is actual an Am Staff/Doberman cross. I rescued her from the Humane Society when she was about a year old.
She has always been an extremely loving dog who loves to cuddle. She’s easy to train and responds best to positive reinforcement but also prefers having a reliable and consistent human.
She does have mild separation anxiety. She also doesn’t care much for other dogs. She goes to the dog park and is happy to lope around by herself or with a chosen running mate. Preferably one with a long stride who enjoys running at full speed. But she never actually rolls around with other dogs. Even with her doggie housemate. She will yip at him and wait for him to chase her.
Sleeping completely under the covers is a must! Especially in the winter!
She’s been a wonderful companion!