[DEUCE-DOBE]

I decided to start a thread on the Doberman Pinscher, "The Ultimate Guardian". I noticed there are a few other fans of the breed on GT, and wanted to start an info. forum to construct a basis for current or potential owners.

What I'll write is from memory of things read and specifics I've lived with and heard.

BREED STANDARD
Doberman Pinschers (DobEs) are between 24-28 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 65-90 lbs, depending on gender both stats can go up. There are black, red, fawn and blue Dobes. The Dobe is NOT related what-so-ever to the Miniature Pinscher (MinPin).

MYTHS
Dobes do not turn on and attack their owners (unprovoked) (see ownership).
Dobes do not get enlarged brains.
Dobes are not blindly viscous.
Dobes are not 'devil' dogs.

HISTORY/DESCRITION
Doberman Pinscher, translated, means "Doberman's Biters". Dobes are the ONLY breed of dog created for the SOLE PURPOSE of protecting their families and to do so to the death of the dog or aggressor, if need be. Mals, GSDs, Rotts, etc. can do police/guard work VERY well, but the Dobe is the ONLY breed bred for this specific purpose... why it was created. Louis Dobermann wanted to create a dog of his own, a dog that was the ultimate guardian.

One writer once claimed that the Dobe 'had no fear... not of the devil himself'. Dobermann (two-'n', the person) was a tax collector and night watchman (cop) in 1800s Germany. He also worked in a dog kennel, thus giving him access to a plethora of dog breeds. His jobs led him through some rough countryside and cities. He created the Doberman so that he would have a guardian "capable of handling any situation that may arise".

He felt the need to create what came to be known as the Doberman Pinscher, despite the presence of the many other classic German working dogs. Some superstitious persons of the day had said of the Doberman that they were bred to fight satan and his minions! That's how strongly the Doberman was regarded.

It is believed that the Dobe was created with the musculature of the Rott, the brains of GSD predecessors, the bone structure of the mastiffs of the day (to include Rotts), the speed and sleekness of the greyhound and the tenaciousness of the terriers. Louis Dobermann not only sought out the toughest dogs to be bred, but also the ones he deemed to be the brightest and with the most stable temperment. And what came of this was a breed of dog that could chase-down a horse-riding bandit at distance and remove him from the saddle, face down a grown man on foot and win, while at the same time, walk effortlessly and without fuss through a crowd of strangers.

The Dobe is always alert and ready to defend. A watchman of the property and a babysitter for the family children.

To look at the Doberman is to realize the dream of a cop and concerned citizen. The body of the Doberman itself leaves little for a criminal to hold onto. The cropped ears/docked tail are much harder to grab by an intruder, as is the rest of a Doberman (lean, short hair, very muscular - not fat, lightening fast reflexes, strong head/neck/jaws). The presence of the Dobe alone will suffice to deter most intruders. Rest assurred, a well bred Doberman will stand its ground, actually challenging an intruder to go through him/her. It is widely believed that the Doberman is, pound for pound, one of the 3 strongest dog breeds.

I've heard of one story from a credible source that their Dobe, while still alerting them to potential danger, played their' agitation down, almost as if to appear weak and timid... as if drawing the criminal in. The criminal thought he had the upper hand on the 'timid' female Dobe (who was 68 lbs.) and decided to still hop the fence. What was left, was a Dobe with a bloody piece of denim in her mouth and a large blood smear on the fence.

The UDC and ADPC have worked long and hard to refine the Dobe and remove the stereotype of the breed as being the sharpest thing on 4 feet. The breed has had much of its original sharpness bred-down. They are NOT the out-of-control maniacs they were once thought of as being... yet they maintain their protectiveness.

OWNERSHIP
The Doberman is considered 'the dog with a human brain'. While a few other breeds are generally considered to be very smart dogs, Dobes are consistently ranked in the top 5... the accuracy of this testing remains questionable.

One thing you WILL learn about the Doberman is that their mannerisms and moods closely reflect that of people. It's uncanny... and scary if you think about it.

The Doberman is an INSIDE dog that MUST be around its family. If it is separated (left outside while the family is home) it will grow frustrated and destructive. It desires and lives-for its genetic programming to protect... it can not do so, in its' mind, if not by your side. A Dobe left untrained, unsocialized and/or kept as an outside dog CAN be a time bomb waiting to explode on an unsuspecting stranger (this is true of all dogs, especially the more powerful working breeds).

Dobes NEED an alpha human leader, and without one, a Dobe will happily take command of the household and your daily life. While some Dobes are not dominant, the majority are. They will exert this dominance on anyone or anything if left unchecked.

You should NEVER hit a Doberman Pinscher. For one thing, they don't feel pain quite like we or most other dogs may. Secondly, exerting violence in the dog world is seen as a last resort and as a sign of a weak leader (non-alpha) who can not control the pack with other means. This will lead to the Dobe believing that you are an incapable leader. Bad news… a psychological coup could be in the works! Train your Dobe using positive reinforcement only. A tug on a leash or a nudge to correct misbehavior is fine. But no outright hitting!

One story of a very friendly, well-bred Dobe… he was sent to a household where he was to act as a companion and eventually an epileptic seizure alert dog. The husband was affected with the seizures and an undisclosed case of schizophrenia. The husband would throw fits of rage and abuse the young male Dobe. After about a year and a half of the abuse, the Dobe decided that it had enough and cornered the husband in the yard… for 6+ hours until the wife got home from work. The Dobe had finally decided the abuse had to end, as did the husband's 'alpha' role… no bites were given, just a pointed show of who needed to be in charge and who could resist the temptation to physically attack... the DOG showed restrain! That very dog was returned to the breeder (for the husband's sake) and served for the next 10 years as a frequent goodwill ambassador to a children's hospital… in addition to being one of the most successful flyball Dobes ever! Dog or man's problem in this story? You deicde!

I call my Dobe a number of nicknames… one of which is Landshark. They are constantly on the go and wanting to play and chew (especially the young ones). Some will be couch potatos, others, not likely. They are literally big, protective babies. My wife and I are living with a 4 year old child in a 90 lb. Dobe body. They mature slowly and want attention. They will throw their lives down for you in a split-second, and all the Dobe wants is your affection in return.

Hide all valuables that they can get their mouths on when they're 2 years or under… depending on specific dog. I also have called our boy, Buzzsaw. At just under 6 months of age, he dragged our couch across the living room, tearing part of the arm off. They are so strong, and so mischievous from early on.

Like any dog, Dobes need to be watched and taken care of. Its just their strength and stubbornness to accomplish a task that makes them different… plus their teeth are like serrated streak knives.

What you'll get in return for your watchfulness and sound training, socialization, nutrition and general care and love, is a dog unlike anyother. Love, Loyalty and Friendship at their epitome. To own a Dobe is to never own another breed of dog.

BREEDERS
--see next post--

 

[cutler686]

^6 ;D ^c

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

A breeder of a working breed dog is of the utmost importance. Dog breeds that have been mass-bred, for whatever reason, tend to have some major health issues.

I suggest looking for a breeder that does/offers at least the following:

1. Crop/dock before going home with you.
2. Genetic health testing (documented results)
3. Hip and heart tests on parents (documented), temperment testing on parents.
4. Puppy socialization to other animals, household noises and obstacles.
5. After care for the pup (shots, ear care, training, etc.).
6. A goal for their kennel (why they breed, what they try to achieve, etc.).
7. A number of years breeding the particular breed.
8. Any titles the parents hold (schutzhund-schI,schII, schIII), Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Working Aptitude Evaluations (WAE), Show Champion, Agility or dog sport titles/participation... the list goes on.
9. Does the breeder require certain things from you before the pup goes home (fenced yard, training knowledge, etc.).
10. A written contract to include the breeder's willingness to take the dog back, plus much, much more.

A SOLID Doberman will cost at least $1500. Yes, at least that. Even NON-show Dobes. The ones for $500, etc. are not health tested, etc., and don't believe the lies if they say otherwise. Many of the $500 type Dobes will develop significant health issues as adults (cancer, heart failure, hip dysplasia, and a whole host of other Dobe related illnesses). Go to the UDC or ADPC websites for a breeder referral. NOT the newspapers or classified web ads. Most solid breeders do not even advertise except their being listed on the UDC or ADPC sites... their reputation for pure quality speaks for itself (word of mouth).

The last thing you want is a sick dog... let alone a tempermentally dysfunctional Doberman Pinscher who may think the paperboy is a thug home invader. If you don't spend the extra $$$ at first, you sure as heck will down the road if you go with a 'cheaper' pup.

The UDC and ADPC have worked long and hard to refine the Dobe and remove the sterotype of the breed as being the sharpest thing on 4 feet. Do yourself and the public a favor by going to an excellent breeder. If you can't, I'd suggest a less dominant type dog. IMHO. There are always exceptions and you may find a great Dobe elsewhere, but its better to be safe than sorry. A soild rescue program will help guarantee a good Dobe.

Read, read and read some more on the breed, training, socialization and care!!!

GENDER DIFFERENCES
Female Dobes are typically more protective of the house than are males. This can vary. Male Dobes are a lot like male African Lions… and not unlike people, especially us married folk. The females will appear to run the day-to-day lives of the Dobe world. The males will appear to be figureheads… until they are 'called upon'. Not much bother's them and they'll react forcefully to serious threats (to the detriment of the agitator). Given that a female and a male Dobe are in the same house, its likely that the female will be excited about a sound outside and check it out real fast, the male will sit-up, take notice, and walk over to check it out. He's conserving his energy for 'the big fight' when his undeniably larger, more powerful body, crocodile-like head and massive bite may be needed to stop someone or something that can get through the female's already very capable defense.

Our boy (an only dog at this time) plays the full-time protector role. He doesn't bark when other dogs in the neighborhood start yapping, but at the same time, he's VERY alert and responsive to any noises. There have been numerous times when we'll wake up in the middle of the night to our 90 lb Dobe standing on the bed over us, peering out the window, watching and listening. When the doorbell rings, if he heard it and you didn't, he'll let you know by barking and 'punching' the door with both front paws… hard!

He'll hear a noise outside and leisurely stroll to check… sometimes he just walks back in… other times, if he feels it COULD be a threat, all hell breaks loose and you're reminded why the Doberman Pinscher is the premier guard dog. Only the insane would even consider intruding.

During severe weather, earthquakes, etc. our boy will often lay on top of us, scanning the room and our surroundings, as if shielding us from the noise and vibrations that nature tosses our way.

Side note: Males seem to mature more slowly than females (again, quite like people).

While the Dobe is a guard dog, they do not necessarily bark a great deal, from my experience. They're listeners and observers… they wait, watch and learn about whatever the noise, etc. is before they react. That waiting may only be a second before they determine the severity, but they don't 'fly off the handle' at the slightest disturbance. This is a sign of good temperment.

MISCELLANEOUS
The Doberman Pinscher:
A. Is absolutely fearless
B. Is absolutely infatuated and in love with its family and will do anything for you
C. Will love to meet strangers, although they will seem aloof, and rather disinterested at some point
D. Will love the dog park and other less-dominant dogs on a one on one basis
E. Will watch over your kids as if they were the dog's own children
F. If male, will likely NOT like to live with another male Dobe
G. Will protect you and yours with its life, regardless of the circumstances pitted against it
H. Will sleep by your side and cuddle-up to you on the couch like a giant lap dog
I. Will follow you and yours around EVERYWHERE (including the bathroom)
J. Will NOT like to be alone and/or separated from you for long periods
K. Will NOT do well as an outside dog
L. Will lean on you
M. Will lick you to death whenever given the chance
N. Is an excellent family dog, bar none
O. Does not like fighting amongst family members OR other dogs (even play fighting amongst people will be interrupted by the Dobe jumping in the middle to 'break things-up'). If your household is prone to domestic violence… get counseling… but do NOT get a Dobe. Actual physical altercations amongst family members may result in the Dobe joining the fray on the side of the person whom is being attacked. My wife and I will play wrestle, and our boy stands on his hind legs and jumps between us… as if saying 'don't let this get out of hand'. Sometimes, he'll join in the play too. *Remember my previous statement about a leader using physical violence to correct a subordinate and how the Dobe will see this as poor and unacceptable leadership?!?!* Same thing here.
P. If raised with cats or other non-dogs, will accept them as family… and protect them the same. There's a story of a Dobe who rescued a baby squirrel that had fallen out of its nest. The two of them lived together, in the owner's house, until the Dobe died some years later! The squirrel would literally ride around on the Dobe's head (a very safe place for a prey animal to stay out of trouble with hawks, cats and other dogs).

You see, the Doberman Pinscher is a premier guard dog that is not outright viscous by nature. Sure, if not socialized well, they'll chase cats and other animals, but given the proper training and care, the Dobe is a powerful, capable guardian and kind-hearted-big-sap of a dog. There's no other breed like a Dobe.

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

STRAY FACTS

* Dobes are the US Marine Corps 'Devil Dogs'
* The only official War Memorial to dogs features a Doberman Pinscher (located on Guam).
* Dobermans have been and continue to be used in war, police work, search and rescue, as guide dogs, dog sports, Schutzhund, French Ring, good will ambassadors (hospital dogs), seizure alert and others.
* Only breed bred for the specific purpose of protection
* Used to storm trenches and enemy machinegun bunkers
* Dobermans have seen a decline in war and police uses because of the aftercare of the breed (ears and tail), their short coat (get cold faster than GSDs, etc.), longer maturation time and a shortage of HIGH quality breeders who'll only breed TRUE Dobes (the one's available are expensive).

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

STRAY FACT (that slipped my mind before)

*Dobes are used as therapy dogs. Often, Dobes are used to help children confront the reality of an abusive adult. In such a case, the child is often scared to death of the abuser and has a mental and emotional 'block' regarding the incident. They don't want to talk about it because the evil SOB told them they'd cause further harm... Dobermans have been brought in to help the child... how? Simple. The answer is right in front of you! Even children recognize the powerful and intimidating Doberman Pinscher, and when they meet one and the Dobe is lavishing the kid with Dobe-kisses... they feel loved and SAFE! Yes, SAFE! Studies have shown that these kids often times will talk about the abuse and begin the process of emotional healing. All because of that vicious Doberman and its sloppy kisses!

The Doberman is a walking four-legged contradiction. Feared for its nearly mythical potential ferocity, yet so loveable and kind as to help a stranger, a hurt child, defeat a real-life demon and heal.

Dobes... there is no substitute!

 

[cutler686]

This should be a sticky, it also applies to other working breeds as well.


where do i find out more about the UDC and ADPC?

I used the www.dpca.org

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

You can use google to search for both...

The United Doberman Club and the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.

The differences: The UDC breeds specifically for performance and working aptitude. The DPCA breeds mostly for body conformation to standard.

However, both the UDC and DPCA have some gray-area breeders that breed for everything. Its your choice... but any of the breeders from these organizations that fulfill most, if not all of the requirements, I listed previously are a SOLID choice. Like I said, the dogs will NOT be cheap, but the payoff will be seen years down the road. Look out of state if need be to find such a breeder. Make a 2-3 day vacation out of the trip to get the pup, see the country the Dobe has played such a big role in defending. Sure, he's of German heritage, but the breed embodies everything American!

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

I shouldn't have started this thread... now I'll be posting personal Dobe stories... as should anyone else!

 

[DennisP]

Great thread, having had a dobie in the family (more so then owned)I can without hesitation state that they are the best dogs. No doubt about it, not a days goes by I don't think of Samson, he was the greatest.

My wife and I now have a choc. lab, that is a therapy dog. We got him from the lab rescue and he definitly helped us as much as we have helped him. He goes to work with my wife (a school teacher)a few times a week and helps kids learn to read and improve their reading skills. Hershey was abused and also was a stray before we got him but he a new man now! When he puts his thearphy vest on, he is a man on a mission!

Our second dog is a GSD (F) who is 16 months old. She is a great dog from a working line and everything. Took some extra training but she is really wonderful. With her (Liberty) around I know my wife is safe and sound. Still not a dobie though.

Oh well, someday my wife and I will be able to bring ourselves to get another Dobie, just now (1.5 years later) the loss is still felt.

Dennis P.

 

[Steve in PA]

~2 Excellent post D-D.

My wife and I miss our dobie terribly. We're still looking and hopefully we'll find the right one soon. Gotta love those Dobermans ;f

 

[Steve in PA]

This is Diane in PA, Steve's wife.

I didn't want to log out and then log in with my user name (yes I finally have one), but I wanted to post about our dobie boy Thor. He was every thing and more that D-D posted and he will be forever in our hearts. Dobies are children in dogs bodies no matter how old they are, they can entertain themselves or demand to be entertained. They can make you laugh one moment and make you mad with a smile on your face at the same time. They need structure so training is a must and should be on going. Training is good for you and fun for your dobie. When we had our Thor in training I was concerned that he would not be much of a protector, but our trainer said just wait you'll see and it wasn't long after that I did see while walking him down the street. I was approched (sp?) by a man who had been drinking he was wondering if Thor was friendly at the same time coming toward me saying oh sure he is, but at the same time Thor quietly left my left side and stood in front of me and went to a sit. The man decided that maybe it wasn't such a good idea to find out if he was friendly. Thor continued this practice when ever he felt threatened. We don't have small children, but he was always told he was to watch over and protect our neighbors little girl and one day we all went for a walk with the little girl in a car like stroller. I told Thor he need to protect her and with that he move again from my side up to the side of the stroller with a vigil over the little girl. Thor came into our lives at 8 wks. riding home in my lap and he left us riding in my lap to the vets looking at his daddy as if to say "it is time to go please let me go". He was at 3 yrs old a very sick puppy, but you would never have known because he always held his head high and never showed the pain he was in until the very end. We miss you Thor and love you with all our heart.

Diane in PA (wife of Steve in PA)

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

Dennis P, Steve in PA:

Sorry for your losses. I know that once our boy goes, we'll be literally devastated. Don't even want to think about it.

I can't agree enough about training being on-going. I'll post something about that aspect as well.

Thank you for posting. KEEP posting stories, as will I... along with any other tips, advice, etc. about the Dobe.

God Bless.

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

Our boy was about 8 months old, maybe younger. Even as a pup, he rarely barked, except this night!

My wife and Deuce were upstairs. I was fidgeting around downstairs and decided to unwrap and plug-in a new rotating fan my wife had just purchased... the residual warmth of the day kept the house quite warm. I plugged it in, it worked, so I went upstairs to see what the two were doing. As we sat there, Deuce decided he needed 'out', and headed downstairs for the constantly open sliding door. He took a couple steps down the stairs, froze, and went completely bezerk... tyranical growling, barking and Dobe-spit flinging everywhere. His hair was standing and he appeared ready to attack.

Mind you, this whole scenario occurred in a 30 second span.

We jumped-up, thinking someone was in the house. I remembered my gun was locked-up downstairs and had that 'oh sht' feeling... the kind where your adrenaline is flowing like Niagara Falls and plan #1 just went down the crapper.

I called for Deuce to come back to us and wait for me to go down with him. Despite his intense aggression towards whatever was down there, he listened. I took a few steps down, Deuce by my side. I peered through the railing, but saw nothing. A few more steps, still nothing. I decided that two things needed to occur: (1) I needed to get to my gun -and- (2) Hesitantly, I knew that Deuce needed to go ahead of me as a distraction. I told him 'find it' (his command for finding treats, Mom, or whatever it was that was peeking his interest at the time. He bolts down the stairs, me as close behind him as possible. He hits the floor, turns the corner, and begins to MAUL the rotating fan! I jump on him to prevent him from getting hurt, and start laughing my asz off.

That little guy knew that the fan, which he had never seen before, "didn't belong". So foreign it was to him that he felt the need to protect us from the invading "alien robot". What was most amazing about this scenario is the fact that he was approximately 8 months old... still a very young pup... yet he reacted in true Dobe fashion.

Especially now that Deuce is hovering around 90 lbs, I hope to never see the day when he feels the need to be protective against a true threat! Heaven help the intruder!

The moral of the story: "Dobes... even 'fans' are amazed"!!!

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

Deuce was a tiny guy at the time... still had his ears taped & posted. We were in our new house for only a few weeks, Deuce was also brought into the home within that time. It was one of his first long walks he was going on.

My wife and I are strolling down the sidewalk trying to teach Deuce, our 'intimidating' 15 lb. Doberman pup, how to walk on leash (which he's still a bear at) when we hear a dog barking and acting rather nasty. To our left comes a medium-sized shepherd mix, about 40-50 lbs, and with only one eye! I didn't know to whom the dog was acting aggressively, but it sure looked nuts.

I hopped in front of the wife and Deuce.

The dog charged, and as it got closer, Deuce hopped in front of my wife and I, facing the much larger and older dog. His head perked-up, and his legs planted in typical Dobe-karate-stance fashion, bracing himself for what we all thought was sure to be an attack. Deuce let out the tiniest little woof from behind his partially closed lips.

The aggressive dog literally stopped in his tracks, obviously completely stunned that this little potato of a dog was standing-up to it. My wife picked Deuce up and we began walking away slowly... Deuce, in a manner so pituresque, started to half-heartedly pull away from my wife's arms and mumbling... as if 'calling-out' the other dog (now that he was 'safe' in Mom's arms).

That scenario thankfully ended peacefully... however, to this day (about one year later), that dog won't even bark at us as we pass the house it lives in... and Deuce will just walk by, acting as if that dog doesn't exist... like thumbing his nose at it. This is even more strange because Deuce wants and will play with any dog or cat he can get near... he's like an animal magnet. Which brings me to the final tale of the day. See the next post.

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

As with nearly every single evening, I was walking Deuce around the neighborhood, 'the long way', as my wife and I refer to the roughly mile or so trek Deuce gets if he's being very active that day.

We're right in the middle of the walk when Deuce stops dead and stares intently across the street into some bushes. I figured it was nothing, so I tried nudging Deuce to come along. But he wouldn't. Just as I'm about to scold him, I look over and the bushes are moving, the branches rustling. All I could think of was "coyote? raccoon? skunk?" Basically a worst case scenario. I tugged his leash and got him to move a few steps when he tenses-up. I look and charging at us like a raging Rhino is a Yorkshire Terrier, no more than 7 lbs. It wasn't acting aggressive, just hyper-excited. It reaches us and Deuce and the Yorkie immediately start the whole 'play bounce' thing. Eventually, they both calmed-down... Deuce and I start walking away... the Yorkie is following, but falling further and further behind, causing Deuce to be quite anxious, as if he wanted the Yorkie to follow closer. One block, two blocks... then finally the Yorkie stops, lays down and starts whining like a baby. Deuce turns and starts heading back towards it, with the attitude of "I'm going back for him, with or without you". We get to the Yorkie, I bend down to inspect it, and it is very thin...

I pick the little guy up and we start walking again, with Deuce looking up at me holding him, the whole time... with that unmistakable Dobe 'smile'.

Deuce knew there was something wrong with the dog and wanted it to get help... and Deuce couldn't have been happier when I picked it up and carried it along with us. Deuce was trotting like a proud stallion.

Long story shorter... we got to our house, they both ate some treats together and we contacted the owners. The Yorkie had been missing for some time and was way out of his little territory.

Without Deuce noticing and then 'pressuring' me to go back to the little dog, the Yorkie very well could've continued to be lost and/or eventually died. Add to that the coyotes that run in the area, and he could've become someone's dinner!

That could've been its' fate had it not been for Deuce, the animal cop!

And yes, these stories are all true.

 

[blasto]

When I was between the ages of 6-10 years old, down the street was a dobie tv/film trainer. He would help raise the dogs & make sure they had lots of playtime, & discipline for basic commands. After they reached a certain age, the pups would then go on to further training in films or tv shows.

Long story short, every saturday morning, I would be over there playing with his two older dobies & a few d-pups. Soccer, tag, hide & seek, etc.

I loved those dogs.

Thanks for bringing back some great memories.

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

Here are a few points from the DPCA site on public education (http://bakaridobes.westhost.com/publiceducation/)

DOBERMAN TEMPERAMENT

The American Kennel Club official *Standard* for the Doberman does an excellent job at describing the temperament of this ultimate guard dog.

The *ideal* Doberman temperament is:
Energetic
Watchful
Determined
Alert
Fearless
Loyal and Obedient

The IDEAL Doberman is a stable, confident and FEARLESS dog or *****. Correct temperament is so important in the Doberman that it is emphasized in the Standard by a directive to judges.

"The judge MUST dismiss from the ring any animal that is SHY or VICIOUS."

The Doberman temperament is the "essence and persona" of what the doberman is and what sets it apart from other breeds and even other breeds of Working dogs.

It is the APPEARANCE and TEMPERAMENT that make up what the Doberman breed is distinctive for among all of the dog realm.

ENERGETIC---this trait is NOT an exaggeration! The Doberman is on the go. He is an active and involved dog, making himself a central part of the family and family activities. He requires intense and close contact with people of his family and has a very high activity level, requiring lots of exercise. Because of this need to be on the go, it makes this breed vulnerable to running and extreme bursts of speed which can be dangerous if not in a fenced yard or confined perimeter. Thus it is imperative that the yard and property be fenced securely. The Doberman is extremely obedient, however commands given to COME can be inadvertently missed by the Doberman when actively running and can lead to tragic consequences by running into a road or highway, only to be struck or even killed in his exuberance to stretch his legs.

A young Doberman is into everything and requires the family to keep an eye on him and puppy/dog proof the house and yard until he is trained and understands what he can and cannot do. They are very much like a curious toddler, interested in anything that is new and searching to investigate everything. And the fact that they are so high energy, coupled with their natural curiosity and investigative tendencies, makes it necessary to scrutinize the Dobermans activities so he doesn't get into trouble.

WATCHFUL---The Doberman is aware and on guard. It's part of his ongoing personality. He doesn't miss a thing! This is a very important trait in an effective guard and watch dog. He MUST be aware of his environment at all times. His hearing and sense of smell is astonishing. These two senses are the primary tools that the Doberman uses to evaluate his world at all times. Sight is important, but secondary. Sight is effective to guard dogs, however "hidden" foes or danger can only be picked up by smell or sound. The Doberman will investigate any and all possible intruders, sometimes to the annoyance of their owners, as they will be up and in the check it out frame of mind. This is NOT a quiet dog, content to ignore his environment and stay curled up and snoozing. He is up and on the go at any possible noise, smell or sight of a possible threat.

DETERMINED---This trait can be appreciated in the Doberman when they are relentless in pursuing a threat to their family. They are not easily deterred from their "job" of guard and protection, and take the threat on the family totally seriously, and will not give up the protest until assured that "it's all right, now". This "determined" attitude also makes it a challenge to train a Doberman at times, as he definitely has his opinion about everything. But with patience, kindness and proper discipline, you will prevail in conveying your will and wishes on the Doberman. The result will be a well trained and incredibly responsive companion that will gladly come between a threat and his loving family.

The key to success with the Doberman is to be MORE determined in pursuing your training of him, than he is determined to resist. The Doberman needs something to do with his time and is a willing partner in family activities, and will develop into a perfect gentleman and good citizen.

ALERT---The Doberman is always aware of his surroundings. He is on guard and on duty at all times. He doesn't miss a thing and is responsive and will check out anything that alerts him to possible danger to his family.

FEARLESS---The Doberman standing alertly---staring at the danger---ears held totally up and eyes focused on the threat. Woe to the foolish man who doesn't think the Doberman will stand his ground and dare the intruder to go through him. It is this stance and attitude and lightening fast reflexes and responses that, coupled with the Dobermans totally fearless and confident attitude, that make him the absolute PREMIER protection and guard dog, as well as cherished pet and family companion and comrade. He is unflappable when danger is present.

LOYAL AND OBEDIENT---These qualities make the Doberman more than simply a weapon for guard and protection. Only total devotion to family is what the Doberman's job is everyday. He is focused on his family and wants to please and do exactly what they want him to do. He will bond and attach himself to the family and execute his role as companion and protector like no other breed can.

All of these wonderful traits blend and combine in the Doberman temperament to produce the end result of a devoted, loving and protective dog that is unique and truly admired in the dog world.

Taken from the aforementioned site.
Written by:
Theresa Mullen
DPCA Public Education Committee

 

[PzGren]

Bruno is hell on wheels, an angel in the family, a devil to everybody else.
A picture is worth more than a thousand words...

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

Good lookin' boy! How old is he? I gotta get some pics of my meatball on here. Standby to standby.

Your description was very succinct and well put.

 

[DEUCE-DOBE]

This past weekend, some friends of some friends brought their male bulldog over for a visit. Deuce did something very interesting...

The bulldog, snorting and grumbling, must have made my boy 'uneasy' or something, because not unlike an elephant, Deuce was using his big ole head to push-down on the bulldog's back, forcing him to the ground on his stomach. Neither dog was acting viscious at all. Deuce would place the top of his head on the other dog's back and lean down onto him, until the bulldog was lying flat and couldn't get up.

I believe it was a dominance thing, but have never seen a dog do this before. I know dogs will rest their heads on top of another dog as a sign of dominance, but never actually push-down like that. Thinking about it more, the bulldog's grumbling may have sounded like 'resistance' to Deuce, thus causing him to use more persuassive means to have the bulldog submit.

Just odd.