I was considering purchasing a Doberman puppy. Ive heard alot of stories about them turning on people though. I think are beautiful dogs & would love to have one. Are they aggressive towards children or people? Do you think it would ever turn on me? Are they good family pets?
thankx in advance
2006-09-02 05:37:26 · 10 answers · asked by <3 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
They have the potential to be agressive, but are not necessarily that way. Since you had to ask, you give the impression that you don't know a whole lot about animals, so I don't think you should get a Doberman just yet.
2006-09-02 05:42:04 · answer #1 · answered by yahoohoo 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
A Doberman from a breeder who is more temperment than blue ribbon focused will not turn on you or your family. I've had 5 and not one has shown any sign of aggression towards me or people I invite into my home. They have all been very sweet and loving dogs.
BUT -- a Doberman is not for everyone. They are often refered to as "The Velcro Dog" because they are extremely needy and clingy. They HATE to be left alone and as a result can often be destructive. Key to this is giving your Dobe LOTS of attention and exercise when you are home with them.
They are a very bright breed, but can be difficult for the layman to train - but training is essential for a Doberman. They need a job and love to be told "Good Dog!!" -- so early training from their guardian -- in a manner that speaks to authority NOT abuse is VERY important! If you don't have the time to commit, get another type of dog. Dobermans purchased on a whim are why there are so many Doberman Rescue organizations in the United States.
2006-09-06 03:07:45 · answer #2 · answered by Surfer_Girl_59 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Doberman from a good breeder will not turn on you or your family. Most of them are very sweet dogs now - as long as they don't come directly from German lines which are more aggressive.
There are other really good reasons NOT to get a Dobie. They are extremely needy and HATE to be left alone. They can be very destructive if they don't get enough attention and exercise. They are very bright, but can be difficult for the average person to train - they would rather be punished for doing something bad than ignored. They need good, early training from an owner who knows how to be the boss in a kind and consistent way.
2006-09-02 11:15:44 · answer #3 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doberman Pinscher's are wonderful dogs!
My Ziggy was the best!
They are very loyal and very one family oriented.
They are great with kids. Very protective!
As far as turning on you, well all I can say is, would you turn on your brother, your sister, your mom or your dad? If you treat them with love and respect they will reciprocate 7 times over.
Dobe's are kinda like that.
I was being transferred my company to a place where I would have to live in an apartment. I knew Ziggy needed open space so I chose to donate him to my local Police Department for K-9 service.
Six weeks later they called me and asked me to come pick him up. I asked why. They said he was one of the smartest dogs they had every worked with but they just couldn't get him to bite anyone.
Here is a great place to find out more about Dobe's,
http://www.dpca.org/
Yes they are beautiful dogs. They are also very smart and wonderful with kids. If you asked my kids they would tell you it is true.
Have fun but be safe.
2006-09-02 05:46:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've had two Dobies.......they are wonderful animals! When dogs (of any breed) turn on people there's normally a reason behind it. Sometimes it is a matter of in-breeding, but largely its how the dog was raised......My advice would be to first research the breed, good through only reputable breeders, take (a positive reinforcement) obedience class and then enjoy the best companion you may ever have!
(just a note after reading some other answers......Miniture Pinchers have absolutely no Doberman blood in them. Two totally different breeds)
2006-09-02 06:42:57 · answer #5 · answered by Victhechic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have owned Dobermans for 17 years and work as a trainer and volunteer for a rescue.
They are great dogs but they are head strong and need lots of training. They take a frim owner and one who will be in charge if you do not train with them they will be top dog and take over your house.
They do not listen all that well to children. Some do very well but others not so well.
I have never had one turn on me but I have always done lots of training with mine and always been the alpha leader in my home.
If you have time to spend with one and lead a active lifestyle they are great. They need a lot of exercise and a walk a day is not going to do it. They need to run and when they play they love to chase and be chased and tackle and bite and play hard. Mine look like I am having a dog fight in the yard. They grab each other by the neck and slam the other one down. They are playing but it sometimes looks and sounds like a fight.
They are independant thinkers and do not always need direstion as they will think on thier own. That can be good and bad. If they are bored they can be very destructive.
They are beautiful but before you buy one please do some research and talk with a breeder to find out if you have the time and willingness to comit the time and effort to training one.
Many end up in rescue as people can not control them if they did not start training as a puppy.
2006-09-02 06:58:42 · answer #6 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dobermans generally are very loyal, and don't turn on their family members, including children. They were bred as watchdogs, and as such they may not be very sociable with non-family members. It depends a great deal on how you raise them. Socialize them early with a wide variety of people, and they will be used to it. Keep them away from strangers, and they will be more suspicious and potentially aggressive. Of course it is important to get obedience training, as with any dog.
2006-09-02 05:48:23 · answer #7 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my neighbor had a miniature Doberman Pinscher and it was nasty one time it attacked my brother but i don't know if the miniature breed makes a difference between the regular dog.
2006-09-02 05:43:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The only danger is they may love you to death.
2006-09-02 05:44:20 · answer #9 · answered by longroad 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
click the link below
2006-09-02 05:42:46 · answer #10 · answered by ♥LindseyK♥ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋