In this article today, we’re going talk about The Pros and Cons of owning a Doberman Pinscher.
First, Let’s start with the pros!
1. Low maintenance
Alright, get ready for some good news – Dobermans are low-maintenance dogs! That’s right, they’re basically like those “wash and wear” shirts – just give them a quick rinse and they’re good to go. Case unlike some diva dogs out there, Dobbies don’t need to be bathed every week.
And let’s be real, who’s got the time or energy for that anyway? And brushing? Once a week will do the trick, keeping their coat looking slicker than a used car salesman’s hair. So for someone who wants a dog that’s easy-going and doesn’t require a ton of upkeep, well, a Doberman might just be your one and only soulmate.
2. Striking Appearance
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Sure, Dobermans might be low maintenance, but they can’t be that good-looking, can they?” Well, you’d be glad to know that these dogs are the supermodels of the canine world.
With their chiseled muscles, pointy ears, and eyes that could melt the coldest heart, Dobermans are basically the George Clooney of dogs – effortlessly cool, charming, and oh-so-handsome. And the best part? They don’t need a team of hair and makeup artists to look that good – yup! It’s all natural.
3. Protectiveness
Put a suit and an earpiece on your Doberman and you’ve got yourself the perfect secret service agent. But just looking like a security guard doesn’t make you one, right? Uhmmm! Well, it kinda does, to be honest! I mean, it’s literally stated in their breed standard that they are watchful, determined, alert, fearless, and obedient. That’s one heck of a resume, don’t you think so?
And when we say they’re loyal and protective, we’re not kidding around. They’ll put their life on the line to protect you from any danger. But just remember, if you want your Doberman to protect you like a superhero, you’ve got to treat them like one too.
Also check out: Akita – Pros and Cons.
4. Intelligence
Forget about Mensa – if you want to surround yourself with real geniuses, get yourself a Doberman! These pooches are ranked as the fifth most intelligent dog breed by the Doggy Professor Stanley Coren, so you better believe they’re quick learners. Teaching them new commands is a breeze – they’ll have it down pat before you can even finish saying “fetch”.
And the best part? They never forget what they’ve learned. Now get rid of the notion that Dobermans are very difficult to train and keep control of. With the right approach, these smart cookies are as easy to train as a Golden Retriever.
5. Versatility
The Dobbie is a true jack of all trades – versatile and ready for anything. Their smarts, athleticism, and willingness to learn make them perfect for all kinds of jobs. For instance, they work with the police and military, sniffing out danger and protecting the good guys.
But that’s not all – they also excel as service dogs, helping people with disabilities and bringing comfort to those in need. And when they’re not busy saving the world, they make excellent companions, snuggling up on the couch and binge-watching your favorite shows.
Now that you know if the Dobermans’ qualities are to your liking, let’s see if you have what it takes to be a good Doberman parent too. Cause here are some of the cons of owning a Dobie:
1. Stigma
Here’s the deal: Dobermans have gained a bit of a bad rep over the years. They’ve been stereotyped as aggressive and dangerous like they’re always ready to bite your head off at the drop of a hat. Sure, Dobermans might look tough, but that doesn’t mean they’re all aggressive.
I mean, come on, have you heard some of the myths out there? Like their brains growing too big for their skulls and turning on their owners? That’s just straight-up sci-fi! In reality, a well-trained and socialized Doberman is just like any other loving and affectionate pooch out there, albeit one who might be a little more cautious around strangers.
Just drop the stigma and give these furry friends the love they deserve.
2. Same-Sex Aggression
You see, Dobermans can have a little conundrum when it comes to their same-sex pals. They might start strutting around like they’re in a canine catwalk, showing off their impeccable style and confidence. But wait, there’s trouble in paradise too, right?
When two Dobermans of the same gender meet, it’s like a canine fashion showdown, and these divas don’t play nice. It’s like a high-stakes drama unfolding in your backyard, complete with barking melodrama and dramatic tail wagging.
Here’s the punchline: as amusing as it may be to witness this furry feud, it can actually be quite a headache for their humans. You’ll find yourself playing referee, trying to keep the peace and mediating their fashion-forward feuds. So, if you’re looking for a drama-free pet, you might want to think twice before stepping into the world of Same-Sex Aggression in Dobermans.
3. Not Suited for New Owners
This one’s for all the dog parents who’re still green behind the ears. If you’re considering adding a Doberman to your pack, then listen up! The question you should be asking yourself is not whether a Doberman is right for you, but whether you’re right for a Doberman.
Remember, owning a Doberman is a commitment, not a trend. These guys need a lot more time and effort when it comes to training and socialization than your average Labrador. And let’s be real, a poorly trained Doberman could be a disaster, worse than any Michael Bay film.
4. Need Lots of Exercise
It’s time to talk about one of the most important things your Doberman needs – exercise! And when I say they need exercise, I’m not talking about a leisurely stroll around the block. These pups are high-energy balls of fur, and they need a minimum of 2 hours of physical activity every day to stay healthy and happy.
So, if you’re not willing to get your sweat on and take your pup out for some exercise, then you might want to sit this one out. But if you’re ready to hit the ground running, then lace up your sneakers and take your Doberman for a jog.
5. Prone to Separation Anxiety
Once again – separation anxiety strikes back! And unfortunately, Dobermans are no exception to this pesky problem. These pups are known to be super attached to their humans, so leaving them alone for too long can trigger some serious anxiety and stress.
But fear not, there are ways to deal with this or at least control the symptoms. Watch our video on 10 Scientific Ways to Train a Dog With Separation Anxiety or read this article on how to treat anxiety in dogs to learn more. And hey, on the bright side, your Dobbie will always be over the moon to see you when you come home.
Conclusion
Alright, folks, we’ve laid it all out for you – the pros, the cons, and everything in between. Dobermans may be low-maintenance stunners with a protective instinct, but they come with their fair share of challenges. It’s not just about their striking appearance and intelligence; it’s about being the right fit for these loyal companions.
So, are you up for the adventure? Can you handle the stigma, the same-sex fashion feuds, and the commitment they require? If you’re ready to put in the love, time, and energy, a Doberman will reward you with a bond like no other. Leave a comment and let us know if you’re up to the task of being a Doberman parent.
Here are other articles on the Doberman Pinscher if you’re interested to know more about the breed.