If you're curious about the weight of a Doberman Pinscher or want to know if your dog is overweight or underweight compared to the average, you've come to the right place. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has set a specific weight range that is considered the “breed standard” for Dobermans. In this article, we will explore the average weight of Dobermans, growth charts, and other factors that can affect their weight.
Before we dive in, let me assure you that the weight range provided by kennel clubs is not always reflective of the real-world weight of these dogs. While the AKC allows for more variation in the weight of their American Doberman Pinschers, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has a stricter range for their European Dobermanns. So, let's dig into this article and explore what you can expect in the real world.
Doberman Growth Chart (Weight vs. Age)
Age | Male Weight (Min – Max) | Female Weight (Min – Max) |
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1 Month | 10 – 18 lbs | 10 – 15 lbs |
2 Months | 18 – 21 lbs | 15 – 19 lbs |
3 Months | 26 – 32 lbs | 21 – 30 lbs |
4 Months | 35 – 44 lbs | 29 – 40 lbs |
5 Months | 44 – 54 lbs | 36 – 50 lbs |
6 Months | 50 – 64 lbs | 41 – 59 lbs |
7 Months | 59 – 71 lbs | 48 – 65 lbs |
8 Months | 61 – 79 lbs | 50 – 71 lbs |
9 Months | 66 – 85 lbs | 52 – 78 lbs |
10 Months | 69 – 89 lbs | 56 – 80 lbs |
11 Months | 70 – 91 lbs | 58 – 83 lbs |
12 Months | 71 – 94 lbs | 59 – 85 lbs |
13 Months | 72 – 98 lbs | 59 – 88 lbs |
14 Months | 74 – 98 lbs | 60 – 89 lbs |
15 Months | 75 – 99 lbs | 60 – 89 lbs |
16 Months | 75 – 100 lbs | 60 – 90 lbs |
17 Months | 75 – 100 lbs | 60 – 90 lbs |
18+ Months | 75 – 100 lbs | 60 – 90 lbs |
The above growth chart provides an approximate growth rate of a Doberman Pinscher based on the AKC's Doberman Breed Standard. It's important to note that these weights are not set in stone, as the weight of Dobermans can vary greatly. However, this chart can serve as a general guideline to help you understand what to expect as your Doberman grows.
It's worth mentioning that if your dog falls outside of the shaded region on the chart, it doesn't necessarily mean they're unhealthy. Each dog is unique, and as long as your Doberman is in good health and maintaining an ideal body condition, there's no need to worry. However, if you have any concerns about your dog's weight, it's always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian.
Average Doberman Weight by Age
Age | Male Weight (Average) | Female Weight (Average) |
---|---|---|
2 Months | 19 lbs | 17 lbs |
3 Months | 30 lbs | 26 lbs |
4 Months | 40 lbs | 34 lbs |
5 Months | 49 lbs | 43 lbs |
6 Months | 59 lbs | 50 lbs |
7 Months | 65 lbs | 56 lbs |
8 Months | 70 lbs | 60 lbs |
9 Months | 75 lbs | 65 lbs |
10 Months | 79 lbs | 68 lbs |
11 Months | 81 lbs | 70 lbs |
12 Months | 84 lbs | 72 lbs |
13 Months | 85 lbs | 74 lbs |
14 Months | 86 lbs | 74 lbs |
15 Months | 88 lbs | 75 lbs |
16 Months | 88 lbs | 75 lbs |
17 Months | 88 lbs | 75 lbs |
18+ Months | 88 lbs | 75 lbs |
On average, adult male Dobermans weigh approximately 88 pounds, while adult female Dobermans weigh around 75 pounds. However, it's important to remember that these numbers are averages and individual dogs may vary. Dobermans are known to have a wide range of weights, so it's always best to consider your dog's overall health and body condition rather than solely relying on numbers.
When getting a new Doberman puppy, it's a good idea to talk to your breeder. They should have knowledge of the family history and how your pup's parents developed over time. This can provide you with a better understanding of what to expect from your specific puppy.
Age When Full Grown
At one year of age, a Doberman is considered to be fully grown in terms of height. By two years of age, they will have reached their full-grown weight. However, some Dobermans may reach a stable weight closer to 18 months. At this point, their height and weight are typically stable, and their joints are fully formed. While there may still be minimal growth in weight after two years, the dog's height should remain stable. It's important to note that Dobermans are not considered to be “in their prime” until around three years of age.
If you want more in-depth information about the different stages of a Doberman's growth, you can refer to the article “When is a Doberman Full Grown” on HowPetCare.
American Doberman Weight
The American Doberman Pinscher is known for its lean and muscular physique. They generally weigh a bit less than their European counterparts. According to the AKC's breed standard, the weight range for American Dobermans is as follows:
- Males: 75 – 100 lbs
- Females: 60 – 90 lbs
While these weight ranges are considered the breed standard, it's important to remember that there can be healthy Dobermans who fall outside of these ranges. Each dog is unique, and as long as they are in good health and maintaining an ideal body condition, their weight should not be a cause for concern.
European Doberman Weight
The European Doberman, also known as the Dobermann, has a bulkier and more muscular body type compared to the American variant. They typically have a thicker bone structure, blockier head, and broader chest. As a result, they tend to weigh more. The growth chart provided earlier was modeled around American Dobermans but can also be used to estimate the weight of a European Doberman.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) defines the following weight ranges as the breed standard for European Dobermans:
- Males: About 40 – 45 kg (88 – 99 lbs)
- Females: About 32 – 35 kg (71 – 77 lbs)
The FCI's breed standard for the European Doberman has a smaller weight range compared to the AKC's standard for the American Doberman. However, it's worth noting that there is still a broad range of adult weights within the European Doberman breed. The FCI simply has stricter requirements for their breed standard.
If you want to learn more about the differences between European and American Dobermans, including detailed diagrams of both dogs, you can refer to the article “American vs. European Doberman: A Side-by-Side Comparison” on HowPetCare.
Predicting How Much Bigger Your Doberman Puppy Will Get
Besides age, there are several methods that Doberman owners have used to predict how big their puppies will get as adults. These methods include:
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DNA Testing: Modern at-home DNA health tests, such as the Embark DNA test kits, can provide insights into your dog's genetic health, including their adult size. These tests analyze specific genes known to influence about 85% of the variation in a dog's adult size.
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Parents: Looking at the size of your puppy's parents can give you a general idea of their growth potential. However, DNA tests are generally more accurate since puppies can inherit growth genes from their grandparents as well.
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Size in Relation to Littermates: If you know the size of your puppy's parents, you can compare your puppy to its littermates to predict their potential size. If your puppy is the largest in the litter, they will likely be as big or bigger than their parents.
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Paw Size: Many Doberman owners believe that larger paws indicate a bigger size as an adult. Larger paws are thought to be necessary to support the weight of a larger dog.
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4-Month Weight: Taking your Doberman's weight at four months old and multiplying it by two, then adding five pounds, can provide an estimate of their adult weight. For example, if your Doberman weighs 30 pounds at four months old, multiplying it by two gives you 60 pounds. Adding five pounds brings the expected adult weight to around 65 pounds.
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Age When Spayed or Neutered: If your Doberman is neutered before reaching full maturity (6 – 24 months of age), they are more likely to be taller. Early spaying or neutering removes hormones that affect the closure of growth plates, which can impact the dog's height.
Is Your Doberman Overweight or Underweight?
Determining if your Doberman is overweight or underweight is best done through visual inspection rather than relying solely on numbers and graphs. Each dog's body is unique, and what may be considered healthy for one dog may not be the same for another. Here are some guidelines to help you assess your Doberman's weight:
Underweight Dobermans:
- Ribs, pelvic bone, and vertebrae are visible or starting to become visible from the side.
- An obvious and elongated appearance of the waist when viewed from above.
- No discernible fat around the rib cage area—it feels like the skin is lying directly on the ribs.
- Multiple individual bones of the rib cage are easily visible from the side.
- Loss of muscle mass may be apparent.
Ideal Weight Dobermans:
- The ribcage may be slightly visible—a “soft outline” of the ribcage may be apparent.
- A minimal fat layer can be felt between the skin and the ribs.
- The waist is distinguishable when viewed from above without excessive bony protrusions.
- The abdomen area tucks smoothly up from the ribcage to the hind legs.
Overweight Dobermans:
- The ribcage is not visible from the side or above, and excess fat covers the ribs.
- The waist may be slightly discernible but is not prominent from above.
- The abdominal tuck is lacking or minimal—the stomach area may appear to “hang down.”
If you have concerns about your Doberman's weight, it's always best to consult with a qualified veterinarian. They can provide guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs.
Increased Medical Risks with Larger Dobermans
Larger Dobermans may be more prone to certain health conditions and have increased medical risks compared to smaller ones. Some of these risks include:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): This condition involves a weakening of the heart muscle and affects a significant number of Dobermans. Larger dogs, in general, are more commonly affected by DCM.
- Hip and Joint Problems: Dobermans are at a higher risk of hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint's proper formation. Weight management plays a crucial role in managing this condition.
- Lower Tolerance to Heat: Larger dogs may have more difficulty handling hot weather compared to smaller dogs. Dobermans, in general, are known to be more susceptible to heat-related issues, especially if they carry extra weight.
- Increased Cancer Risk: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for various types of cancer. Dobermans are known to be prone to certain forms of cancer, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
It's important to provide proper care and attention to larger Dobermans to mitigate these risks. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary check-ups can help ensure their overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Doberman Pinschers are impressive dogs known for their athleticism and distinctive appearance. While weight ranges and growth charts provide some guidance, it's essential to remember that each dog is unique. The provided weight ranges should be used as rough estimates rather than strict rules.
To ensure the best care for your Doberman, I highly recommend DNA health testing to understand their genetic predispositions and potential health issues. By knowing your dog's genetic makeup, you can make informed decisions about their nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.
Remember, the most accurate assessment of your Doberman's weight and health can be obtained through regular consultations with a qualified veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs.
If you have any further questions about Doberman weights or any other topic related to pet care, feel free to explore more articles on HowPetCare.
Related Questions
At what age is a Doberman full grown?
A Doberman is considered fully grown in terms of height at one year of age. However, they will continue to gain weight until about two years of age.
At what age has a Doberman reached their full height?
A Doberman reaches its maximum height at around one year of age (12 months).
How much should a male Doberman weigh?
An adult male Doberman should weigh between 75 to 100 pounds when fully grown.
How much should a female Doberman weigh?
An adult female Doberman should weigh between 60 to 90 pounds when fully grown.