When it comes to alleged aggression, is there a crossbreed that is more controversial than the Pitbull Doberman mix? Well, probably none.
This hybrid dog tops the list of the most misjudged canines on the planet. And whether you believe it or not, the negative image of this crossbreed alongside their parents is still present up to this moment.
So, if you are curious about the Doberman Pitbull mix, and you’d love to learn more about it before taking one home, then, this guide is for you.
In this article, we won’t only delve into the history of this mixed breed dog, but we will also tackle its potential health issues, temperament, ideal living conditions, and a lot more.
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Breed at a Glance:
Size: 22 to 28 inches Weight: 35 to 80 pounds Energy Level: High Energy Levels Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
The Doberman Pit mix is the offspring of a Doberman Pinscher and an American Pitbull Terrier. This hybrid breed has characteristics from both of its parent breeds. Like other mixed breeds, the American Pitbull Terrier Doberman Mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Pitbull Doberman combination makes a great guard dog because of its strong instincts for protection. However, without the right socialization and training, this hybrid may exhibit aggressive tendencies.
These dogs are perceived as intelligent, amusing, and devoted friends despite their negative image. This cross is also known as a Dober Pit, Doberman Pit, Pit Pinscher, Doberman Pit mix, Pitbull Doberman mix, and Doberman Pinscher Pitbull mix.
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History and Origin
It can be challenging to trace the history of the Doberman and Pitbull mix because it is a first-generation cross. So, we are left to examine the history and origin of the parent dogs as there is no written record of when they were first purposely bred.
Doberman Pinscher
A Doberman Pinscher is a small-framed dog with distinctive rust markings, a sleek but muscular build, and cropped ears and tail.
Although the Doberman's actual history is uncertain, it is thought that this dog breed is a cross between the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, and the Black and Tan Terrier.
They were created by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who also gave them their name. Karl Friedrich was working as a tax collector, and he intended to breed a dog that could help him protect his tax collections.
These regal-looking dogs are among the best watchdogs in the canine world. They excel in canine sports, as well as in the military, and police duties. They are incredibly devoted and protective and make excellent family companions and house protectors.
However, because these canines are frequently used as guard dogs, people worry that they might be aggressive. To make themselves feel secure, some dog owners even educate their pets to be hostile toward outsiders.
Nevertheless, this suggests that owners, rather than the dog's character, are to blame for the behaviors of the dog.
Sadly, the fact that this dog breed is merely devoted to and protective of its owners can be a double-edged sword as it can cause many people to misunderstand them.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The intimidating American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that originated in England. This dog breed is thought to have been primarily bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting, which explains why they are far more aggressive than other working breeds. And this also explains why they are one of the dogs with the most negative reputation.
Despite the criticism they received, breeders worked hard to develop superb farmworkers and hunters in the American Pit Bull Terrier when it was introduced to the country.
Over time, they developed into outstanding farm dogs before people began raising them to be “nanny dogs” because of their kindness toward children.
These large, powerful canines have a head and jaw that are constructed similarly to wrestlers or fighters. They are courageous and devoted canines who win numerous dog competitions in obedience, agility, and weight pulling. They are also incredibly affectionate and enjoy being around their humans.
The debate concerning the temperament of the Dober Pit has a historical grounding, as you would have inferred from the history of the Doberman and American Pit Bull Terrier.
But what is frequently forgotten is that before these dogs were mixed to create the Doberman Pit mix, breeders had already bred out the aggressiveness in them.
Similar to any domestic pet, this hybrid's temperament is primarily influenced by the training it receives rather than by its parents' backgrounds.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Appearance
The appearance of a Doberman-Pit mix can be fairly unpredictable, just like that of other mixed breeds. They may resemble their Doberman Pinscher parent very much, but they may also have most of the characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
On rare occasions, Doberman Pitbull mix puppies can seem to have a physical combination of both of their parents, but as they get older, the traits of one parent will predominate.
You can expect your Dober Pit to have almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, and a head that resembles a blunt wedge if the Doberman genes are dominant in his blood. And he would have a broad chest, well-sprung ribs, and wide, muscled loins as far as physical shape is concerned.
Your dog can have a short, silky coat that is either black and rust, blue and rust, fawn (Isabella), red and rust, or white.
Meanwhile, your Doberman Pitbull dog would have a wide head, a deep and broad muzzle, medium-sized eyes, and high-set ears if the Pitbull genes were more dominant.
In addition to a well-filled chest, a strong and solid back, and short loins that are narrower than their ribcage, your Dober Pit would have a muscular neck. And as for his coat, it can be any color, with the exception of merle, and it can be smooth and glossy.
Again, these are merely desirable characteristics. Your Doberman and Pitbull mix puppy may exhibit more distinctive physical characteristics depending on the genes that he acquired from his parents.
As cliche as it sounds, the Doberman-Pitbull crossbreed actually has a soft heart beneath its rugged exterior.
Despite their frightening appearance, many dog owners have seen firsthand how devoted and submissive they are to their beloved humans. However, they show a tinge of stubbornness, necessitating early socialization and training.
It is not advised to let them be around house guests because they can find it tough to get along with strangers. However, if you want them to function as guard dogs and deter anyone from intruding on your land, this trait can be quite handy.
The fact that Doberman Pit mix dogs have a high predatory instinct is another crucial feature about them. Your Doberman Pit mix might rush after or knock over any hyperactive, shrieking young children you have in the house.
If you have older kids, this won't be a problem. Simply expect your dog to exhibit affection by nipping at certain body regions.
The Dober Pit mix is noted to exhibit some hostility toward other animals, which they may have picked up during their working years.
It's great if you can introduce and socialize them early because they'll chase after your other pets, especially cats.
Doberman Pit hybrid dogs are still generally dependable family pets. Although they might be strong-willed and stubborn, these traits can be changed via socialization and obedience training.
Grooming
The Doberman Pit mix doesn't need much grooming, unlike other crosses that shed a lot. However, you must make an effort to keep their short, shiny coat by giving them a periodic brushing.
Cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and trimming their nails should also be part of your routine. This helps shield your Pitbull Doberman mix from some canine illnesses.
Additionally, you should routinely inspect your Doberman and Pit Mix for rashes and other irregularities because they are prone to skin sensitivities.
Pit Bull Doberman Mixes don't have a problem with the typical “doggie” smell, so you don't need to bathe them too frequently. But it is advised that you bathe your dog every four to six weeks. You can increase the number of baths per week depending on his level of activity.
Given that they are a designer breed, Pit Bull Doberman Mixes are said to have “hybrid vigor,” which suggests that they have a lower propensity to develop most genetic disorders.
You might be curious to learn about the health conditions your dog may be prone to, depending on what breed it is.
Your best bet is to speak with the breeder of your dog because they are aware of any health problems the parents of your puppy had. Asking the veterinarian of your dog would be an alternative.
Doberman Pitbull mix puppies can live up to 10 to 14 years with adequate care and exercise. However, as a pet parent, you should also be wary of certain health problems that are common in Doberman Pinschers and American Pitbull Terriers, such as the following:
Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition that weakens the heart muscle cells and commonly results in irregular heartbeats. Cardiomyopathy symptoms include weakness, coughing or choking, fast breathing, and restless sleep.
Aortic Stenosis
The aortic valve narrows in this condition, making the heart work twice as hard to pump blood. This will eventually result in serious consequences including cardiac muscle failure.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid issues are a risk in Pitbull Doberman crossbreeds. In middle-aged dogs, Hypothyroidism is a prevalent medical condition. Lethargy, weakness, hair loss, and weight gain are some of the signs of a thyroid disorder.
The most common form of treatment for this illness is hormone replacement therapy. If your dog exhibits any signs, have them checked out to help diagnose this problem early.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is characterized by improper development or fitting of the ball and socket of the hip joints. Dogs with this ailment could exhibit limping, bunny hopping, or hind leg lameness.
Gastric Torsion
This condition develops when your dog's stomach becomes twisted due to gas buildup. Bloating in the stomach, dribbling saliva, difficulty breathing, and anxiousness are a few symptoms of this illness.
Dog osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that typically appears in the ribs, head, or limbs.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is a bleeding disorder that can make even seemingly minor wounds bleed excessively.
Skin Sensitivities
Hybrid pups, such as the Pitbull Doberman mix frequently suffer from skin problems including rashes and allergies.
Ear Infections
Scratching, colored discharge, stench, redness or swelling, hair loss, and head tilt are symptoms of a serious ear condition.
If you believe your dog has an ear infection, be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you can. Ear infections can make your dog act intoxicated and unsteady.
Wobbler Syndrome
This condition affects your dog's spine, which might make them move uncontrollably or unintentionally. To give you a better picture, once a dog has this illness, it will be so unsteady that its gait can be compared to a wiggly worm.
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How to Care for Doberman Pitbull Mix Puppies
Exercise & Living Conditions
Pitbulls have far less stamina than Dobermans, yet both breeds have extremely high energy levels, as we've already mentioned. This implies that their pups will be high energy dogs that need to exercise just as much.
So, it's important that your Doberman Pitbull mix gets enough exercise every day. This involves routine fetch and frisbee matches as well as daily walks.
Due to their desire for a lot of areas to run around, these dogs don't perform well in apartments. You ought to keep them in a house with a sizable backyard so they have plenty of room to explore. If not, your dog can start acting destructively.
Both dog breeds were raised to react violently in specific circumstances. They are excellent security dogs because of this, in the end.
Hence, for Doberman Pitbull mixes to develop into confident, composed adults, they must engage in a lot of socializing growing up.
Although the Doberman Pitbull is friendly with family and kids, this breed is unsuitable for families with younger kids. The possibility of this dog accidentally knocking over a little child or an old person is pretty considerable given his size.
Additionally, because the Pitbull Pinscher Mix enjoys nipping, they can wind up biting a baby's ears or toes. So, they work better for households with older kids.
And as mentioned, early socialization is necessary for the Doberman and Pit Mix to get along with other animals. These furry friends do not, however, concede control to other dogs and pets in the house.
The Doberman Pit mix needs a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, just like any other active and spirited breed. Ideally, they should consume 30 calories for every pound of body fat.
You can distribute three cups of dry or wet food throughout the day while feeding. Of course, it is up to you whether to provide them with wholesome snacks in between each meal.
Supplements including vitamins and minerals like vitamins D, C, and E, probiotics, and antioxidants will be beneficial to your Doberman Pitbull mix breed as well. However, be careful to speak with a reputable veterinarian first before settling on a certain brand.
Training
You must be extremely patient and consistent when training your Doberman Pit mix. They require a handler that has knowledge of handling superior dogs because they are highly dominant.
You can hire a professional to train them or have one tell you what to do if you are doubtful of your capacity for training.
In general, the Pitbull Doberman mix responds well to repetition and positive reward. It's important to be tactful but forceful when applying these strategies.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
There are a few factors you should take into account when searching for Doberman Pitbull mix puppies.
Finding a trustworthy and reputable breeder, that regularly does genetic tests is crucial to ensuring that none of the puppies have any health problems or hereditary disorders.
Additionally, you should insist on coming in person so you may observe the pups' living conditions firsthand. To prevent their violent temperament from showing, these dogs must be cared for from the very beginning.
Puppies under 12 weeks old must remain with their mothers. Once you get the chance to meet them for the first time, you should witness this scene.
You should insist on meeting both parents for dogs with such volatile temperaments as the Doberman-Pitbull mix, so you can observe their behavior. This is the best indicator of how your dog will behave in the future.
By checking their living environment, observing how they behave with one another and with other people, as well as how they look, you can have an initial impression of their upbringing.
Finding Doberman Pitbull pups for sale won't be simple because few breeders produce these designer hybrids.
Dober Pit puppies range in price from $500 to $1,500 based on the breeder's location, reputation, gender, vaccines, and other criteria.
Despite this relatively reasonable price, the costs associated with maintaining them are not exactly minimal. For their maintenance, you would need to have at least $1,500 available each month.
Conclusion
Are you a seasoned pet parent? If so, then, you can manage a Pitbull Doberman mix puppy with ease.
This cross requires a master who can assert themselves and take the lead. They can easily overwhelm first time dog owners. Thus, they won't work well with them.
Before hunting for a Doberman Pit mix breeder, make sure you have your heart set on caring for this hybrid dog and that you have a roomy yard where he can run around. You should also make sure that it's legal to own this dog breed in your area.
For many, this mixed breed's inability to live in apartments is a deal-breaker. Also, make sure that you can dedicate enough time and energy to spend with your dog, particularly in providing his daily exercise requirements.
Since these puppies frequently have separation anxiety, someone should keep them at home the majority of the time. They enjoy being around people and will want to participate in all of your daily activities.
Your older kids will get along with a Doberman-Pitbull mix. However, he might not get along with other pets, as Pitbulls are genetically predisposed to fight.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
