Honestly wasn’t sure where to post this but, I’m considering getting a Doberman puppy in about a year and a half. I currently have two small dogs, a Lhasa apso, and a Maltese, so this is very different then what I’m used to.
I’ve never had a large breed dog before (besides a husky and staffy but those are that big), and I’m currently deciding between a Doberman, and my favorite breed (the Alaskan malamute). I’m looking for a very Loyal dog, and a dog that will be a good candidate for service work (which is why I’m considering Doberman over malamute), so anyone that has a Doberman, could you please tell me about the temperament of the breed, and how they do with small dogs etc,, ?
Dobies put up with a lot, until they put up with zero additional shit. I had one who hated dogs and kids, but snuggled with my chickens.
Had another who my biggest fear was that he'd stand up straight too fast when a little kid had grabbed his head for a hug and launch them across the park.
Very stubborn.
Completely dependant on early training.
Get a Dobie pup and a kitten and a baby chick at the same time. They'll be fast friends. As long as the Dobie doesn't have a crazy prey drive.
And avoid only pups. Small litter, OK, but if momma wasn't great and no litter mates, you'll have a handful.
Reputable breeders should have a list of customers going back a few years, if not they're probably carriers for von willenbrand factor mutation or lymphoma.
Always get a vWF test. Typically a pale blue top vacutainer tube if you're curious. Test developed at UNC. Carolina blue. Easy to knowledge check the breeder about the vWF with that tidbit.
If they carry lymphoma, they're inbred American bloodlines. Find a breeder with European stock.
Also, be prepared for a ridiculous cock if euro stock. Much common ancestry with Danes, rotties, and weimaraner.
Dobies are a constructed breed, as opposed to derived. Herr Doberman was a tax collector. Needed a dog which was fiercely loyal, like fuck you up and keep on trucking fierce, but also entirely sociable with complete strangers and kids and other dogs.
Notoriously stoic, they'll take a bite or poke a few times before they unleash, usually, a single ferocious snap that reminds who or whatever that they're not to be fucked with.
High energy like any terrier, expect to throw balls and tug of war.
Also expect your 120lb butthead to climb in your lap when you've left him alone for more than 5 min.
And don't expect to walk around naked and not get a nose in your junk. Very rude. Very. Rude.
Cute, single female, with an intact male Dobie? Sniffs your junk? Yeah, she's getting licked at least. I'd put good money on it.
