Despite a huge difference in size, it’s fair to say that Dachshunds look wierdly similar to Dobermans when you take a good look.
In fact, so many people think this, that many wonder whether the two breeds are somehow related.
The simple answer is no. Dobermans and Dachshunds are not related and are considered separate breeds. However, history tells us that BOTH breeds likely share traces of german shorthaired pointers, terriers, or pinschers.
Doberman & Dachshund Similarities
Why do so many people think that Dobermans and Dachshunds are related?
Well, to be fair, there are many visual similarities that would suggest that they are…
Similarities between Dobermans and Dachshunds:
- Similar coat colors
- Similar markings
- Similar coat style
- Similar long nose snout
Perhaps the biggest and most obvious similarity is coat color and markings. Take a look at the photo below of a black Doberman boasting identical markings with a Dachshund.
Apart from the ears and leg size, the markings and colors are incredibly similar.
These two comparison photos make it easy to understand why many think little and large are related.
Doberman & Dachshund Differences
Let’s be honest, it’s not difficult to see the differences between these two breeds!
But there are a few more you might not have known about. Check them out below…
- Dobermans stand at an impressive 28 inches while Dachshunds stand at 9 inches tall.
- Dobermans often have their ears cropped while Dachshunds have large floppy ears
- Many Dobermans have their tails cropped while Dachshunds do not
- Dachshunds come in many more colors and coat styles compared to Dobermans
- Dobermans are natural guard dogs while Dachshunds are small hunting dogs
- Dachshunds originated way before Dobermans
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Dachshund vs Doberman History (The Basics)
To really understand whether these two breeds are related, we need to pay our old friend “history” a visit. Let’s briefly discuss the origins and history of these two different breeds.
Dachshund History
Dachshunds trace back to the 15th century in Germany where they were developed as a working breed to hunt badgers.
In fact, the word Dachshund translates to “Badger Dog”. Dachshunds are said to be created from a mix of German, French, and English hounds and terriers.
Doberman History
The Doberman’s history starts a little later, originating in the late 19th century. Dobermans were developed in Apolda, in Thueringen, Germany, (around 1890).
Dobermans were originally used as guard dogs for tax collectors when they were making their rounds collecting taxes.
Dobermans are said to be created from a mix of old shorthaired shepherd-dog, Rottweiler, Black & Tan Terrier, and Smooth-Haired German Pinschers.
How Dachshunds & Dobermans Link Up
Both Dachshunds and Dobermans are said to have some amount of German Shorthaired Pointer in them, as well as a few other kinds of Terrier.
Although this hasn’t been verified, it’s probably why Dachshunds and Dobermans have many similarities when it comes to their looks and coat colors.
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So Are The Two Related?
Despite probably sharing certain traces of the same breeds, it doesn’t really mean that Dachshunds and Dobermans are related.
They have always been considered two separate breeds and that won’t change.
The truth is that many breeds share genetic DNA, depending on what breeds were used to develop them, but that doesn’t result in us considering all breeds are related to each other… Apart from the fact they are all dogs! of course
Interesting read: Can a Doberman Beat a Pitbull? Answer Explained
Would a Dachshund & Doberman Get Along?
Yes, despite having such a huge size difference, a doberman would get along well with a dachshund providing they are raised from puppyhood around the dachshund.
Of course, there is an obvious threat to consider which is why this pair wouldn’t always be recommended. But assuming both are well-socializaed, this will work out just fine.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Doberman | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany | Germany |
| Purpose of Origin | Guarding, protection | Badger hunting |
| Size | Medium to large | Small |
| Height | About 24 to 28 inches | About 5 to 9 inches |
| Coat Types | Short | Short, long-haired, or wire-haired |
| Common Coat Colors | Black, red, blue, fawn | Red, black & tan, blue & tan, etc. |
| Temperament | Loyal, alert, fearless | Brave, playful, curious |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 12-16 years |
| Original Job | Guard dog for tax collectors | Hunting badgers |
| Ears | Often cropped (depends on country) | Floppy |
| Tail | Often docked (depends on country) | Long, sometimes slightly curved |
| Notable Physical Trait | Athletic, muscular build | Long body, short legs |
This table provides a concise summary of the key differences and similarities between Dobermans and Dachshunds.
Potential Reasons Why Dobermans Dachshunds Look So Similar
The perceived similarities between Dobermans and Dachshunds, despite their lack of direct relation, can be traced back to a few factors:
- Shared Ancestry of Canine Species: All dog breeds, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, share a common ancestry if traced back far enough. This is why multiple breeds might share certain features even if they have evolved for different purposes.
- Selective Breeding for Certain Traits: Through the process of selective breeding, humans have emphasized certain physical characteristics in dog breeds. While Dobermans and Dachshunds were bred for very different purposes, they might have been selectively bred for some similar traits, like coat color or markings, either due to aesthetic preferences or the practical benefits of those traits.
- German Heritage: Both breeds originated in Germany, which means they were exposed to a similar pool of native dog breeds. When breeders were developing the Dachshund and Doberman, it’s plausible that they might have used some of the same local breeds, leading to some shared genetic markers. As mentioned in the article, both are said to potentially have traces of German Shorthaired Pointers and certain types of Terriers.
- Common Markings and Coat Patterns: Coat patterns and markings like the black and tan combination are prevalent in several dog breeds. This pattern has a specific genetic basis and can emerge in different breeds independently. The similarity in coat color and markings between Dobermans and Dachshunds could be a result of both breeds carrying these specific genes.
- Evolutionary Convergence: In biology, there’s a concept called convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits due to similar environmental pressures, not because they share a common ancestor with that trait. In the world of selective breeding, breeders might have unknowingly favored similar physical traits in both Dobermans and Dachshunds due to the benefits or appeal of those traits, leading to a form of “convergence” in appearance.
While Dobermans and Dachshunds are not directly related, their shared regional origin, combined with the mechanics of genetics and selective breeding, have led to the emergence of some similar physical characteristics.
What do you think? I would love to know your thoughts on this, and if you own both a Doberman and Dachshund, be sure to send us a photo! We’ll happily include it in this article to give the readers some awesome comparisons.