is a doberman a good pet?

Answer 1

It can be as good as YOU train it to be.
A dog isn't born vicious, it is tormented, teased, bullied, mal-treated or abused, this is how it learns hatred and how it could become a danger.
If you are responsible, have the right environment and the time and energy, then you will have yourself a magnificent friend, an excellent guard dog and a wonderful companion.
If you can't say YES to those few things, then don't even think about getting one my friend..........please.

Answer 2

So many bad answers given on this topic. People who say the breed dominates their owners, are not good around kids, and need to have garnered awards at show to be of value really do not fully understand the breed.

I've had 5 Dobes I've been lucky to share my life with. All of them were not the rulers of the roost -- my husband and I were. They are great around kids, but I'd never leave them -- or any dog -- alone with a child. Dogs can be trusted, children can't. None of mine were ribboned or have ever competed in a dog show, but I thought they were beautiful and well conformed. And frankly, the one who came with the best pedigree had the most health issues -- even after reviewing tests etc. Too many AKC recognized breeders trade on reputation -- and care little about overall health. Yet they scream the loudest about Backyard Breeders! Go figure!!

Dobes make awesome family members. They are easy to teach and quick to learn. The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and able to discipline the dog without being afraid. All family members should learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to have their own way too much. If you do not have time to properly train your Doberman you should consider a different breed.

A Doberman Pinscher is an energetic, elegant, fearless, loyal, and obedient dog who will make a wonderful companion. Mental stimulation is important for a truly well-adjusted and happy Dobe. So, think about how much you are willing to commit before purchasing one. They demand a great deal, but give back 10 fold!

Answer 3

The Dobe is a good pet if brought up in the right environment. Dobes are loyal, affectionate, loving, and will protect their family. They are known as "velcro dogs" as they want to be with their owners at all times.

They are not outside dogs as they are not a double coated breed.

Dobermans are easy to train, but will take advantage of you if you are not consistent in your training.

When purchasing a Dobe, be sure you are buying from a reputable buyer. Ask the breeder what kind of health testing she does, what kind of awards have her Dobes won, and ask to see proof of these. A good breeder won't mind if you ask the hard questions and she'll be proud to show you the paperwork. Expect her to ask you a lot of hard questions, too!

A Dobe is a high-energy dog and needs a lot of exercise - they are generally not the dog for a first-time owner. A good source of information can be found at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America's website: www.dpca.org

Answer 4

Regal in appearance, the Doberman pinscher comes from Germany and is bred to be a guard dog. The Doberman is kind, loyal and very protective of its family and property. However, because this breed can be very dominant with people and aggressive with other dogs, it isn't a good pet for first-time dog owners.


Steps:
1. Know that you'll need to devote much time to socializing, training and caring for your dog. Dobermans can be hard to handle, and need firm and consistent guidance.

2. Reconsider getting a Doberman if you plan to leave the dog outdoors or won't be able to offer it companionship during the day. Dobermans are family dogs and need constant attention.

3. Select a Doberman pinscher if you're looking for a good watchdog. Dobermans are bred to guard and watch and are eager to do so.

4. Choose a Doberman pinscher if you're looking for a loving, family dog. Contrary to popular rumor, this breed can be very gentle and affectionate with people and safe with children if properly socialized and trained.

5. Note that Dobermans don't do well in cold weather and are definitely not outdoor dogs. But they do need a good-size yard to play in.

6. Look at a Doberman pinscher's features when choosing yours. The dog should appear energetic and bold, with a powerful body that is compact and muscular. The short, smooth coat will be colored either black, red, blue or fawn with rust markings.

7. Understand that Doberman pinschers are prone to certain health conditions such as cervical spondylitis (skeletal abnormality of the three cervical vertebrae), Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and heart problems.

8. Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed) and that they screen for health problems before they breed.

9. Note that male Dobermans will grow to 26 to 28 inches and weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Females will grow to 24 to 26 inches and also weigh 66 to 88 lbs.

10. Realize that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred Doberman pinscher.

11. Know that a Doberman's life expectancy is 13 years.

Tips:
You will need to have your dog's ears cropped when it is a puppy. This is so the ears will stand erect.

Dobermans are now being used as guide dogs for the blind.

This breed loves to play fetch.


Warnings:
Female Dobermans have been known to be a little more willful than their male counterparts.

Male Dobermans are generally not good with other male dogs.

Answer 5

A Doberman can be a wonderful, gentle pet. However, they must be trained well or they'll definitely try to dominate their owner. My husband had a Doberman when we first met, and she was a lovely dog. However, it took her several months to decide if I was "worthy" of her! She was never mean or vicious to me, but she pushed her luck many times when she and I were alone together just to see how I'd react. REALLY! I'm all for Dobermans....but count on some heavy training.

Answer 6

You need to match your dog. If you are disciplined, then you will be able to give the discipline this dog needs. think German. Think military/uniforms/control etc. If you are getting a puppy, then he/she must be socialised with other dogs/people within the first 20 weeks (in a big way) or your dog will be a threat to both dogs and people. They eat a lot of food. They can be destructive whilst you are out. Thats the downside. The plus side is that they are tremendously affectionate, playful, loving and protective. You need never fear intruders with a doberman, whether living alone or with another. Ask your vet for insurance! Get the jabs! Have FUN

Answer 7

Yes, Dobies make great pets. First, you must do some research: 1) size ( they don't fit into sm. apts), 2)temperment (look at both parents, have the puppies been socialized, who will be the pack leader), 3)health issues(GVD, hip dysplasia, neurological disorders), 4)breeding (Please, breed only if you have two exceptional animals otherwise spay or neuter), 5) children (if so, puppies need to be introduced to them early on and supervised especially while the puppy is young). 6) do you want pet quality or show quality ( pet quality dobies make wonderful companions and are less expensive than show quality. If you get pet quality please refer back to #4.)
Second , find a reputable breeder. Many can be found by contacting the AKC, local breed clubs, or vets. You'll find the e-mail addresses in other answers listed.
Third, spend time with your dog, have him/her obedience trained.
Lastly, your dog is a living being love him/her and it will be returned many times over. Pet ownership is not only a commitment of time and money but also a committment of the heart.

Answer 8

Only if you have it properly obedience trained; and do the training yourself with supervision, so the dog learns to respect and mind you and your family. They need space and exercise and something to do. The Doberman is hybridized from the Affenpinscher, a small terrier who looks like a mini-Dobe. So the Doberman has the nervous energy of the terrier and needs plenty of affection and interaction with the owner, too. They love to run, play frisbee, etc and thrive on agility training. But they can be domineering and demanding if left too much on their own. Please don't tie one up in the garden and declare it an "outside dog"--they will turn aggressive--well, who wants to be tied up, right?
They need an owner who will be gentle but firm, so they know where they stand.

Answer 9

Dobermans can make wonderful pets with the right owner. They are intelligent, affectionate, but they are guard dogs, so they need an owner with a bit of common sense. I've known a few incredibly affectionate dobies who had kids in their families and they were great with them. Of course the owners weren't the type of people who wanted a vicious dog.

Answer 10

Speaking from experience, a doberman is a WONDERFUL pet. I have a 5 yr. old dobe, and he is the best damn dog I've ever had. He is very sweet, and loving. Dobermans are sooo friendly! And very loyal to their owners. I saw that some one wrote Love them and they will love you back. You don't know how true that is. I know that they have a label on them as aggressive dogs, well my dobe is the biggest baby ever. My bet is to go for it, you won't be disappointed.

Answer 11

Yes a Doberman is a good pet, if raised properly. A friend of mine has a german Dobie and hes such a gentel gaint with great temperament.. I could only suggest for those whos wanting a dobie to take it into consideration that Dobies NEEDS a job! they're not couch potatoes... they need work... if you do not have the time to spend with the dog.... Don't get one.