Is My Doberman Overweight Or Obese?

While most Dobermans have svelte bodies, this is a breed that can definitely pack on the pounds. Older Dobies especially seem to have trouble with weight gain. They stop running around as much, preferring to lounge on the couch. But if you are still feeding them the same amount of food, they can easily become obese. Obesity leads to all kinds of health problems, so it’s good to notice as soon as you think your Dobie is getting a bit thick around the middle. If you do see weight gain, take her to the vet to make sure there are no underlying medical causes and then work out a plan to shed those pounds. First, you need to know how to tell if she has gotten too pudgy. Here are three signs your Doberman is overweight.

How Much Should Doberman Weigh?

75 to 100 Lbs

#1 – No Definition

Your Doberman should have an athletic build. They have a nice sized rib cage that tucks up very noticeably to a small waist at their hips. If you can’t feel those ribs or tell where his rib cage ends and his hips begin, it’s probably time to diet. Dr. Sophia Yin’s website has a great, easy to follow guide for checking this.

#2 – Unable To Reach That Itch

Does your Doberman try to scratch his ear and just can’t reach? Or maybe he has a hard time biting himself. She should be able to groom herself without a struggle. If they are overly round, grooming becomes impossible. If that’s the case with your Dobie, it’s time to diet.

#3 – Easily Overexerted

Do you walk a few steps and your Doberman is already panting and wanting to stop? Barring hot weather, this is a sign that he is out of shape and probably overweight. It’s time to talk to the vet about a diet and exercise regimen that will slowly get him back on track. Be careful about pushing your Doberman to exercise more than their body can handle – that can cause problems too – so work with your vet.

 

Frequently Ask Questions

Dobermans are a breed that can gain weight despite their typically lean appearance. Most often, dobies tend to struggle with putting weight on more than excess weight, even in old age. However, Dobermans can gain excessive weight, and there are signs. Read below to determine if your Doberman weighs the right amount or if they are on the chunky side and the corresponding health issues. 

Is My Doberman Fat?

While uncommon, your Doberman could be overweight if they show any of the following signs:

No Definition: Dobermans are athletic dogs with a svelte figures. Their hips are relatively narrow, and their rib cage should be a respectable size.

Inability to Reach Their Itches – is your Doberman always trying to reach his ear but failing? Or perhaps he has trouble chewing his own nails. She ought should be able to clean up after herself without too much difficulty.

Easily Exhausted – overweight dogs tend to wheeze and walk slowly, a clear indication they are tired as a result. This indicates that he is out of shape and likely overweight, excluding hot weather.

Doberman Weight Chart By Age

The weight of a Doberman depends on many factors, including age, weight, sex, and breed. However, on average, your Doberman should weigh between the options listed below. Keep in mind the lower weights are for girls, and boys may be underweight if they are on the low end. Also, a puppy’s development should be slow and steady, not a race, so keep track of their calories in. 

Age	Weight (Min – Max)
1 Months	10 – 18 lbs
2 Months	15 – 21 lbs
3 Months	21 – 32 lbs
4 Months	29 – 44 lbs
5 Months	36 – 54 lbs
6 Months	41 – 64 lbs
7 Months	48 – 71 lbs
8 Months	50 – 79 lbs
9 Months	52 – 85 lbs
10 Months	56 – 89 lbs
11 Months	58 – 91 lbs
12 Months	59 – 94 lbs
13 Months	59 – 98 lbs
14 Months	60 – 98 lbs
15 Months	60 – 99 lbs
16 Months	60 – 100 lbs
17 Months	60 – 100 lbs
18+ Months	60 – 100 lbs

Doberman Growth Stages

Doberman puppies go through a few growth stages starting at 2 months of age: 

2-month puppy = 15-20 pounds

3-month puppy = 25-30 pounds

4-month puppy = 35-40 pounds

5-month puppy = 45-50 pounds

6-month puppy = 55-60 pounds

As you can see, a pup can reach 20 pounds by the time he or she is two months old, and subsequent months typically see an additional ten-pound gain. Keep in mind, these are ballpark figures and not absolutes. Some puppies will grain a slower rate while others will gain faster.  

The dog’s genes will play a major role in this. Talk to your Doberman’s breeder for a more precise estimate of your dog’s adult size. Get a sense of what to anticipate by inquiring. Whether you have a Doberman puppy or an older dog, the body condition chart is the best tool for determining the healthiest weight for your dog.

How Much Does The Average Doberman Weigh?

What is the average weight of a Doberman? Male American Doberman Pinschers typically weigh between 75 and 100 pounds, while females typically weigh between 60 and 90 pounds. The average weight of a male European Doberman is between 88 and 99 pounds (40-45 kg), and the average weight of a female is between 71 and 77 pounds (32-35 kg).

How Big Does A Doberman Get?

A year-old puppy becomes an adult, but he still has a ways to go before he reaches his full size and maturity. While a Doberman’s adult height is reached at around 12 months, he still has some growing to go. At around three years old, boys are regarded to be at their peak, whereas girls are at their peak between the ages of two and three.

What Is The Ideal Healthy Weight For A Doberman?

The health and happiness of your dog can be gauged by whether or not they are over or underweight. If your Doberman meets all of these criteria, he or she is likely at an ideal weight:

The ribcage may be slightly visible, with a soft outline of the ribs. 

A minimal fat layer may be felt between the skin and the ribs. 

The waist is distinguishable when viewed from above without excessive bony protrusions.

The abdominal area tucks smoothly up from the ribcage to the hind legs.

How Can I Help My Overweight Doberman?

Dogs, like humans, gain weight from eating too much and not moving around enough. However, it’s best to start treatment with a visit to the vet for a checkup to ensure there are no physical causes for weight gain. The veterinarian can also check their weight and help determine the best course of action.  

From there, reduce the number of sweets your Doberman consumes and their kibble or wet food as well. Wet food should be fed more often than kibble as it has fewer carbohydrates and additives. It also has the advantage of helping dogs to stay hydrated, making it a much better choice to promote a healthy weight. 

How Much Should A Doberman Eat A Day?

Doberman puppies need between 1 and 7 cups of dry dog food per day, while adult dogs need anywhere from 4 to 7 cups per day. However, older Dobermans may require less food as they age. Your Doberman’s dietary needs shift as it ages, and not just in terms of the size of its meals. This is due to the fact that a Doberman puppy’s nutritional requirements are different from those of an adult dog. Take into account that Dobermans’ dietary needs will vary depending on their size and degree of exercise.

Are Dobermans Prone To Obesity?

Overweight dogs, like their human counterparts, have a number of health risks, including joint problems and an increased risk of fatal diseases. Injury risk while exercising is also increased in overweight people. Your dog’s emotional health could take a hit if they start to act listless. Some common signs of an overweight Doberman include a lack of definition in the ribcage, excess fat visible, no definable waist, or their tummy hanging down. 

Dobermans are prone to slender athletic bodies, not obesity. These dogs crave activity and are not lazy dogs meaning they will naturally weigh less. However, these dogs do love to eat, and they love to spend time with their humans. If they overeat or lounge too often with more calories in than out, you can expect to see excessive weight gain. Avoid getting a Doberman if you do not have the time to dedicate to your natural active lifestyle. 

How Do I Know If My Doberman Is Too Fat?

Telling if your Doberman has too much weight is noticeable from a cursory glance. The ribs should be discernible without any fat hiding them, and the waist should be seen when looking down on a Doberman from above. When viewed from the side, the stomach is tucked in. 

How Much Does A Male Doberman Weigh?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has established the following weights as the breed standard for the American Doberman Pinscher. Males should weigh between 75 and 100 pounds. It is encouraging to note that the Doberman Pinscher has a wide weight range that is acknowledged in the AKC breed standard.

How Much Should A Female Doberman Weigh?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) states in their chart that female Dobermans should weigh between 60 to 90 pounds. Mind you; their chart leaves room for a variety based on the different genetic factors. It is important to remember, nonetheless, that a Doberman might be perfectly healthy even if his weight is significantly different from the ideal range.