Does anyone here have a doberman?

They can be great dogs. Make sure you get one from a reputable breeder, especially one that does heart clearances on all their dogs.

I've had Dobermans in my life over the last 15 years. The two I currently have bring my grand total up to 5 and I honestly can't see me ever sharing my home with another breed.

None of my 5 have ever shown any sign of aggression towards me or people I invite into my home. They have all been very sweet and loving dogs.

BUT -- a Doberman is not for everyone. They are often refered to as "The Velcro Dog" because they are extremely needy and clingy. They HATE to be left alone and as a result can often be destructive. Some do term them as being a "hyper" breed. Key is giving your Dobe LOTS of attention and exercise when you are home with them.

They are a very bright breed, but can be difficult for the layman to train - but training is essential for a Doberman. They need a job and love to be told "Good Dog!!" -- so early training from their guardian -- in a manner that speaks to authority NOT abuse is VERY important! If you don't have the time to commit, get another type of dog. Dobermans purchased on a whim are why there are so many Doberman Rescue organizations in the United States stuffed full with very needy DobeKids.

Furthermore, if you have any concerns about this breed, I would BEG you not to get one. Too many individuals get Dobermans for the wrong reasons then turn them over to animal shelters and rescues citing the dog as the problem -- when in fact it was the person's own ignorance.

Dobermans are great family dogs. They are not to hyper after the age of 2, but it will be that way with any puppy you get. The only thing that you need to be careful about is where you get your doberman from, and what kind you get. If it is an Americanized Doberman watch out, because they have bred most of the brains out of them. Your best bet is to find a breeder that still breeds the old fashioned German Box Dobermans. Again you will have to make sure that you check out the breeder to make sure that they are reputable, dependable, and will stand by a contract. I would NOT get ANY puppy/dog from a pet shop. They get most of their puppies from puppy mills.

You could call your local vet, animal shelter, ASPCA, SPCA, or rescue groups to see if they know of someone in your area. Good luck.

They are incredibly loyal dogs. Since dogs are pack animals, they are known to bond to a group such as a family. They are typically not very hyper once they have passed the puppy stage, but are very alert, intelligent dogs. Thus, keeping them active and giving them things to learn is important. Life expectancy is typically 7-9 years, which surprises most people. The dobermans I have known are very lovable contradictary to some public option. A close friends doberman would always greet me by putting her head on my lap to have the back of her ears scratched.

I was raised with generations of champions & their offspring. We showed them & had a room full of trophies. We owned "faro" the son of Rancho Dobe's "Storm" (If you have a Dobe this will ring your bell....First dog EVER to win "Best In Show" TWICE....2 yrs, in a row! Enyhoo,,,,I've had many dobies throughout my life & I've had different experiences with each one. First the negatives & myths: Yes they can be high strung. But this doesn't have to mean "mean". Highly protective of family, yes. Hard to control, no! They are extremely intelligent & easy to discipline & train, I've owned & observed many gentle giants who wouldn't hurt a flea (but that scares people because they think they're going to be attacked, another bad myth, not licked silly!). They're great with kids (family). They are VERY loyal but with proper training & socialization they should be just fine anywhere. VERY loveable & loving. Please try the rescue orgs. that have special breed rescue. I saw one the other day & she was the sweetest, most gentle thing......the kids she was with were climbing all over her & she was very kind & friendly to strangers........Jeez...I could talk Dobies for years...shut me up!

I love my dobi, she's great! (Her name is Kitty) She love to play, take over the bed and the covers at nite, she is 4 now but still acts like a puppy. She's gentle with my other dog and she ignores the cats. I never owned a Dobi before this one, but I can't see me having any other dog, she has become my shadow and best bud.

I love my boy...Just go to a good breeder and check health history...Not hyper...love their people...mine follows me room to room :-D.. great with all other dogs..children ....but have a very strong presence if you dont know them...( which is good) not vicious...or mean...but not inviting either. Best dog ever! Good luck!

No, but I've had Saint Bernards, a Chow-Chow, a Boxer, and an Australian Shephard!!! By the way, I love your avatar!!! Is that your horse? I've got 8 of my own!!!

Is that your horse and is he a Paso?

Dobies are very nice, the person above me answered your question very well.

I like dobies.. but i've had good ones...not so good ones(hard headed).but regardless of what some folks think....there is no bad breed(some get bad reps)..but the only are what you make of them. What i'm meaning is its like people...not really born bad...somewhere..something happens.