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The Doberman is a fiercely loyal dog with an undeserved reputation. These intelligent dogs are incredibly trainable and will be by your side for life once bonded. The costs for this medium-large breed can vary. In general, adopting a Doberman can cost between $250–$800, and if you buy one from a breeder, it can cost $1,000–$2,500+. In this article, we’ll break down just how much a Doberman will cost you.
Bringing Home a New Doberman: One-Time Costs
Deciding where to source your Dobie puppy is one of the most important decisions. Adoption is a great option; the dog’s history may not be as clear as it would be if a new puppy were purchased, but the costs are usually much lower for an adoption. Of course, purchasing a puppy is always an option, but the price may be too great for some, particularly if looking for a specific color of Dobie.
Free
Finding a free Doberman can be difficult since they’re popular dogs. You may be able to find a Doberman for free in classifieds or adverts online. For various reasons, some owners may give away their Doberman for free (or a reasonable fee).
Always determine why the owner is rehoming since Dobermans are big and powerful dogs. Before you bring them home, you must know how they behave around children, certain types of people, and other pets. Bringing a new Doberman home for free can be an excellent option for those on a tighter budget.
Adoption
Adopting a Doberman can be exciting and rewarding; you can give a dog another chance at a happy home life away from a shelter. Dobermans from around the USA usually come with an “adoption fee.” This payment goes to the shelter they’re adopted from and covers expenses such as:
- Neutering bills
- Food
- Medical treatment
- Vaccinations
- Follow-up visits
These costs vary by area. We’ve rounded up the average prices per area for Doberman adoption to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay:
| East Coast | $250–$800 |
| West Coast | $250–$800 |
| Midwest | $250–$500 |
These prices relate primarily to adult Dobies, with puppies being more expensive and seniors being cheaper.
Breeder
- $1,000–$2,500+
The cost of buying a Doberman puppy also varies by geographical area, but not by much. The lowest you can expect to pay for a Doberman puppy from a breeder is around $1,000, with most going for $2,000+.
If the puppy comes from show stock, this price can easily top $2,500, so it is a significant investment but worth it. Finding a reputable breeder is essential, and investigating how the puppies, mother, and general surroundings are kept is paramount to ensuring you get a happy, healthy dog.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $150–$400
Your new Doberman will need certain supplies and items to keep them happy and comfortable in their new home, which can start at $150 for basic supplies like food and bowls if you already have leashes, harnesses, and crates from a previous pet.
If you need to buy everything outright, costs like large crates, durable toys, and initial vet visits can ramp up the costs.
List of Doberman Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $200 |
| X-Ray Cost | $100–$300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $250–$500 |
| Microchip | $45–$55 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$300 |
| Bed and Crate | $50–$150 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $7 |
| Brush (optional) | $8 |
| Harness | $25–$55 |
| Vaccinations | $60–$70 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Food | $50–$160 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does a Doberman Cost Per Month?
- $245–$695 per month
Puppies will cost more initially than adult Dobies month to month, but the price for the monthly outlay includes food, health care, toys, and other consumables. The cost can fluctuate depending on the quality of the items, like food and toys, but generally falls into the $245–$450 per month mark. The best quality services and products can increase this to around $695.
Health Care
- $60–$80 per month
The overall cost of a Doberman’s health care depends on the geographical area and the dog’s age. Preventative health care plans that include flea, tick, and heartworm medications can cost $30–$60, depending on the area and the items included. Toothbrushes and toothpaste add a small amount to this, and dental additives to keep plaque away can also be added to the price, but generally, these can be found cheaper online.
Food
- $50–$160 per month
Food is a largely fluctuating factor for dogs since some brands are cheaper than others. Your Doberman will eat more than other breeds due to their size ( around 3.5 cups of kibble per day), but the food can be in different forms and of varying quality.
The cheapest dog foods available probably aren’t any good for your pup, but there are budget-friendly options that offer great value. On the other end of the spectrum, customizable dog food providers charge $250 for a formulation fee, so the price varies.
Grooming
- $25–$70 per month
Grooming needs for the Doberman are relatively small, as the breed has a short, straight coat that only requires weekly brushing to keep it in check. While every dog needs a bath if they get stinky, Dobermans don’t require premium shampoos or conditioners.
For a home groom session or mobile groomer, the initial cost is around $25–$35, but in some areas, a groomer may charge by weight, which is where prices around $70+ can occur.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $150–$250 per month
For routine visits and medications, a Dobie will cost between $150 and $200 for a nose-to-tail check-up. However, the price for these visits sharply increases if your Doberman needs an emergency appointment, and surgeries for a dog of that size can reach the thousands.
Pet Insurance
- $0–$135 per month
Insurance policy fees vary depending on the coverage level, annual deductible, and reimbursement you wish to receive for your Doberman, as well as by geographical area.
- $99–$135 on the East Coast
- $40–$72 on the West Coast
- $60–$95 in the Midwest
Be aware that each Doberman is evaluated before a price is established, as additional factors such as age, sex, and prior history can also be factored in.
Environment Maintenance
- $30–$50 per month
If you have a puppy to bring home, the monthly expenses will be slightly higher than for an adult dog due to their general messiness and accidents during toilet training. Poop bags and deodorizing spray are a universal need, and a few rolls of bags and bottles of spray can be expected to be purchased a month, but this depends on how house-trained and messy your Dobie is.
| Puppy pads | $20/month |
| Deodorizing spray or granules | $16/month |
| Poop bags | $10/month |
Entertainment
- $20–$50 per month
Toys that can withstand the strong jaws of a Doberman can be more costly to buy and need replacing more regularly. Still, customizable toy subscriptions can be tailored to your Dobie and their needs. These boxes range from $40 to $50 per month and are an excellent option to ensure your intelligent pup has exciting and safe new toys each month.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Doberman
- $245–$695 per month
The total monthly cost will vary depending on your geographical area, the size of your Doberman, and the quality of toys and food you purchase. For the average Doberman owner, prices are around $350 a month for standard quality items and consumables.
Additional Costs to Factor In
A Doberman can become reactive and destructive if they aren’t well-trained and their energy isn’t channeled, so training and socialization classes are essential to keep them happy. Training costs around $70 for weekly group sessions or $150 for hourly at-home sessions.
On average, pet sitting or boarding costs around $30 to $50 a night in the US. However, some luxury kennel boarding experiences charge more than $85 for an all-in pamper session.
Other one-off costs, such as treat days for your pup or travel expenses if you take them away, can also add up. Thinking about these expenses before you bring your Doberman home can keep costs down.
Owning a Doberman on a Budget
You can keep a Doberman perfectly healthy and happy on a budget. Using comparison websites and choosing the essential coverage on pet insurance, for example, is an excellent way to ensure you keep your Dobie safe without spending additional dollars.
Many excellent brands of food can be bought in bulk, which minimizes costs and still provides adequate nutrition. These tips take time but will save you a surprising amount on your Doberman’s monthly bill.
Saving Money on Doberman Care
Comparing and searching for the lowest prices on insurance and equipment can cut costs. Researching the best, most appropriate type of food and looking for sales can also help to lower costs, but it’s best to go with what you can afford.
For Dobermans, high-quality and long-lasting toys will be a much better investment than toys that will break (and potentially cause injuries).
Conclusion
Dobermans can cost more than smaller breeds because of their size. Despite this, there are plenty of ways to cut monthly costs and plan for emergencies (such as getting pet insurance), which will help you save money.
Average costs will vary by your location, the age of your Doberman, and the quality of items purchased. Initial outlays for puppies are usually more than for older dogs. The need for puppy pads and training ramps the monthly price up for puppies, too, but monthly costs for older dogs will fall as they mature.
Lastly, additional expenses like grooming, boarding or sitters, and even paying for incidents or illnesses can add to the costs. Still, budgeting for them can keep you in the black and worry-free.
Featured Image Credit: elis aksenova, Shutterstock
