What is the best choice between a Doberman and Pit Bull for young children?

Answer 1

"For" young children?

The ownership of a family dog has nothing to do with young children PER SE. It is the parents who own and train the dog. The children also need to be trained to respect the dog.

ALL dogs need training, ALL kids need training and education.

The choice of dog should be determined by how much time the adults of the household have and how much experience with dogs, and - most of all by how much love for dogs they have.

Pick the dog YOU like and to which YOU are most likely to devote enough time to.

And what is this business of choice only between these two breeds?There is no magic situation by which you can only choose from these two breeds. That is purely hypothetical isn't it? You have created a hypothetical situation in order to pitch two breeds against each other that both have a bad reputation - an UNJUSTIFIED reputation.

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Answer 2

Well, believe it or not, at one point in time I had 12 Dobermans. I got the male from Holland and the mother was a German import. What absolutely magnificent animals. I LOVED THEM BOTH. The temperament on those dogs was excellent, their mental stability was without question, their work ethic was impeccable. I had a baby that was a few days old when he came home from the hospital and I never had any doubts or issues with either of the two dogs and the child. I supervised their every move together and the baby was raised under their watchful eye. It only got bad when the kid was about 4-5 and no one was able to pick him up except for mom and dad. I think that the RIGHT doberman is a great dog to own, in the hands of RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE. I would take it over a pit any day.

Answer 3

I am appallled at how many of you are saying that pit bulls are horrible, vicious animals... That is only how the media portrays them... Have you done any actual research on the breed's temperament? Have you even seen the results of the American Temperament Testing Society of all breeds?

Here are the results for the temperament testing on both of the breeds at hand....
Doberman Pinscher - 76.8%
American Pit Bull Terrier - 84.1%

So those are the STATISTICS...
Based on the statistics, the American Pit Bull Terrier had a higher passing rate than the Doberman Pinscher... Oh, how the tables turn.

Now, both breeds are very large, powerful, and can be dominant dogs... Every dog is different. If either of these breeds is placed in the wrong hands they can turn out to be aggressive, badly behaved, etc... If raised properly, either dog would be fine for children... Although because of their size they might knock a small child over, by accident...

Instead of judging pit bulls, why don't you do some research on the most mis-judged and horribly abused breed out there. They need our help. There are so many cruel people out there fighting them and abusing them, giving them a horrible name... There are tens of thousands of them in shelters right now because idiots think that breeding is a joke and a quick buck...

Every single American Pit Bull Terrier I have known has been the sweetest, most fun-loving dog I have met... Any dog can become a bad dog if placed in the hands of a bad owner. But when they are placed in the right hands, they are amazing dogs that I am thankful to have had the enjoyment of being around.

Educate yourself!

Answer 4

Both are very different dogs, very different breed characteristics. You should do more research into both breeds before you consider one or the other.

ALot depends to on YOUR experience with large dogs, and whether or not your kids have been taught to respect dogs.. The age of your kids, how many kids, and how much time you are going to spend w/ the dog and training etc. No one in their right mind would put any dog in a home w/ kids, without find out more about the situation.

Edit : HAHAHA this crap kills me.. Dobermans are aggressive, Dobermans have the same temperament as pitbulls, Dobermans shouldn't be around kids.. What happened to all that crap everyone is always spewing about ' it's not the breed, it's the owner ' You are judging both breeds and you have absolutely no idea .. Considering that probably 95% of our dogs/puppies go to homes with kids.. It's very apparent that most of you people have absolutely no clue at all about dogs, and about what you are talking about.. Wishy washy.. One day it's don't blame the breed, next day they are aggressive dogs.. No wonder breeds get banned and unwarranted reputations are built, ignorant people spreading what is basically gossip.. You don't know the truth, so you make something up.. But it's okay with me.. Cause I don't think that 90% of the people on YA should even own a dog, unless it's stuffed, with a do not remove tag on it's butt! I would prefer that you stay away from the Doberman, cause it's that lack of knowledge that harms the breed.. Ruin something else with the gossip and the unfounded stories...

Answer 5

I am ashamed at all the stupidity the people ansered here. If you can't give a real answer, dont answer the question. Any breed could be agresive the same way any breed could be a great dog. First you nedd a good temperament dog from a reputable breeder and you need to socialize him and train him right. Surprisingly most dog attacks on humans are not by pitbulls or dobbermans or other big breeds, most attacks are actually by chihuahuas. While yes they are small and might not cause big injuries, they have actually hurt babys. Notice I am not saying they are mean or bad.

I have owned many breeds in my life, chows, pitbulls, dobermans, rottweillers, great danes, collies among others. I am currently the father of a pitbull and a great dane. I must say that by far the least agresive dog I have ever own is the pitbull. He is also the easiest one to train and the best one with kids. Several factors make a pitbull good with kids, and the main one is their tolerance to pain. While the abuse off some kids will drive some dogs crazy and into a defensive bite or behaviour pitbulls are very comfortable with the kids. But you must know that they are very strong dogs too. When you get any dog you must follow this quick guidlines.

1. only buy from a reputable breeder.
2. make sure the dog does not show agresive behaviour.
3. socialize and train the animal as soon as possible with humans, kids and other animals.
4. always be the leader of the pack for your dog.
5. Always supervise and educate your kids on how to treat and behave around the animal.

The problem is not the breed but the irresponsible owners. Then there are people like me that are trying to make people understand this facts while stupid do what they do best. saying stupid things.

A pitbull is not for everybody, they need a lot of affection an understanding. They are big babys that always crave attention and human companionship. The worst thing you can do to a pitbull is tie him up outside. My pitbull is always with me and my wife. I have lots of friends with babys and kids that love to come to my house so their kids can play with my pitbull (his name is Seikan) because he is so loving and gentle. I hope I sheded some light into the subject and help you with your question. I am not saying get a pitbull, I am saying that whatever breed you get could be a great pet if you train it right and give him love. Good luck.

Answer 6

I grew up with Dobermans. They were very good dogs; very gentle but very protective.

Pit Bull for children.... do you not watch the news??? A new family just moved into my neighborhood with one and that scares me enough to keep my 2 year old in the house while they are out walking with him. IF you know a reputbable breeder then that's one thing but don't get a Pit if you don't.

Answer 7

I grew up around Dobermans and they were both very well trained. They were the sweetest dogs. I don't remember much about Tony but Spike thought he was a poodle (because he lived with one) so he would try to sit in your lap. haha that didn't work. I was a kid so I didn't understand about dog training and stuff but I just remember that Spike especially was just so sweet. Neither one of them would ever have hurt me.

I also lived with a pitbull for a year or two. I didn't like her as much but she was also a boistrous puppy. I believe she might have hurt me but it would have been because 1) she was untrained and 2) I was kind of afraid of her because she was untrained.

Really it comes down to personal preference and temprement of the dog you choose.

My uncle got a doberman puppy a year ago that I think would fit into your family very well. She is sweet, well behaved, small. If you would like info about her breeder, let me know and I'll find out for you.

Good Luck on your choice.

Answer 8

It depends on where you're going to get one from. Because pit bulls are being used so heavily in the dog fighting market today, you're going to have to search pretty hard to find a great breeder who breeds for temperament. *Some* of the pits in shelters were once fighting dogs; however, if you get a pup, you shouldn't have a problem.

There is nothing wrong with Dobermans; they are not used in fighting today, and I am not aware of them ever being used with fighting. [Note: I could be wrong about that; someone please correct me if I am.] I do not know the reason behind them having a wrong reputation as a mean junkyard dog.

Make sure to check the laws in your area on dog breeds; I know here home owner's insurance goes up when you have a pit because of the horrible, terribly wrong reputation they have.

Don't believe that crap about "pits are monsters; they will rip your children to shreds". That is coming from wishy-washy people who get sucked into the media's lies. I've been bit by several spastic small dogs, and have a scar from a boisterous lab. On the other hand, every pit I've met has been polite and given me space. It's not about the breed, it's about the dog itself.

Answer 9

Neither They Both Are Very Territorial Breeds. And With These breeds The Older they get The Worse There Demeanor Is I had A Friend That Had a Dobey For Years She Had A Baby And When She Was Holding The baby The Dog Apparently Got Jealous And Bit The Babies Face. I had A Pit Bull The Biggest Baby Ever I Had A Child Before I Got The Dog And It Turned On My Kid After 6 years. I Am A Huge Dog Lover. Love Both Breeds But Children Safety Always Should Come First

Answer 10

Alright, I've tried to leave this question alone, but...
Why are you wanting one of these breeds? Protection? Intimidation? Gaurd dog? DRUG dog? If ANY of these apply to you, get a little ankle bitter that barks at anyone comming in your home & a shotgun to finish the job!

Otherwise, it is all up to you!
I have not personally owned a Pit-bull (maybe some day) but I know that at the right purchase price (not from a Walmart parking lot) and from a reputable breeder, one that breeds for the love of the dog, you will find your self a star in either breed. If you take the time to raise it, remember; a dog is just like having a child (that's why I don't want kids) you have to put in a TON of training time to achieve the dog you want.

I got my dog for my birthday ($2600 gift mind you) when I was still running a rental store. He lived in that store... nothing short of 76hrs a week, socializing, being touched by kids, playing with other puppies, getting in and out of loud diesel trucks, walking around those trucks, chillin' in the shop with air compressors going... In other words, he was used to pretty much anything he might have to be around. I also took the time to bite/nibble on his ears, and lips, and pulling on both. Not to hurt the guy, but think about what little kids grab on to for stability! Tiny people grab on to the first thing that sticks out that they can grab for stability, including his 'personals'. LOL
Also a great practice is blowing into yor puppies nose, little kids will look that tall Dobe strait in his face while talking to it and kissing it. That is a big way to keep a dog from biting a child in their face. Also while they are teething and "bite" your hand for puppy love, rub the upper part of your finger (the soft part of your nail) up accross the roof of their mouth, the feeling of you rubbing will make them quit nibbling quiker. Have plenty of chew toys around (plenty of different kinds of toys) so you can give them the "good boy" treat!

You know what, do yuor own research, buy books on both breeds, buy special puppy books too (for training).
And for the love of your kids good health and your own, do not buy a dog off the street! Parking lot puppies will dramaticly increase your chances of having a stupid opinion like the rest of these goobers.
Buy ONLY for the love of the breed!!!