Doberman Image. A Good Or A Bad Thing?

[DocReverto]

Its been awhile since I have started a topic, and some of you that have been on here for awhile know I have done this one before. It still interests me, so thoughts from some of our new members here would be appreciated.

Do you think the Doberman having a negative image helps or harms the breed?

On one hand I don't want anyone to think my dogs are unnaturally aggressive, because they are not.
On the other hand I don't want our breed to be killed by popularity, similar to what was done in the 70's.


We have all seen what popularity can do to a breed.

1. Backyard breeders increase ten fold because there is now a profit to be made.
2. Low quality dogs filling the gene pool.
3. Health issues arising from the lack of health testing from these breeders.
4. The type of owners change to. What was once filled with good people is now people buying a puppy because that is the new "thing" to do. So most certainly rescue numbers rise.


When I am prompted with the question "are they mean". I respond in a few different ways.
I first settle all of the rumors about Dobermans, like their brains growing bigger then their skulls causing rage issues.
But, here is where I may be controversial. When discussing the disposition of the breed I stick with terms like "they are not for everyone" "they are a mentally strong breed" "they are not an easy breed for new owners"
In my eyes this may save someone who is clearly not ready to have a doberman, from the heartache of having it go all wrong.

 

[Caloni]

Honestly I like it. I feel it keeps uneducated people that know nothing about the breed from going on a whim and buying a puppy from a pet store or BYB.....or worse. If they end up doing their research, like any first time puppy/dog owner should (especially with a breed new to them) then they will find the truth. It also keeps the neighbor kids off my lawn and people away from me in public....probably more so if I would have cropped his ears! But I think it harms them in the way of....if a fight is started between two dogs, the Doberman almost always gets blamed. I think your points numbers 1-4 are already happening, but if the breed were go get more positive publicity on how loyal, cuddly, and easy to train they are I think points 1-4 would be increased 10 fold. It is really bad where I am right now with Poodles, Labs, and Goldens. Probably more breeds than that, but I don't care to shower my brain with negative things of that which I cannot change.

I like that the Dobes have a reputation of "I will bite your balls off for no reason whatsoever and steal your baby" to the dummies that know nothing of the breed.

 

[JanS]

I generally stick to something like telling them that they are protective, depending on who's asking. If someone like those dreaded meat salesmen come to the door I'll bring one with me and hold on to it so when they ask if they're mean I'll reply "not unless I let go of them".

 

[DocReverto]

If someone like those dreaded meat salesmen come to the door I'll bring one with me and hold on to it so when they ask if they're mean I'll reply "not unless I let go of them".

This is what fascinates me, and I always do the same. I think a lot of us do.
I do not promote my dobermans as cuddly love bugs to people I do not know. I promote them as a serious, difficult to handle breed. I only do this because I know that they are a difficult breed, and that they are too smart for their own good.
For those people I know can handle a Doberman, they get the full story.

 

[Gelcoater]

This is what fascinates me, and I always do the same. I think a lot of us do.
I do not promote my dobermans as cuddly love bugs to people I do not know. I promote them as a serious, difficult to handle breed. I only do this because I know that they are a difficult breed, and that they are too smart for their own good.
For those people I know can handle a Doberman, they get the full story.

I kind of split the difference.
Those that don't know my dogs and or have preconceived notions about the breed,I keep it short and sweet.
Basically I tell them my dogs are snuggle bugs...with my family,a stranger who just decides to walk in my front door or side gate won't make it more than 4 steps before they're going to have a very bad day
For strangers,it depends on them,if they have the preconceived notion they get the answer above.For those that have a genuine curiosity and either don't show fear or even ask if they can pet them,I will take the time to describe the breed,my dogs individual personalities and what it takes to have one or two.

 

[FredC]

I kind of split the difference.
Those that don't know my dogs and or have preconceived notions about the breed,I keep it short and sweet.
Basically I tell them my dogs are snuggle bugs...with my family,a stranger who just decides to walk in my front door or side gate won't make it more than 4 steps before they're going to have a very bad day
For strangers,it depends on them,if they have the preconceived notion they get the answer above.For those that have a genuine curiosity and either don't show fear or even ask if they can pet them,I will take the time to describe the breed,my dogs individual personalities and what it takes to have one or two.

This...

 

[scottr3]

This...

...was the beginning of a brilliant thought....

 

[Dobie Wan Knobie]

The downside is the breed restrictions that have been legislated against the Doberman because of ignorance and misunderstanding. So it is somewhat of a catch 22 with this issue. For insurance companies to raise your rates because you have a Dobe is very unfair, and the same for people wanting to rent a home or apt, and that is based on the total ignorance that people have of our beloved Doberman. So in my opinion, I think the public should be educated as much as possible, but I too want the riff raff to see my Dobe like a security protocol that can put them down.

 

[FredC]

Sadly the image isn't likely to change until their looks change.. Mark my words that when (not if) cropping and docking fall completely out of favor the preconceived notion that the Doberman is a dangerous and unpredictable dog will steadily fall to the way side just as registration statistics will.

 

[DocReverto]

I agree that it is bound to happen, and people cant look past what the media has told them about the crop.
We are fighting a losing battle on cropping. In less then 10 years it will be illegal.

 

[Dragonborn]

I think the image of them being negative is two fold like Gel said. While, I love telling people that there not as vicious as media plays them,... on the other hand I do not want them to get the wrong idea that they are soft, cuddly dogs. When walking alone on walks in the park, it was a nice thought to think that many people are intimidated by the doberman as a protector (and should be).. gave me peace of mind. But at the same time, I dont want people to believe there out of control mean. Sometimes things left alone is a good thing.

 

[Betty]

OK-
My 2 cent.

I have always told people, he's is so sweet.. but, don't mess with mom or you'll see different dog. I used this line for my GSD's also. I've always had big dogs. Rocco looks pretty darn mean with natrual ear's if he decides to stand tall and give something his full attention. You guys should have saw him protecting the beach from the plastic cup! I wouldn't mess with him clipped or unclipped ears:->!

Funny thing.. I spend more time talking people out of a min-pin then I do a doberman. Min-pins are SOOOOOOOOOOO cute and everyone wants to pick her up and hug her and hold her. No one ever realizes how 'busy' they are and how much exercise they need. They just see a cute little dog that looks like a dobbie, and thing "OH, now that's PERFECT"... I"m like OH, NO.. if your not willing to work her, train her, etc.. get a different dog. She's sooooo busy and requires tons of attention..

So, funny think what media does to dogs.. people expect a Doberman or GSD to require training, but, they think, OH, I'll just pick me up a small dog and they will sit on the coach all day long and do nothing...

OK.. My 2 cents...
Oh, I don't think I answered the question. I like that people think Dobermans are mean.. keeps them out of my house and off my property!

 

[FredC]

Any large dog with a mouth full of teeth can be intimidating heck even the little ones with nothing but teeth can be a little unsettling but there is no denying a natural Doberman looks much softer then a C/D Doberman. It would take some getting used to but I can say with 100% certainty that if the laws were to make crop and dock illegal or the standard changes I will still only ever own Dobes.. I also maintain that public perception will also soften when the natural look becomes more and more acceptable.. In the car world we call those sleepers

 

[Betty]

VonDoom-

I sooooooooooooooo agree!!!! the natural look is much, much softer! For Rocco with his sight problems, it's perfect for him, because he "WILL" get into everyones personal space, because that is how he sees! So, I'm glad that I didn't crop. However, don't misunderstand, I think the crop look is OUTSTANDING also! I think that people should do what is best or them and thier dog. I do hate when ANYTHING is made "illegal". Don't tell me what I can and can't do! Don't get me started! I made the decision for many reasons not to dock Rocco's ears.. but, that does NOT mean, I think it should be 'illegal" or that I don't think 'cropped' ears are beautiful, because I do!! I did what was best for Rocco at the time!

 

[Tasha & Boris' Mom]

I generally stick to something like telling them that they are protective, depending on who's asking. If someone like those dreaded meat salesmen come to the door I'll bring one with me and hold on to it so when they ask if they're mean I'll reply "not unless I let go of them".

Lol Jan when I was in San Antonio last winter seemed we had so many door to door and after a couple of times of coming to the door they would just skip my house

 

[Tasha & Boris' Mom]

Well since you asked this actually has been an issue for us the last month as we have moved into our new home. Tasha is my little bully and the one I have to watch, but it seems movers, packers, real estate agents are not cautious with her at all but they are scared of Boris who has absolutely no concept of aggression, it's the ears I think. I constantly was telling them to not approach her with out James or I present. She hasn't bitten anyone firmly, but she nips if given the opportunity so I have to watch her closer with strangers.

About three days after we moved in the neighbor on the left of me came to my front door, she was in a state of panic that one of boards on the fence was loose, she didn't introduce herself or try and be polite at all she was panicked. I calmly told her I would go look at the board. When I got outside sure enough one of the boards on the bottom was lifted and Tash could peak through, so she is standing on her side of the fence and she said "we have to fix it right now" i was still trying to be polite so I told her my dogs were very gentle and would not hurt her (the whole time they are wrestling with each other that didn't help ) she replied "they'er Dobermans ma'am". I left it at that and fixed the fence. The next weekend we were leaving for church and she was in her front yard so I told James to hang on I wanted to try again after all she is my neighbor. I went up to her and introduced myself and this time she was not harsh and she teared up and said "Melanie I am so afraid of your dogs". I could tell she was sincere, she was honestly terrified so I told her that when she was ready I wanted her to come over for coffee and she could meet them one at a time. She wiped her face and said she would. I don't know if she had a bad experience or what but I had to respect that she was afraid, really afraid. I hate that.

These are my dogs (you know I have to do pics )

This is what the see

 

[Dobs4ever]

Sadly the image isn't likely to change until their looks change.. Mark my words that when (not if) cropping and docking fall completely out of favor the preconceived notion that the Doberman is a dangerous and unpredictable dog will steadily fall to the way side just as registration statistics will.

And temperaments will follow til they are nothing more than a lab in a dobe suit!!! Soft look soft temperament They go hand in hand.

 

[scottr3]

VonDoom-

I sooooooooooooooo agree!!!! the natural look is much, much softer! For Rocco with his sight problems, it's perfect for him, because he "WILL" get into everyones personal space, because that is how he sees! So, I'm glad that I didn't crop. However, don't misunderstand, I think the crop look is OUTSTANDING also! I think that people should do what is best or them and thier dog. I do hate when ANYTHING is made "illegal". Don't tell me what I can and can't do! Don't get me started! I made the decision for many reasons not to dock Rocco's ears.. but, that does NOT mean, I think it should be 'illegal" or that I don't think 'cropped' ears are beautiful, because I do!! I did what was best for Rocco at the time!

Agreed

Some folks say ALL dobermans should be cropped and docked because that's the standard. Others, like yourself like both looks. I prefer the softer look of natural ears and tail.

I've seriously cut my hand with a kitchen knife, cut my foot open stepping on glass, I sanded down my belly with an industrial sander and I was way too to the business end of c-section during the birth of my twin boys. I've learned over the years I'm a bit squeamish and I don't want to do anything to an animal that I wouldn't have done to myself.

I'm not going to tell a person c/d is required because of a standard and I'm not going to the other extreme and say it should be outlawed because it's cruel. As they say, different strokes for different folks. I won't tell others what to do if they show the same respect for me. That's just the way I roll.

Now that I've got that out of my system, any good breeders out there, east of the Mississippi, who like good looking, healthy, all natural dobes? If so, then we should talk

 

[Cariboo Country]

I chose not to crop Kris even though I like the look of a cropped Doberman. I don't like the look of them with the tails so I am glad her tail was docked. I am not too sure Kris scares anyone when she races down to the gate with her teddy bear in her mouth but when she drops it and barks I don't think anybody would think about opening the gate. That is the only time she barks at people.

 

[FredC]

I walk Demi and everyone wants to pet her, I walk Kali or Mars and people generally cross the street before we reach them.. They say Mr Dobermann wasnt at all interested in phenotype nearly as much as genotype, but it is odd that a dog bred to be menacing in the 1800 also looked the part when initially that was never a consideration..