→ I’m looking for a puppy—do you have any miniature Dobermans?
Again, there is no such thing as a miniature Doberman. Most people inquiring about miniatures are looking for a miniature pinscher (Min Pin), a native German breed that has been known in that country for over 300 years. The miniature pinscher is 10-12½" at the shoulder and was originally used as a barnyard ratter. They are in no way similar to a Doberman.
→ How old are they when their brain gets too large for their skull and they attack their owner?
You can’t imagine how often breeders are asked this question. Of course it is physically impossible for the brain to outgrow the skull, but this myth persists and is believed as gospel by many otherwise-intelligent people.
→ How old are they when they turn on their owner?
This question may be related to the previous question. In any case, a healthy, well-bred Doberman, properly socialized and trained, doesn't turn on his owner. Period.
→ Is it true that Dobermans are hard to train?
In fact, the opposite is true. Dobermans are very intelligent dogs and learn quickly. Because they are intelligent, they can be a challenge for an inexperienced trainer—if you’re not careful, before you know it your Doberman will have trained you! Training should begin with the breeder and must continue as soon as your puppy comes home. A good, puppy class is a must once the puppy has had two vaccinations, and ongoing obedience classes with a talented trainer would be advised. Dobermans do not respond well to outdated force training.
→ My last Doberman was really hyper—do you have any calm ones?
A well-bred Doberman should not be hyper, but you must remember that Dobermans are working dogs; they need mental and physical exercise. Many behavioural problems can surface due to boredom and/or lack of exercise. If you don’t give them something to do (i.e. training, games) they will find something to do. But that shouldn’t mean they won't park themselves on the couch with you when you want to watch television. Most Dobes want to be with their owners, no matter what the activity.
Also, dogs are like people in that some are more active than others. Part of a breeders responsibility is to match a busy puppy with a busy owner and a quieter puppy with a less active owner. No one knows the puppies better than the breeder who has spent countless hours with them.
→ If I breed my female will it help settle her down?
Absolutely not. Apart from the fact that we already have far too many backyard breeders who know nothing about the breed and have no concern for health or temperament, consider why she needs to be settled down. What behaviours are causing the concern? Having a litter is no substitute for training your dog to be a well-mannered member of your family.
→ I’ve heard that Dobermans don’t shed.
If only it were true! They do lose hair—sometimes a lot—but they don’t shed undercoat that produces the fluff balls most people associate with shedding.
→ I’ve heard that cropping makes them mean.
No, this too is incorrect. Ear cropping is a major operation done under anaesthetic. It takes a couple of days for the puppies to be back to normal; in two weeks the stitches are removed and the ears are completely healed.
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