---
title: "Dobermann (Doberman) Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/doberman-breed/
description: "Dobermann (Doberman): PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 10 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Dobermann (Doberman): Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Dobermann (Doberman) at about 65-69 cm tall and 30-40 kg, living over 10 years. It suggests at least 2 hours a day, and lists 8 health problems to watch, including hip dysplasia and Wobbler syndrome. Minimum running cost: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and over £17,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Large |
| Average height | 65-69 cm |
| Average weight | 30-40 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 10 years |
| Exercise | At least 2 hours a day, spread over the day with a couple of walks and off-lead running in a secure area |
| Grooming | A brush about once a week; short coat, sheds more in spring and autumn |
| Cost | At least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and over £17,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hip dysplasia
- Wobbler syndrome
- certain cancers
- von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder)
- eye problems such as persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
- dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease)
- gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV, "bloat")
- hypothyroidism

Source: [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, spread over the day with a couple of walks and off-lead running in a secure area. Grooming: a brush about once a week; short coat, sheds more in spring and autumn. Source: [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as loyal, intelligent and eager to learn, energetic, protective with a strong guarding instinct; can be wilful in training and has a high prey drive. PDSA says Dobermanns probably are not the best breed for families with young children or first-time owners, and no dog should be left alone for more than four hours. Source: [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann).

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## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and over £17,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann).

## Questions people ask

How long do Dobermann (Doberman)s live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 10 years.

How much exercise does a Dobermann (Doberman) need?

PDSA suggests at least 2 hours a day, spread over the day with a couple of walks and off-lead running in a secure area.

What health problems do Dobermann (Doberman)s have?

PDSA lists hip dysplasia; Wobbler syndrome; certain cancers; von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder); eye problems such as persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV); dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease); gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV, "bloat"); hypothyroidism.

How much does a Dobermann (Doberman) cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and over £17,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Dobermann (Doberman) breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/dobermann), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Pomeranian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/pomeranian-breed/)
- [Jack Russell Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/jack-russell-terrier-breed/)
- [Bernese Mountain Dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/bernese-mountain-dog-breed/)

**Big, deep-chested dog?** Know the signs of bloat (GDV), a surgical emergency: [bloat (GDV) in dogs](https://pawmultiverse.com/bloat-gdv-in-dogs/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)

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