Is the Doberman, the right breed for you?
*Fearless, and devoted to its owner and family members, this is a versatile dog capable of excelling at many tasks*
The Doberman is an highly intelligent, active and energetic breed that needs mental stimulation from it’s owner. This breed is best for an experienced owner who is not afraid to maintain their role as the "alpha dog." This is an energetic breed and life in an apartment is not the best setting for a Dobe. A fenced yard, and quality exercise is a much better fit for them.
Breed Characteristics, Temperament and Training
The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient. They are ready to give prompt alarm (and back up that warning) but are also affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise, but needs only minimal grooming for his short coat. If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or desire to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility, obedience, tracking, schutzhund, or a similar canine activity, the Doberman Pinscher is not for you.
The Doberman is a very intelligent breed, and it is best to start their training at a very young age. They have a dominant personality and must be taught early on that you are the "alpha dog". In addition, due to their size and strength, it is imperative that their owners be able to handle them. They are assertive but not aggressive unless they are trained to be such. However, if they sense that you fear them or that you cannot show dominance over them, they will become the alpha.
It is very important that every member of the family be taught to handle the dog with confidence, or the dog will become dominant. Training should be through positive reinforcement and should include the entire family. If you spend time with your Doberman and take the time to train him properly, you'll find no better family dog. They will want to be with the family constantly and will require regular interaction.
This is not a dog that can be isolated, living alone in the back yard!!!
Despite the Doberman Pinscher's poor public image for being a fierce and vicious dog (due to being used as guard dogs and police dogs), most Dobermans are great with young children and other pets. They really are devoted family dogs. By nature a Doberman will be protective, but will not attack unless they feel that their family or property are truly in danger.
They are energetic, and will be happiest if you give them regular opportunity to run off this energy. They should be thoroughly socialized at an early age so that he is comfortable around strangers. They are highly trainable, and they will do anything to please their owners.
If your Doberman is properly trained to be a family dog you have absolutely nothing to fear from having this breed become part of your family. You'll find no more loyal dog breed and they are an effective watch dog, should you need one. They are great with children and with other pets in the home, but they should be introduced to them at an early age. They are extremely intelligent, and they're quick learners who are eager to please their owners.
The feelings between a Doberman and its owner are reciprocal, the love and devotion that one has for the other is of mutual giving and receiving. That is one of the amazing benefits of ownership of this breed of dog