When it comes to searching for a furry friend, it is important to consider the characteristics that fit with your lifestyle. If you like to run and generally lead an active lifestyle, you’re probably wondering will a Doberman be a suitable canine companion that can keep up with your pace.
Dobermans make fantastic running dogs. Muscular, fast, and full energy, the need for vigorous daily exercise means these dogs can join you on several runs per week ranging from sprints (they travel up 32-35 mph) to short jogs (up to 3 miles) to long steady runs up to 5 miles. The earliest age they can run is 18 months and you need to watch them running in the heat (try and run in the mornings).
It’s essential to research every detail of any dog breed, especially if you are looking for an outdoor partner to keep you company on your runs. That’s why in this article, we explore in detail why Doberman Pinschers make great running companions.
Are Dobermans Good For Running?
Dobermans are good for running because they are lean, muscular dogs with long legs who, when conditioned properly can run fast and over long distances. When they run, they are very streamlined with their heads down. Their broad, strong chest means they gulp air when they run, keeping them well oxygenated.
Being highly trainable, Dobermans are easy to run with as they will respond to commands.
“Your Dobie will want to please you and will respond best to consistent, patient, and positive training.”
Puppy Lover News
When Can You Start Running With Your Doberman?
Timing is everything when considering running with your brand new Doberman.
Here are a few things to consider when you are getting your dog ready for the outdoors.
Don’t start too young
A Doberman can start to fully develop between the ages of 18 months and 2 years.
Their bones and joints are not going to be fully strengthened until that time.
If you are putting too much exercise into your pup’s routine, it could cause joint damage. It’s a good idea to wait and let your dog develop the muscle naturally at the beginning life stage.
Start slow
Want a Doberman to run with you on your jogs? You will need to train them up first.
It is a good idea to take it slow the first time you go outside with your dog.
You’ll want to make sure they are responding to your commands and keeping up with you.
A walk around the block is a good start, and it will help you gauge how long your dog can last outside. This will lead to longer walks, then short jogs, hikes, and longer jogs. The idea is to build up endurance over time.
Make it a positive experience
Running and exercising with your dog should never come off as a chore or a punishment.
You want to make sure to give your Doberman plenty of praise and positive reinforcement when going out for your daily run. You and your dog will be happier.
Keep checking in with your dog
Always make sure you can see if your Doberman is pushing it too far when running.
You will be able to start “reading” your dog within the first few walks/runs to know when they are becoming exhausted. If you see them slowing down and lightly whimpering, it’s time to head home and relax for a while.
More tips and tricks
For more tips on how to run with your dog, read this article on our blog.
How Fast Can A Doberman Run?
A very fit Doberman clocks up an average speed of a Doberman is between 32 to 35 miles per hour. A Doberman in average shape clocks up a speed between 25-30 mph. Compare this to the fastest human in the world, Husain Bolt, who can run an average of 27 miles per hour!
“The Doberman is a long-legged, muscular working breed that is genetically related to the greyhound and is capable of reaching high speeds for exceptionally long distances.”
Doberman Planet
Here is how the Doberman’s speed compares to other popular, large dog breeds:
| Breed | Speed |
| Greyhound | 45 MPH |
| Doberman Pinscher | 35 MPH |
| German Shepherd | 30 MPH |
| Boxer | 30 MPH |
| Belgian Malinois | 30 MPH |
| Siberian Husky | 28 MPH |
| American Pitbull Terrier | 28 MPH |
| Rottweiler | 25 MPH |
Needless to say, if you are willing to race with your Doberman, you will lose.
Check out Thor in the video below: the fastest Doberman in the United States. Thor’s top speed is 34.89 miles per hour (56.1 km per hour).
How Far Can A Doberman Run?
A Doberman can run between 5 to 10 miles. Along with being one of the fastest dogs, they have a high level of endurance, and you will more than likely tire out before your Doberman does. These distances depend on the musculature of the Doberman and how healthy and fit they are.
Can a dog run a marathon? Read our article on the topic here.
How You Can Help Train Your Doberman For Runs
Physical activity for any dog is essential as it can improve their build and increase strength in their heart and lungs.
Once it is safe for your Doberman to start building endurance, you can follow these steps to get them ready for distance running.
- Go for regular runs together when your Doberman has reached the age between 18 months and 2 years. It can help increase your dog’s health and speed, and it also benefits your health and speed.
- Play fetch at a park or a large grassy area to increase their speed and stamina for sprinting. If you are looking for some great fetch toys or other toys to be enjoyed outdoors, read this article.
- Take your Doberman to a dog park to play with other dogs and increase their social skills. A social Doberman will be easier to go on walks and runs with because they won’t leap into “defend mode” when a stranger passes by.
- Make sure to feed your dog a healthy and well-balanced diet that will keep your dog lean, increase their lifespan, and make for a happy life.
What To Consider When Adopting A Doberman
If the active lifestyle of a Doberman seems like the right fit, being active is not the only thing to consider when adopting this breed.
You need to consider other factors, such as your job, family, and extracurricular activities.
Life-Span
The average lifespan of a Doberman is between 12 to 15 years.
Larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan. Some Doberman’s are prone to diseases such as blood clotting, prostate diseases, hip dysplasia, and wobbler syndrome.
Make sure to get your Doberman screened at the Vet to ensure you are getting a healthy dog.
Attention Craving
Dobermans are known for “owning their owners” because they demand attention and interest. They need constant love, affection, training, and concentration.
When you have a hectic work schedule or are always on the go and out of town, it can result in behavioral problems and depression in your dog.
If You Have Kids
If you have children and are considering a Doberman, you want to make sure they are raised together.
Training is the number one element when bringing a Doberman puppy into a home with a toddler, or a new baby into a house with a full-grown Doberman.
A toddler will need to learn to be gentle with a new Doberman puppy since they can be somewhat unruly and potentially hurt the child.
An adult Doberman will need training from their owner to be kind and gentle toward the new baby in the house.
Best Running Gear For Your Doberman
Since running is a significant factor in your life, it’s important that you have the right gear to keep you and your dog safe and comfortable.
Compact water bowl
Dobermans don’t cope with the heat all that well. For that reason, when you are running in the heat, bring some water for your dog to help prevent dehydration.
Our recommendation is this Prima Pets collapsible silicone water bowl.
To prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion, it’s best to run in the mornings and in the shade to keep your Dobe comfortable.
Hands-free dog leash
Best overall hands-free leash with waist belt
The Mighty Paw Running Leash is made of bungee cord and reflective stitching. This leash extends to 16 inches long.
There are 2 color choices available: black and grey/lime. If you don’t like any of these colors, the 4 foot long Tuff Mutt hands-free running leash comes in 7 color combinations and it’s only a couple of dollars more than the Mighty Paw.
Either of these hands-free leashes are perfect for running, walking, or hiking, so you will get a lot of use out of your investment.
Best running/utility belt
The Kurgo K9 Excursion Running Belt clips around your waist and features a pouch and a water bottle. The pouch is great for keeping your phone, keys, and poop bags. Just attach the Mighty Paw or the Tuff Mutt leash to the clip and you are ready to go.
Best running harness
Just like runners don’t like to be pulled, your Doberman doesn’t like to be choked! Attaching your the Mighty Paw or the Tuff Mutt to a running harness is another option to consider.
Big muscular dogs like the Doberman, German Shepherd, and Boxer are best suited to the Coastal Pet K9 Explorer. It’s adjustable, padded, and features reflective stitching to keep your dog safe during evening runs.
Running at night time
We recommend a LED collar and a reflective vest for your dog.
Mad About Running?
Since running with a dog is such a popular outdoor activity, we have other articles we’ve written on the blog that may interest you:
- Are you into trail running: read our guide
- Running marathons with your dog: can they do it?
- Our guide on how to train your dog to be a good running partner.
We have also created running guides for other breeds of dogs: