Many people do not know that the Dobie is not an outdoor pet even though he was originally developed to protect people and their property. He needs to stay inside the home as he longs for human companionship.
He develops a strong bond with his family, thus, making him clingy. Being left for long periods will make him noisy and destructive.
Early socialisation and training are important to be able to set ground rules and boundaries for Doberman puppies. When they are treated with kindness and love, they will grow up to be trustworthy family pets.
The Doberman dog breed is not suitable for people with hectic schedules since he has high exercise needs. Whilst he can do well with other pets that he grew up with, extra caution is needed as his strong prey drive might get the best of it.
The Doberman breed is known for same-sex aggression towards other dogs. However, he can get along fine with his fellow canines provided that both pets are properly socialised and introduced. Spaying or neutering can also help in preventing dog aggression and dogfights.
Is a Doberman Pinscher a good family dog?
A Doberman is an intelligent, affectionate, and loyal family pet. That being said, he needs an experienced owner that knows how to handle dogs with strong guarding instincts. Whilst the breed is calm and friendly to his owners, he has to be treated with respect but made to understand his place in the pack.
Are Dobermans cuddly?
Dobermans may not look like it, but they are fond of cuddles and any affection they can get from their family. They are dubbed as Velcro dogs as they always want to stay close to their humans.
Dobermans are not shy in expressing their love for their owners. The dogs show their love by sitting on their human companions' lap or sleep with them on the bed.
How dangerous is a Doberman Pinscher?
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, the Doberman dog breed was involved in 9 life-threatening dog bites from 1979 to 1988. Thus, he ranked 6th in CDC's most dangerous dog breed list.
With that said, the Doberman breed is not inherently aggressive and will only attack if provoked.
Are Dobermans aggressive?
Dobermans are not naturally aggressive. They are often misjudged as aggressive and vicious dogs because of some irresponsible dog owners and partly due to their intimidating appearance. This dog breed is naturally protective of his family and is wary of strangers.
However, the Doberman is usually warm to guests, especially when introduced by the owner and treated with kindness. He should never be aggressive for no reason. He doesn't usually look for trouble, but he definitely will not back down in times of danger.
Are Dobermans hard to train?
Yes, Doberman Pinschers can be hard to train for first-time dog owners as they are willful dogs. He needs guidance from a firm and consistent owner to become a well-rounded dog.
The Doberman dog breed is smart and has a strong desire to please his owners, making him highly trainable. He generally excels in various canine activities, which is why the military and police often use him.
Do Dobermans bark a lot?
No. In general, Dobermans rarely bark. If they do, it could mean that they sense an intruder and wanted to warn their owners.
Another reason for their yipping is to seek their families' attention. Mind that despite their tough appearance, these dogs have a great need for affection and they cannot stand being left out of family activities.
Do Dobermans attach to one person?
Yes. Although the breed is very people-oriented, some Dobies tend to bond strongly to one person than the rest of the family. However, they are still deeply protective of the people who they consider a part of the pack.
Note that other Dobies may form a strong attachment to other pets in the household than their humans.
Do Dobermans turn on their owners?
No. Dobermans turning on their owners is another prevalent misconception about the breed. These dogs are very protective of their human companions. Showing aggression towards their owner is not normal behaviour in the breed.
A Dobie who turns on his owner could result from poor breeding, socialisation, or training. It could also mean that he might have suffered abuse at the hands of his owners and is only trying to protect himself.
Are Dobermans good with kids?
With the right family, this breed can get along with children provided that they grew up together. Supervision is highly important when they are interacting.
Doberman puppies tend to be very rambunctious and may accidentally knock over small children. Teaching children how to handle their canine companion with gentleness and respect is crucial as well.