Black Doberman: Breed Info, Pictures, Genetics & Facts (2024)

Black Dobermans can be terrifying to some due to their appearance. They may look like one of the most dangerous dogs, but in reality, these dogs can be as devoted and affectionate as any other breed.

Notably, these dogs utilize their scary appearance to keep unwanted persons and animals away from you. If they perceive a threat, they will immediately act fearlessly to defend you.

If you’re unconvinced, continue on as we explore every piece of information that you have to know about the black Doberman. In this article, we are going to talk about this dog’s appearance, temperament, health issues, and more!

What Is a Black Doberman? Are Black Dobermans Real?

The black Doberman is one of the color variants of the Doberman breed. This dog usually appears with a black & rust coat but may also sport an all-black coat. All-black Dobermans are called melanistic Dobermans. Of the two, only the black & rust Doberman is recognized under the breed standard.

Black Dobermans are the most popular color among the breed. If you’re going to search for “Dobermans” online, you will probably encounter black ones.

In fact, black Dobermans are mostly used to portray Dobermans in films and television programs.

Sadly, black Dobermans have an unjustified reputation as one of the worst breeds for families.

This misconception, especially about the oversized black Dobermans, is mostly based on the overall appearance and history of the breed serving as working dogs.

However, in reality, black Dobermans are loyal and affectionate by nature. Moreover, as working dogs, both the pure black Dobie and the black & rust Dobie are protective of their family, especially of their favorite person.

How Rare Are Black Dobermans?

Pure black Dobermans are rare, but black & rust Dobermans are common. As a matter of fact, these black and rust are the Dobermans that frequently appear in international films and television shows.

Moreover, these dogs are not only popular, but they are also the most liked color in the breed. A survey for Dobermans revealed that 62% of respondents preferred and were biased toward black with rust/tan pups.

Meanwhile, some breeders argue that an all-black Doberman is the rarest variant of the breed. Despite knowing that this color is not recognized by any national kennel club, they strongly believe that these dogs are hard to find.

A pure black Dobie, or melanistic Doberman, is scarce because they are not bred widely.

Doberman breeders usually avoid breeding an all-black Dobie because it is technically not purebred and does not meet the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard.

Black Doberman Appearance

Except for their shiny, sleek black coats, these dogs share the same features as their siblings. This breed is well-known for having an athletic and slender body that gives them the appearance of being courageous and strong.

Black Doberman’s ears are normally cropped and carried upright, giving them a vigilant appearance. Their noses are black, and their eyes are almond-shaped and dark in color.

The black Doberman usually stands 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 60 to 100 pounds. Usually, gender plays a role in their growth, such that females are often slimmer and lighter than males.

Watch this video to get a glimpse of what it’s like to own a black Doberman Pinscher:

Black Doberman Coat Color Genetics

A black Doberman’s coat color is mostly determined by its gene pool. These genes play two roles in giving a dog’s appearance. First, they control the pigments produced, and second, they control where these pigments are generated.

For a Doberman to be black, one should have a K locus, which represents the dominant black gene, and a D locus which represents dilute genes. The K locus is responsible for giving the Dobermans a black coloration.

The D locus is the one responsible for lightening the coats of Dobermans from black or brown to gray or blue or very pale brown. The resulting mixtures of these genes give them the color of black and rust or tan.

Depending on how genetics plays out, you can also get a pure black Doberman. However, this often entails introducing a different gene pool from another dog breed.

It is also possible for some purebred Dobermans to sport entirely black coats; however, due to the phenomenon known as melanism, you’ll still see faint rust or tan colorations upon closer inspection.

Do Black Doberman Puppies Fade as They Grow?

A black Doberman does not drastically change color, even if they come from a diluted litter. They usually lose their puppy coat for many reasons, including age, hormonal problems, and regular stains.

Most frequently, aging causes black Dobermans to change their coat color. Mature black dogs tend to have lighter-colored coats than puppies.

Even so, they have the potential to develop white hair. However, they often only appear as a single hair, not all over the body.

Furthermore, hormonal problems can increase or decrease the pigmentation in black Doberman’s fur. Stains, however, do not alter the Dobie’s coat because of cells that contain melanin; rather, they do so by leaving stains on its fur.

Although these factors can have subtle changes in the coat color of a black Doberman, they won’t entirely alter its black coloration.

Black Doberman Temperament and Personality

The black Doberman Pinscher’s threatening appearance can make them good security dogs and useful pets. Since they don’t look easy to please, these dogs ​​may be wary of strangers and animals.

Unfortunately, black Dobies are perceived as being more aggressive than other color variants. This is due to the stigma attached to black canines.

Contrary to popular belief, however, a study shows that dog behavior has nothing to do with coat color.

In fact, these dogs are just as loving and devoted to their human families as the red, blue, white, and fawn Dobermans. They frequently follow their favorite persons throughout the house, always keeping them in view.

Black Dobies also bond well with kids, although supervision is still advised. Also, these dogs need continual stimulation, so it is best if they are near both people and other dogs.

Like other dogs, black Dobermans require ample attention and enough exercise. If they lack activities or love and care, they could start to exhibit disruptive behaviors like excessive barking.

Black Doberman Lifespan and Health Issues

Black Doberman Pinschers may live an average of 10 to 12 years and are equally healthy as other Dobermans. However, these dogs are not immune to health issues. In fact, they are prone to a few health issues.

Below are some of the common health issues of the black Doberman:

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Black Dobermans have a genetic predisposition to DCM, a highly serious illness in which the heart’s capacity to pump blood is diminished. According to the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare, the incidence of this condition in the breed is greater than 50%. If DCM is not treated, a Doberman’s life can be cut short — sometimes within months.
• Von Willebrand Disease: Von Willebrand’s disease is the most common genetic bleeding disorder in dogs. Unfortunately, the Doberman Pinscher is the breed with the highest frequency of vWD. Another terrible fact is that vWD has no known treatment. All you can do for your affected black Dobie is manage the bleeding and work to have fewer instances of bleeding.
• Chronic Active Hepatitis (CAH): Chronic active hepatitis is a liver inflammation that progresses over time and finally causes the liver’s normal tissue to be replaced with scar tissue. Although any dog breed can be impacted, certain breeds, like the Doberman Pinscher, including the black dogs, are more likely to experience it.

Aside from these health problems, a black Doberman Pinscher may potentially have bloat, bone cancer, and other dog-related health issues.

Thinking about dealing with these illnesses may break the bank. Therefore, getting pet insurance coverage for your dog is important so you will be prepared for unexpected expenses.

How Much Does a Black Doberman Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

A black Doberman puppy typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500. Normally, the lower price range corresponds to pet quality black Dobermans, whilst the higher range corresponds to show quality black Dobermans.

If you are going to adopt instead, you’ll significantly save a huge amount of money. Usually, rescue/shelters charge a minimum of $450 for their black Doberman dog.

Other than the cost of a black Dobie, you should also take into account the initial costs of owning one. These expenses are for food and treats, bed, crate, leashes, vet fees, and more.

Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses associated with owning a black Doberman:

According to the table, you must budget anywhere between $505 and $3,150 for the initial expenses of your black Dobie. If you believe that you cannot afford these, remember that there are ways to reduce some of these costs.

Places to Find Black Doberman Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you can’t wait to own a black Dobie puppy, consider yourself lucky, as what you are looking for is pretty popular and common among the breed. In fact, there are plenty of places where you can inquire about them.

Given the high volume of black Dobies, you should know how to filter out trusted places from unreliable ones.

If you want to ease your search, here are some reputable breeders where you can find a black Doberman for sale:

• Quartet Doberman – Quartet Doberman is a puppy breeder located in Northern Nevada. They do not advocate breeding white or albino Dobermans but are dedicated to conserving and protecting the other standard color variety of the Doberman breed, especially the black ones, as well as the quality of their temperament, health, and structure.
• Wizard Dobermans – Wizard Dobermans are breeders of black Dobermans and partners of the Baxter and Bella Online Puppy School. If you purchase a dog from them, you can expect that it will be microchipped, immunized, and certified against health issues.
• Poesia Dobermans – Poesia Doberman is a Doberman breeder located in Idaho and dedicated to the health, temperament, and beauty of the Doberman Pinscher per the AKC breed standard. Occasionally, they conduct pet shows for puppies for adoption. You may register your black Doberman if you are no longer able to care for them.

Aside from these breeders, you may also opt to adopt a black Doberman from rescues or shelters. This way, you won’t just save a lot, but you will also save a dog’s life.

If you prefer adopting instead of buying a dog, here’s a list of rescues that offers black Dobermans:

• Illinois Doberman Rescue (IDR) – IDR is a not-for-profit organization that operates in Northern Illinois. Their objectives include helping animals in need, finding them loving homes, and educating people about the Doberman breed.
• Doberman Rescue League – Since 1975, Doberman Rescue League Inc. has been a non–profit organization of volunteers who are willing to give their tender loving care to help put Dobermans in need of rescue. If you are going to adopt a black Doberman from them, you must first register on their adoption application.
• Doberman Rescue Unlimited – Since 1988, the Doberman Rescue Organization, a nonprofit rescue group, has aided almost 3,000 Doberman Pinschers that were living on the streets. Finding a black Doberman on their website would be simple, thanks to the filters for sex, attribute, age, and size.

If the above isn’t enough for you, you may also find them at local rescues near you. Just drive around town, and you may pass one reputable shelter or rescue.

Best Dog Names for Your Black Doberman Puppy

Giving a name and identity to a black Doberman is a big part of the fun of bringing one home. However, with so many adorable names out there, naming them can be a bit challenging.

Here are some trendy names you might want to think about for your black Dobie:

• Oreo
• Ace
• Raisin
• Rocky
• Caesar
• Diesel
• Roxy
• Zoe
• Ruby
• Gus
• Max
• Duke
• Bella
• Lucy
• Stella
• Nala
• Loki
• Apollo
• Luna
• Maverick

The decision of what to call your dog is a personal one that takes into account both your personality and that of your pet.

Although the final decision is yours, one rule to follow when naming them is to keep it short, simple, and easily identifiable. These qualities surely work best to grab the attention of your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Eyes Do Black Dobermans Have?

The eye color of a black Doberman Pinscher will uniformly match its coat color. It can be anything from medium to the deepest shade of brown, with the darkest shade being preferred in all circ*mstances.

Do Black Dobermans Shed a Lot?

Generally, Dobermans are moderate shedders, and black Dobies are no exception. All year long, black Dobermans shed in low to moderate volumes.

The key to decreasing this shedding and maintaining a clean home is regular grooming.

Are Black Dobermans Hypoallergenic?

Black Doberman Pinchers are not hypoallergenic. Despite being regarded as a clean breed, their short but thick furs with moderate shedding habits may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Final Thoughts

A black Doberman can be scary at first, but these dogs are actually affectionate with family and good with young children.

If you’re willing to take care of a courageous, watchful breed, then there’s no more reason not to bring a black Doberman home.

Owning one comes with great responsibility. These canines need an active family to match their energy level.As a dog owner, you must constantly provide stimulation to keep them from developing destructive behaviors.

On the good side, these dogs do not require frequent grooming for their short coat. Also, they are highly trainable, so you don’t have to worry about them all the time since you can train them to be the best dogs they can be.

Did this article help you decide if the Black Doberman is for you? If so, share with us your thoughts about the black Doberman!