All of us have had a situation where we’ve confused one dog breed for another. For example, dogs that look like Dobermans can make us all scratch our heads for at least a couple of seconds!
Doberman Pinschers are some of the most recognizable dog breeds. Their reputation precedes them. Even people who are not dog lovers know how to recognize them! Still, they do have some look-alikes.
Let’s meet some Doberman copycats and see where all the similarities and differences are.
1. Beauceron
Have you ever seen a dog but were unsure whether you were looking at a Doberman Pinscher or a Rottweiler? Chances are you’ve seen a Beauceron instead.
In fact, Beauceron was one of the dog breeds Louis Dobermann used to create a Doberman Pinscher back in the late 1800s.
Beauceron is an old breed, and it was used in the 1500s for boar hunting. Some people also used it as a herding dog in the field. Either way, this was a highly respectable pooch that did many different jobs.
These pups have black coats with tan markings on their muzzle, chest, and legs. This is why they are known as “Bas Rogue” in France, which means red stockings.
These pups are true gentle giants with giant stature but loveable personalities. Also, they are a bit friendlier toward other pets than Dobermans
2. Chippiparai
Chippiparai (or Shippiparai, as some might call it) is a hunting dog – although it might not look the part.
This Indian breed originates from the Chippiparai area, near the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. It was kept as a sign of royalty and used to hunt hares, deer, and wild boars.
If you know Salukis, an old Egyptian breed, this pup is their close relative. When Salukis were brought to Indian soil, they were bred with local pups.
The reason why they are considered a similar breed to Dobermans is for their elegant build and coat color. They have a shiny black coat with tan markings on their muzzle, eyebrows, chest, stomach, and legs. Some people might think they are a mix between a Dobe and a Greyhound!
While floppy ears seem like a sign that they are, indeed, a different breed, it’s important to understand that Doberman Pinschers aren’t born with short, pointed ears.
Most breeders will cut the Dobe’s ears in early puppyhood to achieve the well-known Doberman Pinscher look. Some people attempt to make their ears erect using natural methods.
Either way, it’s not that difficult to see why some people might confuse the two breeds.
3. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers, also known as Min Pins and Zwergpinschers, are probably the most famous of all the dogs that look like Dobermans.
This German breed looks just like Dobermans but is the size of a larger Chihuahua. It’s one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA, with the Miniature Pinscher Club of America (MPCA) being one of the oldest dog breed clubs in the country.
Next to its appearance, it’s similar to Doberman Pinschers in temperament, as well. This is a dominant, territorial dog with a high prey drive. Luckily, it’s too small to pose a threat to most other pets in the household, but I wouldn’t leave it alone with small animals.
These pups are excellent for Doberman lovers who live in apartments, as they don’t have any issues with living in smaller spaces. Just remember to give them enough activity, as excess energy can lead to bad behaviors.
4. German Hunting Terrier
Also known as a Jagdterrier, Terrier Cazador Aleman, Terrier De Chasse Allemand, and Deutscher Jagdterrier, this is a social working dog that might resemble some Doberman mix and not a purebred dog.
The German Hunting Terrier has a black coat with tan markings similar to Doberman’s. However, this pup has a somewhat longer coat. The hair around its muzzle makes it seem as if it has a mustache, similar to a Schnauzer or some other Terrier dog.
Also, it is about half the size of a Doberman, and this alone should be enough for you to distinguish the two breeds.
This is an excellent hunting dog that loves to go into holes searching for prey. Also, it is highly trainable, so you’ll have no issues teaching it how to behave.
5. English Toy Terrier
English Toy Terrier, who you might’ve known as the Toy Manchester Terrier, is yet another pooch that looks like a miniature Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler.
These pups are small and loyal. Don’t let their size fool you – they make excellent watchdogs and will make sure your home stays safe from intruders. They are wary of strangers, so socialization is the key if you don’t want them to mistake your guest for a thief.
As for their appearance, they truly look like pocket-size versions of a Doberman Pinscher. They have a black coat with tan markings and even erect ears that look just like Dobermans!
Finally, this is a low-maintenance dog that sheds very little and shouldn’t require too many vet visits.
If you like the appearance of a Doberman Pinscher and would like a dog that will stay loyal to the end, but don’t have the space or the time for a purebred Dobe, English Toy Terrier might be the right dog for you and your needs.
6. Prague Ratter
The Pražský Krysařík, known as the Prague Ratter in the US, is yet another miniature dog that looks like a toy Doberman.
This is a fairly old breed that nearly went extinct in the 20th century until a few breeders from Slovakia and the Czech Republic successfully attempted to revive it and bring back its popularity.
The Prague Ratter looks almost exactly like the Min Pin, but it’s even smaller. In fact, this is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, with an average height of just 9 inches. Compare that with the Doberman’s average of 25 inches!
Unfortunately, just because this is a small dog doesn’t immediately make it one of the best family pets out there.
This is a pup with a huge personality, one that will demand constant attention and lots of training. If you don’t socialize it from an early age, it likely won’t do well with small animals and children.
7. Australian Kelpie
This sheepdog is often confused for a Doberman Pinscher or a Doberman mix due to its similar face and coat color.
While somewhat smaller than a Dobe, the Australian Kelpie has signature tan markings on a black coat, but its fur also has several white spots on the chest.
Its ears are naturally upright, but most people would never dock their tails as this simply isn’t needed (nor is it according to the breed standard).
While the exact origin of this pup isn’t certain, it seems that it is a descendant of a Collie-type dog, making it a distant relative of a Border Collie and a Rough Collie.
This is a resilient working dog that was bred to muster cattle, goats, and sheep, even in the hardest weather conditions.
Kelpie is an intelligent canine with high energy levels. Make sure to provide it with enough training and exercise to keep it from getting bored. Otherways, it might show some destructive tendencies.
8. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are probably the most popular dogs on this list. Also, most people confuse Rottweilers with Dobermans due to their colors and bad reputation.
Rotts are powerful dogs that are stockier than Dobes, with shorter legs and bigger, flatter faces. Their smooth coat is black, with the same tan markings as Dobermans, so I can understand why some people mistake them for Dobes.
While they have a somewhat similar temperament, some differences are rather obvious.
For example, Rottweilers tend to be less friendly and are more likely to attack strangers if they are not socialized properly. However, they can be more affectionate with their owners and tend to be more playful and a bit less active.
Also, Rottweiler ear cropping is not a common practice, and their ears are left in their natural, floppy shape, making them appear somewhat cuter and more approachable as a contrast to their protective nature.
9. German Pinscher
Out of all the dogs that look like Dobermans, the German Pinscher probably bears the closest resemblance.
It has a slim yet muscular body that is a bit stockier than Dobe’s, a thin and long face, and the typical Doberman colors. Ear cropping and tail docking are common practices with this dog, so it’s easy to see the resemblance.
This is an excellent working dog that can do many activities. While Dobermans were bred to do police work, these dogs were used for ratting, hunting, guarding, and herding.
German Pinschers also make excellent family dogs, as long as you make sure to socialize them from an early age.
Also, they are suitable for apartment living, but make sure to give them long walks every day.
10. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Coonhounds might confuse people around the world who are not familiar with the breed. This pup has a similar build and color to Doberman Pinschers, but its droopy face is as different as possible from the Dobe’s.
As a Hound dog, the Black and Tan Coonhound is an excellent hunting dog that uses scent as a main method of finding its prey. It’s successful in hunting many different animal species, including even bears!
This is a calm and friendly dog, making it an excellent choice for owners who love Doberman’s aesthetics but don’t have as much time to dedicate to training and exercise.
Just keep in mind that, due to the wrinkles on his skin, this Coonhound requires some additional grooming time and skin care.
11. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are muscular dogs that originate from Africa. Known for their fawn coats and back ridge, many people confuse them with Dobermans due to their similar build and facial structure – although Rhodesians tend to be a tiny bit smaller.
These are powerful dogs that are known for being one of the quietest breeds in the canine world. Many Rhodesian owners get rather surprised when they hear their pup barking!
They make excellent family protectors and are rather easy to train, as they love pleasing their owners and listening to commands.
However, while they look independent, they can be a bit clingy and are prone to separation anxiety. If you work long office hours, they might not be the best dogs for you.
12. Indian Kanni Dog
The Indian Kanni Dog, also known as Kanni or Canni Dog, is a dog breed that is very rare in the US.
While these pups closely resemble Saluki dogs, many people confuse them with Doberman Pinschers, as well.
Kannis have slightly smaller bodies than Dobermans, but they share the same slim and muscular build. Their legs are long, and they look just like Dobermans with floppy ears in the face.
However, tail docking isn’t common in Kanni Dogs, so you’ll find that most of them have long, slim tails.
These pups come in tan or black colors, and black Kannis often have white markings on their muzzle, eyebrows, chest, and the inside of their legs. This is where most of the resemblance lies.
Just like Dobermans, Indian Kanni Dogs can be excellent guard dogs. However, they are rather gentle and make excellent family companions for small children.
13. Weimaraner
Weimaraners might not look like Dobermans at first glance – until you meet the blue Doberman and see just how similar the two are.
They have bodies and faces similar to Doberman Pinschers, although their ears are floppy and never get cropped.
Weimaraner is a Hound dog known for its blue coat, which is why I have mentioned blue Dobies.
This is a gentle and affectionate dog known for its loyal temperament. They make ex
14. German Shorthaired Pointer
While you might be surprised to find this Dobe’s German cousin on the list, German Shorthaired Pointers have a similar build to Dobermans, making some people wonder if they are just weirdly colored, floppy-eared Dobes.
Most German Shorthaired Pointers have short coats that are liver in color, with white patches and spots. They have floppy ears, and most people don’t dock their tails.
However, just like all Pointers, they have lots of energy, so make sure to give them proper exercise.
15. Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants many people adore. If you wonder how some people might confuse these gigantic dogs with Dobermans – just look at the pictures of Dobermans with floppy ears and you’ll understand.
These pups can come in many colors, and this includes black, which is where the confusion comes from.
However, they have very different temperaments from Dobermans, as they are friendly and playful, and actually rarely make great guard dogs due to their social nature.
Unfortunately, they are also one of the dogs with the shortest lifespans.
16. Pharaoh Hounds
Pharaoh Hounds might not be the first dogs that fall to our mind when we think of dogs that look like Doberman, but many people seem to confuse the two.
This is likely due to their body and facial shape, which are rather similar. Both are tall, thin and muscular, with long muzzles and upright ears – although Pharaoh Hounds have naturally pointed ears that don’t need cropping.
These pups have long, sleek coats that typically come in tan color. Their fur color, in fact, is the main trait that differentiates the two – although one might say they look a lot like fawn Dobermans.
This is yet another breed that makes an excellent guard dog. These Hounds are alert and distrusting of strangers, so socialization is very important. Still, they can get along really well with other dogs, even children.
17. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are mostly confused with German Shepherds, but we can’t deny some similarities with Doberman Pinscher’s exist.
First and foremost, these two breeds have rather similar temperaments and were designed with similar purposes: To be loyal police dogs and guard dogs.
Also, they are similar in build, as they are strong but fairly slim dogs with long faces and straight ears – although Malinois’ ears are naturally erect.
The biggest difference between the two is their color, as Belgian Malinois tend to have the opposite color distribution on their bodies. These are tan dogs with black markings on their face, chest, stomach, and paws.
While most people keep Malinois as the only dog in their household, this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, Malinois can be best friends with other well-trained dogs, and this includes Dobermans!
Final Words
While many dog breeds share similarities in appearance to Dobermans, each possesses its own unique characteristics and qualities.
From the sleek elegance of the Rottweiler to the playful energy of the Manchester Terrier, these dogs offer a diverse range of traits that make them beloved companions in their own right.
Remember, while there are several dogs that look like Dobermans, this doesn’t mean they have the same temperament or can be just as amazing guard dogs. Dobe is a unique pup, and there is a reason why it is so popular.
If you already own a Dobe and want to get one of its look-a-likes, keep this in mind: Not all dogs from this list have the specific needs of a Doberman. Each dog is individual, with its own temperament and character.
As such, it’s important to respect the differences between all dog breeds while enjoying their similarities with our favorite Dobes.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.