People often misjudge a doberman and assume that they can’t be a good pet dog due to their aggressive nature. This dog breed is the most preferred one to work with police and in the military. But, if trained well and socialized early, a doberman can be a great pet for your family too.
They were originally bred to be guard dogs but are also adopted as pets. You will find them the most loyal and intelligent buddy who is always there for you. These dogs will protect you from any danger and will easily adapt your living style and get adjusted to it.
There are multiple reasons for which you might or might not opt for a doberman as your pet dog. We will be discussing all the possible Doberman pros and cons that will affect your decision. So, stay tuned as we dig in to uncover all the details about a doberman.
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Doberman Pros And Cons
Doberman is a German breed. They are medium to large sized dogs which are known for their noble appearance and loyalty. This dog breed is commonly recognized for their bravery, friendliness, and smartness.
Their bodies are sleek and covered with a glistening coat of black, blue, red, or fawn, with rust markings. They usually weigh around 60 to 80 pounds and have a life span of 10 to 13 years. The first breed of doberman was first bred in Germany in the late 19th century by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loyal and protective | High exercise requirements |
| Intelligent and trainable | Prone to certain health issues |
| Excellent guard dog | Can be prone to separation anxiety |
| Energetic and athletic | Requires early socialization and training |
| Good with children and family | May exhibit aggressive behavior towards strangers |
Doberman Pros
This dog breed is protective by nature and they guard their owner at every point. This dog breed is intelligent and extremely loyal. You will never find a doberman who leaves his owner in any situation. Due to their aggressive nature and super active attitude, they are trained by the police and also work in the military.
Dobermanns can be calm and loyal dogs given the right training, but they are still very energetic and so suit active households. Dobermans are known for their high energy. This breed makes an excellent guard dog for your home. Dobermans are also skilled athletes who can compete in canine sports.
They have coats that require very little maintenance. All it takes is a quick brushing with a short, bristled brush to maintain the dog’s gorgeous coat. These intelligent dogs are quick to learn basic obedience. Dobermans are muscular, fast and powerful.
Doberman Cons
Doberman can make great family pets, due to their large size and strong build, but if you have young children it is not recommended to own a doberman as your pet gog. They can be stubborn, and you have to take out adequate time to fulfill their high exercise requirements daily.
These dogs are extremely loyal to their owner and become quite attached quickly. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Dogs with separation anxiety will behave strangely and can be quite destructive. They might show reactions like, chewing, digging, or howling. They are also prone to certain health issues.
This dog breed expresses same-sex aggression and shows aggression or tries to exert dominance over dogs of the same sex. But, Dobermans live happily with other dogs of the same sex in the home. They need early socialization and training or else they might turn out to be quite disruptive for their owner.
Who Should Own A Doberman
If you have a big space and you are the one who can easily manage to take out time daily for your pet dog then doberman is the best option for you. Those who like active dogs and want someone who guards well and is loyal too then doberman is the perfect choice to consider.
The house with grown up children and adults who love outdoor activities is the perfect place for a doberman. As the pet parent of a doberman, you must develop leadership and training skills, only then you will be able to handle your dog well.
Who Should Not Own A Doberman
If you are going to be a pet parent for the first time then you should not consider taking a doberman home. It is also not a good choice for families having young children due to the aggressive nature of the dog.
Doberman will also not adjust in families which are usually quite busy. Families that can’t manage to take out time daily for walks or vet check ups should think otherwise. If you travel more and can’t take your dog along every time then you have to rethink about adapting a Doberman. Like most dogs Doberman hates to be left alone for longer duration and may suffer from separation anxiety.
Doberman Quiz
Is a Doberman Right for Me?
Answer the quiz below to find out if a Doberman is the right fit for you.
Personal Experiences From Doberman Owners
People share interesting experiences with their Doberman. Here are the top two experiences shared by our community members:
Lucy Wang, Age 38 years
We adopted an older Dobie and totally lucked out with his amazing nature! The best: temperament, super personable, willing to please and affectionate. He loves everyone p The worst: health complications, our Dobie came with Von Willebrands, Wobblers and several other issues, vet cost in the last 2 years for one has been over $15k. This isn’t typical by any means but the breed is predisposed to several conditions.
Amanda Lock, Age 41 years
I grew up with Dobies and now have two of my own (10 & 5 years old). Their intelligence lends itself to stubbornness. Mental simulation and exercise are key to mitigating boredom and subsequent destructive behavior.
- Von Willebrand is common, but not necessarily a guaranteed affliction. Get yours tested early and be mindful of surgeries.
- Affectionate to the point of being annoying, but that’s what makes them great.
- Be the alpha! Don’t let them set the pace when walking.
- Repetition and reinforcement on daily commands is important. They have an uncanny ability to learn vocabulary. I talk to mine everyday in full sentences. Train with tone.