Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix (Doberalian): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Part of the challenge of researching hybrids is the meaning behind the name. The Doberalian is a perfect example. The parent breeds of this pup are the Doberman Pinscher and Australian Shepherd. Both are opposites in their history, jobs, and personalities. However, they share some common traits, such as loyalty and intelligence.

Both parent breeds are hard-working dogs that enjoy having a job. The Doberman Pinscher started as a guard dog, which explains their association with the military and the police. On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd began as a herding dog in Europe before making their long journey to land smack dab on the ranches of the American West.

The Doberalian combines many of these desirable qualities. This dog is the new kid on the block and has yet to earn recognition by any of the major hybrid clubs. That means that their looks and personality can vary widely, depending on the lineage and which parent breed is dominant. The latter will affect the dog’s size and the amount of grooming you’ll have to do.

Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix (Doberalian) Puppies

The essential thing to understand is that even pups from the same litter may vary considerably. However, the commonalities between the parent breeds allow us to make some informed comments about what you can expect. Both the Dobie and Aussie are relatively energetic, with the latter being the most active of the two. These pups also love to play.

There is some potential for training that both parents bring to the table. The Doberman is a quiet dog that has little interest in prey or wandering. It makes sense, given their role as a guardian. The Australian Shepherd is a different story. This pup has a keen prey drive and may take the chase off the home turf. They are also vocal with a higher propensity toward nipping and other habits you’ll have to correct early.

Both parent breeds are sensitive dogs that don’t respond well to stern reprimands. Positive reinforcement works best with this dog. The Doberalian is a loyal dog that builds strong bonds with their owner. While it’s often a positive trait, it also means they have a higher tendency for separation anxiety. This is not a pet to leave alone for hours on end.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix

1. The origin of the Australian Shepherd isn’t in the name.

The name of the Australian Shepherd is misleading, given that this pup is USA-made. Their connection with the land down under comes from the Basque sheepherders who brought the dog here in the 1800s. It was the ranchers out in the Wild West that selectively bred this dog to the pup we see today.

2. The Doberman Pinscher is related to a myriad of breeds.

The Doberman Pinscher got its start in Germany, thanks to the efforts of Louis Dobermann of Apolda to refine the breed. This pup has a lot of cousins, including the Weimaraner, English Greyhound, and Rottweiler.

3. The Australian Shepherd brings two unique color combinations to the mix.

The Australian Shepherd has two color combos you don’t often see: red merle and blue merle. Each one consists of a blend of colors that gives an overall impression of the merle type.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix (Doberalian) 🧠

Smart is the best way to describe both parent breeds. That will help when it comes to training. However, it also means that you must give your Doberalian enough attention and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. After all, a bored dog is a destructive one, especially if they’re the size of this pup. The essential thing to remember is that they need a job, or at least something to do.

Early socialization and training are imperative with any pet but more so with a dog of this intelligence and size. It’s the best way to control bad habits before they become a problem. Prevention is infinitely easier than the cure. Bear in mind the activity level of your Doberalian. They—and you—will stay fit mentally and physically if you take them for daily walks.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Doberalian will make an excellent family pet. This pup thrives on human companionship. They’ll love spending time with you. While they are kid-friendly, we’d suggest that you set some ground rules with your children to respect their space and food bowl. You should supervise playtime with younger kids if only because of their larger size.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

We recommend proceeding cautiously if you have other pets in your household. The Doberman often is leery of other dogs because of the potential threat they may represent. The Aussie has that keen prey drive we discussed earlier. The Doberalian would do best in a home where they are the top dog. Early socialization is critical if you want to take them to the dog park.

Things to Know When Owning a Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix (Doberalian):

Let’s move on to the day-to-day aspects of owning a Doberalian. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision about whether this breed is a good fit for your lifestyle and family. It can also give you a better handle of the cost of owning this dog, both with time and money. Suffice to say that pet ownership is an investment that you shouldn’t take lightly.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The life stage and size of the dog are the two primary considerations when deciding what food to get for your dog. Puppies need a diet meant for their age to provide the necessary nutrients to support their development. These products have more vitamins and minerals, along with higher calorie content. Plan on feeding your pup three or four times a day when they’re young and still growing.

An adult dog can get two meals. We strongly urge you not to feed once a day. Doberman Pinschers are one of several breeds susceptible to bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). It occurs if your pup eats or drinks too much at one time, causing the stomach to expand to dangerous proportions. It is an excruciatingly painful condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Feeding them twice a day will reduce the chances of your dog gulping their food down in one sitting. It’ll also keep their blood sugar levels more stable with a steady supply of calories and nutrients.

Exercise 🐕

Your Doberalian will likely see to their exercise needs or remind you about them. It’s also an excellent time to bond with your pet. The Aussie in your pet is quite tolerant of the cold or heat. The Dobie, not so much. Plan your time outdoors accordingly. There’s no shame in putting a coat on your pup if they seem uncomfortable on those winter walks.

Training 🦮

The Doberalian is eager to learn as soon as you get them home. This is a smart pup that has excellent problem-solving skills, like figuring out how to get out of the backyard. Channel this energy and intelligence with consistent training, supplemented with some treats. We suggest reinforcing their lessons with frequent repetition to keep up their canine manners.

Grooming ✂️

The amount of grooming you must do on your Doberalian depends on which parent breed is dominant. The Doberman is easy-peasy and will do well with occasional brushing. However, they do shed year round. The Aussie needs more regular care with brushing or baths more often because of their denser coat.

Make sure to check their ears regularly, too. We recommend handling their paws as a puppy to get them used to having their toenails trimmed. It will make things so much easier for you—and your vet!

Health and Conditions ❤️

As we discussed, there are several potential health issues with a Doberalian. Pre-breeding screening can prevent them from passing on to future litters, which is why we stress finding out about them before you get a puppy. Many of these issues with joint problems are common with larger dogs. Others, like bloat, are breed-related.

Male vs. Female

The size difference between a male or female Doberalian is sometimes quite dramatic. It’s a vital factor in exercising and training your pet. Otherwise, it’s a personal preference. Either one will make an excellent pet. Unless you plan to do health screenings on your dog, we suggest that you discuss spaying or neutering your pup with your vet.

Both breeding and altering your pet’s sex carries risks, whether it’s for developing certain conditions or gaining weight. Your veterinarian can help you make an informed choice.

Final Thoughts

The Doberalian is an interesting mix that brings many desirable qualities to the table, especially if you’re looking for an active and intelligent pet. Early socialization and training are vital, given the respective histories of the parent breeds. However, we consider both of these tasks acts of love and an opportunity to build trust with your pup. The rewards of the experience are priceless.

See also:

• Dobie Schnauzer (Dobermann Pinscher & Standard Schnauzer Mix) Info & Facts
• Vizsla Doberman Mix Dog: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay