Dogs with Character 

We've all seen them: Those yellow, diamond-shaped "Beware of Dog" signs. Although some of them bear only the words in bold, black letters, many of them include a drawing of a snarling, sharp-toothed black dog ready to rip you apart if you set foot over the property line. The dog most often featured on this menacing sign? A Doberman Pinscher, of course.

For decades, Dobermans have suffered from an unfair image. Depicted not only on "Beware of Dog" signs, but in movies, television and elsewhere as vicious beasts that would be happy to tear any human from limb to limb at the slightest provocation, Dobermans have been given an unfair rap, according to breeders, owners and others who love the breed.

A lot of the bad dog image that Dobermans have is what the public has seen on TV. Another reason the breed is perceived to be aggressive is because Dobermans have been legitimately bred for guard dog work for decades. In the past, some breeders overemphasized this aspect of the breed's temperament, however, creating dogs that were aggressive-although atypical of the breed.

Dobermans were originally bred to be guard dogs. Twenty-five to 30 years ago, and beyond, Dobies were very sharp (aggressive). Some of these dogs would not allow anyone to touch them, even in the show ring.

The Real Deal

So if the Doberman's image of viciousness is a false one created by Hollywood and a few aggressive dogs of the past, what is the true Doberman temperament? Ideal Doberman temperament is steady, confident and outgoing. The Doberman should be reserved with strangers, but willing to accept almost anyone as soon as you do.

We see the breed as a dog that is watchful over its human family, but far from the vicious dog depicted in the media. The ideal Doberman should be inquisitive, bright, brave and faithful to its family and property. Never be put off by a Doberman that is watchful of strangers, perhaps sizing them up to see whether it wants to be friendly. A Doberman should have the smarts to ascertain the situation and make level-headed judgments about people. Dobermans should be thinkers and trustworthy around children and old people.

Dogs with Character

Those who responsibly breed Dobermans do more than just claim that the breed has a good temperament. They have dogs that exhibit these good dispositions on a regular basis. Caring for children and providing them with companionship is a favorite pastime among Dobermans, according to breeders.

Finding Good Temperament

Dobermans were originally bred to be guard dogs, and although properly bred and socialized Dobermans are not the vicious animals their popular image suggests, they are inclined to be protective of their human family and family's property. If you are looking for a Doberman to add to your family, it's important to do your homework beforehand to make sure you get a dog that has the correct Doberman temperament.

If your new Dobie is a puppy, you must properly socialize it to make sure your new companion learns how to behave. This is true of any breed, but it is especially important with a breed like the Doberman that has an inborn instinct to be protective.

The Doberman Pinscher Club of America administers a test to adult dogs called a Working Aptitude Certificate (WAC). Ask the breeder you are considering if any of the dogs in your prospective puppy's pedigree acquired this certificate. Also, obedience-titled dogs or licensed therapy dogs make good parents for a puppy you are considering. If possible, visit the puppy's parents and check out their temperament.

You should look at how the puppy is handled by the breeder before you buy. Look at the environment the pup is being raised in. Find out what the pup's exposed to, and what has been done to build its confidence and strength.

Perform a temperament test on any puppy you are considering. This test evaluates the puppy's basic natural disposition and can be done by you or the breeder. Never adopt an overly shy or timid puppy; Doberman puppies should be outgoing, friendly and happy. They should exhibit little sensitivity to different tactile surfaces and noises; they should maintain good eye contact and be willing to explore unknown areas. Puppies are more prone to being scared (fear is often shown by raising their hackles), but they should not show fear in reaction to non-threatening, familiar stimuli.

Once you take your puppy home, it's important to provide it with as much socialization as possible. One of the most important factors in ensuring and developing good behavior and temperament is proper socialization. Your puppy needs to see, hear, smell and touch as much in its environment as it possibly can so that it can become accustomed to public life.

Puppies should be handled, cuddled, stroked and loved from day one. As a puppy gets older, it should be placed on different surfaces, such as newspaper, carpet, concrete, gravel and any others you can think of. It must be taught to walk on a lead in different places. Walk it around the block, then to the end of the street. Expose it to the sounds of garbage trucks and school buses. Bring your pup with you in the car to supermarkets and all the other places you visit during your day. Allow other people to touch your puppy so it learns to trust people.

It is important to always provide your Doberman with companionship to keep it happy and in good spirits. Dobies are people dogs and do not do well when they are not with their owners. Every Dobie needs to be shown love every day of its life. No Doberman should be confined as a backyard dog where it experiences little love or attention. This is not what a Doberman is all about.