Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Groom a Doberman: 5 Easy Steps

Vet brushing doberman's teeth

Doberman Pinschers are one of the most loyal companions you can have. They fiercely protect their family and are intelligent, fun, and fearless. Luckily, they are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. This breed has a single-layered and short coat, and not much is required to keep their grooming needs in tip-top shape.

In this guide, we’ll look at some great tips on Doberman grooming to ensure you have everything you need. We’ll also discuss how often to groom your Doberman.

dogster paw divider

The 5 Simple Steps to Groom a Doberman

1. Bathing

As we’ve mentioned, Dobermans have a single-layered and short coat, which means you don’t need to bathe them too often. You really only need to bathe your Doberman once every 2–3 months. If by chance your Doberman gets dirty in between baths, you can always wipe the coat down with a wet cloth.

Ensure you rinse all the shampoo out of the coat. It’s also best to use a fragrance-free shampoo to ensure your Dobie doesn’t have any negative reactions to the skin. Try to find a shampoo with oatmeal, as this helps to restore moisture to your Dobie’s coat. You can also brush your Dobie before a bath to remove even more dead hair.

Helpful Tip: When bathing your Dobie in a bathtub, place a rubber mat on the surface to prevent your Dobie from slipping.  You can also place a cotton ball in each ear to ensure water stays out while bathing. This is especially helpful for Dobies with cropped ears.

If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!


    2. Brushing

    Dobermans do not shed that much, but like most breeds, they tend to shed more in the spring and fall. You can brush your Dobie once weekly with a rubber grooming mitt or a natural bristle brush. Brushing helps distribute the natural oils in the coat, along with removing dead hair. You can brush every couple of days in the spring and fall months to keep shedding down to a minimum.


    3. Ears

    You’ll want to check your Dobie’s ears once weekly to ensure there are no ear mites or wax buildup. If you leave the ears unattended, your Dobie could acquire an ear infection. That said, it’s a good idea to use an ear cleaner that prohibits microbial growth. When cleaning the ears, ensure you follow the directions on the package.


    4. Dental Hygiene

    Maintaining a dental hygiene routine is essential to your Dobie’s overall well-being. Most dogs do not care for having their teeth brushed, but if you start the routine early, your Dobie will get accustomed to the routine. Ignoring your Dobie’s teeth could lead to health issues, such as heart disease or even a broken jaw. Preferably, aim for at least once a week, but do it as much as you can. Does your Dobie like getting its teeth brushed? Terrific! If that’s the case, you can brush daily, or at least 3 to 4 times a week.

    Toothpaste

    Plenty of doggie toothpaste floods the market, but the best toothpaste for dogs is enzymatic toothpaste. Enzymatic toothpaste keeps plaque and tartar at bay. In reality, the only way plaque and tartar can be removed is through a dental cleaning by your veterinarian, which can be costly. Your best bet is to use this type of toothpaste to keep plaque and tartar from forming in the first place. Neglecting your Dobie’s teeth can lead to pain for your pup, and no Dobie owner wants that. Also, never use human toothpaste; only use toothpaste made specifically for dogs. If you’re unsure of which dog toothpaste, please contact your vet or a reputable groomer for a recommendation.

    Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


    Dental Brushes

    Finger brushes are an excellent way to brush your Dobie’s teeth. These brushes make it easy to reach the hard-to-reach areas, especially in the back, and the bristles do a great job of removing debris and plaque before it forms. You can also purchase a kit that comes with an enzymatic toothpaste and a toothbrush with a handle.

    Dental Chews

    Providing dental chews is an excellent way to keep your Dobie’s teeth in good shape in between brushings. These treats also help to keep your Dobie’s breath fresh for kisses.


    5. Nails

    Your Dobie will probably need a nail trimming every couple of months. It’s good practice to check the nails at least every couple of weeks to ensure they are not too long or to inspect for any breaks. Dremel tools designed for dogs’ nails are a fantastic way to keep the nails at an optimal length. The tool grinds the nail down without cutting, which most dogs don’t like.

    For clipping, ensure you have a professional nail clipper to ensure a clean cut. For those who are uncomfortable with trimming their nails, you can also have your vet or a professional groomer take care of this for you.

    doberman long nails
    Image Credit: Lukas07, Shutterstock

    dogster paw divider

    Conclusion

    Dobermans are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Remember to brush the coat once a week with a rubber mitt or natural bristle brush, maintain good dental hygiene by providing dental chews and treats in between brushings, check the ears weekly and use an ear cleaner to remove any buildup, and clip or grind the nails once every couple of months. Keeping a grooming schedule is easy with the Doberman, which allows you more free time for play!

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: gpointstudio, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Beago (Beagle & Golden Retriever Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

    The Beago is a cross between two breeds that everyone knows and loves—Beagles and Golden Retrievers. This is a designer breed that’s relatively...

    7 Best Products With Shade for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

    The weather is heating up, and that means it is time for fresh air. Your pup loves being outdoors, whether spending time in...

    Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 14, 2024)

    This Week’s Winner Cutest Most Expressive Sleepiest Silliest Most Dignified Enter Your Dog Submit your doggie for a chance to be featured! Click...

    Ask Dr. Paola- Coat Changes, Fighting & Flea Treatments (February 10, 2025)

    Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

    More related

    Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Victoria, BC (2025 Update)

    From the rugged coastline of Juan de Fuca Provincial Park to the sandy shores of West Vancouver, Victoria in British Columbia is home...

    Top 11 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney, Australia: On- & Off-Leash Places to Go

    If you want to get out and enjoy the fresh sea air and sand between your toes, why not take your canine companion...

    How to Safely Walk Your Dog in the Dark: 10 Vet-Verified Tips

    Walking your dog in the brisk hours of dusk can be a great way to burn off the extra steam and stress of...

    10 DIY Gifts for Dogs You Can Make for Your Favorite Pooch

    Giving a gift to your dog is a great way to show appreciation and love for your four-legged friend. Gifts can range from...

    Keep reading

    Solid Gold Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros, Cons, & FAQ

    If you are a dog owner, you know that finding the right food for your pet is essential to their health and well-being. Many dog food brands are on the market, but one of the most popular is Solid Gold....

    Dogster_Solid Gold Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Eat Rice Krispies? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    If your dog perks up every time they hear your cereal snap, crackle, and pop, you might wonder if you can toss a few Krispies into their bowl. A lot of human food isn’t safe for dogs, such as dishes...

    Can Dogs Eat Rice Krispies

    Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? Vet-Approved Feeding Facts & FAQ

    While we like to think our pets can eat all the same foods we can, dogs are completely different animals with unique dietary needs. While they are omnivores, they still enjoy a hefty serving of meat, so you might not...

    cucumber

    Can Dogs Have Matcha? Vet-Verified Dangers & FAQ

    Matcha can be found in a plethora of food and drink items, from lattes to ice cream. If you’re a fan of occasionally giving your canine companion a treat in the form of human food, you may be wondering if...

    Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Matcha

    Can Dogs Eat Eggplant? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

    Although your dog may want to eat just about everything in your house, there are a lot of foods that must be kept out of their reach for their own safety. Food products such as chocolate and avocado or anything...

    Can Dogs Eat Eggplant

    Open Farm Dog Food Review 2025: Our Vet-Approved Expert’s Opinion

    If you’re looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food made with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients, then Open Farm may be the answer. This family-owned company arose out of a couple’s desire to feed their dog a nutritious meal made with...

    Dogster_Open Farm Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Drink Milk? Vet Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

    Many dogs are always looking to share whatever foods you happen to be eating at meal or snack time. Whether it’s a sandwich, a cupcake, or even a glass of milk, they always seem to be there to pick up...

    Can Dogs Drink Milk

    Spirulina for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits, Uses & Tips

    Everyone has heard of the benefits of plant-based foods, and this way of eating has become more popular among people in the last two decades. Spirulina is a supplement used every day by thousands of people because it’s rich in...

    spirulina powder and tablets in a wooden bowl