Doberman Pinscher

[Tobby]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this but I think so. I was just wondering if you think I am being unfair to the breed Doberman Pinscher. I don't like it when people unfairly judge a breed but I was thinking about it and I think I may be.
My problem is that I think they are a beautiful breed and I love to see them, but I don't think I would ever own one. The reason for this is because they are know to have their brain grow to big for their scull. This terrifies me because not only can if have horrible effects personality and health wise, but they can die from this. I think I always justified it because I was cautious of owning one because of a health issue instead of a reputation but now I am thinking that is just as bad.
I am not looking to own one because I have enough as it is but I'd like to get over this by the time I am older so maybe in the future I will be comfortable owning one because I truly do think they are gorgeous dogs.
I am helping some nice comments (maybe even some stern words) will help me see that what I think shouldn't hold me back from getting one, (or should depending on your opinion.)

[rescuek9s]

My first dog, once I left my parent's house, was a doberman. That was 25 years ago.
I did my research and bought a male from a reputible breeder.
The parents were both bred in England and were huge in comparison to the dogs bred here in the states.
The genetic defects are a result of over breeding and poor breeding by people trying to make a buck, at the expense of the dogs.
A good breeder does it to enhance the breed, not for moitary gain.
My Dobe did not have a docked tail, (that practice as well as ear cropping is not permitted in England on any breed), and was massive.
When fully grown, he tipped the scales at 120 pounds, without an ounce of fat on him.
He was my "soul" dog, never to be replaced. He lived to be 16.
He was such an exceptional friend, I knew I would never got another Dobe.

[Mali, Sasha & Me]

I would not trade Sasha for the world and God forbid when she goes to doggy heaven, I don't think I could ever get another doberman either.

Doesn't matter what breed of dog you are looking for, whether pure bred or mixed breed, they are all at risk for health issues.

[Tobby]

Yes I know this. I think my problem is that I love this breed so much it scares me to know that this is a common occurrence. I did not know though that this was caused by breeding. I think this could possibly be (I'm not sure because I haven't had the pleasure of getting to know on well enough,) my favorite breed.
It is good to hear such good stories about them because about anyone I talk to about them mention this health issue. When I am older I only hope to own one.
I don't know what it is about them but they are just so beautiful and elegant.

[Sandy, Cheyenne's mom2]

Doberman's are beautiful dogs and are said to be very intelligent. I have heard about breeding for a narrower skull, thereby causing pressure on the brain, but that is just hearsay. If you truely wish to have a doberman, you will need to do a lot of research - on line, talking to vets, perhaps a university veterinary school, breeders, trainers, and whoever else. I do agree with Mali&Me in that every dog is at risk for some sort of health issue. Bottom line is if you really like the breed, then do your homework, find a reputable breeder and go from there. (I really like the idea of no docking in England.)

That said, I would never have a dobie. Not because I don't like or trust them - any dog is only as good as its master trains it to be. My reason is that I have other breeds which I prefer. I had never really planned to have a "Rotten Shepherd", but when I went through the shelter and came to Cheyenne's cage, I stopped looking. Something clicked, I think for both her and myself, and I knew she was the one. I have never regretted it! So, I should never say never!

[snoopygirl]

I knew I would never got another Dobe.

I don't think I could ever get another doberman either.

Why not? If you really like Dobermans why would you not get another?

[Petto_Princess_88]

Um the brain swelling too big for its skull is just a myth. Not true even when they say that about pits.
I do not understand how anyone could believe that or where it came from.
Dobermans can be the sweetest dogs ever =) My baby just loves to snuggle up to me and give ALOT of kisses =)
He just doesn't like other dogs that stare at him when we are out somewhere. Anyone can work on their dobe to fix that through socialization. I regret about not getting on that but now I don't live at home during the school year.
Yeah, just do your homework and decide for yourself. Go visit dobie rescues to see if they are right for you =)
I love mine to pieces =) I am so glad I got a dobie and I will definitely have one again.
I have never lost a dog...so I don't know how I will cope or if I could get another one.
There is this pic of I warning sign that says: Warning. Doberman will lick you to death
That is so true and I made a gif of that image and a pic of my dobe switching back and forth =)

[Otisdog]

I have to say that I ABSOLUTELY love Doberman Pinschers. I had 2 black and tan females when I was growing up and just loved them to death. Very loving and loyal dogs ( not to mention HILARIOUS) . I currently have an english bulldog / pug mix and of course wouldn't trade him for anything, but I have always been partial to Dobes. The only reason I don't have a Dobe now is because my husband is a 1st time dog owner and always liked the English Bulldog, not to mention we live in a small townhome which is perfect for our little guy ( 64 pounds... )
Pretty much all pure bred dogs come with some sort of health concern. Again, reasearch is key !!

[snoopygirl]

Um the brain swelling too big for its skull is just a myth. Not true even when they say that about pits.
I do not understand how anyone could believe that or where it came from.

It's because people have bred for slimmer/smaller skulls, and over time the skulls have been bred smaller, so then the brain is too big for the skull. It is not the brain swelling too big. This is just what I have heard, and this is how people believe it.

[spamalope]

that's a myth and easily debunked by a quick google search.

MYTH:
When Dobermans grow older, their skulls stop growing but their brain doesn't. As their brain becomes larger as they grow, it puts pressure on the brain driving the Doberman insane and causing it to “turn” on its owner.

FACT:
Of course this is ridiculous. Doberman people merely shake their heads in wonderment at the total lunacy of these claims. When they are properly bred, raised, socialized, and trained, Dobermans will love, protect and often die for their families. This loyalty to his family is instinctive. It will develop naturally and you don’t have to do anything to develop it. Of course obedience training is a different matter and should be considered by all Doberman owners.

Just like any other dog, when the skull stops growing, so does the brain. If Dobermans routinely went insane and became vicious, nature would eventually target them for extinction. However, if you abuse any dog, a dog can, and probably should, turn on the person perpetrating the abuse. You would probably do the same if you were abused or threatened. Only a %^$%@*! abuses any animal and those who do, in my humble opinion, deserve what they get.

source - http://spear-barkennels.com/About_Dobermans.php

but there's tons of info on this if you want to look. if this was real it would be happening all the time since there's millions of dobermans out there.

[Lils]

There are a lot of myths about the doberman.....which none are true....they invented them because because of their harsh and mean appearance, but as a doberman owner myself i can tell you that you will never find another breed more loyal lovable and willing to please you than this one.

It is true that some are more agressive than other, but that is in every single breed, this dogs will be agressive towards people that represent a menace towards their family or owner, as they were bred specifically for that; to defend their owner even if it has to be with their own lives.

TRUE STORY:
I can give you an example.... I live in Mexico and my dog is always with me he is like my shadow... and he is the sweetest dog, i always say he is a doberman with a labrador heart!!.... but one day when we were comming back home from our daily 1 hr run this guys started to follow me closer and closer and i really got scared.... and just when they started calling me and trying to surround me... my dog went crazy like i've never seen him before....he was literally like a lioness defending her cubs!!... he got infront of me and wouldnt get them get even a lil bit closer.... he even rip one of their shirts but didnt hurt him.. and they had sticks and one had a chain and they tried to hit him but he wouldnt back away .....he was defending me like if he was my bodyguard .....he scared them away because he broke his chain and i couldnt hold on to him any longer cuz he is soooo strong.... but even when he got loose he dindt go after them he stood between them and me and kept me safe....so thats when i threaten them that if they didnt go away i would tell him to rip their throats out.....haha ...so they believed me and ran away....when i was safe i was really shaking and he was all covered in saliva and had really red eyes and just turned around and licked my face like saying "its okay, your safe" ..... and he is only 1 yr and 5 months old!!! and after that he has never been agresive again..... so i hope that answers all your questions and fears!!!!

Lili

[BudandMe]

Aw that's so nice. It's cool how our dog's are the sweetest things until someone tries to hurt their owners. My dog Buddy loves just about everyone, but as soon as someone pretends to hit my brother or anyone from our family for that matter, he starts to bark like a mad dog!! The only time he goes against us is when we give him a new bone and he's in his cage and we get to close, he never bites but he growls a lot and snaps. No one dares to disturb him.

Ps: I'm glad your dog protected you and you're safe, who knows what those guys could of done if you had gotten a chihuahua instead of a dobie. haha.

[Tobby]

Hey guys,
Just thought I would reply to a few of the posts.
One being any that say that the skull doesn't put pressure on the skull so there is no reason to think they would turn. That is not what I am afraid of. I just wanted to know if the skull was smaller and that the brain could grow to big because I heard it would kill them, not that they would turn. Any dog can turn depending on it's family line and it's life. I just hate the feeling of getting so close to a dog and always feeling like I have to wonder when or if this dog is going to die the next day because of this problem, with out me knowing. I just wanted to know whether or not this was a concern.
Second, I have loved reading all of your stories about your Dobies. I think it is a great breed, although I love all dogs, their figure and coloring just kills me. What gorgeous dogs. And I am going to assume that as long as I didn't get from a breeder with the intention of breeding for a narrow skull, anyone could live a long and happy life with one of these dogs.
Thank you all,
I look forward to hearing more stories and learning more about them from owners on the site.

[Lils]

Hey doberman owners and lovers out there!!.... i dint wan to make a new forum for the doberman to ask some questions so i will just ask them here and hopefully someone will help me!....

Well the thing is that is my first time owning a dobie and when i trim his nails... they always tend to bleed a bit and he is just not happy about it.... so i dont now if anyone has any advice like....should i trim the tip of the nails every week so that they dont get to the point of beeing to long and then bleed?? and i know im not triming too short ...because if i leave them any longer when he walks you can hear the tip of the nails haha....

Thanks for any advice or just ur experience on triming these type of nails!!!

[papbouv]

Please quit making your Dobermans nails bleed YOU ARE Cutting them too short anytime they bleed it is because you are cutting into the quick. Most people use a Dremel on Doberman nails you can get the nails shorter that way BUT you have to be careful. A Dermel gets hot so you can only touch it too a nail about 3 seconds then move on to another nail,3 seconds the another nail.You just cannot grab a dog and start Dremeling the nails you let the dog sniff it with it off treat,let the dog get use to it then turn it on a few seconds treat make sure the dog does not get injured with the Dremel on then after the dog is use to it maybe do one nail & treat next day do another nail treat.Just go slow if the dog Panics you went too fast back up go slower.When the Dog is an adult and you have been quicking him/her you may get bit or have a knock down drag out fight with the dog just to do nails.
If you go to Doberman Talk a dog forum about Dobermans they have more information about doing dog nails.