Differences and Similarities between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle.

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2022

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Miniature Poodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Doberman Pinscher and for the Miniature Poodle. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Doberman Pinscher or the Miniature Poodle.

Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Miniature Poodle is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Doberman Pinscher belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Miniature Poodle belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher to the Miniature Poodle based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle

FactorDoberman PinscherMiniature Poodle
Tolerates Cold Weather1/53/5
Dog Friendly1/54/5
General Health1/52/5
Low Prey Drive5/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/54/5
Life Span10 to 13 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/51/5
Does NOT chew on things4/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Height24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulderFrom 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/55/5
Good For Novice Owners3/55/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/55/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/51/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight60 to 80 pounds12 to 20 pounds
Average Lifespan11.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1910$2500
Price Range$1100 – $2500$1500 – $3000
Temperament Score79.5 percent76.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Doberman Pinscher in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Miniature Poodle. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Miniature Poodle is 88 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Miniature Poodle, we still believe that the Doberman Pinscher is a better pet than the Miniature Poodle.

    This is because Doberman Pinschers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Doberman Pinscher will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Doberman Pinscher :-). We are for the Doberman Pinscher. So get a Doberman Pinscher!

    Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Miniature Poodles get along well with other dogs.
  • Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Miniature Poodles do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom. However, Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle

    The Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are most similar:

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle.

    The Doberman Pinscher weighs 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. The Doberman Pinscher is 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Miniature Poodle weighs 12 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Poodle is From 10 to over 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Doberman Pinscher versus Size of Miniature Poodle

    Appearance (Colors) of the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle

    Doberman Pinscher Colors

    The Doberman Pinscher comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Bicolor
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)

    The Doberman Pinscher comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    Miniature Poodle Colors

    The Miniature Poodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Bicolor
    • Brown / Chocolate

    The Miniature Poodle comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    Lifespan of Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    The lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Poodle is 13.5 years.

    The Miniature Poodle live longer than the Doberman Pinscher.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    Temperament of the Miniature Poodle Versus the Doberman Pinscher

    The Doberman Pinscher has a better temperament than the Miniature Poodle.

    This is because the temperament score for the Doberman Pinscher is 79.5 percent while the temperament score for the Miniature Poodle is 76.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 79.5 percent, the Doberman Pinscher has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 76.7 percent, the Miniature Poodle has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle by measuring the temperaments of 1780 Doberman Pinschers and 73 Miniature Poodles.

    Price of Doberman Pinscher versus Price of Miniature Poodle

    The average price of the Doberman Pinscher puppy is $1910. The price of the Doberman Pinscher typically ranges from $1100 – $2500. However, the price of a Doberman Pinscher can be as low as $300 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 476 Doberman Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Miniature Poodle puppy is $2500. The price of the Miniature Poodle typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of the Miniature Poodle can be as low as $350 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1190 Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Poodle is more expensive than the Doberman Pinscher.

    Doberman Pinscher Miniature Poodle
    Average Price $1910 $2500
    Price Range $1100 to $2500 $1500 to $3000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Doberman Pinscher and Miniature Poodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Doberman Pinscher puppies or how many Miniature Poodle puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Doberman Pinschers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Poodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Poodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Doberman Pinscher puppy or the Miniature Poodle puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    Adopting the Doberman Pinscher versus Adopting the Miniature Poodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Doberman Pinschers and many Miniature Poodles are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Doberman Pinscher named Oliver that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Doberman Pinschers like Oliver on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Poodles are also available for adoption. For example, Noel And Chuy is a Male Miniature Poodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Miniature Poodles like Noel And Chuy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Justice is the name of another Doberman Pinscher (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Bruno is an adorable Male Miniature Poodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Doberman Pinschers and Miniature Poodles are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Doberman Pinschers and Miniature Poodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Miniature Poodles do not like to be left alone.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Miniature Poodles?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Miniature Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Miniature Poodles require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Miniature Poodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Miniature Poodles?

    Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Miniature Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Miniature Poodles are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Miniature Poodle

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Miniature Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Miniature Poodles?

    Doberman Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Miniature Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Miniature Poodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Miniature Poodles?

    Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Miniature Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Miniature Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Miniature Poodle

    Doberman Pinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Miniature Poodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Miniature Poodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Miniature Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Doberman Pinscher or the Miniature Poodle?

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Miniature Poodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Doberman Pinscher compares to other breeds aside from the Miniature Poodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Doberman Pinscher to other breeds:

    Doberman Pinscher versus Shiloh Shepherd     Doberman Pinscher versus Saluki     Doberman Pinscher versus English Springer Spaniel     Doberman Pinscher versus Mastiff     Doberman Pinscher versus Italian Greyhound     Doberman Pinscher versus Chow Chow     Doberman Pinscher versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Doberman Pinscher versus Brittany     Doberman Pinscher versus Redbone Coonhound     Doberman Pinscher versus Kuvasz     Doberman Pinscher versus Komondor     Doberman Pinscher versus Doberman Pinscher     Doberman Pinscher versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Doberman Pinscher versus Affenhuahua     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher versus Miniature Poodle. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Doberman Pinscher and the Miniature Poodle better suits you and your family.