Dobermans In Pairs: The Pros & Cons of Having TWO

Whether you should have one or two Dobermans is something to think about carefully.

It could either work out a dream or be quite problematic.

This article explains how Dobermans are in pairs and covers the crucial pros and cons of this duo that owners must know about.

Table of Contents

Are Dobermans Better In Pairs?

Dobermans typically do very well in pairs, and this is because they have inherently similar temperaments.

But remember, owning a pair of Dobermans is not an easy task.

Dobermans are a highly social breed and have strong pack instincts, and so for this reason, Dobermans are usually always happier having another canine buddy…

Not that this strictly needs to be another Doberman, though.

Truthfully, there are many other breeds out there that have the ability to get along very well with a Doberman. However, we must remember that in the dog world, opposites usually don’t attract.

This means dogs with similar temperaments and personalities always get along the best. Therefore, this suggests that two Dobermans (despite having their own individual quirks) are still naturally more similar to each other than a different breed, thus typically getting on well with each other.

The Pros Of Having Two Dobermans

Let’s explore the advantages of having two Dobermans over a single Dobie.

1. They Help Keep Each Other Stimulated ✅

Dobermans are a high-energy breed that needs both physical and mental exercise to be satisfied. One of the biggest advantages of having two Dobermans is that they will help wear/tire each other out significantly.

From playing at home in the yard, out on walks, and general social interaction with each other, two dogs help to keep each other stimulated both physically and mentally.

This doesn’t mean to say you can reel back on exercise or training, but it does mean that each Dobie will get more out of each walk you go on, each playtime in the yard, and every training session.

2. Training The Second Could Be Easier Than The First ✅

If you get a second Doberman only after your first Dobie is completely trained to a high level, and is very well-behaved, then getting a second Doberman as a puppy, will be easier to train.

The second Dobie puppy will follow their older, wiser, and more obedient sibling to the tee, and so your job at training will be heavily assisted by your first Doberman. This is excellent and makes your life easier.

Unfortunately, this advantage doesn’t have the same impact if you consider adopting an adult Doberman, as another adult will already have their own set ways and will be harder to train.

3. Two Dobies Will Keep Each Other Company ✅

Dobermans are known for not coping well when left alone. They are a highly social breed that craves having company at pretty much all times, both canine and human company.

Having another Doberman will have some benefit in this area, as two Dobies together will keep each other company to some extent while you are gone.

This is far better than leaving one Doberman alone on their own.

However, this is certainly not a “fix” if you leave your first Doberman home alone all day. A second Doberman will just double your problem…

Unfortunately, dogs will never replace us, so in the end, you will just have two Dobermans waiting desperately for their owner to come back. So, although it does help to have another canine buddy, it doesn’t mean they can be left for hours on end.

4. Dobermans Get On Well With Each Other ✅

Getting a second dog can be a challenging thing to do, especially if the two breeds have slightly different temperaments and behaviors. As I mentioned in the beginning, in the dog world, opposites usually don’t attract, so having matching temperaments is the key to a good relationship.

Although every Doberman is different, they are still much more similar to each other, than an entirely different breed is.

This means that most of the time, two Dobermans will click much sooner and better than with another breed.

If you get two puppies together then this doesn’t really matter, but if you already have an adult Dobie, this becomes an important advantage.

5. Double The Awesomeness ✅

Who doesn’t want two Dobies!? If you can love one Doberman, you can love another. Despite being considered as outgoing working dogs, they also make great family dogs and having two Dobermans just means double the love.

As long as you know you can care for both Dobermans sufficiently and fairly, then there’s no reason why another Doberman won’t be an amazing addition to your family.

The Cons Of Having Two Dobermans

Now, let’s run through some of the disadvantages of owning two Dobermans. This section contains some very valuable points that all owners should consider carefully before getting a second.

1. Dobermans Can Be Stubborn and Challenging

As you can imagine, two Dobermans could potentially mean be double the trouble.

I can’t put into words how important training is for a Doberman.

They are large, strong dogs that owners must have full control over, and when you have two Dobermans, this responsibility is increased, especially when out in public areas walking them.

If you already have one Doberman, it’s wise to wait until they are 1-2 years of age and are trained to a very high level, before taking on another.

If you don’t wait, the chances of both Dobermans becoming partners in crime are very high, and they will likely encourage each other’s naughty behavior.

2. Walking Two Dobermans Is Harder Than One

Walking two Dobies is a lot harder and more to think about than walking just one. You now have double the responsibility and in unforeseen situations, taking control of two large strong dogs may be extremely difficult if you are on your own.

Sometimes the smell of another animal or the lure or something in the distance can get the better of even the most obedient dogs.

This could be more of an issue for others and it depends a lot on where you plan on walking both Dobies. Some areas are more suitable than others, but this is something to remember and be prepared to have to practice.

3. The Cost Of Two Dobermans

Although money is something that most don’t like to speak about, it’s very important to think about.

Most owners think that owning two dogs will just mean double the cost of the first, and although that makes sense, unfortunately, it never really works out like that.

Owning two dogs often costs a lot more than double what owning one would be.

Unforeseen situations where one Doberman needs something extra, or one doesn’t get on with the food you purchased, or one needs a vet visit when the other doesn’t, or suddenly both do… You’ll have large payouts to make.

From the big things to the small things… beds, food, treats, food bowls, crates, toys, leashes, harnesses, vet bills, and insurance. It all adds up.

4. Initial Relationship Difficulties

If you get two Dobies as puppies, this won’t be a problem. But under any other circumstance, there may be some initial difficulties.

Sometimes, when bringing in a new puppy (even harder with new adult dogs) there can be some hardship between your first dog and the “new” one. Especially if the breed has some territorial traits as Dobermans do.

Suddenly having to share their home and their owner with another dog is a big deal for any existing dog and it can take a long time for them to come around to it.

A conscious effort to show that both of them are equal will be crucial. If the resident dog feels left out, it won’t be long before they react negatively.

If you have an adult Doberman and plan on getting a puppy, this will be easier than if you have an adult and plan on getting another adult.

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Do Two Male Dobermans Get Along?

Thinking about which gender you should get is important.

Generally speaking, most experts say that two of the opposite sex get along much better with each other than two of the same. And this does seem to be true.

The problem with two males, or even two females together, is that they are much more likely to fight continuously (even for years) to establish who’s the alpha.

So it’s possible you’ll have to break up a lot more fights and be extra careful with how they interact with each other.

Opposite sexes are still known to fight a little in the beginning, but they nearly always come to a hierarchal resolution much quicker (and it tends to stay that way from then on).

However, as always, it’s not impossible to have two of the same sex get along just fine with each other. It all comes down to time and how they are raised together.

Should You Get One Or Two Dobermans?

Whether or not two Dobermans will suit you and your family, comes down to pretty much only one thing…

And that’s if you can provide sufficient care for both of them.

But remember that “care” means a lot of different things.

And lastly, think carefully before making the final decision and commitment, as it’s very unfair for the puppy and your existing Dobie if you later decide you can’t cope with two.

FAQ Summary

Let’s run through some of the most common FAQs with short concise answers. These will summarize everything discussed above.

Will two male Dobermans get along?

Although it’s possible that two male Dobermans will get along, it’s unlikely, and the chances of continuous fights are high. Even two male siblings will grow up and regularly battle for the alpha position.

Will two female Dobermans get along?

Two female Dobermans will battle and fight each other just as much as two male Dobermans would. Females will still try to claim the dominant position over each other (even if they are siblings).

Are Dobermans better in pairs?

It’s proven that most dogs are better off in pairs, and Dobermans are no exception. It’s advised to get one of each gender to make the relationship easier to manage. But in general, Dobermans do very well when paired up.

Are Dobermans good with other dogs?

This depends. Dobermans that are properly socialized are usually good with other dogs that have also been well-socialized. However, Dobermans can be unpredictable, especially if the other dog reacts negatively in their presence.

Should you get two Dobermans?

Owning two Dobermans can be wonderful, or it can be a nightmare. If the owner is prepared for the challenge of raising two well-behaved Dobermans then it can be done, but for most people, the risks may outweigh the reward.

Thank you for reading! I hope this answered some of your top questions but if you feel I have missed something, please let me know! I am always happy to receive feedback and adjust my content where needed.

Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.