The Doberman Pinscher is one of the most popular breeds in the world, but it also carries with it a particular stigma that the breed has often struggled with in terms of adoptions. Indeed, many families choose not to adopt a Doberman because of the fear that the dog will be violent or aggressive, which is obviously not desirable behavior from a dog. This reputation, however, is erroneous, and before you rule a Doberman out it is important that you understand what the breed has to offer you.

The Truth About Doberman Pinschers

Let’s not equivocate: Dobermans are an aggressive breed, and certainly one of the most aggressive breeds among the popular breeds of the world. However, it is important to note that while the Doberman is aggressive it is not vicious, nor is it violent, and it is certainly not a malicious breed. The Doberman was bred for many of the most difficult and demanding canine duties of the past, and thus the Doberman had to be ready to give its owner everything he had at any time. Thus, the aggression we see today.

The Doberman’s physical power is certainly one of its defining traits, but this can often overshadow the many other incredible talents, traits, and abilities that the Doberman also offers. The Doberman can track scents, defend its owner or handler, perform at champion level in dog shows, and more. The Doberman approaches all of these tasks with the same remarkable energy that it approaches everything else, which brings us again to the aggression of the Doberman – aggression that it brings to bear on these tasks.

You Get What You Give

This aggression is not, in itself, a dangerous thing. Among human beings, aggression often translates to ambition, to performing well in competition, and to other kinds of behaviors which are desirable. Similarly when it comes to aggression in dogs, that aggression needs to be channeled into an active life that provides opportunities for the dog to perform and succeed. If the Doberman does not receive these kinds of opportunities, their aggression can instead take the form of violence and other serious behavioral problems.

The Doberman is nevertheless a suspicious dog that will seek to protect and look out for you and your family. Yet if you provide the Doberman with the stimulation it needs and deserves – along with high quality obedience training, rather than the sometimes lackluster training that some Dobermans receive – you will find that your Doberman is one of the strongest, most loyal, most obedient, and most impressive companions you could wish for as a dog-lover.