numerous people believe that there is no difference in American Doberman Vs European Doberman aside from their breeding places. This assumption will likely cause canine experts to giggle because they have very few things in common.
Some breeders and owners believe their traits are so different that they ought to be considered two distinct breeds. What are the differences between these two breeds?
American Doberman Pinschers make terrific family and show dogs. They are calm and gentle and have a very gentle temperament.
Because of their relentless work ethic, European Dobermanns can be called too stubborn. They are also used for law enforcement and protection.
American Doberman vs European Doberman
My goal in this guide is to show you both Doberman varieties and not pick one.
This book will offer additional information for Doberman education. Pet owners and breeders will find assistance in purchasing and raising these dogs.
Overview of American Doberman Vs European Doberman
American Doberman
Overview
Height: 26 – 28 inches (male), 24 – 26 inches (female)
Weight: 75 – 100 lbs (male), 60 – 80 lbs (female)
Price: $1500 – $2500
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Colors: Black, blue, red, or fawn.
Markings: Light rust with a small white patch on the chest.
Appearance
Photo from @pistolpetedoberman (IG)
General Build: Medium-sized toned and stylish body with thinner bone structure.
Head: long and resembles a blunt wedge.
Eyes: Almond-shaped and medium brown to dark brown.
Neck: Well-arched which widens gradually toward the body.
Chest: smaller and narrow.
Body: long and lean.
Legs: refined but delicate legs.
Temperament
Loyal, fearless, and alert.
Loving and devoted to their family.
Not that outstanding in police work.
Alert protectors of homes and barks when the family is threatened.
Couch potato.
Sensitive to human emotions.
Have less chase drive.
Careful and calculating.
Responds to softer commands.
Needs tender training.
European Doberman
Overview
Height: 27 – 28 inches (male), 25 – 27 inches (female)
Weight: 80 – 105 lbs (male), 65 – 85 lbs (female)
Price: $2500 – $3500 (cheaper in Europe)
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Colors: Black, or brown with rust red.
Markings: Dark rust with no white patch on the chest.
Appearance
Photo from @fort_bellators (IG)
General Build: much more compact and broader body with thicker bone structure.
Head: broad and has a thick muzzle. Throatlatch and jaw are larger and muscular.
Eyes: Oval in shape and dark in color.
Neck: short and thick with a lesser rise from the shoulder.
Chest: Muscular and broad.
Body: solid and pronounced.
Legs: straight and stockier legs.
Temperament
Loyal, fearless, and alert.
Loving and devoted to their family.
Excel at police and military work.
Very protective and attacks physically when the family is threatened.
Couch potato but a space hog.
In tune with human emotions.
Have an intense prey chase.
Brave with strangers.
Prefer strict and firm instructions.
Need strong discipline.
What Is an American Doberman Pinscher Vs European Dobermann? Are They the Same?
The European Dobermann and American Doberman Pinscher do not have hairline differences, as I said in the introduction. Because they were bred for different purposes, their differences are significant.
American Doberman Pinschers are described by the American Kennel Club as a small-built dog, but they can also be considered royal canines. Their noble appearance is completed by their stylish stance.
They are smaller than the European Dobermann and much more gentle and submissive.
It is obvious in the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s AKC breed standard.
The European Dobermann is located on the other side. Louis Dobermann was a tax collector who also raised dogs to create them. He wanted a canine protector that could accompany him on his walks.
This is why the European Dobermanns have been referred to as the “Tax Collector Dog”.
European Dobermanns make outstanding work dogs, as they can’t be bred unless they pass the working test.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has published the ZTP policies for the breed standard.
Why are these Dobermans called differently?
Perhaps you are confused about why I call them different Dobermans. The American Doberman Pinscher is the first, and the European Dobermann is the second.
Their names have a long history, and they are able to show their distinction. The original name of European Dobermanns was Dobermann Pinschers. However, the Germans dropped that second name.
They discovered that this breed is not as similar to a Pinscher or Terrier in Europe. These dogs are currently called Dobermann, with a double “n” in honor of Louis Dobermann, the breeder.
The American Doberman Pinscher was named for their political color. Many German associations brought terror after world war II, even spelling out names.
American breeders removed the “n” from Doberman’s name in purchase to decrease their European inclination.
They added the Pinscher word back because they discovered that their terriers are slowly becoming much more like them through continued development.
There are differences in appearance
The many apparent difference between the American Doberman Pinscher (or the European Dobermann) is their physical appearance.
You can create multiple collages by searching the Internet for photos of the two devices.
Although the differences in the photos are subtle, you’ll be able to see them in person.
American Doberman Pinscher
The American Doberman Pinscher was bred mainly to show dogs and it is normal for them to look eleganter and much more regal.
You can compare their appearance to high-endurance athletes to get a better idea of how they look. Their coat is longer and much more sleek than the European bloodline.
Here is a comprehensive look at their physical appearance.
General Build: American Dobies have a toned and stylish body that is thinner and much more refined than the European Dobermann. They are medium-sized but muscular at the same time.
Head: Their head is relatively long that resembles a blunt wedge. It widens as it reaches the base of the ears when seen from the front. Their muzzle is also slender, and their throatlatch is drastically tapered.
Eyes: Their eyes are almond-shaped. The color of black dogs’ iris typically ranges from medium brown to dark brown, while the red, blue, and fawn dogs possess an eye color similar to their coat.
Neck: The neck is the most noteworthy physical difference of the American from the European Dobie. Those who are from the American bloodline have a well-arched neck which widens gradually toward the body. It also appears longer because of the sharp neck rise.
Chest: They have a smaller chest but are still broad and well-defined as compared to other breeds.
Body: They possess a long and lean body with a much more stylish structure.
Legs: They have refined but delicate legs that are straight and parallel to each other.
Height: conventional height at the withers ranges from 26 to 28 inches for males while females are between 24 and 26 inches.
Weight: male weighs 75 to 100 pounds while females weigh 60 to 80 pounds.
The physical description I have presented above is lifted from the breed conventional of the AKC for the American Doberman Pinscher.
European Dobermann
The European Dobermanns are much more intimidating than the American counterparts. Because they have thicker bones, they are larger. They were deliberately developed this way by their breeders to safeguard and work for humans and property.
Here is a description of the physical appearance of an European Dobermann:
General Build: They have a much more compact body that is way broader than the American Dobie. However, they are also labelled as medium-sized dogs.
Head: Their head is much more expansive, and they have a thicker muzzle. They also have much more huge paws and a muscular throatlatch.
Eyes: Their eyes are oval in shape and dark in color. brown dogs are permitted to have lighter shades.
Neck: Their neck is shorter and thicker with a lesser rise from the shoulder.
Chest: because they are larger than their American counterparts, their chest is much more muscular and broader.
Body: They have a solid and pronounced body that is vital for working dogs.
Legs: Front legs are practically straight, as seen from all sides. It is also stockier.
Height: male European Dobermanns are expected to stand between 27 to 28 inches. While the female’s optimal size is 25 to 27 inches. notice that their minimum height is one inch higher than that of an American Dobie.
Weight: because they are much more massive, the males weigh 80 to 105 pounds while females weigh 65 to 85 pounds.
The majority of this information is based on the FCI standards for European Dobermanns. It is much more comprehensive because it is composed of a 7 paged description.
John Walter, a canine owner and doberman enthusiast, has created this video. He discusses the differences in temperament and physical qualities between the American Doberman, and the European Dobermann.
American Doberman vs European Doberman: Which is Better?
Differences in Temperament
The temperament of the two Doberman varieties we talk about in this guide is the leading cause of their rivalry.
It is normal to see a European Dobermann breeder engage in a heated argument about the significance of the pup’s working skill because they are fundamentally bred for such tasks.
Meanwhile, American breeders have a lesser focus on this breed’s aggressiveness because they desire them to be a good show and family dogs.
Here are some temperamental facts about these two Doberman varieties that you need to know.
American Doberman Pinscher
Critics point out that the American Doberman has a lower drive than European dogs. They are calmer and are known for bonding well with their families.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of their behavior and temperament.
American Dobermans are very loving and devoted to their owner and its family.
They are a bit of a couch potato. They share spaces well, so you’ll see them lounging on your bed or sofa.
They are alert protectors of homes and properties, although not as driven as the European Dobermanns.
If their family is threatened, their instinct is to bark and in some cases intervene physically.
They are sensitive to human emotion, so they are also much more affected if you give them strong discipline.
They choose tender training.
They are easy to train, and they respond to softer commands.
They are careful and calculating in unfamiliar surroundings.
They have less chase and food drive.
They are less likely to be successful in working events such as Schutzhund.
They are not that outstanding in police work because they have a tendency to retreat.
The American bloodline is recommended if you’re searching for a Doberman that can get along with family members and be calm in a much more active environment. You will also find them simpler to manage if you’re a novice pet owner.
European Dobermann
European Dobermanns are much much more assertive than their American counterparts. They are the best choice for police work and similar work.
Below is a extensive analysis of their temperament:
European Dobermans are loving and devoted to their owner and its family.
They can be a couch potato, but they do not like sharing their space, unlike American Dobies.
They are very protective, which in some cases results in physical brawls.
They do not retreat when their family is threatened. They will bark and bite without hesitation.
They choose strong discipline.
They are tuned with human emotions, especially to their owner.
They acquire confidence when they are disciplined. This escalates through training and leadership tasks.
They need clear and firm training instructions.
They do not shy away from new environments. In fact, they can be outgoing and chaotic.
They have an intense prey chase, so if they aren’t suggested to go collar-free. They may jump on strangers if they aren’t fully trained.
They are successful in working events like Schutzhund.
They are simply born to do police and military work, so they excel at it.
European breeders want Dobermans who are confident and can work hard.
They decline the refined and stylish American Dobermans with less work aptitude.
The European Dobermanns are the ideal choice if you’re searching for dogs that will safeguard your home and personal belongings.
Differences in coat quality and Color
The differences in coat quality and color between the American Doberman Pinscher (and the European Dobermann) are less pronounced.
The European breed has a darker and richer coat than the American variety.
Although some colors are not noted on the respective kennel clubs for the American Dobie and European Dobie, they still exist.
American Doberman Pinscher
The AKC states that the American Doberman Pinscher’s coat is soft, smooth, thick, close-lying and thin. Some dogs may have an unnoticeable gray undercoat around their necks, which is acceptable.
The AKC recognizes only black, blue, red and fawn as their coat colors. Despite evidence to the contrary, both all-black American Dobies with no markings and white and albino puppies are not recognized by the AKC.
The AKC considers rust the best color for markings. These rust markings can be found on the following:
Above each eye
On the pup’s muzzle, throat, and forechest
On the legs and feet
Below the tail
A few American Dobies may have white patches on their chests, but they ought to not exceed 1/2 inch to adhere to the standards. This isn’t a common feature in European Dobermanns so it can be considered a significant difference.
Here are some examples of the different coat colors of the American Doberman Pinscher:
Black and Rust American Doberman Pinscher
Photo from @pistolpetedoberman (IG)
Blue and Rust American Doberman Pinscher
Photo from @dexterthedoberman (IG)
Red and Rust American Doberman