Thinking of buying a doberman.

hi all im 18 years old, ive wanted dog scince i was little and my mum and dad finally agreed to let me have one i have always liked doberman and i really want one but i have been told various reasons why not to buy one, like not to get one as a first dog and there too vicious, but i do realise they are misunderstood i just wanted to know if there is any real problems with getting a doberman as a first dog oh and i have a cat but he is not fussed about anything in life. thanks

Cotopaxi
Holly Crow

• Last online: 9 Oct 2007
• Young Pup
• Posts: 6
• Registered: 15 January 2007
• From: Barrow Upon Humber, UK

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Hi Nick,

When choosing a dog it is a good idea to listen to what other doggie people have to say, not just the breeders but other owners. It is a good idea to remember that some breeders are merely running a business and it is better to look for breeders who deal with just one or maybe two types of dogs. So they have more experience of the breed.
I think Dobermanns are stunning dogs and I thought about getting one a couple of years ago. However they are VERY territorial and definately one-person dogs. They are immensely strong and though highly trainable -you have to have the time and courage to put the training in.
I guess you have to look at what you really want out of a dog. Owning a Dobermann might mean people will cross the street to avoid you (especially other dog owners) But if you make a mistake and your dog gets out of hand you could end up having to have it put down.
In the end I decided against getting a Dobermann and opted for a Siberian Husky instead. (A lot less trainable and a complete pain in the ass! But a wonderful and at times very affectionate dog!) But even as my Husky has grown up there are times things have come to a head and he has challenged me (especially over food) and will attacked if you try and remove food from him. If this should happen with a dog the size and strength of a dobermann you are possibly in really trouble. Dogs do bite and I have at one time or another been bitten by every dog I have ever had. I am sure people will tell you I am doing something wrong, but dogs are pack animals and it is in their nature to try at times to asertr themselves within the pack. The key is to make sure are these times you always come out on dog (without injuring yourself or the dog.) The question which made me decide against getting a dobermann was 'can you really say you will come out on top with a dobermann?'
Anyway this is just my views, I hope you find the right dogs for you and it is worth checking out your local rescues before considering buying a puppy. There are many dogs there which need a home. My first dog was a rescue dog and he turned out to be the most wonderful dog in the world!!!

thankyou for your advice it was extreamly helpful i have not quite made up my mind but i will tell you soon.

Did you want a doberman because it's a 'man's dog' IYKWIM? I didn't want to get a dog that was too girly-looking, but I didn't want the hassle of a big dog either. I've got a knee-high terrier sort of mixture - looks scruffy and cool but I could have im in a fight LOL! Perhaps you need to look further afield - think about the characteristics that are important to you, then search for a breed based on that. E.g. doesn't need lots of walks or is willing to jog with me 5 miles a day.
Eric

hi, hi read the reply you got from this and do not entirely agree. I have owned large dogs since being a child. I now own 2 dobermans male and female and share them with my husband and 2 children.
They are fantastic dogs and each has a most hilarious character. They do not 'pack' and one does not follow or lead the other. They do not fight except for playing and as far as they are concerned we are in charge.
They are the most soppy doppy stupid dogs i have ever known however i have had numerous problems with people when im out walking.

Ive had people run away, parents have balled me out with abuse, seemingly terrifed that my dogs will savage their children.

Then you get the little old ladies in their 90's out walking their little 'toto' that will stop for a chat!

Frankly we are breeding a country full of hysterical individuals frightened of their own shadows. Out of the hundreds of thousands of dogs owned in the UK its still very rare for domestic dogs to attack unless provoked, thats fact.

Ive never met an irresponsible doberman owner, for one thing they are still incredibly expensive, usually double the price of other breeds. Its a breed I cannot fault.

Wow - I couldnt agree more...whoever thinks Dobbies are aggressive in any way at all have been completley mis-led, also they are not 1 man dogs at all that is also not true.

I got a Doberman for my first dog and I would recommend the breed to anyone - with or without a family. He is the best companion I could ever wish for. He is loving affectionate and everything you would want your dog to be, he is my best friend.

I too have people crossing over the road or putting their dogs on leads when they see mine - I think its pathetic and any dog owner should know there dog breeds and read up on Dobermans as they are a fantastic breed.

The only time I would say dont get a Dobe is if you are going to leave it for long periods of time as they fret and want to be with you as much as they can. Also they do need lots of excersise and lots of loves and kisses!

They are an excellent breed and anyone who ownes one should be proud and stick up for the breed.

steve52
steve windsor

• Last online: 3 Aug 2007
• Young Pup
• Posts: 2
• Registered: 3 August 2007
• From: Kinfauns

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I have currently two Dobermans, a dog...Kito and a bitch Roxi. Anyone who says Dobermans are aggressive simply does not know what they are talking about. They are the best family pet one can have. Like all dogs they need to have their place in the family and constantly reminded that they are a dog not a person. People make the same mistakes with all kinds of dogs and its the poor dog that suffers........the rescue centers are full of dogs that are there simply because the owner had not a clue how to train their pet.

If you have not had a dog previously then read up on all kinds of dogs before making a final choice. A Doberman takes a lot of work and effort especially for the first 18 months of life. Like all dogs they will try and dominate and must be put in their place.

Dobi's love kids, they love the family and are certainly NOT a one man dog.

Any dog who is not trained correclty will get out of hand....you get out of your pet only what you are prepaired to put in as with all things in life. A Dobi is a big dog and as such need plenty of exercise, needs space to run around in as they get bored quite easily. They are a very intelligent breed and learn quickly.

As with any dog you intend to buy do your research, find a reputible breeder not just any breeder who has dogs for sale.

Do not listen to myths and you will find that there are more people bitten by small dogs than by large ones.

Please do not get a large dog unless you have the space, time( lots of time)and are prepaired to work and train your dog correctly. Its not fair on the dog other wise.

Good luck.

absolutly agree, at first when we were deciding to get a dobie i was hesitant, but after seeing her well everything changed, she is now 19 mths and completly stupid. she is so dosile its unreal and extremly effectionate.
i have two children aged three and under and they treat her like a dorr mat and she dont batter an eyelid, i do admit though she will bark at strangers but at the same time her stump(tail) is wagging ten to the dozen,
people who judge what they are rather than who they are really get my goat up and it is all in the bringing up and training by the handler/owner. every dobie i have met all have the same temperment, soft and stupid, they are only aggressive if trained to be or being brought up incorrectly.

elle08
Sara Carey

• Last online: 8 Jan 2008
• Young Pup
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• Registered: 8 January 2008
• From: UK

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hi i have a male and a female and i also have 3 children they are fantastic dogs,not only for you but the family,A doberman was my first dog and he was put down 3 years ago and we still miss him to this day.as for your cat we have a parrot and ducks and they are all fine together.I think dobermans are really misread sometimes.hope this helps you see that they are great dogs and helps you come to decide.