Is this breed right for me?

[Klaurent1003]

Currently researching dog breeds for my next dog.

Dobermans are my dream dog. Not only for their looks, but they are smart, loyal, & affectionate.

I have a moderately active lifestyle. Some days I’m more on the lazy side and others I’m on the go. Would be great to have a companion that is versatile with any direction we go. Medium/High energy, doesn’t require a job 24/7 but can get up and go whenever. Lay around the next day. I love a dog that is smart & eager to please. Easy to train. I’m interested in trying a sport for the first time: agility, flyball, bitework, fast cat, dock diving really anything. I do have allergies & can react with hives but not always, depends on the dog. I can manage them, I have cats and a dog lol.

I want a dog that is handler focused/oriented. Not overly friendly with strangers, ignores them or will say hi & allow pets then redirects me. Good deterrent, I’m a young woman & want to feel safe when I’m out alone (which Dobermans definitely qualify for that). Natural guardian/protective instincts.

I have 5 cats & a dog. Would need to get along, of course with training & socialization. I’m okay with handling SSA & DA, maybe not HA. Again, training/socialization.

 

[MichiH]

Have you been allergy tested for cats and dogs?

I have a 17 week old Doberman now. I will say there is no time for being lazy and I am a go go go person so it works for us. I have a Euro and I’m not sure if American is a little more chilled out? DCF can answer this.

She’s up at 5:15 am and ready to go- potty, eat, and train. Then back for a nap which helps me get the day going and me time to workout, clean, prep dinner. She’s back up 2 hours later and full of energy, we then train and go out for a hike/walk/training.

Rinse and repeat until dinnertime at 5 when she has finally gotten tired wants to eat dinner and train a little tug time and then nap time.

Mind you she’s still tiny and we are taking at least 2 hour total walks/ hikes a day already. Plus, time in yard to play tug/fetch/soccer/stores/places to socialize and more training with play, training happens all day really, I hand feed her her meals which we use to train and also incorporate training in play too.

If they don’t have enough mental and physical stimulation they will become destructive and act out.

DCF has reassured me that all this will pay off, lol, but the training is a lifetime commitment to better them and help them in many ways.

Not to discourage you, and DCF has a lot more experienced people than me who will chime in. Basically you have a blank canvas you can start with which means training, consistency, and time spent with your Doberman to get the final product.

 

[Ravenbird]

Welcome to DCF from New Mexico! You've pretty much described a Doberman in what you want for your next dog. Be aware that there are different temperaments within the breed - an American line show/companion breeder would be faster to train the off-switch. The higher drive dogs will test you to your limits and you should be prepared for that. Puppies generally are easy to get along with other pets, mine had a handful of play-runs at the cat and yard chickens with no animosity, just wanting to play. I think by the time she was 6 months old, she had no interest in them. SSA is real and the Doberman breed is known for it, some to the point of crate and rotate for life. Do think carefully about that. What breed is your dog & how old & is it pretty good with other dogs?

All in all, you describe a Doberman for your lifestyle, but research you breeders to the bone. Health problems are high in Dobermans and lifespans are getting shorter because of it. Heart health testing is an absolute must in both parents: Echo & Holter within 12 months of breeding or every year, DNA testing for other genetic diseases and OFA for hips, elbows etc.

Best to you & let us know when you decide on a puppy!

 

[MichiH]

Welcome to DCF from New Mexico! You've pretty much described a Doberman in what you want for your next dog. Be aware that there are different temperaments within the breed - an American line show/companion breeder would be faster to train the off-switch. The higher drive dogs will test you to your limits and you should be prepared for that. Puppies generally are easy to get along with other pets, mine had a handful of play-runs at the cat and yard chickens with no animosity, just wanting to play. I think by the time she was 6 months old, she had no interest in them. SSA is real and the Doberman breed is known for it, some to the point of crate and rotate for life. Do think carefully about that. What breed is your dog & how old & is it pretty good with other dogs?

All in all, you describe a Doberman for your lifestyle, but research you breeders to the bone. Health problems are high in Dobermans and lifespans are getting shorter because of it. Heart health testing is an absolute must in both parents: Echo & Holter within 12 months of breeding or every year, DNA testing for other genetic diseases and OFA for hips, elbows etc.

Best to you & let us know when you decide on a puppy!

Made me laugh about the cat - same thing going on here… she just wants to play! The cat not so much haha

 

[Ddski5]

Your description definitely fits that of a Doberman…I think the only thing that may get you is that initially a Doberman pup doesn’t automatically turn off- It has to be trained. With 3 cats in the house, it took me a while to figure out how to calm the situation and everyone coexist.

So 0-3months- they are the cutest little things.

4-7.5months- they are teething and become a DoberShark. No bullshitting here, they are very bitey and energetic. This energy/compulsion must be thwarted, redirected, trained…something other than biting you. Pup needs to be crate trained for his and your sanity.

7.5-12months- the Doberteens, can develop an attitude of knowing the right thing and should follow commands but blatantly chooses not to. Just stick to the plan…eyes on the prize.

12months on- settles down considerably into what you have worked and trained so hard with them since you have received them. You have worked, trained, lost sleep, bite marks/scratches, etc….and wondered many many times what have I gotten myself into? Damn is it gonna be worth it? At this time period, it all seems to come together, all the training hits and you and him understand.

Not implying here: Dobermans are very velcro and must be with their owner, cannot just tune them out for a day or shut them out of attention.

I’ve also found that one Doberman can greatly differ from another…my first male NA was very independent that had to be obedience trained and drained of energy daily, if not…he was a monster come 7pm. My second Doberman, a female NA, is a perfect family companion that is just willing to please. She was significantly easier than my first. This goes along with what @Ravenbird is saying about research your breeder and get the right demeanor and temperament you want.

Regardless, you will get what you put into him…don’t do anything with them and you will raise a crackhead.

Note: I am seeing a new title online that is associated with with having Dobermans:
Having a Doberman gives you the “Dangerous Dog Look Priviledge”. That’s new to me.

Good luck and welcome from Louisiana.

 

[MichiH]

Your description definitely fits that of a Doberman…I think the only thing that may get you is that initially a Doberman pup doesn’t automatically turn off- It has to be trained. With 3 cats in the house, it took me a while to figure out how to calm the situation and everyone coexist.

So 0-3months- they are the cutest little things.

4-7.5months- they are teething and become a DoberShark. No bullshitting here, they are very bitey and energetic. This energy/compulsion must be thwarted, redirected, trained…something other than biting you. Pup needs to be crate trained for his and your sanity.

7.5-12months- the Doberteens, can develop an attitude of knowing the right thing and should follow commands but blatantly chooses not to. Just stick to the plan…eyes on the prize.

12months on- settles down considerably into what you have worked and trained so hard with them since you have received them. You have worked, trained, lost sleep, bite marks/scratches, etc….and wondered many many times what have I gotten myself into? Damn is it gonna be worth it? At this time period, it all seems to come together, all the training hits and you and him understand.

Not implying here: Dobermans are very velcro and must be with their owner, cannot just tune them out for a day or shut them out of attention.

I’ve also found that one Doberman can greatly differ from another…my first male NA was very independent that had to be obedience trained and drained of energy daily, if not…he was a monster come 7pm. My second Doberman, a female NA, is a perfect family companion that is just willing to please. She was significantly easier than my first. This goes along with what @Ravenbird is saying about research your breeder and get the right demeanor and temperament you want.

Regardless, you will get what you put into him…don’t do anything with them and you will raise a crackhead.

Note: I am seeing a new title online that is associated with with having Dobermans:
Having a Doberman gives you the “Dangerous Dog Look Priviledge”. That’s new to me.

Good luck and welcome from Louisiana.

Waiting for that 12 month mark and oh so very true all that you stated above

 

[Kaiser2016]

Waiting for that 12 month mark and oh so very true all that you stated above

12 months…3 years…who knows!

 

[JanS]

Dobermans are definitely what you describe you're looking for, as long as your willing to put in your work and they do need quite a bit of daily exercise. If you're having a lazy day (most of us have them here and there), you'd want to at least do some mental training to help wear them out and of course all dogs need some physical exercise daily too.

I don't have cats but normally if you have a male and female dog, they coexist pretty well. Of course your current dog needs to learn she's not able to be the ruler of the roost too. I don't know what breed your current dog is, but sometimes they'll torment the bigger dog until they get annoyed so equal respect on both sides is important.

Welcome from Minnesota!

 

[MichiH]

12 months…3 years…who knows!

 

[JanS]

12 months…3 years…who knows!

LOL, I think it takes a little longer with the boys, although Elroy is already pretty good at 15 months.

 

[Katyusharocket]

I feel like this breed can definitely be for you, it seems like you have already researched what Dobies are, which is great! You are also willing to ask questions/ask for help, and there are helpful people around here.

I honestly didn't know much about the breed when I got my girl nearly 3 years back, I only knew her parents from babysitting them, and knew that I liked what I saw, and the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, right? My experience echoed what the others laid out above for the most part. Especially the "stages" like Shark and Teen. Now I am sold on this breed and won't do anything different anymore, probably. At least that is my intention now.

I would really urge you to try to look for an actual Doberman you can play with and pet for 15 minutes or something, as one thing I have noticed is that Doberman hair is VERY sharp at it's tip, which could abrade skin, not painfully of course, but could be just enough that allergens get just a little closer to causing a problem? I think if you were able to do this, at least you would know a little more? Couldn't hurt to know, and you got to play with a Dobie

Welcome from Minnesota!

 

[Cferg]

I think you have the right mindset. And it’s good you know what you want.
I never went through a bitey puppy stage. I might have just been very good at redirecting and controlling this stage. Idk because she will bite the crap out of me now. Only on my terms of course.

 

[Ddski5]

I would really urge you to try to look for an actual Doberman you can play with and pet for 15 minutes or something, as one thing I have noticed is that Doberman hair is VERY sharp at it's tip, which could abrade skin, not painfully of course, but could be just enough that allergens get just a little closer to causing a problem? I think if you were able to do this, at least you would know a little more? Couldn't hurt to know, and you got to play with a Dobie

Agree with this.

Since my middle daughter left for college, we have found out that she is allergic to dogs/cats. Go figure…never was an issue with her here but now since she spends a considerable time away and then comes home, she has reactions to our Doberman.

She has a roommate who has a Golden Retriever and she has no problems but when she comes home, Freyja’s short pointy hair follicles stick her and she breaks into little hives.

 

[Ravenbird]

I never went through a bitey puppy stage. I might have just been very good at redirecting and controlling this stage. Idk because she will bite the crap out of me now. Only on my terms of course.

my laugh emoji was becasue of the way you put this ^^^

12 months…3 years…who knows!

LOL, about 2 years for me... and then some.

4-7.5months- they are teething and become a DoberShark. No bullshitting here, they are very bitey and energetic.

I got the energetic in spades, but never the bitey thing. She got me good a few times because she missed the target (toy) that I had, but throughout all the antics we went through, she never bit me. Bite AT me, air snap, yes, but never bit me. Time to count my blessings yet again.

I have noticed is that Doberman hair is VERY sharp at it's tip, which could abrade skin, not painfully of course, but could be just enough that allergens get just a little closer to causing a problem?

This is true. It irritated my skin for a while when I got my puppy, but I guess I got use to it. Doesn't bother my skin now.

 

[Katyusharocket]

I got the energetic in spades, but never the bitey thing.

I was a damned pin cushion in that age range. Open scrapes and scabs on my forearms. Countless times asking my little girl: "WHY ARE YOU SO HOSTILE?" A couple years later and she is the kindest dog while not on our property, and still hostile towards passers by at home. Best of all, she is the pack's chief snuggler. I am happy with this solution, and so is she. What I wrote sounds painful and, it was. Still, I am getting ready to do it all over again. It was worth every minute and every scrape and scab, and I am ready for more if it comes to that, because it became worth it.

 

[Ukesox]

Agee with the above posts. Though they mostly fit the breed characteristics they are individuals with different needs. The most frequent comment I get from strangers (after “wow what a beautiful dog ”) is “I bet she needs masses of exercise“. Two points here…some I’ve had do & others don’t. My current dobergirl at 5 is more than happy with a 30 minute morning walk a day & sometimes doesn’t even want that, but the late afternoon 30 minute play/training session is a must not miss event in her eyes. The second point is that you can over exercise them & condition not only their expectations for lots of physical exercise but also their need for it too.

 

[Two Dobes]

Agree with what has been said here, but also remember; Dobermans for the most part, are very people oriented "velcro" dogs. They follow you around, want to be in the bathroom with you etc. These are charecteristics that most of us enjoy about these dobes. Of course, they can be trained to give you your space, but when I am always sad to hear first time owners say "What a pain in the ass this dog is; it follows me everywhere in the house".....so just be aware if you do NOT want a shadow

 

[Kaiser2016]

Still, I am getting ready to do it all over again.

Oh! Is this a puppy announcement?

 

[Cranekc35]

12 months…3 years…who knows!

This! I didn't start seeing a big change until 2 1/2 years...He will be 3 in March.

 

[Cranekc35]

Your description definitely fits that of a Doberman…I think the only thing that may get you is that initially a Doberman pup doesn’t automatically turn off- It has to be trained. With 3 cats in the house, it took me a while to figure out how to calm the situation and everyone coexist.

So 0-3months- they are the cutest little things.

4-7.5months- they are teething and become a DoberShark. No bullshitting here, they are very bitey and energetic. This energy/compulsion must be thwarted, redirected, trained…something other than biting you. Pup needs to be crate trained for his and your sanity.

7.5-12months- the Doberteens, can develop an attitude of knowing the right thing and should follow commands but blatantly chooses not to. Just stick to the plan…eyes on the prize.

12months on- settles down considerably into what you have worked and trained so hard with them since you have received them. You have worked, trained, lost sleep, bite marks/scratches, etc….and wondered many many times what have I gotten myself into? Damn is it gonna be worth it? At this time period, it all seems to come together, all the training hits and you and him understand.

Not implying here: Dobermans are very velcro and must be with their owner, cannot just tune them out for a day or shut them out of attention.

I’ve also found that one Doberman can greatly differ from another…my first male NA was very independent that had to be obedience trained and drained of energy daily, if not…he was a monster come 7pm. My second Doberman, a female NA, is a perfect family companion that is just willing to please. She was significantly easier than my first. This goes along with what @Ravenbird is saying about research your breeder and get the right demeanor and temperament you want.

Regardless, you will get what you put into him…don’t do anything with them and you will raise a crackhead.

Note: I am seeing a new title online that is associated with with having Dobermans:
Having a Doberman gives you the “Dangerous Dog Look Priviledge”. That’s new to me.

Good luck and welcome from Louisiana.

I wanted to pull my hair out during the puppy / Doberteen stages! It was so hard, but well worth it in the end. I questioned several times what have I gotten myself into! LOL He's my world and so glad I stayed consistent with my training.