How Much Does a Doberman Cost? (2024 Price Guide)

Doberman price and expenses how much does a Doberman Pinscher cost

A Doberman’s cost can be high due to the steep puppy price and expenses for its maintenance. Despite this, pet lovers still want to own a Doberman. So, how much does a Doberman cost?

As mentioned, aside from the price of acquiring a dog, the expenses associated with owning a Doberman puppy should also be taken into account. These include feeding, housing, veterinary care, and overall maintenance.

In this guide, I have provided the breakdown of the Doberman Pinscher price, as well as a guide to purchasing this guard dog and other expenses involved in raising one. If you want to know more, buckle up and enjoy reading!

The Average Cost of a Doberman Pinscher

Average cost of Doberman Pinscher puppy

The usual price of a Doberman Pinscher is between $1,000 and $5,000. However, Doberman puppies from champion lines cost more, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Moreover, rare Doberman coat colors, such as red and rust, are also more expensive than the more typical coat colors.

While it’s tempting to buy from a backyard breeder or a puppy mill because of their lower prices, it’s still better to acquire a Doberman Pinscher puppy from a reputable breeder.

It is essential to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth when paying for Doberman puppies. After all, you’ll be paying for a lifelong companion and a fun pet that can show great loyalty.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Doberman Puppy

A Doberman Pinscher’s price depends on factors such as health screenings, coat color, registration, and training. Moreover, Doberman puppy prices will vary from breeder to breeder and from place to place.

Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of owning a Doberman Pinscher:

  • Age: Age is the number one factor to be considered when purchasing a Doberman Pinscher. A Doberman Pinscher puppy is more expensive than older ones because they require more maintenance and vet care. An adult dog, on the other hand, will be relatively cheaper. 
  • Appearance: Appearance also affects a Doberman Pinscher’s cost. If a purebred dog conforms to the breed’s standard, you can expect a higher price tag for its pups. The most expensive Doberman Pinscher puppies are usually black, red, and white, with tan markings on their faces and chest area.
  • Breeder’s Reputation: The cost of a Doberman Pinscher puppy depends on the reputable breeder, and this can be affected by factors such as the breeder’s experience and the number of litters they have produced. Past prestigious awards may also take part in their puppy pricing.
  • Registration Papers: The registration or pedigree papers of a Doberman Pinschers’ pup affects the cost of owning this dog. If a breeder offers puppies with registration for various kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), you can expect the puppy price to be higher.
  • Health Screenings: Doberman Pinscher puppies are more vulnerable to illnesses and diseases due to their underdeveloped immune system. To ensure that they are in optimal health before being taken home by a new owner, newborn puppies need to be screened for various health conditions such as heart defects, liver shunts, and more.
  • Training and Socialization: A reputable breeder gives professional training to their Doberman puppies. Obedience training will ensure that puppies can easily adapt to their new owners. As you can expect, trained puppies usually cost more.

Nowadays, most people buy a Doberman dog breed for security purposes. Those bred for companionship alone are often priced lower.

Moreover, factors such as shipping fee, location, and gender also affect the price of a Doberman Pinscher. 

To learn more about the ins and outs of Doberman price, watch this video:

How Much Does a Doberman Cost? I BURN all my money!

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Doberman From a Rescue? 

The price range for Dobermans from rescue groups is around $100 to $500. The adoption fee depends on the availability of the dog and whether you are getting a puppy or a senior dog.

Aside from the age of these purebred dogs, adoption fees are also determined by the medical treatment the dog has received. In other words, this fee covers vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering, among others.

Adopting a rescue dog is an opportunity to help save these animals from certain death in shelters. Learning how much the average adoption costs can help you prepare your budget accordingly. 

Initial Cost of Doberman Ownership

Doberman Pinscher initial costs

Since you know all about the Doberman Pinscher price, let’s dig down the other expenses associated with how much a Doberman Pinscher costs.

The initial cost of owning a Doberman dog breed involves some basic items such as food, toys, crates, bed, and other dog supplies.

To help you stay on budget, here are some initial costs associated with having this god breed:

  • Food and Treats: Food and treats are the most important things you need to include in your initial budget. Dobermans need high-quality dog food and treats to keep them energized throughout the day. The average price for these is between $100 and $120.
  • Food and Water Bowls: You should invest in food and water bowls made from dog-friendly materials. This means avoiding plastic bowls that may cause irritation to your Doberman. Good-quality food and water bowls can be bought for around $15 to $35.
  • Bed: A Doberman puppy needs a comfortable bed to rest in. This will prevent them from developing joint-related problems like hip dysplasia. Beds have an average cost of $50 to $200.
  • Crate: A crate will serve as your Doberman dog’s safe space where it can spend time alone. This will also be helpful to your dog or puppy to prevent separation anxiety when you’re not around. A durable crate can be bought for around $60 to $500.
  • Leashes and Collars: Leashes and collars are one of the very important items you need to purchase when you become a fur parent. These will be very helpful, especially when you have a walk with your Doberman in a park or for travel. Leashes and collars will only cost you $15 to $50.
  • Toys: The Doberman Pinscher is an intelligent and active breed. They need a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, and toys are a great way to help with this. Toys are relatively cheap, ranging from $30 to $50.
  • Grooming Essentials: Dobermans are beautiful dogs that also need grooming maintenance. Grooming essentials like dog brushes and shampoos range from $40 to $180, and these are necessary to keep your dog’s fur looking healthy and shiny.
  • Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medication: Dobermans are known to be healthy and strong dogs, but they can also have fleas, ticks, and parasites in their body. That is why deworming and flea and tick medications need to be administered. These expenses will run you between $50 and $200.
  • Initial Vet Visits: Doberman puppies need about three vet visits during their first year for proper vaccinations and health tests. Vet bills can be costly since they range from $100 to $300, but it is a non-negotiable expense.
  • Initial Vaccine Shots: A Doberman can be prone to diseases such as canine distemper and rabies. There’s a chance that a Doberman puppy purchased from a breeder may not have received its initial round of vaccinations. If this is the case, you will need to shoulder around $75 to $200 for its vaccine shots.
  • Neutering or Spaying: Neutering or spaying your Doberman is a way to help them live longer and healthier lives. You may not cover neutering or spaying expenses if you purchased an adult Doberman, but if you are buying a puppy, you need to spend around $50 to $500 for the procedure.
  • Dog License: If you want a formal record of your Doberman, getting a dog license is an excellent idea. In the event that your dog gets lost, this will help in swiftly identifying your dog and bringing it home. A Doberman license will run you between $10 and $20.
  • Microchip: In order to identify you as the dog’s owner in the event that your pet gets lost or wanders off, a microchip is implanted under the dog’s skin as identification. The implantation of this microchip device will only cost you around $40 to $60, which is essential in dog ownership.
  • Miscellaneous Supplies: Aside from the expenses mentioned above, you may need other miscellaneous essentials for your Doberman like urine cleaners, poop scoopers, and other goodies. These items will cost you around $15 to $30.

Provided below is the list of initial expenses when owning a Doberman Pinscher: 

Type of ExpenseCost
Food and Treats$100 – $120
Food and Water Bowls$15 – $35
Bed$50 – $200
Crate$60 – $500
Leashes and Collars$15 – $50
Toys$30 – $50
Grooming Essentials$40 – $180
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$50 – $200
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $300
Initial Vaccine Shots$75 – $200
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Dog License$10 – $20
Microchip$40 – $60
Miscellaneous Supplies$15 – $30
Total Initial Cost$650 – $2,445

Based on the table above, more or less, you need $650 to $2,445 to cover all the initial expenses of owning a Doberman.

If you already have some of the listed necessities for your Doberman puppy, you can omit them and concentrate on the essential costs you must cover for your dog.

Note that the costs mentioned above are merely estimates. If you follow a budget plan, you can still reduce the expenses of your dog in the future.

Annual Cost of Owning a Doberman

Doberman Pinscher yearly and monthly costs

Doberman Pinscher ownership can be a costly affair. If you want to buy one, you should know that the initial cost is not the only thing you need to consider.

The yearly expenditures include food expenses, vet care for health problems, training costs, and other recurring needs. Additional costs for pet insurance fees also add up to the Doberman Pinscher cost.

To guide you, here’s a breakdown of the yearly cost of owning a Doberman:

Type of ExpenseYearly Estimate 
Food and Treats$900 – $1,200
Toys$30 – $150
Bed and Crate$240 – $500
Leashes and Collars$30 – $50
Grooming$200 – $500
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$150 – $250
Routine Veterinary Care$200 – $400
Pet Insurance$800 – $1,500
Vaccinations$80 – $250
Miscellaneous Supplies$30 – $50
Yearly Total$2,660 – $4,850
Average Monthly Cost$222 – $404

One very important expense you need to include in your annual budget is routine veterinary care which costs a few hundred dollars per year. Normally, you should expect to shell out $200 and $400 for vet fees.

Doberman puppies need monthly vet visits to ensure that they don’t develop health conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Another thing to consider on your initial expense is pet insurance. If your dog becomes sick and will require treatment, it can help cover the cost of unforeseen accidents and illnesses that may happen to your pet.

Other Potential Expenses

Unpredictable expenses cannot be avoided as a dog owner. Along the way, you will encounter emergencies and situations that will require you to shell out more money for your Doberman.

Here’s a list of other potential expenses for a Doberman:

  • Dog Walker: Dobermans are very athletic and active dogs, which means they need to be exercised regularly. However, since they are also very large and powerful dogs, it can be difficult for owners to get them out for long walks daily. Dog walkers often charge $20 to $30 a day for their service.
  • Dog Sitter: If you are on vacation or on a business trip, you can hire a dog sitter to look after your Doberman pup. In this way, you won’t have to worry about your dog starving or getting bored. You may need to pay around $30 to $50 for this service.
  • Grooming Services: Grooming is an important part of any dog’s routine. Doberman dogs are often high-strung and difficult to groom. If you can’t groom your dog at home, you can go to a grooming salon. You just have to prepare $60 to $100 per session. 
  • Emergency Medical Costs: One of the significant expenses of owning a Doberman is the cost of emergency medical care. Emergency medical treatment ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity of your dog’s condition.

Doberman dog owners should be prepared for additional expenses that may arise in the future, especially emergency medical costs.

For these expenses, you can save up little by little in case of emergencies and other non-negotiable expenses.

Places to Find Doberman Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Four Doberman Pinscher puppies for sale and adoption

There are many places where you can find Doberman puppies for sale, but the struggle comes in finding a trusted breeder. Buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills can be very tempting due to low puppy prices.

However, this may not be the most practical choice in the long run. A puppy from a puppy mill may carry diseases passed on from other dogs, or they may have their tail docked for cosmetic purposes.

Like with other breeds, buying a Doberman requires research and patience to find one from a reliable breeder.

If you’re looking for a Doberman puppy, here are some places to find them for sale and adoption:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – Instead of a backyard breeder, you will see a list of reputable Doberman breeders on the AKC marketplace. These breeders allow you to meet the breeding stock and available puppies and also view the dog’s health records and paperwork documenting their AKC registration.
  • Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA)– DPCA is a responsible breeder source for finding a Doberman Pinscher. It is important to take your time to find the best possible Doberman Pinscher breeder from their directory. You can contact the DPCA for a referral of a high-quality and reputable breeder in your state or region.
  • PuppySpot – Instead of listing breeders, Puppy Spot lists individual puppies. Puppies on their platform are sold by responsible breeders who have been breeding dogs for years. PuppySpot also offers a 10-year puppy health guarantee for all their dogs. Check out their listings to see if they have a Dobie puppy available!

For more breeder options, you can check our top 10 best Doberman breeders and puppy buying guide to help you in your search. 

If you love the Doberman Pinscher breed but are looking for a way to save some money, adoption from a rescue or animal shelter might be the perfect solution for you.

Here are our top rescue recommendations where you can find a Doberman Pinscher puppy:

  • Dobies and Little Paws Rescue – This is a non-profit, no-kill dog rescue organization situated in the rural Fillmore area of California. They ensure that no Dobermans in Californian animal shelters are unnecessarily put to death. You can find adult dogs bred and Dobie puppies available for adoption on their website.
  • Doberman Rescue – The non-profit Doberman Rescue of North Texas, Inc. is run exclusively by volunteers. They take in purebred, unwanted, or abandoned Doberman Pinschers and provide loving homes for these dogs. Visit their website to view available Dobermans. 
  • Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU) – This is another non-profit organization that specializes in finding loving homes for rescued Dobermans. Public education is also one of DRU’s other key duties. The group publishes a newsletter and offers dog owners informational materials.

You can check out our ultimate guide to dog adoption for the easy approval of your application. If you want to get a pup for free, you can also read our article on how to find free puppies in your area.

Money-Saving Tips for Doberman Owners

Dobermans are known to be needy of care and attention, which makes owners spend a lot on them. But there are certain ways to save money on Dobermans while still providing them with the best care.

If you have owned a Doberman before, then you know that its price tag and expenses can get quite high. However, there are many ways to save money on your next Doberman purchase without sacrificing quality or health.

Here are some tips for saving money on your Doberman’s costs:

  • Buy high-quality dog essentials. One way to save on your pet expenses is by investing in high-quality products that will last longer than cheaper alternatives. In the long run, it will save you money since you don’t have to replace items often.
  • Groom your Doberman at home. Grooming your Doberman home can help you save money on expensive groomers. It will also help you bond more with your pooch! You can also teach yourself how to care for your Doberman’s look by watching video tutorials.
  • Prepare homemade dog food. Dobermans are large dogs that require a lot of food. On average, they need about three cups of food daily, which can be expensive. One way to save some money is to prepare homemade dog food. You can incorporate various ingredients, including selected vegetables, fruits, and meats that are more affordable.
  • Visit the vet regularly. Doberman Pinschers are among the most expensive dog breeds to buy and maintain. To avoid spending more on emergency treatments, visit your vet regularly so that you can keep an eye on any potential health issues before they become a problem.

Only a handful of the money-saving solutions for owning a Doberman are provided above. 

You are free to stick to your personal spending plan, but you shouldn’t compromise on your dog’s basic necessities or health when cutting down expenses.

Final Thoughts

The Doberman breed is known for its loyalty, intelligence, bravery, and protective instincts. This makes them perfect guard dogs and pets. 

Many factors go into the price of a Doberman dog. The breeder, the age, and the dog’s size, among others, all play a role in how much it costs.

Though maintaining a Doberman is quite pricey, taking care of one is worth every cent due to this dog’s loyalty. If a Doberman is in your heart’s desire, this is the sign that you should get one!

Did this guide on Doberman costs help you decide if this breed is for you? If so, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

You may also like

Leave a Comment