Doberman's

Grim/Don

Grim/Don

Joined
Feb 1, 2003
Messages
1,221
We lost our family dog last month (after 8-9 years) and I'm slowly coming around to the idea of replacing her. I'd always liked the looks of Doberman's but don't know too much about them. My daughter's boyfriend brought their mini-dobie over and he seemed quite nice (but small) Even sat on my lap for a bit. Only thing is, I don't want a mini. So... Are they good with kids? I've got an 8 yr old son, and he can be a bit rough when he plays (he's not bad, more along the lines of holding the cat's and not letting them go when they don't want to be bothered by him).

Speaking of cats... We've got a couple, along with a rabbit and a guinea pig. Also, my wife has a dog that is scared to death of me. My daughter brought it home, and it had been beat by a man in the past, so it acts like I'm an ax-murderer (if I move to stand up, it runs out of the room... Tried getting to know it, but that didn't work, so I just ignore it) So... are dobie's good with other animals?

The mini-dobie was quiet! It didn't yap or bark or even make any noise that I can recall. Which is a HUGE plus to me. My mother-in-law had a chichiaua (sp) that yipped ALL THE TIME! :grumpy: So, I'd like a quieter dog, but one that will speak up if something may be wrong (stranger in the yard, that sort of thing)

I'd like to get one as a pup and raise it myself, so I'm betting it will be fine, but I curious about an breed-specific traits. My brother has 2 Husky's and I already know I don't have the time to devote to that type of dog (he and his wife don't have/want kids, so they spoil their dogs).
 
My sister-in-law has had dobermans for many years, usually 2 or 3 at a time. They are very sweet dogs, despite the ferocious reputation. Intelligent, and very alert. They seem, like German Shepherds, to stake out a "space" and warn immediately of any intrusions.

There has been some history of health problems, but not more so than other breeds. The AKC site has excellent information on breed types.
 
I have two friends who each own big Dobermans and they socialize them with kids and new people all the time without trouble. I can't see that they are any more aggressive than Golden Retrievers.

But, these dogs were raised right - with boundaries, limitations and discipline.

Like any other dog the more time you spend with it, the better dog it will be. It sounds like you'll take good care of it, so you should go for it.
 
My brother has had Dobermans for years, One was even a professionaly trained guard dog that was given to him by a friend who had the dog trained to protect his business, when he sold the company he gave the dog to my brother. They are very intelligent, loyal and with proper training will respond excellently to commands. Their current dog is a giant puppy. When the dog want's attention, he walks over to where you are sitting and rests his giant head in your lap. I would be resistant about Dobermans around small pets like cats. The play rough, and can be easily excitable. Because of their size they don't realise how strong they are. My brothers current dog is on the larger end of the size for the breed. Probably 100+ lbs It sometimes can be like having a horse living in your home. And if the dog get's on the couch with you for a nap, you're going to get squeezed out.
 
And if the dog get's on the couch with you for a nap, you're going to get squeezed out.
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Tell me about it. My chocolate lab, Sammy, weighs just about 100 pounds and likes to launch himself into my recliner. Hi Dad!
 
I have a red male.. smart as hell and stubborn as I am.
It's my third in about 20 years.
Buy a female if you decide on a Dobie.

My best dog is a Joshua bred American Bulldog.
Compact ( 90 lb by 23 inches), calm, loving, and can eat the other dogs, including my 175 # German Dane, for lunch.

She's the sweetest, strongest, baddest, dog this ole boy has ever owned.
She ADORES children, my parrots, and old folk and HATES loudmouth idiots that talk with their hands.
She wont " catch'em" until I tell her to. :cool:
 
Probably overwhelming any general traits is the specific traits based on bloodlines. Which means, IMO, you have to do along of checking into breeders and what kinds of performance titles, personalities, etc.

We go to alot of different dog classes, and I often see "taylor cutlery" dogs people payed "sebenza" prices for.
 
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