Is it true that a doberman or German shepherd can be handled only by men? ?

Question

I called a local dog puppy shelter and this guy said he sells pups. He told me not to go in for dobermans or German shepherds coz only men can handle it he said. He also said that sometime they might suddenly turn around and bite you back so better you go in for Labrador he said.

I live in an apartment, pretty spacious and I have vowed to take my large dog for walks everyday and make it spend time in the open at least for 20 minutes everyday morning or evening or both.

I had a dachshund and she died. I am so lonely. I miss her so badly. But I always wanted a German shepherd. Is it true that German Shepherds can Bite their owner or snarl back? I am very worried. I am a compassionate person filled with love for animals. I especially care for them and have always got along with them since a small girl.

I dont want a small dog now as for the next 10 years I will have to nurture it and then I will be married with kids. Having another dog might not be possible but now I am single and though I live in a apartment I always wanted my dream the dream to have a German Shepherd.

One more doubt....the show breed costs about 500 USD and the local home breeds cost about 100 USD. I am planning for the local breed. Is that fine? I want female dogs. Not male.

Answer 1

Now that is one of the most ridiculous myths I've heard in quite awhile...  That only men can handle a German shepherd or Doberman.  That's just false.  

German shepherds and dobermans do very well with women and men.  They have the capability to bond with either s*x and be great companions.  Both breeds have the potential to become a bit over protective of their owners, so that is something you should watch out for especially since you are single and the dog will be just with you most of the time.

Answer 2

I am a woman and I have owned and trained Dobermans for 19 years.

I work with a doberman rescue and train for them.

I have no problems getting dogs to work for me at all.

Having testicles means very little in the dog world. It is much more about the energy you bring and show to the dog. Being alpha has nothing to do with your s*x.

You are the pack leader because you bring a leaders energy and confidence to the relationship.

Second both breeds need much more exercise than you have time for.

They can do ok in apartments. I lived in one when I got my first doberman but we spent way more time out walking. More in the line of the three hours a day range.

As for what you are looking to spend on a dog our rescue charges more than that for a rescue dog. But those have all been spayed and or neutered and have all the shots current and such. But for that type of money you are not going to get a well bred dog. Most of hte back yard breeders in my area are getting more than that for their pups.

Most locals here are in the $250-500 range.

As for s*x of you pet either is fine. A female dog may be easier to bond to a male owner and a male may bond better to a female owner.

I prefer males myself. But I have had a couple of great females also.

Answer 3

HAHAHA!! What an a*****e. He's just massaging his ego. I have met plenty of men who can't even handle a small yorkie or chihuahua, much less Doberman or Shepherd. I am a women and I could handle a 200lb Mastiff. It isn't about gender, gender is last of least to worry about. It's about handling and experience.

Now, If you live in a small apartment, with no backyard or if you live in a house with no yard or have very little time, neither of these breeds are reccomended.  

Answer 4

I think that man had some macho hangups.  My German shepherds always behaved well for me.  There is no breed that can't be handled as easily by a woman as by a man.  I have a friend who is tiny and petite, yet she handles and shows Great Pyrs (avg 120 lb), and I have another friend who is barely 5 feet tall and she handles and shows Irish wolfhounds (avg wt 150 lb).

Answer 5

this is a way the guy is massaging his ego - see I am a MAN I have a German Shepard.  One year the top agility german shepard (GSD) & the #2 Dobe were from my club - both ownered & handled by women...

HOWEVER squenching a Shepard in an appartment is not going to be easy (or ideal)  Rescue greyhounds are large dogs that DO appartment squench easlily.  

PS remember the tales of GSD's & hip displasia? well the $400 you save on the local bred dog will not half pay for hip surgery due to displasia from the cheaper breeder saving money by not screening for bad hips...

Answer 6

Big dogs also need to be nurtured, and a German Shepherd will need training and plenty of mental and physical exercise. For a full grown German Shepherd you should count on minimum 1 1/2 hours of exercise a day. A 20 minute on-leash walk is not going to cut it.

If you live in an appartment and are planning to get a puppy, then you need to consider that it is not good for the puppy to walk on stairs for the first 6 months of its life, and preferably not for the first year. So if you do not have an elevator (lift), be prepared to carry the puppy, which will be quite heavy. My Belgian Shepherd puppy is 5 months old now and weighs about 17-18 kgs.

German Shepherds are prone to hip-dysplasia and allergies, so if you're getting a puppy, it's a good idea to get it from a good breeder, where the parents have been tested and are healthy. It's better to pay more for a good quality pup, than buying a cheaper pup from non-tested parents and then risk ending up with large vet-bills.

All that said, then it's a myth that breeds such as Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers etc. can only be handled by men. The s*x of the handler has nothing to do with what breed to get. It all comes down to how good a handler you are. Some dogs require a more experienced handler than others, and German Shepherds are among these, although they are not among the most difficult to handle of the shepherd breeds.

All dogs can bite their owners or snarl back, again it depends on the character of the dog, how it is trained and how it is handled, and less on what breed it is. The most vicious dogs I've met have actually been a golden retriever, a shetland sheepdog, a dachshund and a dachshund mix - all caused by incorrect handling.

Answer 7

Years ago I had a wonderful German Shepard and he would not listen to my boyfriend at all, only me.  I say go for the Shepard!

Answer 8

Both men and women can handle all types of dogs

Answer 9

LMAO!!! I'd love that guy to watch me walk my THREE Dobermans by myself, 2 of which are near 90 pound males, while having them under perfect control. And by the way, I only weigh 110 lbs, but when I say COME, all five of my dogs come running.

The only thing women can't do is pee standing up....that's it.

Answer 10

Firstly, if you have an apartment with no or almost no backyard, then its not a good idea to get a large dog.

Secondly, both males and females can handle large dog breeds. The key is training.

Thirdly, any dog can just turn around and bite you. They are, after all, dogs.  

Answer 11

Alsations are a working breed, they used to herd the livestock and do not well in an apartment. That only men can handle them is a lot of BS. But these guy need lots of exercise and obedience training!!!!!

They want also a big garden to roam and not an apartment or balcony!!!

Maybe you should choose a small companion dog breed that doesn't need the space.

P.S. Looking what kind of money you want to invest. You would not even get a Back Yard Bred dog for that kind of money never mind a healthy, well natured dog with excellent pedigree.

Answer 12

What a sexist jerk.  It take a strong assertive person to handle these dogs.  They need a firm hand when it comes to training.  These dogs are dominate breeds meaning they will test you and you can not let them run your house because they will if given the chance.  

He must think women are incapable of being firm and taking control.  

This is not about being male of female its about are you willing to work with this dog and give it the training it will need.

altho I did meet a girl that had a big German shep.  This dog was nice but NO TRAINING Was out of control and very rude.  He tried to hump my little dog and would not leave him alone.  He would hump me if I held my dog.  That dog was a freak and that girl should not have had that dog.  Not because she was female but because she did not know **** about training  a dog properly.

I am a female and I have a Am Staff. That dog listens to me better then he listens to my fiancee.

You really need to do some research on the breed you are interested in.  Try and meet a few. These dogs are not for everyone.

Answer 13

1st:  Yes German Shepherds can be handled by women.  I have one and he listens to me (I'm a woman).  The man who told you otherwise is probably just trying to seem macho or thinks that you in particular can't handle one or your lifestyle doesn't fit one.

2nd:  Any dog can bite any one at any time.  Most of the time the dog will give a warning before he/she bites and it's the humans fault for not recognizing signals.  

3rd:  If you are only looking to spend a hundred dollars, don't go to a "breeder" that is willing to sell to you for that price.  It is a bad breeder.  Go to a local animal shelter or find a local German Shepherd rescue.

Answer 14

That's probably one of the most ridiculous things I Have heard in a while. I have had Dobermans for over 20 years.Have had several of them, both males and females, and never had one turn on me, or turn around and bite me. Absolutely untrue !

Don't go for the show dog, the or the local dog, go for the well bred dog who is bred by someone who believes in keeping the working abilities alive in the dog. A breeder who knows her dogs and can choose for you the right puppy for your lifestyle and experience.

Answer 15

OMG!!!  How many wrong points here.  First off what you've been told about men only for GSD and Dobes is BS.  He may be shooting you a line because he knows you are living in an apartment although I see he's not ruled out a Lab!  As for the turning and biting - well the GSDs he has access to might, but I'd say this is totally off too.   Comes to the next 'wrong', the apartment thing.  Sorry, these breeds really need far more space than your average apartment.  Could be that you have a really huge place, ground floor with access to the outdoors.  If not, sorry, you really do have to reconsider this whole project - wait until you have a more suitable place.  With the rider that of course, given the absolutely right set up, dogs cannot be housed in an apartment situation, but generally speaking, it's not on.

Can't comment on prices, I'm in the UK

Answer 16

Well if that were true at all, I would have been in a lot of trouble years ago!! German Shepherd Dogs can most certainly be owned and handled by women.

A properly bred and socialized German Shepherd Dog can make an excellent companion, for either a man or women. No, a German Shepherd Dog will not bite or snarl if it is properly socialized at a young age. If you're seriously considering a GSD, I highly suggest acquiring one from a responsible breeder or an all breed rescue. As for the cost of the dog, a properly bred German Shepherd Dog can cost anywhere from $1500 and up.

German Shepherd Dogs usually do not do well in an apartment situation. They are a herding breed with very high exercise and stimulation needs. 20 minutes outdoors each day is not appropriate for this breed. Another fact you may want to consider is the life span of these dogs. German Shepherd Dogs can live up to 13 or 14 years of age.

In my honest opinion, I would suggest reconsidering. Given your situation, I don't believe a German Shepherd Dog is appropriate for you. They are a very intelligent breed that need constant mental stimulation. I have a sense that you cannot provide them with that right now. A bored dog is a destructive dog.

If are completely set on acquiring a German Shepherd Dog, I would suggest an older dog. An older dog can be left alone for quite a bit longer than a puppy. They have, for the most part, grown out of the chewing and destructive behaviors. They don't need as much exercise as a younger dog.

If I can help in any way, please feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 17

That is total bunk.  One of the best dog trainers I know is a woman, barely 5 feet tall and maybe 95 lbs soaking wet.  She has no problem training and controlling 200 lb Great Danes, GSDs, Mastiffs, etc.  It's attitude and control, not size or gender, that determine a good dog owner, trainer or handler.

About GSDs and price--excellent show, work or pet dogs from reputable breeders, could start at 1200 and up.  A $500 or $100 GSD is a BYB or puppy-mill dog.  Look into GSD rescues in your area, almost every state has one.   GSDs require a big investiment in time, exercise and training.  It might not be the right breed for your situation now.  Good luck.

Answer 18

Good Lord, was he born yesterday?  With those kinds of views, I wouldn't get a dog from him AT ALL.

Have Starred for some FEMALE contacts that own several Dobermans and GSD's!

Answer 19

not true.  I know many men who cannot properly handle and control a dog, and plenty of women who can handle ANY breed of dog.  A comment like that was very sexist.  That's like saying only women should have little "froo-froo" dogs!

German Shepherds and Dobes dont "turn" on their owners.  No breed of dog "turns"..  a poorly bred dog with neuroligical problems might turn, but thats because of bad breeding practices.. it has nothing to do with the breed of dog.

$500 sounds awful cheap for even a pet-quality shepherd, much less a show bred one..  A show one should easily cost at least $1,000-2000.  I would actually expect to pay around $500-800 or so for a pet one from a reputable breeder.

$100 would be the price I'd expect to pay for a rescue dog from a shelter.

A german shepherd will require more than 20 minutes of exercize and training daily.  I would expect to spend 30-60 a day.

Answer 20

Any breed of dog can be handled by men or women, it just depends on the individual person, not the s*x of that person.   About the cost of the dog, it is possible to find a non show quality GSD that is not a puppy mill or BYB for around $500-$800 and that dog would be fine for your needs.  Some breeders like to scare people by telling them they "need" to spend at least $1000 or $1200 to get a good dog.  This is a scare tatic used by breeders of poor morals to get you to spend money on there dogs.  If you do your research, you can find a very good GSD for $500-$800.  Now, that dog will not be show quality and probally wont come with a health guaruntee.  Like I said though, if you do the research and make sure the breeder has had his dogs hips tested by PennHip or OFA, you can see the parents, and he/she has proper paperwork so you can see there has been no inbreeding, you can still get a very good pet quality GSD.  Dont spend $100 on a breed like a GSD though, that would be a mistake and you surely would be buying a BYB or puppy mill dog.  There are some great breeders out there that sell the same dog for 2 prices.  $1000 with a health guaruntee or $600 without one for instance.  Either way you are getting the same great dog.  Look for reputable breeders that offer something like this.  Another thing you should consider is if you want an American German Shepherd or a European German Shepherd.  American GSD's are generally more of a playful dog with a lighter bone structure.  European GSD's are a heavier boned GSD that usually have more of a serious working personality.  Now, I am being very broad with my explanation, do some research on the differences between the two before you decide to buy a GSD so you know which type you are getting.

Here is a great link to the difference between European and American GSD's

http://leerburg.com/germblod.htm

Answer 21

Absolutely not true. Whether on not a person can handle a Dobermann is dependent on the character of the handler and the breeding of the dog/b*tch, rather than the gender of the handler.

I will try and add more later!

Answer 22

Who ever told you that was telling you a tall tale!! Right now I live with 2, 90 pound GSD males and I have owned GSDs for the past 11 years and I have NEVER had any problems I could not handle. The problem people encounter with any breed of dog is either they have purchased dogs that have bad nerves (genetically unsound) or they do not know how to establish themselves as the alpha/leader. If you are the type of person that can not disipline, socialize and train your dogs then a Doberman or a GSD is not right for you but if you can establish yourself as a clear and fair leader and give the dog something to do, along with ample exercise (20 minutes is not enough) then you should have no problems.

I do not know where you live but both prices you have given seem far too cheap for a quality dog, seek out a reputable breeder because a dog is an investment that you will have to live with for the next 12 or so years. A dog is NOT something to cut cost on because what seems like a deal  in the beginning can become quite costly. If you are not looking for a reputable breeder, look to an all breed rescue.

Answer 23

The guy is ridiculous, and you shouldn't get a puppy from him. Dog handling is all attitude. A chihuahua can walk all over someone just as easy as a GSD can. Dogs respect confident leadership. s*x and size doesn't matter. It's attitude.

Try petfinder.com, or a rescue organization. You can try fostering a GSD, providing a temporary home while a permanent home is found. You may even become the permanent home. GSD's are 'one-person' dogs, and tend to bond strongly to their person. Continue to do research on the breed to be sure you are sure about it.

Good luck!

Answer 24

Don't listen to that dude..he has no idea!  any dog can be controlled by either a boy or girl all it takes is love and training

Answer 25

uhmmm ... Every dog is being handled by either girl or boy. I had a relative, she do have a doberman. Our directrass owns a German Shepherd and There was also a contest on tv women handling a german shapherd and hey police women do. Some others handle pitbull

Answer 26

Shepherds and dobies can both be handled by women as well as men.  BUT like most other pack animals, dogs  DO differentiate between men and women.  Dogs don't care about women's rights and equal opportunity.  They just have the "alpha male is leader" mentality.  So they will work with women, but might behave a bit more positively to men.  It just requires proper training.

Both types of dogs are strong.  So be absolutely sure to have the dog trained to sit stay heel and all that or they will be pulling your arm out of the socket.  Most people don't consider either one a good apartment dog.