Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dober Pit (Doberman & Pitbull Mix): Info, Pictures & More

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Doberman and Pitbull Mix

Height: 22–28 inches
Weight: 35–80 pounds
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Colors: White, gray, brown, brindle, black, tan, golden
Suitable for: Active and experienced dog owners who will be home often. Single-pet homes without small children
Temperament: Loyal and highly intelligent. Lively, active, and sweet. Confident, loving with some stubbornness.

The Dober Pit is a cross between the  Doberman and the Pitbull. Known as a controversial hybrid, this highly intelligent and active pup is sometimes revered and sometimes feared. Also called the Pit Pinscher, this handsome canine is energetic and athletic.

We will cover all the basics and the not-so-basic details so you can decide whether or not the Dober Pit is right for you. Keep reading below as we discuss their puppy years, temperament, and background. We will also cover the Doberman and Pitbull mix’s care guidelines, plus much more.

hepper-dog-paw-divider 3

Doberman and Pitbull Mix Puppies

Doberman and Pitbull Puppy Mix

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

One-half of the Dober Pit is the American Pitbull Terrier, which originated in the UK in the early 1800s. As a working breed, they were originally used for bull and bear baiting. When this entertainment was eventually outlawed, it was replaced by dog fighting. Unfortunately, 19th-century breeders raised them to be aggressive toward other animals to win more fights.

Although they’re Highly intelligent, Pitbull Terriers continue to get a bad rap. In fact, they get more bad press than any other breed. Raised in the proper environment, however, this pup can be an excellent and loving companion.

The other half of the Dober Pit is the Doberman Pinscher. This active and intelligent dog was bred in 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. As a tax collector, Dobermann wanted a dog that would be scary-looking yet loyal to accompany him into less-than-stellar neighborhoods, and he succeeded! Dobermans are agile, bright, and very loyal, but they are also controversial. Since they’re often used as guard dogs, they are considered aggressive, although they can be very affectionate, loving, and sweet-natured.

As you can imagine, mixing two breeds considered “aggressive” has caused some controversy. As puppies, however, they are playful and smart, and yes, they will chew on anything on the floor. They require a lot of attention and training, which includes obedience classes and socialization when they’re young.

It is important to note that the Dober Pit is not recommended for the novice owner. Experience with either parent breeds or other large and dominant dogs is vital to training them successfully. However, this puppy can grow into a loving, loyal, and great companion.

hepper-dog-paw-divider2

3 Little-Known Facts About the Doberman and Pitbull Mix

1. War Heroes

The Dober Pit’s parents acted as scouts, messengers, and guards during wartime. The Doberman held these positions for the British and their Allies during WWII, while the Pit Bull had this distraction during the First World War.


2. The Face and Body

Although it can vary to a degree, the Dober Pit will generally have the face of a Pitbull and the body of a Doberman.


3. False Accusations

One of the more common fears about these two breeds is that they are aggressive toward humans and they bite. Although they can bite (all dogs can) both parent dogs have a strong unwillingness to bite a human. This is especially true in the Pit Bull’s case.

Parent breeds of the Dober Pit
Image Credit: Left – Viktoria B., Pexels | Right – YamaBSM, Pixabay

hepper-dog-paw-divider 4

Temperament & Intelligence of the Doberman and Pitbull Mix 🧠

Determining which traits the Dober Pit will inherit from their parents is hard. However, there are some commonalities owners have reported. The Dober Pit is usually very intelligent, agile, and alert. They are very loyal dogs and can be very sweet and affectionate to their owners.

They can be strong-willed and stubborn, yet with patience, care, and training, they can make excellent companions. Typically, Dober Pits are very confident and even pushy. They are wary of strangers and make great watchdogs.

Both parents have also had difficulty with separation anxiety. They do better in homes where someone is there most of the time. They can also be jealous of other animals or even people. They will include themselves whether you like it or not. Of course, this can also make them affectionate, sweet, and gentle. They will cuddle as quickly as they will chase a rabbit, which brings us to our next point.

Dober Pits can be aggressive toward other animals. While they might bark at a stranger, they are likely to chase and try to catch another smaller animal. If socialized when they are young, Dober Pits can get along with cats and other pets, but it is in their nature to chase.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

This is another question that can only be determined by the individual dog. Unless you adopt a Dober Pit puppy and have extensive experience, they are not recommended for homes with younger children. Quite frankly, it is due to the kids’ size and sounds.

The Dober Pit has a strong prey drive, and they may be tempted to chase an energetic infant. Also, they’re incredibly strong and may knock over a child (or an elderly adult) by accident. What’s more, the Doberman and Pitbull mix likes to nip. They nip at the ears and toes or other small body parts as a show of affection when they are excited. Even though it’s a sign of love, it can be startling for young children.

However, Dober Pits are suitable for families with older children. Since they can suffer from separation anxiety, having someone home at all times is ideal.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

If you can socialize your puppy consistently at an early age and continue with the training, they can do well with other pets. On the other hand, they typically maintain their dominance around other animals. Behaviors such as guarding their food dish or jealousy if too much attention is given to another pet are likely.

doberman pit
Photo Credit: alejandro contreras, Unsplash

hepper-dog-paw-divider

Things to Know When Owning a Doberman Pitbull Mix:

Dober Pits are loyal, active, and intelligent, and they make excellent companions for experienced owners. Below, we’ll take a look at more practical matters when owning a Dober Pit.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Dober Pit requires a healthy and well-balanced, which includes lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They also need other vitamins and minerals such as antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins D, C, and E.

They need enough protein and fat to maintain their active lifestyle. They should also consume up to 30 calories per pound of body fat. Feeding them 3 cups of high-quality dog food spread throughout the day is usually sufficient, with some added wholesome snacks and treats in the interim.

Both parent breeds have few dietary restrictions, but Dober Pits are known to be picky eaters. Of course, you should also speak with your vet regarding how much food they should be eating and which formula is ideal.

Exercise 🐕

As mentioned, the Dober Pit has “working class” parents and is very muscular, agile, and active. They require two to three moderate to high-level daily walks, not including backyard playtime. They also enjoy hikes, beach runs, jogs, biking, and any other active activity you can think of. Since they have shorter fur, spending long periods in freezing temperatures is not recommended.

This intelligent pup also enjoys games like catch, fetch, and tug of war. They benefit from agility courses where both their muscles and mind are engaged. Long-lasting bones, chew toys, and other toys will keep them entertained and occupied during downtime.

Training 🦮

Training your Dober Pit requires time, patience, love, and energy. The Dober Pit is a dominant breed that will need a leader to follow. You need to be patient, calm, and consistent. Dober Pits can also be stubborn, so repetition is the key to success.

It’s best to train them with positive reinforcement techniques. Guiding them with a firm but gentle hand is the best way to train them in obedience and socialization. The Dober Pit is very loyal and protective and wants to please you. They will need to overcome their independence and stubbornness, but it is well worth it.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming is one of the more mundane aspects of Dober Pit care. Their short to medium-length fur should be brushed weekly to keep shedding at bay. You can increase the brushing during the shedding season since they will have a considerable amount. You will also want to clean their ears and brush their teeth every week.

Besides that, you will need to maintain their nails. The claws themselves are thick and hard, so be careful when trimming. Outdoor activity can also help file them naturally, but you want to get in the habit of doing it often to make it easier for both of you. Additionally, the Dober Pit is prone to skin sensitivities, so you need to monitor them for rashes or other abnormalities. Luckily, they don’t have a strong “doggie” smell, and you can keep baths on an “as-needed” basis.

Health and Conditions ❤️

If you are going through a breeder, it is wise to request the test results for the more severe conditions that can affect the Dober Pit’s parents. However, the Doberman and Pitbull mix is a generally robust breed.

Minor Conditions
  • Gastric torsion
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Skin sensitivities
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Aortic stenosis
  • CVI

It is important to note that some of the minor concerns are quite serious, yet due to the unlikelihood of them developing the illness, it is considered a minor concern.

hepper-dog-paw-divider

Male vs Female

As the AKC does not recognize designer breeds and some of the breeds are new, a lot of information is not well-documented, such as the origins of the Dober Pit and the differences between the male and female Dober Pit.

Several factors, including genetics, upbringing, and environment, can affect their temperament. Neutering or spaying a Dober Pit can also influence their behavior.

Female Dober Pits that are not spayed can be more aggressive and less affectionate. This is especially true during their fertile cycle. Again, each dog can react differently during hormonal changes. Male Dober Pits can also display undesirable behaviors, such as marking, mounting, and trying to escape.

If you are not going to breed your Dober Pit, they should be fixed. This can extend their lifespan, reduce the risk of illness, including cancer, and help the overall canine population. It’s best to consult your veterinarian about the best time to neuter or spay your pup.

Divider 3

Final Thoughts

The Dober Pit, or Doberman and Pitbull mix, is a unique and interesting breed. The Dober Pit is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced. Adopting a Dober Pit is a big responsibility, and it is up to you to maintain the quality of life they deserve. If properly trained and taken care of, they are loving, energetic, and affectionate.

The Dober Pit will guard and protect you while following your lead on how to behave. The key to success is to instill confidence and love at a young age so they grow up well-adjusted. Typically, dogs turn to aggression when fear and doubt are at hand. Raising a confident and well-taken-care-of Dober Pit will ensure you have a four-legged friend for life.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: juancmtz_, Pixabay

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!