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Getting a doberman?
Hey, I've recently decided to move off campus into the apartment next door so I don't have to room with my friends anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with them, I just would like a place of my own. I want a good companion and a great guard dog since I am a woman and I will be living alone. I've done my research on Dobermans and found that they are very intelligent so are therefore good to train as well as loyal. What other considerations should I take in before I adopt a doberman? Anyone else owned a doberman? Comments on this particular breed? Let me know of your opinions on the breed, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. My family has owned 2 dogs before, and we have one now, but it is my mom's dog.
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I agree with Razhie, I just wanted to add a few things.
Another thing to consider is the amount of exercise they need. The Doberman is a working dog and, to my knowledge, one that requires a particularly high level of exercise.
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This is particularly important if you live in an apartment. So consider the fact that you will have to exercise this dog rigorously (not just walk it on a leash) for over an hour a day, pretty much every single day. It is quite an undertaking.
Without this exercise, the dog will suffer and so will its personality - including bringing out its aggressive side.
From the bits and pieces I have read over the years in forums and such (I am very much into dogs but I have not had a Doberman) I think the Doberman also requires a particularly firm and experienced owner/trainer. Its a dog that has a dominant streak - though that will also differ depending on whether you get a male or a female dog, which is another important consideration. In any case, improper training can also bring out its aggressive streak.
Finally, the last thing to consider is whether you want your dog to get along easily with other dogs, other people, and/or children. The Doberman does not naturally get along so well with any of them, and will require a lot of socialisation (e.g. with your family's other dogs).
Another breed you might consider is the German Shepherd. It too requires a good deal of exercise, but otherwise I think this breed is the best for most people. It's extremely intelligent and loyal, but with a more steady temperament. Also its more social, particularly with kids, and it can display bravery without resorting to outright ferocity/attack (until it's necessary of course). It will shed more though :)
Anyway, all in all I think the Doberman is a lot to handle. You have dog experience so you may well be up for the task, just please make absolutely sure that you can do it before you get one... there is little worse than when people end up having to give their dogs away, particularly dogs like the Doberman who get so attached to one single person.
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Honestly, before you decide on a breed, its best to think about what you want from the dog, and what you are willing to put into the training. Most breeds can be trained to do most things.
You've already started if you know you want to a loyal dog that will intimidate or deter strangers, there are lots of breeds that will do that - and a Doberman is definitely one of them. But more important than the breed is this: do you want to train the dog up from a puppy (which is a lot of work, no matter the breed, and especially if you live alone it will put limits on your social life for a year or two as the dog becomes more able to be alone for longer periods) or would you rather get an older, trained dog (which can very expensive), or are you looking for a rescue (which can be wonderful and relatively inexpensive, but involves some risk as well.)
I think its better to start with those sorts of decisions, rather than have a certain breed in mind. Once you know what age and training you want your dog to have then you can start to look around and find out what breeds are avaible that fit your needs.
Frankly, when I'm looking for a dog I do prefere large dogs that may intimidate strangers in thier look, but have limited actual aggression. I tend to choose a confident but submissive dog. Of all the breeds I've had, I've come to prefere Newfies and St Bernard's for that reason - they are large and loyal, but also generally gentle with strangers and guests. A Doberman is often bred for, and trained for, stranger aggression, which could frighten even people you don't want to frighten.
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