Personality, Traits and Temperament

Dobermans are primarily companion/house dogs that are hardwired to be protective of their people, more like a personal body guard than a property watchdog. Dobermans are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Some are bold and outgoing, some are mellow, and some are reserved and suspicious. All Dobermans are sweet, loving family pets.

Without early socialization Dobermans can be reserved and shy or sharp and overly protective. Puppies should meet and greet 100 people and dogs in their first year of life. Some Dobermans love to chew from about eight months to two years of age and can be pretty destructive with clothes, shoes, remote controls, etc., when unsupervised. This adolescent period is a common age at which they find themselves in shelters or rescue organizations due to ill-equipped or irresponsible puppy purchasers. Dobermans requires intelligent handling and are not the pet for everyone.

Dobermans are best with an indoor life and plenty of human interaction. Dobermans are not for easily dominated owners, or those who don’t want a dog that demands attention. They do not like being outside away from their families, although lying in the sun on a cool day is enjoyed by Dobermans. Most would prefer the comfort of a nice sofa or bed with a daily or twice-daily outing to a park or open space for exercise and play. Dobermans are ready to go when you go or just lie about when you are relaxing.

Dobermans can adapt to the city if given daily physical and mental exercise, but they can become restless without something to do. Most Dobermans need a lot of exercise, especially in the first four to five years, and a typical backyard does not normally provide enough room for them to expend their energy. Dobermans work beautifully in obedience and agility, but are very sensitive to correction, responding only to calm training and not physical force.

If you go to a breeder, look for one who strives for good temperament and good health, and perhaps some working ability. If you buy from a poor breeder or raise the dog incorrectly, you could wind up with an aggressive, destructive or timid Doberman. If you are considering a rescue Doberman, patience and understanding are very important. It can take as much as two to four weeks for a dog to adjust to new surroundings, yet it has been remarkable to see how virtually all Dobermans are ready to love again, given a second chance. How you introduce any new dog into your home can make or break the adoption outcome.

The uneducated public still harbors a pronounced fear of the Doberman and yet they are an excellent choice for a companion in the home. They are not naturally aggressive — they are highly sensitive, social creatures who enjoy the company of people and other animals. Once you’ve been “owned” by a Doberman you can’t imagine life without one. They are comical and intelligent, affectionate and playful. But most of all, they are a loving part of a family and as such should always be with their family.