Is a doberman a good family dog? What are the pros and cons of the breed?

Answer 1

I LOVE DOBERMANS!!!!!
PROS: loyal, affectionate(called Velcro dogs), Typically great with kids if well socialized, great protectors, easy grooming, athletic but not overly active like a lab, smart and easily trainable,
CONS: domineering(you MUST be capable of establishing that YOU are in charge), require alot of exercise, smart (they NEED to have their minds stimulated or they could become destructive or aggressive. Also because they are so smart, they are more likely to test your limits). Because they were BRED for personal protection, they are highly reactive dogs. I would tell the kids not to startle him or leave them unsupervised (but this goes with ANY breed)

Dobies are my breed of choice but are not for everyone, as for being great family dogs, they ARE, in the right hands. I have even known dogs who "adopt" young children and treat them as their own, worry about them when their outside alone, etc...

Answer 2

My advice is go to the akc website. Research the breed, talk to some recommended breeders in your area as well as doberman rescue groups to find out some of the most common reasons the dogs are surrendered. If you have any doubts, look into another breed.
My recomendation for a family dog (especially if this is your first dog) is contacting a local pound or rescue group. Those dogs have gotten shots, been fixed and have basic training. Many shelters and most rescue groups foster their dogs with experienced owners and will have a very good idea of the dog's temperment and how they will fit in to a family.

Answer 3

Dobermans are in the class of "fighting" dogs and therefore not always good to have around children. Children can be cruel to dogs, so you need a dog that is totally docile and big enough to take care of itself, like a Newfoundland.

Remember as a parent you are the leader of the pack, dog and child. But the dog must associate the child as a leader also. This is not always easy. Before bringing a new dog into the home take it for a long walk. That will burn off some of its energy and anxiety being in a new place. When you bring a new dog into a home, at first keep it away from the kids. Keep excitement to a minimum. Train you kids to be calm and to be leaders.
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Answer 4

The Doberman Pinscher is a very loyal and protective dog, and needs an owner who is up to the task of managing the Dobe's attributes. Early and consistent training and socialization are a must. The Doberman is very intelligent and easily trained (males easier than females). They tend to be aggressive toward other dogs. The Dobe is a very energetic dog and requires exercise. It can be a good apartment dog, but must be a part of the owner's life and exercised daily. While a properly trained Dobe should be OK with children of the family it should not be assumed that it will be OK with other children. They are VERY protective.

Answer 5

I have owned dobermans for 17 years.
The pros are
They are a very loyal dog and a joy to own and be with.
The cons
You must be an assertive owner if you are not in control they will be and they will take over and rule your house.
They require huge amounts of exercise and a walk every day is not going to do it for most of them
They require large amounts of training and time from the owner.
They will test everyone in the house to see where they and the person fall in the pack order. If the person does not make them do things the dog will take advantage of the person every chance it gets.
They have same sex aggression problems and do best in male/female combinations. They tend to play very rough and sometimes other breeds of dogs do not like it.
They do not always take direction from children well and will take advantage of them if they can.
For a active owner who is willing to spend some time training and working with a dog they are great dogs but they are alot of work.

Answer 6

I've got one and I'm going to agree with everyone that they are exceptionally smart, as well as highly trainable.

I believe that breeders have become more responsible with this breed and that the volatility that was seen 20 years ago is all but gone from the breed and that they are a very trustworthy and loyal breed.

However, I do know that mine is VERY clumsy. My best friend's two year old is frequently at our house, and Crazy Daisy is very good with her, but can turn around and knock her down. So I would say no, if you've got small children.

If you've got older children, though (I'd say 5 & up) these dogs are great fun! Very active and love to play!

Answer 7

I have had very good luck with dobbies. Just like any breed, they can have a hard time adjusting to kids. If your kids are very young, say under 5, I would wait until they got older before selecting this breed as the family pet. 5 and older, with a puppy, can be taught the boundaries of a dog. (i.e. it is not a horse)

I prefer females with children and with other small dogs because the female dobby seems to be very maternal.

Good Luck and Take Care

Answer 8

Yes; they are very good watch dogs and are very protective. They are very alert and have an intimidating bark and appearance (as a deterrent to those with bad intentions.) Cons can include shyness or aggressive behavior. This wouldn't be the norm for the breed however, just poor examples of it. My family had a female Doberman when I was a child. She was beautiful, intelligent, and very obedient. She was also very patient and affectionate with my younger brother and myself.

Answer 9

there is no such ingredient as extra effective dogs, dogs are purely extra effective in the event that they have a sturdy proprietor who's pay as you visit coach them on top of issues and obedience then they are in a position to be come sturdy social dogs there is on no account a bad dogs purely stupid lazy proprietors who can not be afflicted to do the mind-blowing form of coaching or socializing.As to which breed is superb that is all all the way down to private flavor all dogs will do what you go with if experienced mind-blowing the two the Doberman and German shepherd are very sturdy companions the two have there own traits which a sturdy proprietor will carry out in them. the two are very sturdy at protection and protection back as long as they are experienced mind-blowing, the two make superb pets back as long as they are experienced mind-blowing.So interior the tip there are not any execs & Cons purely what you're making them to be.examine up on the two breeds get as lots information from kennel golf equipment on the two breeds and in case you will go with one or the different you're able to have each and all the enable you to're able to choose one to your way of life.

Answer 10

I have always had dobes and they make excellent pets.If you get one from a pup they will make a good family dog.They also make excellent guard dogs.They are very loving and affectionate and love to be around you.The dobe is very easy to train and will aim to please.Like any other dog,when a pup they are into everything, chewing anything they can get their teeth into,they are also very amusing,for example my dogs stand directly in front ot the television if they don't get what they want...If you do decide to get a dobe i strongly recommend you get the dog used to children and other dogs as soon as you can.My male dobe didn't like other male dogs,but what males do?My female dobe loves all dogs though care is taken around other female dogs,she is not that good around young children but that is only because she has not been brought up with them,she gets very nervous and shy if there's any children around and stays away from them.But apart from that shes perfect and i wouldn't be without her.