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Pet Insurance for Dobermans

Find out all about Dobermans and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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Savvy Editorial Team
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, updated on September 18th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$4,000

Height

61cm - 72cm

Weight

27kg - 45kg

Personality

Fearless, loyal, alert

Coat length

Short, sleek

Exercise needs

Very High

Kid-friendly?

No

Life expectancy

10 - 13 years

Doberman

Overview

The Doberman, often called the ‘Dobie,’ is a sleek and powerful breed of guard dog originating from Germany in the late 19th Century. It is named after its first breeder, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, and is thought to be a cross between a German Shepherd, a Rottweiler, and a German Pinscher. For this reason, in some parts of Europe and America they are known as Doberman Pinschers, whereas in other parts of the world the name has been shortened to Doberman, also spelt Dobermann. This breed was extensively used in the trenches in WWII, and was the official war mascot of the United States Marine Corps.  

Dobermans have a short, smooth glossy coat that requires minimal grooming. Dobermanns are known for their high intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. They are highly trainable and make excellent guard dogs. Dobies thrive in homes with experienced owners who can provide structured training and socialisation. They are not suitable for households with young children. 

Common diseases and conditions of Dobermans

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Dobermanns are at risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that can lead to fainting and shortness of breath.
  • Von Willebrand Disease: This is a blood clotting disorder than can prevent a dog’s blood from clotting properly, similar to haemophilia. A genetic test is available to see if a dog carries the gene responsible for this condition.   
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or blindness.
  • Wobbler Syndrome: A spinal disease seen in larger dogs that can cause neck pain. 

Breed-specific issues:

The highly protective nature of Dobermans may make them reserved around strangers, so early socialisation is particularly important for this breed. They require very regular exercise and mental stimulation and can become destructive if left alone. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Doberman?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Doberman, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Dobermans

Are Dobermans naturally aggressive? 

Dobermans have a reputation for being highly protective. However, they are not inherently aggressive. Their temperament largely depends on their breeding, early socialisation, and training. Dobermans thrive when they are a part of a loving family and receive consistent guidance and care. Responsible breeders prioritise breeding for stable and even-tempered dogs.  

Are Dobermans good family dogs?

Dobermans can make good family dogs for active households prepared to give their pet a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strong bond with their owners. With the right upbringing and training, Dobermans can be loving, obedient, and protective family members. However, due to their large size and protective nature, they are not recommended for families with young children. 

 
 
Do Dobermans require a lot of exercise?

Yes, Dobermans are a highly active breed that benefits from regular exercise. They are known for their stamina and enjoy activities like long daily walks, runs, games of fetch, and agility training. Adequate exercise not only keeps them physically fit but also helps maintain their mental well-being. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, Dobermans may become restless or bored, which can lead to behavioural issues.  

Are Dobermans easy to train?

Yes, Dobermans are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners. Positive reinforcement-based training methods work exceptionally well with this breed. They respond to consistency, praise, and rewards. However, it's important to note that Dobermans can also be sensitive, so gentle and patient training methods are crucial.    

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Doberman

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