They are devilish puppies but can be controlled through training and exercise.
The person who answered that their friend's Doberman chews up their stuff - that happens when the Doberman isn't stimulated enough (happens with a lot of dogs). Dobermans are very intelligent and have high energy - thus, they need to exercised and worked with quite a bit so they don't get bored and get destructive.
Some people say Dobermans are aggressive - I wouldn't say Dobes are "aggressive". I would say that they are very playful and think they are 15 pound dogs when they are usually 70+ pounds - so they sometimes want to play a little rough and don't realize the sheer size of themselves. Accidents may happen when a child is playing with a dog that big, but I wouldn't say that the Dobe goes out to purposely hurt them.
On the flip side of that though - some dogs are born with crappy temperaments. You have to really find a good reputable breeder (go through the American Kennel Club if you're in the US) and you need to be able to meet the parents and decide if you like their temperament as well.
They should also provide you with a genetic health test certificate for things like:
Eye exams (CERF)
Thyroid (OFA)
Heart (OFA)
Hips and elbows (OFA or PENN-HIP) - Hips and elbows are done once, after the age of two years. A panel of three vets reads the x-rays and grades them.
This will help you ensure you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder.
Are Dobes aggressive with other animals? Not by nature in their breed - but again, it could be a temperament issue with a specific dog you buy (and this goes for any breed).
I have a Dobe and I also have a cat. He LOVES the cat, the cat hates him lol.
To ensure that your Dobe isn't nervous around other people/animals - the best suggestion I have for this breed is TONS OF SOCIALIZATION starting from a young age. It makes all the difference with them. My guy is awesome with other dogs, he knows how to play properly but also knows when he needs to defend himself.
Are Dobes naturally protective? I would have to say 90% of the time no. Are they loyal to their family, absolutely! They are a snobby breed in my opinion and only look to please their owners and really pay no attention to strangers.
Awesome dogs in the right hands. They are way too popular nowadays but there are a few breeders that maintain the breeds true temperament. Becoming very unhealthy as well. Their personality, male or female is unbeatable and just the best dogs. I have a female amstaff and a male dobie and they play real rough because they can handle it. My neighbors' papillon comes over every week and my male just ever so lightly paws him and plays with him so gently. They are really intuitive dogs and know their power and strength unlike the amstaff.
Great dogs. My uncle has always had 2-3 Dobies at a time and a good friend of mine has one now too. Based on those and others I've known, they are protective by nature as most people know and quite energetic like a Boxer. However, a couple of my uncle's Dobies, including my friend's were sucks... timid, shy, nervous of other dogs and as a result of lack of confidence barked a lot. From what I know of Dobies, with proper training and exercise you can't go wrong.
my best friend has a doberman, and he chews things up a lot. and he wakes me up every morning at 7AM and it drives me CRAZY, but other than that he's really cute and a sweet heart
Answers & Comments
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I own a Doberman.
They are devilish puppies but can be controlled through training and exercise.
The person who answered that their friend's Doberman chews up their stuff - that happens when the Doberman isn't stimulated enough (happens with a lot of dogs). Dobermans are very intelligent and have high energy - thus, they need to exercised and worked with quite a bit so they don't get bored and get destructive.
Some people say Dobermans are aggressive - I wouldn't say Dobes are "aggressive". I would say that they are very playful and think they are 15 pound dogs when they are usually 70+ pounds - so they sometimes want to play a little rough and don't realize the sheer size of themselves. Accidents may happen when a child is playing with a dog that big, but I wouldn't say that the Dobe goes out to purposely hurt them.
On the flip side of that though - some dogs are born with crappy temperaments. You have to really find a good reputable breeder (go through the American Kennel Club if you're in the US) and you need to be able to meet the parents and decide if you like their temperament as well.
They should also provide you with a genetic health test certificate for things like:
Eye exams (CERF)
Thyroid (OFA)
Heart (OFA)
Hips and elbows (OFA or PENN-HIP) - Hips and elbows are done once, after the age of two years. A panel of three vets reads the x-rays and grades them.
This will help you ensure you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder.
Are Dobes aggressive with other animals? Not by nature in their breed - but again, it could be a temperament issue with a specific dog you buy (and this goes for any breed).
I have a Dobe and I also have a cat. He LOVES the cat, the cat hates him lol.
To ensure that your Dobe isn't nervous around other people/animals - the best suggestion I have for this breed is TONS OF SOCIALIZATION starting from a young age. It makes all the difference with them. My guy is awesome with other dogs, he knows how to play properly but also knows when he needs to defend himself.
Are Dobes naturally protective? I would have to say 90% of the time no. Are they loyal to their family, absolutely! They are a snobby breed in my opinion and only look to please their owners and really pay no attention to strangers.
http://www.dpca.org/PublicEd/PEC/PECLIVING.html
Awesome dogs in the right hands. They are way too popular nowadays but there are a few breeders that maintain the breeds true temperament. Becoming very unhealthy as well. Their personality, male or female is unbeatable and just the best dogs. I have a female amstaff and a male dobie and they play real rough because they can handle it. My neighbors' papillon comes over every week and my male just ever so lightly paws him and plays with him so gently. They are really intuitive dogs and know their power and strength unlike the amstaff.
Great dogs. My uncle has always had 2-3 Dobies at a time and a good friend of mine has one now too. Based on those and others I've known, they are protective by nature as most people know and quite energetic like a Boxer. However, a couple of my uncle's Dobies, including my friend's were sucks... timid, shy, nervous of other dogs and as a result of lack of confidence barked a lot. From what I know of Dobies, with proper training and exercise you can't go wrong.
i always see a few at the dog park. Cant really complain.. They seem extremely playful and are friendly to us. Although they were socialized young.
my best friend has a doberman, and he chews things up a lot. and he wakes me up every morning at 7AM and it drives me CRAZY, but other than that he's really cute and a sweet heart