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Have you thought about adopting a Doberman? If so, then it’s important to consider the cost of these beautiful dogs. There’s more than just the adoption fee to pay for!
We’ve put together some information about the adoption costs for a Doberman and other things that add to the cost of keeping one of these beautiful dogs. Let’s get started!
Doberman Adoption Fee: Breeder
If you choose to adopt from a reputable breeder, expect to may more for your canine companion. The price of a Doberman from a breeder can range between $500 to $2,500 for purebred dogs. If you’d like to adopt a purebred dog with papers (registration), then it could cost up to $4,000.
Why Are Purebred Dobermans So Expensive?
Many people are confused about why Dobermans vary so greatly in price! But there are many factors that determine the cost of adopting a Doberman, including:
Purebred or mixed: dogs that are mixed breeds usually cost less than a purebred dog.
Bloodlines & breeder’s reputation: dogs that are purebred and show quality bred by a reputable breeder will cost more. The breeders invest much time, effort, and expense in caring for their dogs.
Registration papers: breeders that are members of kennel clubs, such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), may have their dogs registered with this organization. This also raises the cost of a Doberman.
Health screenings & medical expenses: reputable breeders make huge investments into ensuring their dogs carry no genetic or other medical problems. The price for testing can be quite high. In addition, the medical expenses of taking care of their dogs also factor into the adoption price.
Training & socialization: reputable breeders also spend time having their dogs trained and socialized from a young age. This also adds to the price of a Doberman from a breeder.
Breed coat color & markings: coat colors can also factor into a dog’s adoption price. Different colors are trending all the time. When interest grows in dogs with certain coat colors, the prices of these dogs go up. However, only certain colors are recognized by the kennel clubs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDoberman Adoption Cost: Rescue
If the price of adopting from a breeder doesn’t work for your budget, that’s OK! You can also find purebred or mixed Dobermans at the rescue or shelter.
The cost of adopting a Doberman from the rescue may cost between $100 to $300. The adoption fee covers boarding, dog food, and medical costs (may include vaccinations, deworming, spaying/neutering, and more). When you stop to consider everything the adoption fee covers, then it’s very reasonable especially compared to buying a Doberman from a breeder.
With a rescue Doberman, they may or may not know the dog’s history. However, these dogs need loving, fur-ever homes of their own. And you can find some very lovely Dobermans at a rescue.
Doberman Costs: Initial Supplies
It’s best to have everything set up and ready when your Doberman comes home for the first time. Nothing’s worse than bringing home a new dog, then having to run to the store for dog food and more! That’s not a great way to start off with your dog. So, have everything bought and set up before he comes home!
Here are some of the most common expenses you’ll have initially with a Doberman:
- Food & water bowls: $10-$40
- Dog collar: $10-$50
- Leash: $10-$30
- Harness: $20-$50 (or more)
- Dog bed: $30-$110 (don’t forget blankets)
- Dog crate: $50-$165
- Dog food: $90 (this is the cost for one month’s food)
- Toys: $50-$155 (though you can cut this down a little bit)
- Brush: $5-$45
- Shampoo: $5-$20
- Dog license: $10-$20
- Microchip: $25-$50
These are the basic costs of the initial supplies needed when your canine companion comes home the first time. Of course, these prices can vary.
You can save money by purchasing dog supplies on sale or with discount codes. It’s also possible to buy some dog supplies from second-hand stores and websites. And your vet may also sell used leashes and harnesses at a good price (or know of someone who sells them).
There may also be other costs to consider. These may include doggie clothing (boots, sweaters, and more), fencing for the backyard, doggie gates (to use in the house—these keep your dog from going into another part of the house), training, and more. Keep in mind these costs will drive up the base prices we listed earlier.
Medical Costs for a Doberman
Don’t forget that there will be medical costs associated with your dog! These will include regular checkups (about twice a year), vaccinations, flea & tick treatments, medications, and more. If your dog’s not spayed or neutered, then you’ll also need to factor this cost into the medical costs.
For a healthy dog, you may be looking at the following costs with a Doberman:
- First-year vet visits: $425-$830
- Spay or neuter: $50-$500
- Gastropexy: $200-$400 (performed to keep the stomach from twisting)
And if your dog has health issues or emergencies, then the medical costs will go up. So, you may want to consider purchasing pet health insurance to cover these costs. It’s best to comparison shop to find a policy at a price that fits your budget. Be sure to look at the following for each policy:
- Deductible type (per incident or per year) & amount
- Reimbursements percentage and amount
- Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and more)
- When coverage starts
Dobermans are usually pretty healthy dogs; however, they can suffer from the following health problems:
- Hypothyroidism
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Wobbler syndrome (also called Cervical Vertebral Instability)
- Gastric dilatation & volvulus
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Chronic Active hepatitis
- Hip dysplasia
Summing It Up
When you become a pet parent for a Doberman, there’s a lot to consider. Even so, it’s best to be prepared for these costs before you bring your Doberman canine companion home. Then you’re all set up, and your fur baby can settle into his new home that much faster! You’ll both be happier for it, and we wish you both many years of happiness together!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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