Thinking of getting a Dobermann pup

EarFluff · 2023-05-08T16:59:57+00:00

It will be a while off yet but I’m thinking of getting a dobie pup in the next couple of years. Still doing early research but I have found a breeder who asked for references etc and breeds for health and temperament. She would also want me to show the pup. Any 1st hand experience of dobies? I’ve had Rottweilers and Labradors previously … how does a dobie differ? Im aware of the heart issues, this breeder tests all her dogs for it yearly

MissConductUS · 08/05/2023 18:20

My roommate at uni had a Doberman. He was a very sweet dog. Ate like a horse, though.

thesandwich · 08/05/2023 18:24

we've had two dobes- v different temperaments, one a wimp and bossed about by the cat, the other pretty bombproof. Bonkers, high energy, never slowed down. V smart, one person dogs.
Beautiful.

PuffinsRocks · 08/05/2023 18:26

God why does anyone pick a breed (especially a dangerous one) and buy from a breeder in this day and age when we know so much about the puppy trade and all those unwanted dogs in shelters??
FWIW because you're obviously not going to rescue a dog when you could summon one into existence that aesthetically pleases you, my NDN had a doberman when I was little. Had to be PTS in the end because it was completely out of control and kept going for small children.

thesandwich · 08/05/2023 18:29

Our dobes were never aggressive, well trained and brilliant with children and really careful around my v elderly frail mother.

SquashPenguin · 08/05/2023 18:29

PuffinsRocks · 08/05/2023 18:26

God why does anyone pick a breed (especially a dangerous one) and buy from a breeder in this day and age when we know so much about the puppy trade and all those unwanted dogs in shelters??
FWIW because you're obviously not going to rescue a dog when you could summon one into existence that aesthetically pleases you, my NDN had a doberman when I was little. Had to be PTS in the end because it was completely out of control and kept going for small children.

Rescuing dogs is not the answer for a LOT of people. We’d never have been able to rescue, we looked for months and not a single dog in any rescue centres fit our criteria. So we bought a puppy and it’s worked out wonderfully for all of us. Why do some people just love to preach about rescuing when it’s not the answer?

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 08/05/2023 18:41

Doberman's are not for the faint-hearted.

What is attracting you to the breed?

Newusernameaug · 08/05/2023 18:49

We have one - plus points, she’s a sweetheart, never heard her growl towards a human, I doubt she would, great with our cats, very mothering and always cleaning them, great temperament with other dogs, only lets people she knows touch her - when strangers approach her and try to touch her she dodges them at the past second (which is actually quite funny).

downsides - eats like a horse and has giant poos, very dominant - I have to command her like a sergeant major whereas my other dog I can almost direct her with my looks and subtle commands only, it’s like she likes being commanded what to do and won’t do it unless commanded! She also has amazing vision and unfortunately loves to chase things so has to be on a lead the majority of the time.
I also do get a bit annoyed with people fawning over her, it takes me ages to go anywhere with her as people want to try and touch her and speak about her as they’re getting more unusual especially with natural tails and ears.

If I have another one, and we’ll probably breed from her as she’s such a sweetie I’d be very careful to never allow them to get a prey or chase drive and I’d like her to understand a little more just how giant she is as she still thinks she’s a little lapdog 😂

Oh she’s very clean, doesn’t smell and doesn’t shed much either.

foxlover47 · 08/05/2023 18:52

Ah lovely , my dream dog , please post photos if you do ... any dobermans at all 🙌🙌🥰

Original poster

EarFluff · 08/05/2023 19:15

PuffinsRocks · 08/05/2023 18:26

God why does anyone pick a breed (especially a dangerous one) and buy from a breeder in this day and age when we know so much about the puppy trade and all those unwanted dogs in shelters??
FWIW because you're obviously not going to rescue a dog when you could summon one into existence that aesthetically pleases you, my NDN had a doberman when I was little. Had to be PTS in the end because it was completely out of control and kept going for small children.

I’ll ignore the “dangerous” dog bit 🙄

all of my previous dogs have been rescues. This time I’m getting a puppy for various reasons. I’ve specifically gone for a reputable breeder. Pup comes with a contract that dog must be given back to her if it doesn’t work out, no selling on and no rescues - and this is for the entire life of the dog.

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pookiedoodlepuppy · 08/05/2023 19:19

PuffinsRocks · 08/05/2023 18:26

God why does anyone pick a breed (especially a dangerous one) and buy from a breeder in this day and age when we know so much about the puppy trade and all those unwanted dogs in shelters??
FWIW because you're obviously not going to rescue a dog when you could summon one into existence that aesthetically pleases you, my NDN had a doberman when I was little. Had to be PTS in the end because it was completely out of control and kept going for small children.

Not every dog is a dangerous , not every household is suited to rescues . I was sapped at by a Doberman but I'm not daft enough to consider every single one will do the same 🙄.

EdithStourton · 08/05/2023 19:19

PuffinsRocks · 08/05/2023 18:26

God why does anyone pick a breed (especially a dangerous one) and buy from a breeder in this day and age when we know so much about the puppy trade and all those unwanted dogs in shelters??
FWIW because you're obviously not going to rescue a dog when you could summon one into existence that aesthetically pleases you, my NDN had a doberman when I was little. Had to be PTS in the end because it was completely out of control and kept going for small children.

A well-bred Doberman can be a lovely dog in the right hands (I've lived with a Doberman, not mine, someone else's).

And rescuing isn't for everyone. Many dogs in rescue have health or behavioural issues that not everyone is equipped to handle, or they cannot be rehomed with cats or kids. Dogs in rescue with no major issues are rehomed at the drop of a hat.

Most of the dogs that end up in rescue in the UK don't come from the careful breeders who health test and place puppies carefully with contracts that say they will take the dog back.

But yep, some people just can't resist preaching.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 08/05/2023 19:20

If I have another one, and we’ll probably breed from her as she’s such a sweetie I’d be very careful to never allow them to get a prey or chase drive

Yeah...if you ever manage to do that, you could make a small fortune 😂

Original poster

EarFluff · 08/05/2023 19:22

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 08/05/2023 18:41

Doberman's are not for the faint-hearted.

What is attracting you to the breed?

Intelligence (I like to do obedience work)
loyalty
agile and speed (I want to take up dog sports)
burglar deterrent
affectionate and loving (from what I’ve read!)

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ilovesooty · 08/05/2023 19:25

My niece and her husband have one. Her husband had one before she met him.

He's a lovely dog - highly trained and has a beautiful temperament. He's very tying though. One or both of them spend every non working moment with him - he just can't be left with anyone else.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 08/05/2023 19:26

EarFluff · 08/05/2023 19:22

Intelligence (I like to do obedience work)
loyalty
agile and speed (I want to take up dog sports)
burglar deterrent
affectionate and loving (from what I’ve read!)

Show quote history

There's a huge difference between obedient and intelligent.

Do you want a dog who will listen to you and obey, or a dog who will outsmart you and find it's own entertainment as soon as you drop the ball?

I see a lot of owners who say they want an intelligent dog, when what they really mean is they want a dog who will listen - they're not necessarily the same thing

TheFlis12345 · 08/05/2023 19:28

Our dog walker has a Doberman and she is the loveliest dog you can imagine, very quiet, gentle and calm. We have an exuberant young small breed dog and they adore each other, the Doberman is so patient with ours and even stops and leans down so they can have a little dog snog when they are walking together, it’s adorable. I had no direct experience of the breed before meeting her and she completely changed my perceptions of what a Doberman could be.

Sarvanga38 · 08/05/2023 19:30

Breeder n West Sussex, by any chance? Excellent choice, if so.

user1471453601 · 08/05/2023 19:43

@PuffinsRocks I've had rescue dogs for most of my life.

My last rescue took my heart. I fell for that girl hook line and sinker. Turns out she had cardiomyopathy. We had her for two years, and it just about broke me when she died.

When we looked for our next dog, it was during a break during lockdown. Rescue centres had nothing. And I couldn't face the prospect of loosing another dog. We decided to get a puppy, though we knew a puppy could did young too, we thought it was less likely.

There are many reasons humans get dogs.

Survey99 · 08/05/2023 19:50

30 years ago we dog sat a Doberman for what was supposed to be 3 months and ended up being 3 years.

Beautiful shiny black and tan (I dislike the look of the other colours), she was a lovely dog but very very whiny and clingy. She couldn't be left alone for long and on the higher end of exercise and stimulation needs.

30 years ago there didn't seems to be as many dogs about so it was easy to take her to places and let her off lead for a good run about and we never met other dogs. Beautiful looking as they are I wouldn't choose one as a pet, too big and too much of a risk you get one of the many that are not keen on other dogs (or people!) and it would be way more stress than it was worth.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 09/05/2023 16:48

I had one. Loved her. Lost her at 12 years old.

She was a dream to walk. Not interested in other dogs or people, just wanted to run in big circles and sniff.

She got on well with other dogs, but she was a bit of a wimp if other dogs picked on her. Not a bad thing. She'd run off more than stand her ground.

Used to snap her chops like an alligator when she was excited.

Never showed any aggression. I miss her and I'll definitely have another one.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 09/05/2023 16:50

Forgot the picture!

Original poster

EarFluff · 09/05/2023 20:09

@Chesneyhawkes1 Oh how beautiful ❤️ thank you for sharing x

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