How High Can a Doberman Jump? Surprising Breed Facts & FAQs
By Misty Layne
Updated on
There’s nothing better than a game of fetch in the backyard with your best doggy friend. But what happens if your dog is capable of jumping high enough to get over the fence? That’s a scary thought! Even scarier is if it happens while you’re not outside in the backyard with it. But are there that many dog breeds able to jump that high?
There are definitely a few, with the Doberman being one of them. Just how high can a Doberman jump? This breed is capable of jumping 6 feet vertically! Luckily, though, if your Doberman has been properly trained, it should respect the boundary of a fence in the backyard regardless of its capability to jump that high.
But if you’re concerned about fence jumping, keep reading for tips on how to prevent escape.
How Are Dobermans Able to Jump That High?
Those 6-foot jumps are pretty rare for dogs, so how can the Doberman possibly jump that high? It’s capable of this feat because it’s such a strong, athletic dog. Dobermans are lean and muscular and have incredible endurance and strength. These dogs are also super fast and can easily run 25 to 32 miles per hour!
As we said earlier, though, trained Dobermans should have no issue respecting a fence, so you shouldn’t need to get a 6-foot high fence.
Tips for Keeping Your Doberman in the Yard
However, if you’re still concerned your pet might escape, there are some things you can do to prevent that from occurring.
- Have a solid fence rather than a chain link one. If your pet can’t see the other side, it will be less likely to want to jump over the fence.
- Plant some trees. If there are trees (or obstacles) in front of the fence, your Doberman will have a more difficult time getting a running start to jump over.
- Likewise, remove anything that may help your dog jump over the fence, such as garbage cans, chairs, etc.
- Don’t climb over the fence yourself. If your pet sees you jumping over the fence, it will get the idea that it’s fine to do the same.
- Make your yard more entertaining for your dog. A Doberman having a good time won’t be inclined to leave the yard in the first place, so make sure your pet has plenty to do and play with.
- Tire your Doberman out. Dobermans have a lot of energy, and they need to get that energy out in healthy ways, such as by playing, going on long walks, and running. Ensuring your dog is getting enough exercise will keep it tired and content and less likely to make an escape.
- Train your dog not to jump. This is really the best way to make sure your Doberman won’t try to jump over the fence. Dobermans are incredibly intelligent, which makes them easier to train, and once they learn something, they’ll remember it!
What If My Doberman Does Break Out?
If your Doberman does jump over the fence, don’t panic! First and foremost, this breed is a pack animal, so it won’t be comfortable traveling too far away from its home territory. Chances are your dog is closer than you think. In fact, even if your pup were to jump over the fence while you’re away from home, it’s likely you’d come home to find it waiting for you by the front door.
However, since it’s better to be safe than sorry, ensure your dog has a collar with a tag that lets people know who it belongs to. Or have your dog microchipped, so it can easily find its way home with a little help.
Summing Up
Dobermans can jump incredibly high—about 6 feet—but you don’t necessarily need to worry about your dog jumping over the backyard fence and making an escape. If your dog has been properly trained, it should respect the boundary of the fence. Plus, there are other things you can do to discourage your pet from jumping.
In case your Doberman does try to make a break for it, though, ensure it has a tag or microchip that will let others know it belongs to you (although, chances are your dog will simply make its own way home rather quickly!).