35-85 lbs
20-26"
Unknown
The Doberman Collie is described as an alert, agile and very active mix of the Doberman Pinscher and Border Collie. He will be a medium to large dog who has a sense of adventure and a strong loyalty to his family. Athletic and intelligent, he’ll love to work. His parents were working dogs, excelling at guarding and herding - your hybrid will enjoy working as well but will always be up to snuggling with his family at the end of the day. This dog will need an owner who has the energy to keep up with him.
The history book on your hybrid has not yet been written but we can look to the parent breeds. Developed in Germany as a helpmate and guardian for a tax collector named Louis Dobermann, this breed was thought to have ancestors like the Weimaraner, Rottweiler, German Pinscher, Beauceron, and even the Manchester Terrier. Known as the Doberman Pinscher, this eager and intelligent breed excelled at guarding and eventually military and police work. In 1908 he joined the roster of the American Kennel Club. Created prior to 1800, wood carvings by Thomas Beckwick which are featured in The History of Quadrupeds, show dogs with a resemblance to the Border Collie. A variety of sheepdogs were found in Great Britain in the 1800’s, each having their own style of herding. The first documented sheepdog trial was in 1873, where a dog named Hemp performed exceptionally well. It is believed that Hemp is the father of the Border Collie breed. There is belief among some that the Border Collie is a descendent of older British droving dogs with a mix of Spaniel. Queen Victoria is said to have been taken by the breed when she first saw a Border Collie on a trip to Balmoral. In 1906, the first standard of the breed was developed, though the breed was known as “sheepdogs” until around 1915 when the name Border Collie was first used. It is likely the name is in reference to where the breed originated; the area between the Scottish and English border. Upon introduction to the United States, the breed was popular among shepherds and became well known for its success in obedience trials. Dogs of the breed have also been successfully trained as guide dogs for the blind. The Border Collie was recognized in 1995 by the American Kennel Club.
The Doberman Collie will be a strong athletic dog who will have a long body although his height will vary based on parental influences. His feet will have strong pads and nails and his legs will be muscular. Your hybrid may have the facial shape of either parent - both have long muzzles though the Doberman Pinscher parent has a narrower look. Your Doberman Collie will have bright eyes, a powerful jaw and well-developed teeth. His ears may be semi-erect or slightly turned over. His coloring can easily reflect both parental influences; he is can have the Border Collie white patches on the chest, or may be mostly tan and black. Interestingly, his coat can differ between short and smooth or medium and rough.
If your Doberman Collie inherits a longer coat, he will require regular grooming including weekly combing and brushing; extra time will be required during the times when his undercoat is shedding. Bathing should occur only when necessary though his ears and coat should be checked for ticks regularly if he is active out of doors often. This hybrid loves to run and if you take him to locations where there are long grasses, then he may encounter ticks. An apartment is not an ideal living situation for a Doberman Collie, nor should he be chained in a yard for long periods of time. He is a people dog and also a dog who needs a job to do in order to be content.
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The Doberman Collie is known to be reserved around unfamiliar people. In order to allow your hybrid to become comfortable in all situations, socialization with people is a must. Additionally, though usually dog friendly, he may have issues with dogs of the same sex, making trips to the dog park for plenty of interaction necessary. Starting at a young age will be ideal. Perceptive and very smart, he should be easy to train and will thrive when receiving praise. This hybrid is not meant for those who do not have the time to work with him or homes where he will be left alone for long periods of time. He needs to be busy and to have company or he may resort to destruction of property due to anxiety and boredom.
The Doberman Collie has a lot of energy, both physically and mentally, and likes having a job to do. He’ll love the thrill of a herding or obedience competition. A dog who likes to run, he will make an excellent jogging partner. Owners of the Doberman Collie say this is the type of dog who will help to keep you fit. Their attitude and energy level demands an owner prepared to commit to 60 minutes per day at the very minimum, more would be even better.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 11/14/2017, edited: 12/22/2021
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