I'll join the ranks of Doberman lovers. I had Dobe's from 1966 to 1997.
I had 5 adults dogs over the years and many puppies.
They are incredible companions, gentle playmates and protectors.
They are elegant, graceful, loyal and total goofs at times....
They are smart beyond belief, you can have a 'conversation' with a Dobe and
feel they understand every word you said.
They are wonderful with children and other pets. One year we had pet baby geese
and my big guy would curve his front paws inward and take the little ones and clean
their bottoms for them. All I ever had to say to them, about anything I wanted them
to be careful with, was, "That's Mommy's baby, be nice".
They are naturally protective of their family with little ado.
If a stranger came to the door they'd instinctively put
themselves between me and the screen door until they seemed to perceive from me
that things were OK..... I do have to admit much of their protection does probably
come just from their look and people's wariness of them. They don't have to be
'guard dogs' per se. They just have the intensity of look that makes it appear they
could back up 'that reputation' if need be, even when they are complete marshmellows.
I never had Dobe that was anything but solid minded although I've seen and heard
stories about 'the other kind'. I think any dog is what you make of it. They reflect
in most cases the personalities of their owners. If you want that reactive Dobe that
intimidates everyone it sees, they can be made to be that dog.... I just preferred
to have a trustworthy loving family pets that you could trust with anyone/anything.
Breeding does have a lot to do with it.....finding a reputable breeder with solid minded
stock is tantamount to having a good companion.
Many Doberman clubs put on what they call Doberman Temperament Testing field days.
The dogs go thru many situations that might occur in everyday situations. It gives you a
good feel for your dog's steadiness.
My last big guy, Zoo, was to me, the epitome of the perfect companion....he had the best
traits of every Dobe I'd ever owned. When he passed away at 10 1/2 years old I went
without a dog for over 6 months. When I finally caved in to my lonesomeness of not
having a sidekick I did not buy another Dobe. Zoo had set the bar to high. I bought
a German Shepherd and the rest is history. I feel as strongly about my Shepherd's
as I do about my Dobe's. A well bred Shepherd is also a wonderful companion.
Pictured with his friend, Sarah Sarah, is Zoo at 13 months old. He was a big guy at
maturity, going over 150#......Gentle giant he was....... I will miss him always.