The Doberman Australian Shepherd mix, also simply known as the Doberman Shepherd, is a very large dog that is a result of crossbreeding a Doberman Pinscher parent and an Australian Shepherd parent.
Perhaps whoever initially bred this mix had in mind blending the best traits of both parent dogs (including the amazing watch dog capabilities of the Australian Shepherd and the high intelligence levels of the Doberman Pinscher), in order to get the best of both worlds.
Thanks to the excellent genes he inherits from his parent dogs, the Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix is known to do well in tasks such as sighting, racing, herding and military activities.
So, what does this hybrid look and behave like? Is it more like the Doberman Pinscher or the Australian Shepherd?
Here, we’ll try and answer these and many more questions that you might be grappling with. Read on to view pictures and get more information about the beautiful Doberman Pinscher Australian Shepherd mix.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About the Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Other Names: | Doberman Shepherd, Doberalian |
| Size: | Large-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 50 to 90 pounds |
| Average Height: | 18 to 24 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Apartment Living: | No, a large space with a fenced-in yard is preferred |
| Ideal for: | For individuals and active families with older children, Spacious homes, Experienced dog owners, Outdoor enthusiasts |
| Coat: | Short to medium length smooth and shiny coat, some dogs may also inherit the double coat of the Australia Shepherd parent |
| Coat colors: | Black, Brown, White, Blue, Red, Blue merle, Red merle |
| Suitable for first time owners: | No |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming Needs: | Brushing should be done 2 to 3 times per week to help keep their coat healthy |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 90 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, should not be left alone for more than 4 to 5 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 4 to 4.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two or three meals |
| Possible Health Issues: | Allergies, Eye problems, Hip and Joint Dysplasia, Bloat, Heart issues, Von Willebrand’s Disease |
| Temperament: | Energetic, Adorable, Charming, Loyal, Protective, Alert, Intelligent, Courageous, Confident, May be Stubborn |
| Cat Friendly: | Moderate, early socialization is must |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, But Proper Socialization Is Recommended |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, best suite for families with older children (early socialization is must) |
| Barking Tendencies: | May bark a lot, especially if he takes after the Australian Shepherd parent (can be controlled by proper training) |
| Price: | $300 to $900 |
What Is A Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix Called?
As we’ve already mentioned, the Doberman and Australian Shepherd Mix is also called a Doberman Shepherd or Doberalian.
The History of the Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix
As you already know, this is a hybrid or a designer dog.
The cross breeding of two pure dog breeds is something that has been practiced for many years now. However, it was not until the 1990’s that it became very popular. Some hybrids are better in certain aspects than others.
In most cases, breeders will cross breed two great dogs in order to get the best traits of the two parent dogs in the same dog. Without a clear history to take reference from, it is important to understand the traits of the parent dogs to see what the Doberman Shepherd is like.
The History of the Doberman
A German tax collector named Louis Dobermann is said to have developed the Doberman pinscher sometime in the late 1800’s. It is said that he wanted a ferocious guard dog that would accompany him wherever he went.
It is not known for sure, but Dobermann is said to have crossed different dog breeds to create the Doberman Pinscher.
The many breeds believed to have been involved in developing the Doberman breed include the German Pinscher, German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Great Dane, English Greyhound, and the Manchester terrier.
Although originally developed and still recognized globally as a guard dog, the Doberman breed has also been used for military and police activities, search and rescue, and therapy.
The doberman breed have a long history of working for the military and were used to assist soldiers in both World War I and World War II. During World War II, about 75% of the fighting dogs were Dobermans, and the U.S. Marine Corps adopted the Doberman as its official war dog.
These dogs performed a variety of tasks and their work was vital to the war effort. Each dog is also a non-commissioned officer, and they can be awarded Military Coins as a badge of honor, just like soldiers. A monument honoring these military dogs has also been erected on the island of Guam in the South Pacific.
The History of the Australian Shepherd
The name of this breed is quite misleading. In fact, the Australian Shepherd originated from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, and not Australia. The breed was commonly associated with the Basque Shepherd dog breed, which was introduced to the United States from Australia.
The breed became extremely popular in the United States after the First World War. They were commonly found at horse shows, rodeos and even played leading roles in mainstream movies. These dogs are known for their strong work ethics and therefore, the breed does best when he is constantly challenged.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Aussie is currently the sixteenth most popular dog breed.
The General Appearance of The Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix
It is impossible to predict the exact appearance of a mixed breed dog like the Aussie Doberman.
The appearance of a Doberman Australian Shepherd mix depends on which parent gene becomes more dominant. Majority of Doberman Australian Shepherd mix owners have dogs that resemble the look of a Doberman more than The Australian Shepherd.
They are generally Large-sized dogs with muscular and similar body type to the Doberman
Most Doberman Australian Shepherd mixes will have long, floppy ears because both parent breeds have this type of ear. The Dobie’s signature erect ears are normally a result of the cropping procedure that is controversially carried out early in puppyhood.
Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix Size, Height & Weight
How big does an Australian Shepherd Doberman mix get?
Generally, a full grown Doberman Australian Shepherd dog will weigh around 50 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 18 to 24 inches in height.
So you can expect your Doberman Shepherd to be a large-sized pup.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix has a beautiful, smooth coat that it takes over from the combination of its parent’s coats.
In general, most Doberman Australian Shepherd mix dogs have a coat that resembles that of their Doberman parent dog, with the standard colors being black and brown.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Like other cross-breeds, you need to consider the temperament of both parents to get a good idea of how your new Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix puppy will behave.
The Doberman is a very protective dog while the Australian Shepherd is one of the sweetest dogs around.
Doberman Australian Shepherd is a very intelligent, active, confident and courageous dog. This hybrid has a strong personality and requires an owner who can act as the pack leader.
The Doberman Aussie Shepherd is as energetic as his parents, and can also be very adorable, charming and well mannered. He is loyal and dedicated to his master and family and very protective if need be.
He can be strong-minded and needs a determined and reliable owner when it comes to training.
He enjoys company and being around people and other animals, and should not be left at home, all alone, for far too long.
He likes barking occasionally and he is suitable for most climatic conditions, but not extremely cold ones.
Grooming and Shedding
Doberman Australian Shepherd should be a moderate shedder since his parents are actually anywhere between low and moderate shedding dogs.
Therefore, minimal grooming is necessary with this dog. He also needs brushing a few times per week. These dogs may require the additional purchase of a pet hair vacuum and furminator.
Bathing once a month will work for him. You can also use deodorizing wipes for dogs when your pooch needs some freshening up between baths! These wipes can help to safely remove dust, dirt, dander and bad odors, leaving your pooch smelling fresh!
His nails also need clipping from time to time so you could ask a professional groomer to do the job for you if you don’t know the right way to cut your dog’s nails. His ears also need cleaning on a weekly basis, wiping just the outer parts.
Exercise Needs
This dog will most likely be a very energetic dog since both of his parent dogs have high energy levels.
For such a large and energetic dog, the Australian Shepherd and Doberman mix will need both physical and mental exercises to remain healthy.
Taking your dog for hikes and walks will help keep his energy levels down and stop him from being destructive at home.
Adult dogs will need at least an hour and a half of daily exercise to remain happy and healthy. Puppies will need shorter play times since their bones are still developing.
With these intelligent pups, you also want to provide them with interactive dog toys to keep them mentally challenged or stimulated.
Some play time in the yard will also help to keep him entertained.
Dog parks can also be a great place to take your dog so he can socialize with other dogs and expend any excess energy.
It is not a good idea to keep a Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix if you plan to be away from home for long periods of time.
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Training a Doberman Australian Mix
When it comes to training, be firm and reward him with praise and treats. Make sure you socialize and train him from an early stage so you can have a well mannered pooch with his finest traits improved and his bad ones stopped.
He may be a little quicker to train than many other dogs since he is very intelligent. So, once he grasps something, proceed to the next one and so on. He will end up enjoying the exercises and training since it will keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated.
Teach him the basic commands like “COME!” “STOP!” “SIT!”. Try teaching him his name as well. If you haven’t picked a name for your Doberalian yet, I would advise that you pick one that is short and easy for him to remember and identify with.
Have a routine planned out for your dog. It gives him some sense of security knowing that his day is well planned out for him. He sure knows perhaps that when he wakes up, he needs to go to release himself in the potty. He knows his training sessions, his exercise periods and so on.
When training this dog, it is also important to be kind and patient. Don’t punish or get angry at your dog as his intelligent mind will interpret that as a sign of betrayal.
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Diet and Feeding
Generally speaking, feeding should be done based on the specific needs of your dog. Each dog is different and has unique dietary needs.
Usually, you will need to feed him with dry dog food twice per day. The recommended amount is 4 to 5 cups.
Like other hybrids, this mix is susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia and therefore, he should be put on fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. Overfeeding your dog is unwise as it can worsen these health problems.
Lastly, make sure your Aussie Doberman mix has access to fresh water to keep them cool and hydrated.
Health Issues
All pets can suffer from genetic health problems since all breeds are prone to some health problems than others. Nonetheless, the best thing about getting an Australian Shepherd Doberman mix puppy is that it is possible to avoid such problems.
It is important for a breeder to provide a health guarantee on any Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix puppies for sale. If they are hesitant to do this, then look elsewhere. A reliable breeder will be open and honest about the health problems affected the breed and the rate at which they occur.
Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix might be susceptible to allergies, eye problems and joint dysplasia, among others. Keep in mind that these health problems are common in both parent breeds.
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Lifespan
A Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix should live for around 10 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan for such large dogs.
The proper care and attention you provide your Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix from puppyhood to adulthood will certainly have a positive impact on their overall lifespan and life expectancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Doberman Australian Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
No. These dogs do not tolerate being left alone for long hours – 4 to 5 hours is the maximum. As with most breeds, these mixes can become bored if left alone for too long. They need to get plenty of attention from their owners and family.
How Much Exercise Does A Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix Need?
A healthy adult Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix Dog can require between 1 and 2 hours of exercise per day. This should include daily walks, vigorous activity, and mental stimulation. Your Dobie’s needs can vary according to his age, health, and energy level
Are Australian Shepherd Dobermans Easy to Train?
Australian Shepherd Dobermans are intelligent animals and eager to please their owners, making him highly trainable as long as you start the process early on.
Are Australian Shepherd Dobermans Good Family Dogs?
Yes! Well-bed, well-trained and socialized Australian Shepherd Dobermans are gentle , loving and affectionate towards their families. They are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great companions. They also get along with children. However, you need to socialize them early to ensure a well-behaved pooch.
Are Australian Shepherd Dobermans Smart?
Yes. Both Dobermans and Australian Shepherds are smart dogs. Their offspring, the Doberalian, should be super intelligent as well.
Are Australian Shepherd Dobermans Lazy?
No. If you’re interested in a lazy dog that would be happy to sleep all day long, then the Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix is definitely not the right pet for you. These dogs are generally very active and they need to be well exercised every day.
Do Aussie Dobermans Get Along With Kids?
Yes, they enjoy playing with their human friends and will happily interact with children. They are generally very good with kids.
However, it is important to supervise small kids when they are playing with these large dogs. That said, the Doberman Aussie mix will do better with older children.
Finding Australian Shepherd Doberman Mix Puppies For Sale
When searching for Doberman Australian Shepherd puppies for sale, it’s extremely important to choose a reputable breeder.
Avoid promoting puppy mills, pet stores or backyard breeders at all costs. Such sources usually sell low quality or unhealthy puppies.
By going through a responsible breeder, you will know exactly what you are getting.
Ask your breeder a few questions to ensure the Doberalian is a good match for you and your family.
How Much Does a Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix Cost?
You can get a healthy and quality Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix puppy for around $300 to $900. Of course, the price will vary based on puppy’s lineage and the breeder in question.
Make sure to do thorough research before making your purchase. Buy your Doberman Shepherd puppy only from responsible breeders that carried out a number of genetic health tests to determine whether the puppies are at risk for any genetic conditions.
Apart from the cost of buying a puppy, you want to factor in food costs, vet fees and pet products like the MidWest Folding Crate for Large dogs and the Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed from reputable retailers like Amazon.
Finding Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix for Adoption
There’s nothing more satisfying than adopting or rescuing a puppy or a mature dog.
Many dogs, especially crossbreeds, get abandoned for various reasons. However, you can still give one of these adorable pups an opportunity to be part of your family.
Start by searching at your nearby animal shelters or rescue centers. Let them know that you are searching for a Doberman and Australian Shepherd Mix and to contact you if one becomes available for adoption.
You can also visit certain breed-dedicated sites and ask them if they have a Doberman x Australian Shepherd for adoption.
Conclusion
While it is highly recommended to adopt all animals from a rescue, it is understandable that some owners might contact a breeder to get their Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix puppy. Regardless, you can expect an active, imposing but excellent family pet.
Keep in mind that the Doberman Pinscher and the Australian Shepherd are both powerful and protective breeds, so training and socializing your Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix with kids and other pets at a young age is very important to avoid problems in the future.
What you can expect with a Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix puppy is a pooch that will share a strong bond with you and close ones, and one that will never come short on showing love and affection.
The Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix needs an owner who will lead him properly. With proper training and care, this loving dog can be the perfect match for you.
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