are there any doberman enthusiasts out there?

NicoleRussell · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 12:58 PM

If someone wanted to get a watchdog--full grown that could also be safe around their children and other pets would an adult doberman be the breed?
Can someone buy an adult that is trained or do you have to start from scratch with a puppy?

MED04 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 01:08 PM

When I was younger, we had a Doberman. He got hit by a car though, so thanks for bringing that up Nicole

I have heard that Dobermans are great with kids (I used to dog-sit for one who was awesome). Having said that, we also had a rottweiler (my Dad traveled a lot and hel felt better having the dog around) and she would have died before she let anything happen to any of us. She was well trained and behaved wonderfully. She did scare the occasional friend, but she was wonderful!

dball · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 01:19 PM

Not so sure about dobermans but an adult female rottweiler would be a good choice imo. Some might not agree.

Rotts are very protective over their household. Females are supposedly a bit better for the familly as a whole. I know our rott when I was growing up never bit anyone, he would growl, but never bite. And even when he would get outside and someone who wasn't supposed to be there was like the meter guy, he would not attack but he would corner them and not allow them to leave or even move til one of us called him away. I don't want to know what would've happened had they tried to run.

We got our rott when I was 4 and he lived 11-12 years. I will admit they are not a play fetch kind of dog. At least ours and the other I have met aren't. But if you are looking for protection of your family and belongings Rotts are the way to go. I would still have never traded him for a more playful dog either.

One time when we were out of town for instance my uncle (who our rott knew and liked) would come over and let him out to "go". The first day after my uncle let him back in the house my uncle went to wash his hands, but our Rott became very protective and would not let him in any further. So he left and didn't try to come in the house the rest of the time we were gone.

All the dobermans I have met in my life were very afraid of people and would run when you would try to pet them. That turned me off to them.

dball · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

she would have died before she let anything happen to any of us

That really is how ours was when we had him. Very nice behaved dogs when trained properly, but when it comes to their family and home they are not a dog to mess with.

Now I am really missing him.

Cristina · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 01:30 PM

I would go w/ a Rottie..They are wonderful family dog who will go to the ends of the earth for them..Of course like any dog you have to make sure its stable and well socialzied..I would go w/ a puppy to a one yr old so he/she will groee up w/ you and your fam, they are truly wonderful dog w/ a goofy personally..Im not sayin all, but Dobie have more problems intergrating w/ a family..I would not bring an older Dobie into a fam w/ children

Cristina · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 01:34 PM

my Rottie does play fetch and other tricks..they are very smart, but a personally that only other Rotties owners will understand..weary when they first meet ppl..they "check" them out..but warm up in a couple of min

B25Wolfpack · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:12 PM

This should help you out a little. LOL Dont you just love the little ones? This is Shonie.

Cristina · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:16 PM

dball · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:26 PM

Shonie, lol. That pic is awesome and like the name

reptilemama · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:32 PM

Just keep in mind that both of those breeds are prone to certain health problems. Dobies have heart trouble and VonWillebrands, rotts have hip displaysia and can be prone to bone cancer. Definitely research the background of any dog you're considering, and find out if it and it's parents have been health tested.

Cristina · #11 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptilemama

Just keep in mind that both of those breeds are prone to certain health problems. Dobies have heart trouble and VonWillebrands, rotts have hip displaysia and can be prone to bone cancer. Definitely research the background of any dog you're considering, and find out if it and it's parents have been health tested.

But from a good breeders who has the dogs hips checked before

ChadRamsey · #12 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 02:57 PM

i have 2. they are model gaurd dogs, and super protective of my two kids. I cant even tickle my son without getting bit on the rearend. My kids maul the dogs lay on them and kiss their faces.

here is my female "Milla" when she was a puppy, shes 3 y/o now

again as a pup

now

here is a pic of my rescue male "Zayne"

MED04 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptilemama

Just keep in mind that both of those breeds are prone to certain health problems. Dobies have heart trouble and VonWillebrands, rotts have hip displaysia and can be prone to bone cancer. Definitely research the background of any dog you're considering, and find out if it and it's parents have been health tested.

Absolutely! You definitely want to go with a recommended breeder who is registered and make sure they offer a health guarantee.

Heidi · #14 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 04:50 PM

Nicole, You can probably tell that as a breed they are my passion. The two that I have had are PERFECT family pets. They are big goofballs that despite their size are lapdogs. Dobies are known to be like velcro and IMO offer the perfect balance between a dog you can trust with your family and friends and still offer protection.

For instance, with proper socialization my dogs have never threatened anybody who has met them with us as company. They are free to offer affection to anybody that will accept it (if anything the flaw in this is that they can demand the affection if it is not offered freely by head bumps and nudges). However, I've always made sure that there is somebody that I can allow to get close to them that they trust as caregivers should the need arise for in home care when we are out of town. They have both been bordered and bonded almost too well with their caretakers in the doggy hotels. I've only been told that my dogs have been witnessed baring teeth and growling when strangers approach too close for comfort while we are away. In the 9 1/2 years that we had Cleo I've heard her growl once in her lifetime at an appraser that was walking around my neighbors backyard and got to close to the fence. Something about him didn't sit.

As far as the kids, I know there will be dissagreement but I don't trust Summer 100% with my kids. There is trepidation there although there is definitely love between them. I don't know how she would react to the middle of the night stomping. Manson died when the kids were still pretty young so I'll compare Cleo. I trusted her 110% with my kids. She gave them space to grow and her affection and activity grew with each of the three kids. They could walk her and she was their subordinant. They gave her jobs and did a lot of continued training with her which made them dominant over her even though she could very easily have outmuscled them by far. She has always been very affectionate and loving, very kissy and cuddly.

It is your decision as far as a puppy or older dog. I would not count out a rescue. Even though you could possibly never know the lineage the rescues work with them and do temperment test on them to determine if they are good with cats, kids, etc. and they can tell you the temperment, likes, dislikes, etc of a particular dog and match them with your family needs. It is a good alternative to a puppy.

If you go for a puppy and are willing to spent upwards of 1000 then be prepared to do tons of research and get on sites to ask around, talk to your local doberman club, national doberman club, etc to get breeder recommendations. Never go with an add in the newspaper, magazine, etc. You will not find a quality pup that way bred with the best intentions of the pup and new family, only the puppy mills and back yard breeders. A good breeder will let you know the longevity of the line, temperment, obedience, championship bloodline, etc. and offer continued support through the lifetime of the dog. You should always be prepared though to realize that even if you spend 1500+ on a quality championship bloodline with all the health testing in the world that the breed can still acquire some of these issues down the road (namely dilated cardiomyopathy). You can have a perfectly healthy, tested puppy that could die at the young age of 2 or live to the ripe old age of 13.

All in all, I can not imagine my life without ever owning another doberman, whether it be pup or adult, purchased or rescue. (BTW--A good rescue will still charge approx 250). It is my belief that there is no other breed that will love the way only a dobe can and fit into a family as perfectly as if he/she were born right in.

Cristina · #15 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 05:43 PM

Like Hedi said go w/ a very excellent breeder, who breeds calm healthy dogs..ask to see the parents, mabey ask for some refrences you can call to see the temperment the the dog they bought from that breeder..all that said..while there have great stories w/ rescue dogs..I dont think I would take my chance w/ getting a Dobie or Rot from a rescue just based on a temperment test that the dog might pass there..you are taking a chance and w/ kids in the picture, i wouldnt do it..Research some reputable breeders. Pick up a copy of DogFancy, there are Breeders in the back.

Heidi · #16 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 05:58 PM

Nicole, I just thought of something else as a way to get a good older pup. Not, full grown but not puppy and already housebroken, trained, etc.

A lot of breeders, owners or co-owners will keep a pup, usually pick of the litter or close for conformation and shows. It is usually practiced since puppihood and start training around 3-4 months old. Sometimes they will pick a pup that has all the main qualities but there is something that just doesn't quite fit in with the shows and they decide to sell as a pet quality dobe. You could get good breeder recommendations and ask them if they ever have any of these available. They usually have a waiting list but in most cases it wouldn't be long before you were able to get your baby. If a breeder you have been referred to doesn't have any available they could also point you into a direction where you may be able to find one available or be put on a list for when one is.

momakat · #17 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 12:52 AM

I love dobermans! My parents got one from a reputable breeder that bred for temperment and size. Their vet said she was the best looking dobbie he had seen in a long time. He also said that the skin on the top of the head should not be tight - you should be able to wrinkle it or pinch it up easily. We did not crop her ears. With no training - other than normal family dog training - she became my baby's protector and nursemaid. Tish (I have no idea where that name came from) loved my daughter so much that once when she accidently scratched Kristi's leg she left the room and had to be coaxed back in. Tish felt so bad that it took a long time to get her back in and let her see that Kristi was not really hurt.

Tish was so gentle that as Kristi grew she could grab a handful of skin on Tish's back and that dobbie would stand up, dragging Kristi with her, and helped teach her to walk!
The only change to her personality was that she would not let anybody through the front door without one of the family there to let them in. We had to let her know that it was ok - and we had to be there to do it. So our neighbors that used to knock and then walk in could no longer do that. teeheehee Otherwise they were met with a big toothy growl - but she never bit any one! Eventually she got more relaxed - until the next grandbaby was born and brought home.

Then she became the nursemaid/protector again.
As for being a guardian . . . generally the size and breed of dog will put people off without being trained as a guard dog. I had a blue heeler and a lab cross - both loved the girls and were protective. But the heeler would even nip me if I got after the girls. And it was not my lab cross that put people off - it was the little heeler (example of breed playing a role in the 'fear factor') that made them pause. IMO for size, protection and gentleness . . . my preference would be an Old English Mastiff, second to the Doberman (maybe). My mastiff was the greatest. Because of his potential size I specially trained him for a gentle mouth and to know that the girls were to be considered dominant. Not difficult to do. People who did not know him were terrified of him because of his size. Yet he was gentle as a lamb and thought he was just a big lap dog with family and friends. Try having a 180+ lb baby in your lap.

Whatever you get - I agree with everyone else. Do your research, visit different breeders of different dogs, and you will find the dog that is right for your family.

Reptscue · #18 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 03:00 AM

I would say get an older Dobe puppy. One that you can see their personallity coming out. IMO females tend to be more protective over their family especially if they are brought up with "pack". And you do not need to teach them to be protective, it's in their nature.
I brought my red Dobergirl home at 5 1/2 months old. When I went to visit her and her sister for the first time at a Petco adoptathon, she layed across my lap and growled at her sister. I knew I had to keep her.
Now don't take what I say next the wrong way....Because other then Dobes, Rotts are my second fav. IMO... Rottens tend to be more bite then bark and I have seen more issues at work with them. I don't know if it is because in my area there are so many puppymillers around that it puts a damper on the Rott population or what... 9 out of 10 are muzzled because of their bad nature. And maybe 1 out of 25 Dobes are muzzled. But if you enter a Dobe's territory.... Look out... You will be scared of that bark.
No one really needs to know when my dobe is approached when barking at someone she pees herself and runs....

But she puts up a good show....

Yamadirt426 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 07:29 PM

I've got two dobes. They are my breed of choise for a few reasons. They are smart, very cuddly always wanting to touch you for some reason. The best looking dog on the planet. They are all very good watch dogs but not the best guard dogs. I'm the guard dog they are just my ears and eyes. If they had to bite they would but there bark is worse. They are destructive as puppys as I've lost thousands over the years. There is lots of health problems so you must be aware of that. I will always have one. My second one would pull me around town on my rollerblades at around 30 mph. We just have to stop at everyother gas station.We even made the front page of the paper one summer. RIP Cruzer. He got cancer at 4 yrs. They are great. This is not the best write up on them I know. I am tired. I have hundreds of reaons to have one and only a handful not to have, mostly depending on your own personallity.

Heidi · #20 (**permalink**) 01-28-2007, 11:25 PM

Reptscue, you know this thread is killing me. Now you pictures. Ship her out!!!! Summer says she needs to play.

Yamadirt--Nicole, yes, they can be destructive. Definitely a dog that needs training and a job. Keep them busy because they WILL busy themselves with whatever they find appealing. But, a tired dog is a good dog and a dog that is too worn out to lift it's head is a lot less likely to eat your couch. And for goodness sakes when they want to go to the bathroom with you let them, and never close that bathroom door again, they will make you pay. Ahhhhh, the things that I miss. I wouldn't even mind getting back into the couch eating, puppy stage again to get back my baby girl. (FYI, my older boy was an angel since we got him older, about 7 months. Never destroyed anything.)

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