The Warlock Doberman, also known as the King Doberman, is a bigger, more muscular crossbreed between a Doberman and either a Great Dane or a Rottweiler (usually a Dane).
These dogs are sometimes known as Doberdanes or Rottermans, but the “warlock” name is based on a famous Doberman who had nothing to do with the breed. Read on to discover what a Warlock Doberman is like and how to care for them.
The Earliest Records of Warlock Dobermans in History
The Warlock Doberman was first conceived in the 1970s as breeders discovered that giving a litter the name “warlock” after Borong the Warlock (a Champion Doberman who competed in the 1950s) would sell faster and for a higher price.
Breeders crossbred the Doberman with Great Danes or Rottweillers to give them a more muscular appearance. This allowed them to market these dogs as true “Warlocks” or King Dobermans.
How Warlock Dobermans Gained Popularity
The Doberman was developed in the 1880s by Loius Dobermann, a German tax collector looking for an intelligent dog for protection and intimidation. Ninety years later, Warlock Dobermans were created to appeal to those who demanded larger, more menacing-looking dogs with “good pedigrees.”
Although the “warlock” moniker was created as a sales gimmick, Warlock Dobermans continued to command higher prices. They’re popular since they combine the Doberman’s iconic look with a Great Dane’s huge size, thus theoretically producing a super dog, but unfortunately, that’s not what happened.
Health Problems and Formal Recognition of Warlock Dobermans
The Warlock Doberman is not recognized in any kennel club (including the American Kennel Club) as there are concerns about temperament deviation and devastating health problems.
When breeding a Warlock Doberman, there’s a greater possibility that the health problems associated with large and giant breeds like the Dane and Rottie will add to the already numerous health issues the pure Doberman has.
As an example, here’s a list showing the health conditions that each breed is vulnerable to:
Doberman Health Problems
- DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) is the enlargement of the heart
- Von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting disorder
- Osteosarcoma
- Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV/bloat)
- “Wobblers”
Great Dane Health Problems
- DCM
- GDV/bloat
- Arthritis/Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism gland
- Tricuspid valve disease
Rottweiler Health Problems
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Hip dysplasia
- DCM
- Obesity
- Entropion
Larger dogs, such as the Great Dane, typically live much shorter lives than smaller dogs, and the Warlock Doberman may not live as long as its purebred founders.
Top 6 Unique Facts About Warlock Dobermans
1. Warlock Dobermans are usually only black and tan.
In some cases, they can sometimes be all black.
2. Warlock Dobermans can be more aggressive.
This is due to their mixed-breed natures, as they aren’t as reliable temperament-wise as their purebred brothers. If the parents of a Warlock Doberman have a bad temperament, it may affect the offspring.
3. The bigger they are, the more they lose their speed, agility, and endurance.
Because the Doberman is a sleek and medium-sized dog, they are usually superior in fitness and agility compared to their Warlock counterparts.
4. Warlocks are not a separate breed.
The name is used as a marketing tool by breeders to sell more puppies by making them seem rare and unusual.
5. Adult Warlock Dobies can reach up to 175 pounds in weight.
When fully grown, they can be heavy dogs.
6. Warlock Dobermans shed a lot.
They require daily grooming to stop loose hair from clogging their sleek coats.
Does a Warlock Doberman Make a Good Pet?
The Warlock Doberman can be a good pet for households with the time, space, and finances to care for them.
They can face several health problems and typically live shorter lives than pure Dobermans. Warlocks also have unpredictable temperaments, so families with children should be cautious about adopting one. They’re also more expensive to maintain than regular Dobermans, as a Warlock Dobie can eat up to 9 cups of food a day.
That’s not to say that these dogs can be gentle giants; proper socialization, training, and care are the basis for raising well-behaved canines.
Final Thoughts
Warlocks or king Dobermans are not an actual breed. They are a crossbreed between a Doberman and a Rottweiler or a Great Dane and are usually marketed as “superior” to their purebred cousins.
They are much larger, heavier, and muscular but share the Doberman’s markings and coat colors. Warlock Dobies can suffer significantly from additional “large breed” health problems and are more unpredictable.
Featured Image Credit: Hannah Mae W, Shutterstock
The Earliest Records of Warlock Dobermans in History
