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Is there a crossbreed more controversial than the Doberman Pitbull mix when it comes to rumored aggressiveness? Probably none.
Since both the parents of this cross were believed to be antagonistic, the common assumption is that a Doberman and Pitbull mix is untameable and unable to be domesticated. Their production is highly criticized as they are said to pose threats to human life.
Eager to learn whether these rumors are true? Then you landed on the right page! Here you’ll learn about the Doberman Pit mix’s origin, appearance, temperament, health issues, and more!
What Is a Doberman Pitbull Mix?
Photo by @beanthedoberpit (IG)
A Doberman Pitbull mix is the offspring of a Doberman Pinscher and an American Pit Bull Terrier. They have received unjustified stigma in recent years since their parent breeds are believed to be aggressive working dogs. Despite this, they are observed to be smart, playful, and a loyal companion.
Apart from being called Doberman Pitbull mix, this cross also goes by the names Doberman Pit, Doberpit, Pit Pinscher, Doberman Pit mix, Pitbull Doberman mix, and Doberman Pinscher Pitbull mix.
Doberman Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Doberman Pit Come From?
The Doberman Pinscher Pitbull mix is a first-generation cross so tracing its history can be difficult.
There is no written documentation of when they were first intentionally bred so we are left to look at the history and origin of their parent breeds.
To start off, Doberman Pinschers were first developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in 1890.
His goal was to create a new breed that can serve as his guard dogs while collecting taxes in a dangerous German neighborhood.
Some of the breeds that were used in creating this fierce canine are the Weimaraner, black and tan Manchester Terrier, German Pinscher, and German Shepherd.
Later on, the Dobes that were supposed to be personal guardians were seen serving in World War II as scouts, messengers, and sentries.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, on the other hand, is an imposing breed native to England.
It is believed that they were primarily produced for bull-baiting and dog fighting so their aggression level is way higher than other working breeds.
When the American Pit Bull Terrier was brought to the United States, breeders tried hard to make great farmworkers and hunters in them, and they succeeded despite the criticism they faced.
As you might have deduced from the origin of the Doberman and the American Pit Bull Terrier, the controversy involving the Dober Pit temperament has a historical basis.
However, what is often overlooked is the fact that breeders had long bred out the aggressiveness in these canines before they were crossed to produce the Doberman Pit mix.
Similar to any household pet, this hybrid’s temperament is greatly dependent on the training they receive and not the history of their parents.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Doberman Pit Look Like?
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Like other mixed breeds, the appearance of a Doberman Pit mix can be quite unpredictable.
They can very well take after their Doberman Pinscher parent, but they can also inherit most of the features of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
In rare cases, they would appear to have an equal mix of their parents’ physical attributes but as they mature, the features of one will overrule the other.
If your Dober Pit has dominant Doberman blood, expect them to have a head that resembles a blunt wedge, almond-shaped eyes, and ears that are carried erect.
As for their body shape, they would have a broad chest, well-sprung ribs, and wide and muscled loins.
Their coat will be short and smooth and it can either be black & rust, blue & rust, fawn (isabella) & rust, red & rust, and white.
Meanwhile, if the Pitbull genes are more superior in your Doberman Pit, they would have a wide head, deep and broad muzzles, medium-sized eyes, and ears that are set high.
Their neck would be muscular while their body would feature a well-filled chest, firm and strong back, and short loins which are narrower than their ribcage.
In terms of their coat, expect it to be smooth and glossy which can be any color except for merle.
Again, these are only ideal features and your Doberman and Pitbull mix puppy may showcase a more unique physical appearance based on the genes that are passed on to them.
Watch this video to see how does a Doberman and Pitbull mix look in action:
Pitbull Doberman mix Ability<a href="https://youtu.be/z4e1wql1VfY" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fz4e1wql1VfY%2F0.jpg" alt="Pitbull Doberman mix Ability" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Doberman Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Will a Doberman Pit Mix Get When Fully Grown?
The size of a Doberman and Pitbull mix puppy is also something that is not set in stone.
However, most Doberman Pit owners claim that their dogs’ weight range is between 35 and 80 pounds and they stand at 22 to 28 inches. They reach their full-grown height at around 12 to 18 months.
If you really want to be sure about how big your Doberman Pit mix puppy will grow, it is best to learn about the height and weight of its parents.
Generally, Doberman Pinschers measure 24 to 28 inches in height and weigh 60 to 100 pounds according to American Kennel Club (AKC) standards.
Meanwhile, American Pit Bull Terriers are approximately 17 to 21 inches in height and 30 to 60 pounds in weight according to the United Kennel Club (UKC) standards.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Temperament: Do Doberman Pits Make Good Family Dogs?
As cheesy as it may sound, the Doberman Pitbull mix breed has a gentle heart hidden under its tough persona.
They may look extremely intimidating but many dog owners are witnesses to their loyalty and submission to their favorite people.
Nevertheless, they manifest a hint of stubbornness so early socialization and training are necessary.
They may find it difficult to get along with strangers so it is not recommended to let them around house guests.
This characteristic, however, can be quite useful if you want them to serve as guard dogs and prevent any stranger from trespassing on your property.
Another important fact about Doberman Pit mixes is that they have a strong prey instinct. If you have little kids at home who are very active and like to shriek, your Doberman Pit mix may chase after them or knock them over.
This won’t be a problem if you have older kids. You’ll just find your dog nipping at their body parts to show affection.
As for their behavior toward other animals, the Dober Pit mix is observed to showcase a bit of aggression which they may have adapted from their working years.
They’ll chase after your other pets, especially cats, so it’s best if you can introduce and socialize them early.
Overall, Doberman Pit mixes still make good family companions. They may be strong-willed and stubborn, but these can be corrected by obedience training and socialization.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
Doberman Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Doberman Pits Healthy Dogs?
With proper health maintenance and exercise, Doberman Pitbull mix puppies can live up to 10 to 14 years.
Of course, they are also susceptible to certain diseases so you should be very observant of the symptoms they exhibit.
Here are some health issues that commonly afflict this crossbreed:
Cardiomyopathy: This condition manifests through the degeneration of the muscles of the heart. Signs of cardiomyopathy include weakness, coughing or gagging, rapid breathing, and restless sleeping.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joints do not develop or fit properly. Dogs with this condition may show lameness in the hind legs, bunny hopping, or limping.
Aortic Stenosis: This disease happens when the aortic valve narrows making the heart work twice as hard to pump blood. This will eventually lead to muscle failure and other extreme complications.
Wobbler Syndrome: This targets the spine of your dog which can cause them to move involuntarily or lose control of their every movement. To illustrate, once afflicted with this disease, they’ll be so unsteady that their walk can be compared to a wiggly worm.
Gastric Torsion: This is a disorder that occurs when your dog’s stomach is filled with gas which makes it twisted. Some of the signs of this condition are gut bloating, dribbling saliva, breathing problems, and anxiety.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and Doberman Pinschers Together
In canine circles, the debate between the acceptability of crossbreeding has been going on since time immemorial.
And since the Dober Pit mix is highly controversial because they are a designer breed, it is not uncommon to see dog lovers be divided regarding their existence.
To be unbiased, here’s a list of the advantages and disadvantages of breeding Dobermans and American Pit Bull Terriers together:
Advantages
The Doberman Pitbull mix breed looks unique. Each pup from a litter of Doberman Pit mix would have a unique appearance because they are a designer breed. They may have an equal mix of physical traits from their parent dogs which will make them stand out among purebreds.
They may have fewer congenital issues. It is said that crossing dogs like the Dobermans and Pitbulls develop hybrid vigor. This means that their offspring will be genetically superior and would carry fewer diseases.
They can become the origin of a new dog breed. Most purebred dogs these days were once crossed and refined to develop who they are now. Who knows, the Doberman Pit may just be the foundation of a new breed.
They make great pets. Since both the characteristics of their parents are inherited by the Doberman Pitbull mix breed, they would easily make great pets and working dogs. Dobermans and Pitbulls are known to be excellent family members when given socialization so who’s to say that their offspring cannot.
Disadvantages
It’s hard to estimate their exact adult size. If you are very specific about the size of your dogs, you might be disappointed since it is hard to gauge the size of the Doberman Pit mix. What you can do is look at the size of its parent breeds and make an intelligent guess from it.
They may be more expensive. The process of crossbreeding may be more time-consuming on the part of the breeder since they have to ensure that the litters won’t carry any anomaly. Thus, they may charge more for their dogs even though these canines are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Their temperament is hard to predict. The main downside of crossbreeding a Doberman and a Pitbull is that the personality traits and behavior of their offspring are quite unpredictable. They may be aggressive to the point of being untameable since their Pitbull parent were originally bred for bear-baiting. They can be sweet and cuddly to their favorite person, and they can also suffer from separation anxiety every single time you leave them alone for long periods.
How to Take Care of Your Doberman Pitbull Mix?
Dober Pitb mixes are powerful dogs. You would need intensive knowledge on how to feed, groom, train, and exercise them if you want them to be at their best at all times.
Here are some tips to guide you along with your Doberman Pit mix owing journey:
Feeding and Diet
Just like any other active and energetic breed, the Doberman Pit mix needs a well-balanced diet consisting of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Ideally, they need 30 calories per pound of their body fat.
In feeding, you can spread three cups of dry or wet meal throughout the day.
Of course, it is your discretion to offer them healthy snacks between each meal. If you aren’t sure what to give them, check out our 6 best dog treats of 2023.
Your Doberman Pitbull mix breed would also benefit from supplements that contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, C, E, probiotics, and antioxidants.
However, make sure that before choosing a certain brand, you have consulted with a trusted veterinarian first.
Cleaning and Grooming
Unlike other crosses that are heavy shedders, the Doberman Pit mix does not require much grooming. Nevertheless, you must do your best to maintain their short glossy coat by brushing them from time to time.
Another thing that you should add to your routine is cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth.
This helps prevent some canine diseases from targeting your Pitbull Doberman mix. Their nails should also be maintained to avoid unwanted scratches on your furniture.
The good thing about this cross is that they don’t have a certain “doggie smell.” Therefore, you can choose to bathe them only when needs arise.
Training and Exercise
When it comes to training, you must be really patient and consistent with your Doberman Pit mix. They are quite dominant so they would need an owner that has experience dealing with high-caliber dogs.
If you are unsure of your training ability, hire a professional to train them or have one teach you what to do.
Generally, repetition and positive reinforcement work well with the Pitbull Doberman mix. In using these techniques, you need to be gentle but firm.
Being an “alpha” trainer would not do them any good and will make them even more stubborn. That being said, they will be perfect police dogs or guard dogs if you apply the tips I discussed.
In terms of exercise needs, the Pitbull Doberman mix can be demanding. You have to walk them twice a day and engage them in activities in your backyard.
If you are an active owner who loves biking, hiking, running, etc., you can have your dog tag along with you since being “working class” canines make them very agile. This will also prevent them from manifesting separation anxiety.
Doberman Pitbull Mix Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does a Doberman Pitbull Cost?
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Dober Pit puppies are available at $500 to $1,500 depending on various factors such as breeder’s reputation, gender, vaccinations received, and many more.
Despite this seemingly affordable cost, the expenses for their upkeep are not exactly cheap. You would need to prepare at least $1,500 a month to cater to their maintenance.
Here are the items and services you would have to avail for your Pitbull Doberman mix along with their estimated cost:
Note that these costs are only estimates and may increase or decrease depending on the brands or types of services you’ll avail.
What I would suggest is to scour the internet for the best deals before settling on the first brand you came across. Similarly, you should compare vet service prices before choosing one.
Places to Find Doberman Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Excited to buy a Dober Pit mix puppy? Before you reach out to breeders online for this working dog combination, I highly recommend that you read our ultimate puppy buying guide.
It covers not only the process of buying a dog but also how to avoid online puppy scams.
Here are some reputable breeders where you may find Doberman Pit puppies for sale:
Daily Dobermans – This is an Arizona-based Doberman breeder where you can also look for mixes such as the Doberman Pit mix. They are associated with various organizations including the Doberman Pinscher Club of America and the United Doberman Club (UDC).
Treasure Seeker Dobermans – This breeder from North Carolina has been producing Dobermans and its mixes according to the code of ethics of UDC. They’re very transparent during the purchasing process, and you can ask them for your pup’s health test results if you’re interested.
Bossy Pitbull Kennels – It wouldn’t harm contacting this breeder since they’ve been in the business of breeding Pitbulls for quite a long time. They are known to produce top-tier Pitbulls in California so they may also have mixed breeds from time to time such as the Doberman Pit mix.
If you can’t find a reliable breeder near your area, try visiting local rescues and shelters that look after various crosses including the Pitbull Doberman mix.
Here are some rescues to find Doberman Pitbull mixes for adoption:
California Pit Bull Rescue – This rescue aims to save all Pitbull-type dogs including the American Pit Bull Terrier. Now and then, they may have Doberman Pitbull mixes for adoption, but you have to be patient since a lot of people are after this hybrid.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus – This rescue based in Illinois saves Dobermans from animal control organizations. They also look after mixed dog breeds like the Doberman Pit mix and provide them with vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering.
Doberman Assistance, Rescue, and Education, Inc. (DAR&E) – If you are from Maryland, you may just find your Pitbull Doberman mix at DAR&E. They’ve been around since 1998, and they have rehomed thousands of Dobermans and their mixes over the years.
One additional note – to ace your adoption application, read our ultimate dog adoption guide! There I talked about the dog adoption process, tips to get approved, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @beanthedoberpit (IG)
Are Doberman Pitbull Mixes Dangerous?
Although they are said to be dangerous because of the history of their parent breeds, Pitbull Doberman mixes are not bred to be aggressive.
In fact, they are one of the best family companion dogs if socialized early. However, they would do well with experienced dog owners because they are active, powerful, and intelligent.
Do Doberman Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
The Pitbull Doberman mix is a moderate shedder. You won’t have to brush them daily since they aren’t double-coated and they have short and glossy fur.
Nevertheless, you must groom them whenever possible so they won’t be a target of ticks and fleas.
Is a Doberman More Aggressive Than a Pitbull?
Looking at their history, Pitbulls are assumed to be more aggressive since they were bred for dogfighting and bull baiting.
However, their level of aggressiveness has lessened greatly as most breeders intentionally developed a family companion out of them.
This is also the case for the Doberman Pinschers. Even though they served at war, they are now tamed family pets.
No breed is more aggressive than the other since socialization is now at play when it comes to their general disposition and temperament.
Final Thoughts: Is the Doberman Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
Are you an experienced dog owner? If so, you can easily handle a Pitbull Doberman mix puppy.
This cross needs a master who can stand their ground and assume the alpha role. They won’t do well with a novice since they can easily overpower them.
Before looking for a Doberman Pit mix breeder, make sure you have already set your heart in taking care of this hybrid and that you have a large space where they can run and play.
This mixed breed is not suitable for apartment living, which is a deal-breaker for many.
Also, while it is okay to learn more about your dog as they grow with you, the transition will be much easier when you know the basics of maintaining them.
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