Doberman Adult Guide

For owners of adult and senior Dobermans

Care for your Doberman through every adult year.

Clear, practical guides from 18 months on: feeding and weight, exercise, yearly heart screening, common health problems, training, and caring for an older dog. Written by a Doberman breeder, with links to the vets and researchers behind the advice.

Start with heart screeningYearly vet checklist

Dolce, an Owego Doberman dam, sitting in the grass.

The roadmap

Adult life, stage by stage

Each stage links to the guides that matter most then. Bookmark this page and come back as your Doberman grows older.

  1. 18 months – 3 years

    Young adult

  2. From age 2–3

    Start yearly heart screening

  3. Every year

    Vet care and health checks

  4. Every day

    Home life and care

  5. About 7–8 years +

    The senior years

All guides

Bella, a black and rust Owego Doberman, out by the pool. 18 months +Feeding & WeightHow much to feed, body condition, and bloat-safe habits. Dexter, an Owego Doberman, poolside at his home in Miami. 18 months +Exercise & ActivityDaily needs, when to start running, and heat safety. Loki, a black and rust Owego sire, standing in the yard. From age 2–3Heart Screening (DCM)DCM risk by age, Holter and echo, and what results mean. Star, a black and rust Owego Doberman, on the lawn. AdultAdult Health ProblemsThyroid, wobbler, vWD, hips, bloat and bone cancer. Cookie, a red Owego dam, enjoying the sun outside. Every yearAnnual Vet CareA yearly checklist: exams, vaccines, heartworm, teeth. Rocky, a black Owego Doberman, out on a leash walk. 18 months +Training & BehaviorLeash manners, reactivity, guarding and time alone. Rex, an Owego Doberman, at home with his family. Every dayLiving With a DobermanKids, other pets, apartments, travel and costs. Snoop, a black and rust Owego Doberman, resting on the grass. About 7–8 years +Senior CareSigns of aging, mobility help and comfort at home. Snoop, a black and rust Owego Doberman, relaxing on a rug at home. LifelongDoberman LifespanHow long Dobermans live and habits that help. Mocha, a fawn (Isabella) Owego Doberman, sitting on the lawn. Every weekCoat & SkinWeekly grooming and blue and fawn skin care.

Raising a puppy?

Start with the puppy guide

Supplies, the first 30 days, vaccines, feeding, socialization and ear care are covered on the Doberman Puppy Guide. Still choosing a breeder? See the Doberman Puppy Buyer's Guide.

Thinking about another Doberman?

Meet Owego Dobermans

The family breeding program in Punta Gorda, Florida that publishes this guide.

See puppies and the upcoming litter