I have read that the Doberman has tone down in the past 20yrs and is no longer as aggressive as other dogs?

Question

Do anyone find this to be true?

Answer 1

It is totally dependant on the breeder and the dogs ancestral background. there are many that have lost the edge, and many are unstable, and even timid, but there are so many great dogs, that behave just as they should..it is totally dependant on the breeder and breeding, and the competence of the owner..
If you are considering getting a Dobie, just be sure to meet the parents, and if they are exactly as you want your dog to be, you have the best chance of getting a great one..

Note: the 'large brain' thing is an old wives' tale..

Answer 2

The DPCA agrees that Dobe temperaments have changed over the past few decades. In the very early days of the breed, the temperament was very sharp -- on the verge of being vicious. This apparently was something that Louis Doberman, as a tax collector, desired in his guard dog. Times were different and robbers and thieves were common, and a "tough, sharp dog" helped deter criminals. Through the years, and into modern times, the temperament has been mellowed, and today we have a Doberman that is not so "quick on the trigger" as in years gone by.

As a family member, they remain alert, watchful and ready to protect their loved ones, but gone are the days of the Doberman going through the "window" after a passerby, or the Doberman being unapproachable by friends and acquaintances.

The good breeders will pay very close attention to making sure their pups are socialized early and are bred from parents with good, solid temperament.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Large brain, small head, is a myth!!!! Nothing but nonsense!!!! A dog, any dog isn't aggressive unless it is taught to be so,or a dog has been abused and mistreated and it could be aggressive. I've have owned dobies for the past 25+ years and I've never seen aggression out of any of the 9 that I have owned. Just like the old wise tales that a dobie would turn on it's owner,I've never wittnessed that so I wonder what the owners had done to the dog for the dog to turn on them??? Dobermans are sweet, loving,intellegent proud and very protective of their home and family.Dobermans had gotten a bad rap in the past because of some ignorant owners. Example, now all pit bulls gets a bad rap because of the way some of them are being trained.

Answer 4

Dobermans were immensely popular in the 1970's and their temperaments suffered for it as happens with any breed that becomes too popular. You've got every backyard breeder breeding their dog irregardless of that dog's temperament and that's what caused so much trouble in this, and a lot of other breeds.

The registrations for dobies are now down, the back yard breeders can't make as much money off them now, so they're pretty much gone too and the temperament problems in the breed are mostly under control. The ones I've met are great dogs (albeit not all of them dog friendly, but they are with people).

Answer 5

I love the Dobbie. I have had a lot of success with them. You know, whether anyone likes it or not, I am going with Chetco on this one. Yes owners need a lot of responsibility, but so do breeders. If a dog is overly aggressive (I don't care if it is a toy poodle) that gene can be carried on. Then you want to add worse case scenario, you get an owner that thinks he is cool and breeds their aggressive dog along with no training or no discipline.
And yet, people buy these dogs a premium price.

I love the dobbie and I want to see the breed thrive. I am passionate about it. Chetco, thank you for your input.

Take Care

Answer 6

Quite a few breeds of dog have been selectively bred for docility in recent times. The trend probably goes back longer then 20 years. Breeds like labradors, dachsunds and spaniels were originally hunting dogs. People now keep them as pets only and they are selected on their gentle nature rather than their hunting ability. Same thing goes for sled dogs, cattle dogs and guard dogs like dobermanns.

Answer 7

I once owned a red doberman and he was a real sweetie. I'm not sure if it's true what I've heard about the small head/big brain thing which supposedly causes them to snap. Mine didn't.

Answer 8

I think that some animals have a tendency to develop conditions such as anxiety, and hypertension like humans do. And no two dogs are the same. But i think its all in how you raise the dog and what you allow them to view as acceptable and unacceptable behavior. There will always be the few who act like a real wild dog should and you cannot control that animalistic behavior.

Answer 9

The have toned them down quite a bit over the last few decades. ALSO recall they were the pit bull of 25 yr ago so there werer lots of false "mean dog' myths (shuch as therie brain outgrowwning their skull) perpetuated by people who felt owning one would make them matco so they were never as mean as toted. They are still a guard breed which mean there are more timid breeds still.

Answer 10

I have also noticed that dogs react to people the same way YOU might react to people. We had a doberman who was a sweetheart, but when my step mom's ex came by to pick up one of the kids he immediately went over and peed on his leg. he just didn't like him. he has never done that to anyone ever before or after that.