What Does A Doberman Cost?

Before you buy a cheap Doberman please read this.

Cost is obviously a consideration when buying a Doberman puppy.  When deciding on a purebred dog that’s for sale, remember that generally, you get what you pay for.  The price of a Doberman can range widely and some people may not understand why the difference in pricing. Doberman prices can vary a lot.

At the low end, you may find a Doberman pup for under $3000.  Beware anyone claiming a purebred for a low price.  A cheap Doberman is NOT a bargain. You will pay more later in either medical costs, behavioral issues, and maybe heartache. Anyone claiming to sell a purebred Doberman cheap is probably a BYB (back yard breeder) or a puppy mill dog.  BYB’s do not place a priority on breeding the best dogs. They don’t screen for health problems and temperament. And you’ll have no guarantee that you’re not getting an inbred dog. These things are extremely important for Dobermans. Backyard breeders care more about profit over quality. 

A reputable breeder, depending on how many pups they have available will usually cost over $4000.  This is for a “pet-quality” Doberman.  Note that champion bloodlines are good to have but what is even better is having champion parents. This will increase the price of the Doberman, expect to pay over $4000 for a “show-quality” Doberman.  Also, note that there may be a waitlist to buy a Doberman puppy. Dog breeders cannot predict how big a litter will be so plan your puppy purchase months or years in advance. Also, note that some popular breeders may have all the litter on hold even before birth. Good Doberman breeders rarely if ever need to advertise their dogs for sale. 

Some other things that may affect the Doberman price include ear cropping, tail docking,  and puppy vaccinations.  Doberman breeders have many expenses they need to cover, from feeding, to housing, to medical bills, to registering the Doberman with their country’s kennel club.

Why Buying From A Good Breeder Is Important

You want peace of mind knowing that your Doberman has been screened for major health problems (which the Doberman has).  Health testing done should include hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), Wobbler Syndrome, thyroid disease, genetic eye disease, and heart health screening.

You also want to be able to look at your dog’s family tree, not only for lineage but to ensure you didn’t get a dog that was inbred. This is obviously serious to the health and longevity of the breed. If a Doberman is “purebred” it should come with official registration papers. In some countries, this is legally mandatory. If a breeder claims their dog is purebred but doesn’t provide paperwork, you may want to report them to your local dog club.

The other important consideration along with health testing is temperament and titles.  What temperament is the breeder going for? Generally, American Doberman breeders are looking for a more family-friendly temperament, whereas the European Doberman breeders want more of a working dog temperament. This is generalizing of course, but it’s something to keep in mind.  Lastly, what titles if any does the breeder provide? Does the dog or its parents have any recognized titles? This may include conformation or working dog titles.

Temperament is so important. A common myth is that temperament is based on how the owner raises a dog. Nature vs nurture. You can have the most loving and patient trainer and their dog continues to have behavioral problems. And then you can have dogs raised for illegal fighting rings that are rescued and rehabilitated. These cases prove that genetics is a bid deal. Do not downplay the importance of genetics on temperament. A dog with bad genetics can be heartbreaking to a loving owner.

When you visit a breeder ask all these questions and have them prove it! Don’t just assume they’re telling you the truth. Good breeders document everything, so have them show you the paperwork.  Also, be prepared to be interviewed yourself. Good breeders will ask you questions!  They want their dogs to go to suitable homes and not need relocating a second time. Don’t be offended if they ask you lots of questions, this is a sign that the breeder truly cares about his Dobermans.

Here is a guide to choosing a good breeder. I hope it helps you. Buying a Doberman is a big decision.

Dogs Are Expensive

Dogs are expensive, and dogs like Dobermans even more so.  Don’t forget to consider all the other costs after the initial cost of the puppy.  You’ll need supplies, food, Doy Toys, a crate, training classes, neuter/spaying, annual vaccinations, and med checkups. And don’t forget about unexpected emergencies!  Your dog might swallow a sock, it might get sick, it might hurt himself playing. Dobermans are one of the breeds with the highest medical costs. Lastly, even if you do brush your dog’s teeth every day, you’ll have dental bills when he’s old. Don’t let your dog suffer dental pain.

Start saving money now for your dog’s medical care.  Do you have an emergency medical fund ready in case you need to visit the animal hospital or dental doctor?

Don’t buy these, please

Do not buy or pay more for a white Doberman, please read my previous article on Doberman colors.  Also do not buy or pay more for a Doberman listed as Giant, King, Goliath, Gladiator, or “Warlock”.These are dogs that are purposely bred to be larger in size, with no regard for their health.  Dobermans should follow the standard for the breed.  The standard exists not only for looks but for optimal health. The Doberman is a medium-sized dog. Bigger is not better for a Doberman. If you want a big dog maybe get a Great Dane instead.

If you absolutely love the breed but can’t afford breeder pricing, please consider using a Doberman rescue or checking your local Humane Society. You can find an affordable Doberman without buying from back yard breeder or Kijiji/Craigslist ad.  You should support someone who respects ethical breeding and cares about eliminating genetic diseases that affect the breed. Save yourself the heartache of having a pet you love get sick and die.  Lastly, note that backyard breeders probably won’t give you any after-sale support. You should be able to contact your breeder in the future if you have a question or concern with your Doberman.

I hope you now understand better what goes into the price of a Doberman. Remember a Doberman that costs more can give you some assurance that you’ll have a healthy family member for a long, long time.

Did I miss anything else important about dog breeders and the cost?

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