It is difficult to attribute a common trait to all members of a dog breed because each dog is a distinct individual. For example, a Doberman can be dangerous, but so can a Chihuahua or a Poodle. The Doberman has an undeserved bad reputation for helping the police and military and for looking so competent.
Military dogs
During World War II, the Doberman Pinscher was employed by the Marines as a messenger, scout and sentry. They were called "the devil dogs". In 1944 25 Dobermans were killed during the invasion of Guam and a year later the Marines carried Dobermans when they stormed Okinawa.
The Germans also used Dobermans to guard prisoners in concentration camps, to track escaping prisoners and to help find wounded soldiers. This call to duty may have caused the Doberman's bad reputation, even though there was not a single Doberman bite report when the Marines returned to the United States and took their dogs to live with them and their families.
So, is the Doberman dangerous?
The AKC standard for the Doberman describes the temperament and personality of this dog as energetic, watchful, determined, alert, courageous, loyal and obedient. The judge will disqualify from the ring any Doberman that is timid or fierce.
In addition, the Dobie is described as an intelligent dog that responds well to training. Their intelligence and ability to retain training are the reason the police and military incorporate them into the service. However, the AKC clearly states that any Doberman that exhibits fierce behavior should be disqualified. Therefore, the AKC's official position for the Doberman is that it should be alert and attentive but not fierce.
Do Dobermans bite?
All dogs need to be trained from an early age, regardless of their breed. To dismiss a dog as a potential biter simply because of its breed is absurd. Dobermans, like any other powerful dog, should be trained as early as possible because when they are older they may be stronger and more difficult to handle. This is a working breed and must have a job to do because otherwise it will almost certainly get into trouble by doing bad things like excessive barking and digging.
This dog can do anything that requires athleticism such as agility. He likewise does well with activities that rely on intelligence including search and rescue. His keen intuition allows him to be a natural therapy dog and many have been seen in nursing homes and hospitals. Spending time with your Doberman doing things together will keep him busy and out of trouble.
Show him love
There is no foolproof way to ensure that your dog will not grow up to be aggressive or dangerous, but there are many things you can do to stack the odds in your favor. Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog, and never resort to physical violence. Show him plenty of love, patience, and kindness, and he will reciprocate. Then we can say a very common phrase, "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners".
