Tell me about Dobes!

[vanillasugar]

Okay all you Doberman people, tell me everything

I've recently fallen for Dobermans, but am unsure if one would be a good choice for us in the future. Tell me what it's like to live with them, what their common breed quirks are, what someone should know that books/websites don't say, all that stuff.

 

[SizzleDog]

A good link to check out, for starters, is the DPCA Public Education site: http://www.dpca.org/PublicEd/PEC/ Who knows, you might just see Ilsa on there a few times...

IMO, Dobes are a blast to live with as long as you're ALERT and VIGILANT. This is not a breed to be casual with, just hook up the leash and la de da.

They are egotistical, cocky, full of themselves, and downright monstrous as teenagers.... ever wonder why rescues and shelters are full of young adolescent dobes - usually males? It's because they're MONSTERS!!!!

They are territorial and protective, and they don't take time off from their "job" of protecting house and home.

They are velcro dogs, they'll follow you everywhere to make sure you're safe, even in the bathroom! They are fiercely loyal to their owners, and want nothing more than to be near them.

They're very active and fast, they require long runs offleash in a safe area if you want them to be calm in the house - walks around the block don't cut it with these guys. Along with physical exercise, they crave mental exercise as well.

Dog aggression is common in males, females less so but when you get a DA bitch... watch out, they're spitfires! I wouldn't say they're HA, but they have no qualms about behaving aggressively to a human threat. It's what the breed was created for.

I'll think of more later and I'm sure other dobe people will chip in... gotta get back to work!

 

[DaVinci]

The first Dobe I remeber was name Glory. She wasa beautiful red. She was very protective of her home and if you showed signs of fear she would let you know she didn't like it. I loved her and would play with her for hours.

I had a dobie named Belva that was very abused whenI got him. He was sweet and even temptured. He loved to play and run and run and run. He loved to snuggle and was also protective of me and my mom. RIP Belva love you boy.

 

[JennSLK]

What Sizzle said. LOL.

Not a breed for everyone. They whont leave your side. They are sucks and want their momas. VERRY protective. Any one can come into my house with me, but I dont want to see what happens if you come in with out one of us.

 

[AlphaDobe]

Well in my experience with the male Doberman's is that they don't fully mature until after they reach 2. They are very immature when they are young, they think everything is a game and they don't want anything to do with the word "training" lol. My boy was all fun and games, hardly ever barked when I first got him at nine months then after we moved and he got a bigger yard he turned two and wham he's barking at every single noise, people, other dogs, little animals! Everything! He's always listening or a door slamming shut or looking out for the dogs next door etc. He's still very goofy and playful only with a much more protective side to him. The guardian instinct don't really kick in until they turn 2. But every dog is different, thats just what I have noticed in 2 male Doberman's.

I think SizzleDog is right on the money
I have never owned a female Dobe

 

[vanillasugar]

Thanks for all the information guys!! I think I've realised that I wouldn't be a good home for a Dobe. Not at this point for sure, and we'd have to see how things go in the future. I'd definatley be looking at adoption instead of a puppy though, there are a LOT in shelters around here.