Does anyone own a doberman?

I don’t have one, but I have known some. They are very bright dogs and enjoy being trained to do various things for you and with you. The Miniatures tend to be more hyper than the full-sized dogs, but either size needs exercise.

They are also active and love to run, but they aren’t quite as bad as the Viszla is about that – my uncle had one of those and he had to take it for a run at least three times a day. Dobies of good stock typically are described as Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient, but sometimes a pup will turn out to be shy or have a tendency to snap.

If you get a Dobie you will want to train it to jog with you, or maybe even investigate agility training. They really, really need regular exercise, but with their short coat they don’t need much in the way of grooming.

Personally, I wouldn’t have their ears or tail trimmed as required for the show ring, but some of the rescued dogs have already had that done. If you decide to do it, please let your vet do it, to make it safer for the dog.

Had one when I was a kid. My dad crashed his truck with him in it.. he (the dog) didn’t make it.

From what I remember he was a good dog.. but what do I know.. he could have been a real asshole.. I was 5. XD

My best friend has had two- the first female was a fantastic dog. Fast learner, smart, well behaved. The latest – a one year old- is a hyper terror and requires constant training.

Both required a good amount of exercise.
I think they are a good dog to have.

Go to a reputable show breeder, Dobes have as do most large dogs, numerous genetic health problems. A breeder will also tell you the not so good points as well as the good stuff.

They need plenty of socialization, they were bred to be guard dogs so have that in them and it must be controlled from a young age.

At home they are usually big babies and want to be lap dogs. They are too clingy for me, I like a dog to have a certain amount of aloofness, but that is just me!

They shed constantly only it is short black (or red) hair. You can make a fortune in artist paint brush manufacturing.

If you want an older dog, google dobe rescue, there are always hundreds of dogs looking for a home and DOBE SPECIFIC rescue will help you more than multiple breed rescues because they know and understand the breed.

We had one.

Long ago in a galaxy far, far away when I was a vet tech, the vet I worked with said that dobermans were the one breed of dog he muzzled before working on. He said that in the US, there heads were literally bred too small for their brains, and they were subject to chronic headaches, which made them potentially vicious.

Much later, when we had a doberman (a stray we rescued), I never saw that. He was gentle, loving and fun. Other dobies I have known have been the same way.

Because they are large and a breed that frightens some people, it is very important to establish pack leadership and to have the dog very well trained. Start training early. Use a professional. Make sure you dog does not jump on people and will come when you call. Leave it is also a good command.

Dobies are highly intelligent and can be strong willed – while I love the breed, I’m not sure I’d recommend it to an inexperienced dog owner. They have gotten a bad rap (from the media?) as far as being vicious. I’ve worked with probably hundreds, and have met only one aggressive dog. I gave a rescued dog to my mother and the dog totally has my mother trained ;)

@Marina That vet you worked for was bat-f*cking-nuts! That’s possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

I agree with syx. They’re great dogs but do require a lot of training, preferably with someone who’s experienced in handling dogs. Dobies can be as different as people so be sure you know what you’re getting, if you do decide to get one.

The only dog I have owned that needs a muzzle on her at the vet is a Golden Retriever-Shar-pei cross. She snaps whenever you try to give her a shot, mess with her feet, or try to touch anything on or near her butt.

The various other dogs I have lived with never bit or snapped at the vets. These include a Pitbull mix, an American Bulldog, a full Shar-pei, English Bulldogs, collie/shepherd and chow/shepherd mixes, a rottweiler-dachshund cross, and a Lancashire Terrier.

I agree with @syz – that vet was either nuts, or was scared by a Dobie once and developed a phobia.

My family used to be part of a Doberman rescue program, and we owned a lot of them.

One dog we had for about 13 years, he died just recently.

The dogs we had that had been abused in the past were more aggressive, but if they were a puppy, or from a home where they weren’t abuse, they were usually really good. The one we had for 13 years, Luca, was around kids and other dogs a lot, and he was always really good. I won’t promise that all Dobermans are as good, but he would let the kids play on him, pull on his ears, stuff like that, and he never bit or growled at them. They’re wonderful dogs.

@syz What can I say? His dog was an airedale.