About Dobermanns  

Temperament and tips on owning Dobermanns

Subjects covered on this page:

·       ·      Appearance

·       ·      History

·       ·      Temperament- modern.                         

·       ·      Children

·       ·      General information

·       ·      Health

·       ·      Exercise

·       ·      Living with other animals

·       ·      Grooming

·       ·      Working (Shutzhund)

·       ·      Summary

First of all the DOBE is not for everyone and having said that please let us continue... 

Appearance

 The general appearance of the Dobermanns is a dog of a larger breed type now. Although height 25-27 inches at the shoulder in the breed standard many are closer to 29 inches, short coupled, square dog with a deep chest and well bodied but elegant (not to be confused with fine) appearance capable of lightning quick reactions, an agile animal. Smooth coated and easy to care for. The Dobermann mixed with several breeds of larger dog, the Schnauzer  and the Min Pin originally derived from the German Pinschers. They are versatile and can fit well into most homes, as they are energetic, bright, tough, independent, territorial and loyal. Temperaments vary and many are loving, some are dominant, and some are shy. Playful spirit is the best way to describe a Dobermanns in the family.

A short History of the breed.

This breed was bred and used to be the guardian of its owners and possessions and predators of any kind. This breed had to be strong, mildly independent, reliable, discerning and thinking dog to do its job and is still relevant for the breed today.

 There is a detailed history if you want specific details on other web sites, but basically the breed was created by a man called Herr Dobermann a tax collector that needed a strong fearless dog for protection of himself and his money. The German Pinscher was the base breed for him to create the Dobermann and adding a variety of larger breeds including the Butcher dog.

The dogs available now are the result of the careful breeding under the efforts of modern breeders’ worldwide that have this breed in their care, where the breed goes from here will depend on those modern breeders.

Dobermann Temperament-The modern Dobe Temperament.

These dogs are very alert, quick and intelligent in their thinking that often out smart some of the people who own them or would want to own them on a regular basis. They are born problem solvers. They have an independent nature so require a firm, strong but never harsh Alpha (all the family [includes the children]) leaders. This is the Dobermann.  I could use this section to describe the German Pinscher also only the GP has stronger prey drive and is more terriers in temperament type.

Bred to be guardians they still have a very strong prey-drive for all things small, furry and squeaky, including the reptile variety of prey- snakes, lizards etc and will dig to get to them. Their sense of smell is as good as any others. The Doberman holds the world tracking distance record recorded for any dog, this is one determined dog. This breed is perhaps not for the very garden proud.

Like any guardian they need to be able to distinguish between friends (visitors) and those of ill intent (this is a discerning and a thinking dog). You will not always know why the dog takes a dislike to a complete stranger (or a friend you think is great) IF it is not the dogs normal course, but remember they can sense the things we cannot. Some people have a nervousness or fear around dogs or on some types of medication and this will almost certainly trigger this reaction too. So be aware not all dogs of any breed like all people.

Because they are so smart (instinctively) and intelligent [although not in a human way] they need consistent firm obedience training and socialization is required to have a happy dog and happy owner.

 Firm voice, squirt bottle and/or a quick check on the lead works very well. They are very loyal and affectionate with their owners but are generally aloof  to strangers as an adult (this does not mean actual avoidance); I would expect a puppy to be more interested in strangers, with a little wariness (not nervousness) as is required in the breed standard. My dogs are very friendly but if they are stand-offish with someone new, then I trust their instincts (unless the dog is nervous anyway) and am reserved with them until I know them better but will always keep the dogs reaction in mind.

Possessiveness (Guards things it thinks is his by ownership) is a breed trait too and must be taught this is not tolerated from a young dog. Most guarding breeds have this trait in varying degrees, in some dogs is pronounced.A good stable temperament is a must for any training, with good conformation incorporating the sound structure this covers [for a healthy dog]. Speak to your intended breeder about this.

Temperament and conformation must always go hand in hand.

Healthy body (structure= conformation) with a sound mind. Those of you who have ever owned and worked dogs you will understand the importance of this. A dog that cannot physically do the work (Eyes, hips, cow hocked, poor backbends and fronts, tiring to soon etc :) is as useless as a dog that has a poor temperament. No one wants to live with one.

The Working temperament.

Having said the above I need to clarify the Dobermann's "working" definition. This breed is not technically a true working dog as its work is through its own independence not in response to an owner's commands therefore the temperament is especially important. The dog must be sociable and at least be responsive to the owner (calling for mild independence). The both dominate and very independent dog is for the experienced dog trainer only. 

DOBE’S living with Children

 Experienced breeders understand that ALL puppies get on with children; it is as they grow up that respect must be taught to the dogs and children then you will have a happy, healthy family association and companion. Dobermanns are a wonderful family pet raised with children under correct circumstances, as with any breed.

Dobe's are boisterous, excitable puppies and need to be taught that jumping on, persistent licking or racing, diving or jumping on or knocking over a 2 year old is not acceptable and things will be fine.  I personally do not recommend very small children for this among other reasons generally, although we consider the merits and experience of the new owners individually when making decisions.

The child is viewed as a play partner by the pup and needs to learn the boundaries for puppy and child play. The children need to learn that hanging onto the dogs as walkers and climbing over them or pulling ears is not ok and hurts the dog…

The discerned ethical Breeders/owners I've had contact with want to make sure their dogs go to homes suitable for the breed. No one wants a good dog ruined by a bad owner. And especially a child bit by an unsuitable dog or through parents that did not teach the children to respect the animals.

Dobe's and dogs in general have long memories and do not forget injustices from humans or other animals and will retaliate if need be.

The one breed trait that parents need to be aware of is possessiveness and this is a trait generally found in the instinctive guarding/hunter breeds. This generally develops more as the dog becomes mature.  Please also see frequent questions and answers for answers to this...

Having said that please re-read the top part of this section. To re-affirm our position we recommend that children be old enough to fend off a boisterous puppy by being able to stand up on steady feet and with parents consistently being in view of the pup and child while playing. NO dog of any breed should be left alone with children.

Before purchasing the puppy parents need to feel comfortable with their decision and be prepared to train the dog and children to live together by having an understanding of this breed...

Other animals.

Dobe's can get along with other animals and especially other dogs but you need to remember a few golden rules.  Socialization is the key firstly.

The first time your young baby Dobe [even at 8 weeks old] ever thinks of chasing the cat STOP and reprimand it for it. Should it happen again, put it on a leather collar and lead or harness (if very young), put the dog into the same temptation again and let it start the chase.  Say NO!!!!! in a loud demanding voice and turn away in the opposite direction to the cat then praise the dog and return towards the cat allowing the dog to approach carefully  at the same time it almost but not quite reaches the cat. It may approach, if the cat allows and sniff (cats instinctively know what dogs are alright and those that are not, well most of them) but NEVER let it chase the cats EVER. This may need to be repeated often until the dog understands the cat chase is a No No, but approaching steadily (not stalking) is ok if the cat is happy to allow it. The hunt instinct will step in and you will never be able to trust that dog again once it does. Its vermin hunting instinct will kick in properly as young as 6 months, some 3 months, so this is the first of many house lessons you, not the dog, need to be responsible for.

 I do NOT recommend the Dobermanns be raised with chickens, rats ,mice or any other furry animal it would instinctively chase and hunt to kill for food, including snakes and lizards or any other reptile.

I raised three children with my Dobe's and German Pinschers; with two cats added recently, so it is proof in the pudding they can be happy family dogs. My older dog- 7 year old will not tolerate one cat and ignores the other, who knows why! So we understand this and work around it, after all she is 7 and the cats are a new addition. The younger two Pinschers ignore the cats after their initial sniff for the Himalayan and have a healthy respect for the older grey Moggie and keep their distance from her. All are allowed inside.

Exercise.  They  need regular exercise to channel their energy and occupy their mind.  Most are not particularly fond of water but can learn to enjoy swimming. Although not common some can open doors with sliding bolts and handles they can pull down, if they are excited.

It is highly recommended that you do some form of obedience for this breed in particular to help you become the "Alpha pack leader" rather than the dog.  This breed is smart and loves to be doing something, anything to occupy their intelligent and active mind and body.

Endurance is their forte’ they will trot for miles if they get on a scent. They enjoy a good romp in the field or if loose in a safe area, scent and romp to their hearts delight. Pinschers have no road sense (there really is no such thing) while in hunt mode and will be hurt out alone or off lead. 

 NEVER allow this breed off lead unless it is exceptionally well trained in obedience. They will not conveniently "hear" you call in hunting mode either unless very well trained. 

 They will simply become deaf and keep going!

 Shutzhund (This is not the Protection dog)!!

 In Europe and America these dogs are also a wonderful Shutzhund dog (if they have correct stable temperament to begin with) and trained under the care of a professional Shutzhund trainer.  Shutzhund is a sport only, not protection/security work.

This sport will give those dedicated to the fun of training a tracking, obedience and arm work experienced dog a very reliable, trustworthy, obedient, respectful, owner/family dog. This is a sport for those very interested in Temperament and Comformation equally. The dog requires the ideal stable, calm, temperament to be a good successful Shutzhund dog. The nervous/fear aggressive dog is not for this sport [or any other for that matter].

Grooming

They groom themselves like a cat, as they use their paws like hands so much so it almost looks like a human trait. A quick spray with a good bit of lavender/rose water and a wipe down with a damp towel is usually all it takes to keep them clean and a bath occasionally. If you feed a high quality dog food or a RAW diet, they are very efficient eaters with minimum output, so cleaning up is easy. They rarely have the "doggie odor".

 Summary.

 Dobes are compact enough to be a great family dog or lap dog (well at least they consider themselves to be if allowed) and big enough to be a personal protection dog (if trained correctly), easy to feed, easy to care for, great to travel with, loyal and affectionate.

This breed always wants to be with you. It won’t matter if you are under the car, doing the gardening or just sitting around. They love nothing better than a leisurely walk or romp with you in a safe area.

They can mix well with other dogs at parks, but be aware they will retaliate if another dog looks like it will try to dominate them. Look for the body language/stance and the ears and eyes will tell all. Socialization is a large key here, but don’t forget they may have to get down to rank and pack sorting. I do not allow my dogs in "doggie parks" for this reason generally and we do not know the history of the other dogs or their owners. A self protection thing for myself and my dogs. 

Some love kids when raised with children and taught respect from all sides and will tolerate the cats, and other animals if raised to learn it is not lunch or an intruder in the house.

They are a dog full of expression and gestures unique to this breed.

This is the breed for us and I hope you will consider what is here before you decide if it is for you.

Anita

Masterkarn Dobermanns & German Pinschers (Australia)