Has anyone owned a Doberman? Are they good family pets? Five kids + big dog indoors, yea or neigh?

[PassingThru]

Thanks all! You’ve given us lots to think about. We’re still leaning toward a female Dobe. We are dedicated dog owners & would be faithful with obedience training & establishing authority for the benefit of both the dog & our family. That’s one thing that stood out the most - it’s the training & handling of the dog that makes the biggest difference. Plus the love! We’re also going to consider other breeds as well. We love the idea of attending a dog show, and I’m certain there are breeds we’ve never seen in person - like a whippet?! I also poked around on the Illinois Dobe Rescue site. There are some stories there that would break your heart.

My husband wants to wait until it warms up so we’re not training a puppy in the freezing cold/snow. When are most puppies born I wonder? More so in the spring?

I’ll post pictures of the newest addition to our family once he/she arrives.

God bless all creatures great and small!

By all means, if you want a Doberman with your kids, chances are you will have a wonderful dog.

But, I wonder why you asked about dobermans, got some warnings about the danger, but still want a doberman? (Meaning, why did you ask the question?)

At the end of the day, stats are stats. Parents/companies/insurers are leery of pit bulls, dobermans, rottweilers, chows, and other because, statistically, they BITE MORE. Often it is for good reason, like abuse or very poor training. Even if you completely discount all those cases, well adjusted and raised dogs of these breeds STILL have have much higher probability of serious physical attacks. Its an unavoidable truth.

(Side note: Notice how often people “qualify” the dog by mentioning it is great “with solid training” or “establishing a pack leader” or any other way to kind of hedge the recommendation? You would never hear someone say “Newfoundlands are great with kids, just make sure you get a great trainer when he is a pup to establish his place in the family”. No one would say that, because it is not necessary with that breed. The instructions for a Newfoundland would be 1) Feed 2) Play 3) Teach to sit and heal. Thats about it, because it is inherent in the breed that it will be a family dog, passive, with a very soft mouth, and an incredibly low propensity to bite.)

If you didn’t have kids (and other peoples kids over as well), then have at it. But you are responsible for all young children around the animal. You may be comfortable enough, but I would not be. Especially as you have not had an animal of this power before.

Dont get me wrong, I an not trying to poo-poo these breeds. I LOVE German Shepherds and Rottweilers, and many of the fighting breeds. I would NOT, however, elect to pick one up with young children. Chances are, they would be just as loving as a lab type dog, but statistically, you ARE taking a greater risk. You just need to be aware of the decision you are making. If you are OK with a large dog, objectively speaking, there are much safer options for children. On this, I am correct.

 

[Onedayatatime]

If you really want a big dog then consider a St Bernard (AKA Saints, good Catholic dogs bred in the Alps by monks in the St. Bernard pass), or a Newfie (Newfoundland). There are short haired Saints that don’t shed too much, the same cannot be said for Newfies, but when you see one you will want to snuggle up to it. (Actually they will take care of that). Both breeds are very good with kids, but as always you need to buy from a good breeder and invest heavily in training.

These are big dogs!

 

[horselvr]

“well adjusted and raised dogs of these breeds STILL have have much higher probability of serious physical attacks. Its an unavoidable truth.”

You know, I agree with this only because quite frankly, if I were to be attacked by a dog, I pray it would be a Chihuahua and NOT a large breed simply because of the amount of damage a large breed can do with only one bite as opposed to a small dog.

I don’t think I have ever heard of a child or adult being mauled to death by a Chi. LOL!

“At the end of the day, stats are stats. Parents/companies/insurers are leery of pit bulls, dobermans, rottweilers, chows, and other because, statistically, they BITE MORE.”

Not true—their bites are **reported more **because their bite does more damage and so makes for a bigger headline, enough damage in fact that their attacks are considered maulings—it could only be one bite, but THAT bite is big enough to rip off a childs face whereas the smaller breeds, while still quite the little biters themselves, do very little damage, comparitively speaking.

Newfi’s and St Bernards are wonderful dogs if you want to put up with the hair, the endless sticky slobber on furniture, floor, your clothes, hands, and risk your toddler being knocked down unexpectedly. This alone can cause serious injury in and of itself. Sit at the Newfi and St. Bernard rings—their slobber is the reason the handlers all carry a bath towel with them. They are constantly wiping the icky gooie stuff off themselves and the dogs before entering the ring.

"(Side note: Notice how often people “qualify” the dog by mentioning it is great “with solid training” or “establishing a pack leader” or any other way to kind of hedge the recommendation? "

There’s down sides to most any breed and honestly, I wouldn’t own a dog that did not have obedience training and manners and that includes a Newfi.

 

[yellowbird]

But, I wonder why you asked about dobermans, got some warnings about the danger, but still want a doberman? (Meaning, why did you ask the question?)

.

I asked the question because I wanted opinions - and I got them. Some said no to the Dobe becasue of the potential harm the dog might cause. Some said yes to the dog because they had them - or had similarly large strong dogs and with the proper training & handling, they became wonderful pets.

In my last post I said I was still “leaning” in that direction - but I was open to other breeds as well. I appreicate your concern for my children, and the children who may visit my home. I share your concern as well… which is why we’re not 100% sold on any one breed yet.

 

[PassingThru]

“well adjusted and raised dogs of these breeds STILL have have much higher probability of serious physical attacks. Its an unavoidable truth.”

You know, I agree with this only because quite frankly, if I were to be attacked by a dog, I pray it would be a Chihuahua and NOT a large breed simply because of the amount of damage a large breed can do with only one bite as opposed to a small dog.

Well, I am glad you agree, but what I said was that chance of being bit or attacked is higher. The fact that many breeds are more powerful and do more damage only adds to the risk.

“At the end of the day, stats are stats. Parents/companies/insurers are leery of pit bulls, dobermans, rottweilers, chows, and other because, statistically, they BITE MORE.”

Not true—their bites are **reported more **because their bite does more damage and so makes for a bigger headline, enough damage in fact that their attacks are considered maulings—it could only be one bite, but THAT bite is big enough to rip off a childs face whereas the smaller breeds, while still quite the little biters themselves, do very little damage, comparitively speaking.

Not really. Specifically speaking, I am reference the % chance of an aggressive behavior, regardless of size or breed. Easy place to start: Look at the wiki entry for any breed. Most have footnotes that lead to many controlled studies of behavior by breed. There are many, many studies to read.

You are probably right that a higher percentage of bites from fighting breeds are reported, and you are definitely right that they do more damage on any given incident, but that does NOT lead to the conclusion that these breeds do not in fact posses higher levels of aggression. ie, most of your statement is correct, but the fact remains my objective point is still correct.

Newfi’s and St Bernards are wonderful dogs if you want to put up with the hair, the endless sticky slobber on furniture, floor, your clothes, hands, and risk your toddler being knocked down unexpectedly. This alone can cause serious injury in and of itself. Sit at the Newfi and St. Bernard rings—their slobber is the reason the handlers all carry a bath towel with them. They are constantly wiping the icky gooie stuff off themselves and the dogs before entering the ring.

Thats nice, but not related to the question I was addressing.

"(Side note: Notice how often people “qualify” the dog by mentioning it is great “with solid training” or “establishing a pack leader” or any other way to kind of hedge the recommendation? "

There’s down sides to most any breed and honestly, I wouldn’t own a dog that did not have obedience training and manners and that includes a Newfi.

There are downsides to any breed, and obedience training is a must for all dogs, particularly large dogs.

Look, my point was there IS a difference between breeds, especially as it comes to aggression. Period. Mixing little kids with large dogs is dangerous. Telling someone who appears to have little experience to buy a 80-100 pound dog that is incredibly powerful and specifically bred for conflict with humans might not actually be a good idea.

Also, anecdotal information is NOT a reason to either believe or not believe a breed is a good choice. I have not/do not own any of the fighting breeds or the labs or newfoundlands i used as a counter. Go online and read actual studies. The information is right there for you to read.

 

[PassingThru]

I asked the question because I wanted opinions - and I got them. Some said no to the Dobe becasue of the potential harm the dog might cause. Some said yes to the dog because they had them - or had similarly large strong dogs and with the proper training & handling, they became wonderful pets.

In my last post I said I was still “leaning” in that direction - but I was open to other breeds as well. I appreicate your concern for my children, and the children who may visit my home. I share your concern as well… which is why we’re not 100% sold on any one breed yet.

Sorry, didn’t mean to sound like I was coming down on you.

It bothers me to read about how someone had a traditionally aggressive breed, and says basically “my dog was a sweetheart, go get one”. Its just not sound advice. It doesn’t mean they didnt have the sweetest dog on the planet, it just, objectively, is poor advice.

Best of luck on the puppy search.

 

[horselvr]

“Well, I am glad you agree, but what I said was that chance of being bit or attacked is higher. The fact that many breeds are more powerful and do more damage only adds to the risk.”

Yes, I know what you said, but I was actually disagreeing with you in a nice way “that the chance of being bit or attacked is higher”.

" but that does NOT lead to the conclusion that these breeds do not in fact posses higher levels of aggression. ie, most of your statement is correct, but the fact remains my objective point is still correct."

You and I will not agree on all things doggie. I urge you to please go visit the dog shows and spend time with the working breeds and you might just change your opinion OR maybe not and that’s fine too. Understand that the dogs bred for the shows are bred much differently than your backyard breeder.These dogs are bred by breeders that eat, sleep ad drink bloodlines and their reputations are at stake. They breed the best to the best and always improving their bloodlines. What bothers me is the fact that large breeds are put into a box of holy terrors and mostly by those that have only read the headlinea and have no actual lengthy experience from which they speak. I guess you have never seen the terrier group sparring in the ring. Or the Affenpinscher go at it.

I don’t recall anyone telling the OP to go out and get a Dobe or a Rott or a Pit, only their experiences with certain breeds be that good or bad.

I think the OP has a pretty good handle on the K-9 “tude” from the sounds of things and I feel that those that have responded have only stated their experiences with particular breeds. The OP sounds like an informed adult and I’m sure will get the breed of dog she feels will fit in nicely with her family be that a Dobe or a Poodle. At least she doesn’t sound like a babbling idiot to me.

“The information is right there for you to read.”

And there is just as much information out there to counter this information too.

I don’t ever discount experience. I see you have stated that you have not had any experience with any of the breeds you are condeming.

What I am trying to convey to you is to get out in the dog world and see for yourself. For every aggressive dog you can find, I can also find a 150lb lap dog.

Police dogs are taken home regularily to live in the home with the family. They are trained to bite and to hold. Yes, they actually have to be trained to bite. Imagine! Home protection dogs are specifically trained to bite and to patrol the perimeter of the property and to protect the family. They also naturally live in the home with the family. They are specifically the breeds you are targeting yet they are good pets too. They are trained to the nth degree in obedience and bite work. A lot of these dogs do not cut the mustard as they just don’t have it in them to bite and they don’t have what it takes to be in police/militay/home protection work.

A dog is a dog—no matter which way you slice it aggression can happen in any breed and does often enough hence the reason those here are advocating training and pack order. This is why training is very important and establishing a pack order is a must. However, aggression can happen more often than not, because of the stupidity of humans not being able to read a dog. And the human learns THAT only through putting in the hours, days and even years of training, observance and common sense.

For every aggressive large breed you can find I can find an aggressive tea cup poodle. Well, that might be a little over the top.

Concerning the Newfi: I was actually addressing the fact that the OP doesn’t want a breed that sheds a lot so not exactly addressing you. They are just messy house dogs.

 

[mary_bobo]

You and I will not agree on all things doggie. I urge you to please go visit the dog shows and spend time with the working breeds and you might just change your opinion OR maybe not and that’s fine too. Understand that the dogs bred for the shows are bred much differently than your backyard breeder.These dogs are bred by breeders that eat, sleep ad drink bloodlines and their reputations are at stake. They breed the best to the best and always improving their bloodlines. What bothers me is the fact that large breeds are put into a box of holy terrors and mostly by those that have only read the headlinea and have no actual lengthy experience from which they speak. I guess you have never seen the terrier group sparring in the ring. Or the Affenpinscher go at it.

I applaud this part of your post. As a person who has bred and shown dogs for forty years, the way you have depicted breeders is true. One thing you left out is that breeders are also very concerned with temperament. My suggestion to anyone who wants a particular breed of dog is to go to a real breeder as opposed to the Back Yard breeders who know nothings of the pedigree of the dogs they have bred and what might be in the background of those dogs. Money is the main objective of these “breeders” and their ads can be found in newspapers. True breeders seldom advertise in a public forum. They don’t have to.

As for terriers sparring, there are some terriers who should not be sparred as they were bred to be primarily family pets. Just wish we could educate judges on that fact.

 

[yellowbird]

At least she doesn’t sound like a babbling idiot to me.

Haha. Why thank you, although I have my moments.

PassingThrou, I wanted to clarify something - I think you got the impression I am not experienced with big dogs… that’s not completely true - as I said in one of my previous posts, I grew up with German Shepherds but we had more property than I currently have. My concerns were specifically Dobermans - and whether or not they are good indoor family pets & how much they shed? My husband has always had small dogs & he questioned how we’d know the temperament of a Doberman when it’s only a puppy?

I know it’s anecdotal and it doesn’t mean any more than what it is - but for the record I was attacked by a dog & required medical attention. To this day I have a puncture scar on my face. The dog? A cocker spaniel - with an attitude. The owners knew it was growly & snappy - I was not the first person it bit. And maybe that should be my question… would I know if my dog - regardless of the breed, was aggressive? Once it’s grown, I would - wouldn’t I? It would show signs. So that would be it for us … if it were an aggressive dog despite our reasonable attempts at correcting it’s behavior - I wouldn’t keep it because I have children. I think ALL dog owners need to be aware of that… whether it’s a Doberman, Rott or cute little, albeit vicious cocker spaniel.

 

[gh4]

And maybe that should be my question… would I know if my dog - regardless of the breed, was aggressive? Once it’s grown, I would - wouldn’t I? It would show signs. So that would be it for us … if it were an aggressive dog despite our reasonable attempts at correcting it’s behavior - I wouldn’t keep it because I have children. I think ALL dog owners need to be aware of that… whether it’s a Doberman, Rott or cute little, albeit vicious cocker spaniel.

This bothers me. Too many people get dogs/puppies and think that ok, if it doesn’t grow up into what I want it to be, I’ll get rid of it. And that is why thousands of dogs are euthanized every week at shelters. You KNOW a dobie has a chance of having an over protective temperament, or being snarkie etc. And if it’s this way, you will have a heck of a time finding it a new home.
When you buy/adopt/rescue a dog, you are responsible for that dog until it’s death… or at least that is my feeling.
So why get any dog or puppy that has the possibility to grow up into something you don’t want?
Why not get a pup who has a MUCH better chance of being exactly what you want? Labs and goldens don’t have a reputation of being mean and nasty and bitey like dobies and rotties and pitties and others.
Also, check with your insurance agent, many won’t insure a home where any of the bully type breeds live, they probably have a list of dogs who they won’t insure. Some companies charge more for people who have larger/bully breeds.

I used to work for a ‘doc-in-the-box’ (read free standing emergency clinic) and most of our bites were not from bigger dogs, and most were not serious and yes, we reported each and every one of them.

Good luck!

 

[yellowbird]

This bothers me. Too many people get dogs/puppies and think that ok, if it doesn’t grow up into what I want it to be, I’ll get rid of it. And that is why thousands of dogs are euthanized every week at shelters. You KNOW a dobie has a chance of having an over protective temperament, or being snarkie etc. And if it’s this way, you will have a heck of a time finding it a new home.
When you buy/adopt/rescue a dog, you are responsible for that dog until it’s death… or at least that is my feeling.
So why get any dog or puppy that has the possibility to grow up into something you don’t want?
Why not get a pup who has a MUCH better chance of being exactly what you want? Labs and goldens don’t have a reputation of being mean and nasty and bitey like dobies and rotties and pitties and others.
Also, check with your insurance agent, many won’t insure a home where any of the bully type breeds live, they probably have a list of dogs who they won’t insure. Some companies charge more for people who have larger/bully breeds.

I used to work for a ‘doc-in-the-box’ (read free standing emergency clinic) and most of our bites were not from bigger dogs, and most were not serious and yes, we reported each and every one of them.

Good luck!

I disagree. I am willing to provide a loving home to a dog, and be very diligent about it’s training. But when it matures, if it shows signs of serious agressive behavior - if it seems like a “mean, nasty, bitey dog” I think it DOES need to be put down. I would MUCH rather a dog like that be put down then wind up with people who don’t supervise it and it goes on to attack somebody.

If that were the temperment of that particiular dog & it couldn’t be trained otherwise, by all means - down it goes. I love dogs, but I love people more.

Having said that - I think the VAST majority of uncontrolable dogs who find themselves in shelters & rescues are there - not because of their temperment - but because they were given up by people who weren’t willing to put the time/energy into training them. A well behaved dog doesn’t just happen - it takes a great deal of time & energy. There is no excuse for that sort of irresponsible pet ownership.

 

[vera_dicere]

Any dog can be vicious if not correctly trained and handled. The worse dog injuries I’ve seen in a patient were from a lab.

I’ve always wanted a rotti x german sheppard and a doberman, but dobermans aren’t very “cuddly” if you’re after something along those lines for your family. I’ve known dobermans and as others have said they are very loyal but can be a bit off putting. My uncle houses german sheppards for the cops and he currently has one who is a retired K9 and is the nicest dog you’ve ever met! My friend has a staffy X pitball and it is a very well trained dog - it has to be, but there’s still that feeling that you shouldn’t take your eyes off it.

I had a huntaway-x ? growing up, and she was friendly, outgoing and good around everyone, and a medium to large dog, she did get into shenanigans when she got bored ie. digging holes, finding ways out of her kennel.

To be fair though, the worst bite I ever got from a dog was from a little one. So I’ve got no interest in small yappers! At least I know where I stand with a big dog.

 

[HarmonyServant]

Maybe I’ve got a power-kick, but I love being able to walk a big dog and have him heel beside me. That’s right; I’m your master, buddy. (Or let him pull me on rollar blades. Huskies are fuuuuunnnnn!)

All dogs need training, be they small, medium, or uber-large. They need to be taught that their human family is in control and that they know what’s best. You can achieve that with praise, love, and firm leadership. Not much different than kids really. Teach a dog to respect you and your family, and you’ll have a best friend for many years.

 

[styrgwillidar]

Also, anecdotal information is NOT a reason to either believe or not believe a breed is a good choice. I have not/do not own any of the fighting breeds or the labs or newfoundlands i used as a counter. Go online and read actual studies. The information is right there for you to read.

I have always heard the term ‘working breeds’ for german shepard, doberman, rottweiler, and the hunting dogs. They were bred to be obedient and hence more trainable than other breeds. My friend works dogs for the Highway Patrol, his dogs don’t attack anyone without orders, and they stop immediately when ordered. In fact, his last working dog became his household pet when the dog was retired (beautiful german shepard). But, there have been dogs rejected because they were naturally too aggressive to be properly trained in the time allowed by the program. As others here have said, his contention was that every dog- big or small- has to be trained. If it’s a family pet it has to be socialized around people to know it’s place and acceptable behavior. Heck, I read an article about a Shi Tzu that bit a person’s nose off.

In addition to talking to breeders, perhaps there is a police unit nearby with a dog unit and you can talk to them about advantages/disadvantages and tendencies of dobermans.

 

[happymommy]

We had a beautiful Collie when I was growing up. She was a great dog! I had the best time playing with her outside! We had to brush her a lot, but she liked it so it made it easy. She was just a wonderful pet.
We also had a poodle…that thing was meaner than cat dirt! YIKES. She didn’t like anyone but my mom.

DH and I got a beagle mix when we were first married. She’s been a pretty good pet. Was house broken in a week! She sheds something terrible and always seems to smell like a wet wool blanket, but she is very loving and great with the kids. She has always chewed things and eaten the strangest things…bedding, aprons, baby clothes ( they were spit up on which I guess is really yummy to dogs ), rocks, June bugs have always been a favorite, crayons…we have never been able to break her of it. She was eating Legos the other day

She used to be a terrific watch dog. We had a really strange neighbor for a long time…caught him looking in our windows, just a weird guy. I felt very safe because of the dog. She’s not a huge dog, 45 pounds or so, but she has a big bark and when told “bad guys” she would growl and snarl. Of course at 13, she doesn’t do that anymore…heck she can’t hear a thing now. She’s in pretty poor health now and I know some day soon she won’t be with us anymore.

 

[Samson01]

The sad thing is it seems the bigger breeds don’t live as long as small dogs. I have had Rotties for 30 years and have had some great family dogs. As a working/ herding dog, I would stay away from the German bred Rotties as they love to work, but like a pat of the head, not cuddleing. Big, dopey American Rotties are great pets. Samson is one of my favorites. At 150#, he was a gentle giant and a big lap dog. I loved him a lot as did my four kids and wife. I can tell you a bunch of great story’s about how loyal to family these dogs are, but I’ll spare you. Dobies have a bit more of that German blood in them that likes to work, so keep that in mind.

 

[primmy]

I realise this thread is a couple years old but anyone else reading this might be interested.

dobermans are kind gentle dogs and are fantastic with children as are staffies, I used to have a staffie who was very big for her breed and could trust her with any child, she couldnt care less if they tried to sit on her, bite her, pull her ears, tail and even tongue and the same now with my doberman and my 3 year old and 10 month old, and also friends children.
people can be very small minded when it comes to dogs. my parents have a collie and I wouldnt trust her anywhere near my children, she has already snapped at 2 children and a fair few adults and she attacked my staffie resulting in her death (the staffies death) and I will not take my children to their house unless the dog is locked outside and on her chain.
in recent years the more aggressive traits have been carefully bred out of dobermans making them a fantastic family pet and they are far more suited to indoor family living than outdoor guard dog duty although they will protect their family and the mere presence of a doberman is often enough to make an intruder think twice. which with a family is great we feel very safe knowing we have our super soft and cuddly dobey who criminals often fear.
dobermans are also ranked as the 5th smartest dog breed, (although having known a lot of dogs, i would put them at number 1) they are very trainable and so so smart its like teaching a human. (my dobey dances and fetches our slippers on command and know our family’s names (“go to evie” he will go up to my daughter (fantastic for finding them if ever needed, we often play hide and seek with them)))
also studies have shown thay dobemans are significantly less likely to bite a person than collies, spaniels and great danes (dogs with no reputation)
in my opinion people need to stop judging breeds by stupid rumours theyve heard, I trust my dobman and did trust my staffie around my children than other dogs such as collies, spaniels (my mum has a cocker who is very possessive and snappy) chihuahuas and jack Russels.
try one. you wont regret it!

 

[Allegra]

My uncle had two Dobermans and they were really friendly dogs. I think there is reason to have some concern because they are so large and strong and they could easily hurt a very small child accidentally. I was around five or six when we stayed with our uncle and the male dog knocked me over several times. He was too strong for me to be able to walk him on the leash. My uncle had a dogrun in the yard because they tore up the grass. On the other hand, they were never aggressive and we well trained. The male often slept on the floor by my bed at night and a few times I accidentally stepped on him getting up in the middle of the night. He would sort of yelp, but he never barked or snapped at me. He was very patient when we played with him.

 

[TheWarriorMonk]

I’ve owned a whole lot of dogs over the past several decades. Of the recognized breeds, I’ve found pugs to be the best with kids. The are just completely harmless and loving with children. They couldn’t hurt you even if they wanted; when they bite it’s like being bit by a clam. You just have to get used to their weird looks and snorting.

The best dog we’ve had for protection is by far a border collie. We let the border collie out when the kids are outside. We let her out, and it is her instinctive duty to keep and eye on the kids, and she goes crazy if anyone she doesn’t know goes near them. She won’t bite strangers, but will bark like crazy and looks very intimidating.

There are plenty of other dogs that are great with kids. Poodles are great. Havanese love kids; they tend to bark a lot. Great Danes too, though they are rather huge.

Be careful with the terrier group; I’ve known several people that have owned terriers that have bit children. None of mine have, but they were all mutts (jack russell/beagle mix, stafordshire terrier/lab mix).

 

[bunnykisses88]

yeah my doberman is very sweet. he is big and we don’t let my daughter around him loose yet since he may get too excited and knock her down. but really he just keeps giving her big kisses on her face! (kinda gross lol) He is our youngest dog so definitely not as mellow as our lab mix and chihuahua who both are cool as can be around her.She also doesn’t hit them or pull on them so it helps to teach kids that.