About the Breed
Dobermans are a wonderful, versatile breed. They are smart, loving, sensitive, active, and athletic. They require a big commitment, and can be a high-effort breed. Browse the rest of our resource section and blog to learn even more.
Living With a Doberman
- Dobermans are natural athletes who need lots of exercise. For a healthy Doberman, daily walks may not be enough exercise. They need to work their brains, too. See scent work, agility, rally, barn hunt, tricks, and obedience for some ideas about how to have fun and exercise your dog. Check out the idea of a Sniff Walk, and
- Dobermans are inside dogs meant to be part of the family. No Doberman should ever be kept outside or isolated from his or her human and dog family.
- The Doberman Pinscher is one of the smartest dog breeds. They need lots of mental stimulation. If they don’t get that, they will tell you all about it perhaps by eating your couch or swallowing an entire underwire bra in a fit of frustrated boredom. Scent work, dog sports, enrichment games, or short at home training sessions can help with this.
- Dobermans were bred to be guardians of the person. Out of your Dobie’s very strong bond with you and your family comes your Dobie’s readiness to protect you with its life. Respect that. Don’t toy with it or show it off or needlessly set your dog up by antagonizing someone, even in play. In other words, if trouble comes, your Doberman is bred to address it, but don’t go looking for it.
- Dobermans are extremely intuitive and have a strong desire to please. They neither need nor appreciate loud, harsh tones, or rough, domineering people. Often they “get it” before you do. Patience, practice, and gentleness, along with treats and fun, will work well in the training process.
- Most Dobermans are very sensitive; their feelings are hurt easily. Your job is to communicate firmly, kindly, clearly, consistently, and patiently.
- Dobermans are called Velcro dogs. You’ll never be alone in the bathroom, or the closet, or the laundry room again. Wherever you are, your Doberman will be there if he or she can get there. If you don’t want a constant close companion, don’t get a Dobie. Their greatest pleasure is to be close to you. That’s part of their breeding, after all.
- Dobermans have an undeserved bad reputation. This is important to understand. The Hollywood image can mean real danger for your dog, and possibly frustration for you. For instance, people in public may react to your dog like it’s a grizzly bear, and regard any forward motion on its part as an excuse for a lawsuit. OK, I exaggerate! Some people are irrationally afraid of Dobermans. Respect their fear, and remember that you are a Doberman ambassador in public. Work for the breed’s protection.
- Dobermans have a couple well-known health issues that are important to understand.
Keep reading widely about your breed. This list is neither comprehensive nor intended to replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.
Learn about the breed standard so that you know that breeders who super-size or breed albino (white) dogs are irresponsible and why. Learn why the Standard is linked to the dog’s ability to move and work properly, and isn’t just about a pretty dog.
Get to know the significant legislative threats to your breed, and get involved. If we don’t stop PETA and HSUS’s misguided extremism, domestic canines, including yours, may be in trouble. Learn about breed bans, mandatory spay/neuter laws, insurance discrimination, and military base breed bans, and why they are bad public policy. Talk to your state representatives, Members of Congress, and your neighbors. It’s not just about Dobermans.
Learn about your breed’s history, including its distinguished history in the US Armed Forces, as well as its incredible versatility. When you understand this breed, you’ll want to live up to it.
Our Adoptables
Adopt Doberman Hanzo
