I am purchasing a doberman, should i be concerned for the safety of children?

Question

I am purchasing a doberman, should i be concerned for the safety of children?

Answer 1

As long as you get one from a reputable breeder and raise the pup properly, you will have no problem.  We got our first Dobe when my youngest son was 3.  My two boys are 27 1/2 and 31.  We had many, many Dobes over the years.  This breed was the greatest for our family.  Good luck with your new "velcro" puppy.

Answer 2

If you are concerned, you obviously have not done any research on this breed which means you are not ready for the care and responsibility of one.

Dobermans are very good dogs for the right people. But just like Rotties, Shepherds and Pits, they are also targeted for breed specific legislation.

But people who are concerned or afraid of the breed, should not have one. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

Answer 3

NO!

Understand that any dog regardless of breed bonds very closely with it's owner and family.  Guard dogs especially.  These dogs believe that they are put on the earth to protect the family and nothing more.  To hurt the family is just not a concept these dogs ( any guard breed ) consider.  You can be assured that the doberman would be very friendly, loving and loyal to your family.  It must be noted though that these dogs do not like loud noise.  Especially when puppies.  Think hard and look on this site:  Dogbreed info and find the best dog that suits your needs.  I personally like the Akita - Rottie - Bullmastiff - Doberman - Cane Corso and Dogue De bordeaux.  All the best.

Answer 4

First you must realize that a doberman is on the "dangerous" list. It DOES NOT mean that your dog will automatically be dangerous. It just means that you have to be willing to put in more work to make SURE your dog is a good member of society.

(I answer this because i have a German Shepherd and it hurts badly to see my breed on this list.)

The extra work will be extensive socialization, training classes...if you take your dog to get a CGC you will be in VERY good hands. Dobies are usually GREAT family dogs and you don't need to be concerned...just cautious. Besides the training classes...you have to be willing to work with the dog every day, make sure it gets all it's shots, is microchipped and licensed. When you get your dog MAKE SURE YOU BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER!! NO NEWSPAPER ADS!! Good lines in a dog help with many different things from disposition to health.

I firmly believe that people need to know what they are getting themselves into before they purchase a dog that is considered a dangerous breed. I realize that every dog can be dangerous, but making the conscious decision to purchase a dog such as a dobie, german shepherd, pit bull, chow, or rottweiler requires more attention to detail and much more responsibility.

I also believe that if people took more responsibility for their pets there would be FAR fewer bites...right now there is a rash of dog bites going around in my area. some towns are even banning certain breeds! I think banning them is unnecessary...however responsibility for your dog IS necessary!!

Answer 5

If the dog is well socialized and  you bought him from a reputable breeder and you intend to take him to obedience class, he should be fine.

Answer 6

Why in the world would you commit to buying a dog when you obviously don't know anything about it??

Answer 7

Not if you buy proper training.

ADD:  YES! I JUST SAW ONE TODAY AND MAN IT WENT CRAZY IT WAS ABOUT TO GET OUT IT WAS BARKING AT MY LITTLE BEAGLE AND FOLLOWING US BY THE FENCE. GET A POODLE OR BETTER YET A GOLDFISH.

Answer 8

Are you referring to the safety of your own children?  Maybe you should do more research before you decide on purchasing a certain breed, especially if you aren't sure if you should be concerned.

Answer 9

If you're so concerned you obviously haven't done enough research about Dobermans. They are actually great family dogs and almost always get along well with children. It's very important to train and  socialize your puppy from an early age to prevent any issues, but that's true of any dog.  

Answer 10

When purchasing any puppy of any breed it is important to check out the temperament of both parents.  Poor temperaments can be genetically passed on to the offspring.  Nature vs nurture.  When you have a new puppy it is important that it is well socialised with other dogs and people, and in your case, especially children.  It is also important to ensure that its experiences are positive ones.  Dog obedience training is an important part of that socialisation process.  A well-behaved, well-mannered dog is a pleasure to have around.

As far as the breed itself goes - different breeds have different temperaments and some breeds are better with children than other breeds.  I won't comment on the Doberman temperament because I am not familiar with it.  I do know, however, that here in Australia there were alot of poor temperaments due to poor breeding practices back in the 70's and 80's.  I do believe that breeders have, since then, been working on the breed's temperament.  The few Dobermans that I have met have all been nice dogs.

As with any breed, do your research.  Meet a few examples of the breed, talk to several breeders, meet the puppy's parents.  It could save you alot of heartache in the long run.

Answer 11

If you properly and diligently train and socialize the dog through it's whole life, then no you have absolutely nothing to worry about.  This type of training and socialization is important for all dogs.  Dobermans are not a big worry either since they're generally bred for "guarding", not for hunting or fighting.