Frequently Asked Questions

 Dobermans need to be raised as part of the family, not as outside dogs or guard dogs.



More Questions?? CONTACT ME!!                                                                              Updated February 11, 2003
This page is a collection of questions and answers that have been submitted to me off my guest book, These answers are the opinions of Akolade Dobermans based on what "WE" have experienced.


Q: My puppy is all of a sudden afraid of new things, what am I doing wrong?

A: Actually your puppy will go through many stages of growth and development, it is important to understand these stages and react to  your puppy properly. Please take the time to read this "Puppy Development Article". It is very important that you continually socialize your puppy until they

reach adulthood, this will set a good foundation for a confident well adjusted adult dog.


Q: When someone 'attacks' a doberman (like hits it)  will the dobe will fight (bite) back, even if it's the owner?

A: If an owner continually BEATS his dog (dobe or any other breed) I think the dog with eventually defend itself and fight back. As with people, dogs have different tolerance barriers...some dogs may take abuse forever...some may fight back after the first blow. My advice is to NEVER hit your dog!!


Q: Are Dobermans trustworthy with small children?

A: If a doberman is raised with children, they should be able to be trusted with your children. OF course your children should be taught how to respect the dog as well. An older dog that has not been raised with children should not be trusted with children. Also temperment of the individual dog should be taken into consideration.



Q: Are Dobermans good with other cats and dogs?

A: A young doberman brought into the house is likely to adapt to whatever animals you have, but other animals brought into a house with an existing doberman COULD be a problem, again this depends on the temperament of the individual dog. Males tend NOT to be good with other male dogs, no matter what the breed.



Q: Are Dobermans naturally a very protective dog that will not think twice about scaring  trespasser's off?

A: Doberman's were bred to be watch dogs, and most dobermans will have the natural instinct to bark at strangers and protect "Their" property. Sadly there are some poorly bred dobes that  may have lost this instinct. It is best to talk to breeders about their dogs and even visit a breeders house to see how the dogs act. A doberman should allow you to enter the house at the owners request, but should alert the owner of your arrival and protect her if needed.


Q: How do I know if a Doberman is the breed for me?

A: The Doberman is a highly active dog that will need a lot of exercise and training time in order to be a good pet. Dobermans are very intelligent and need training to use it wisely.  You should start classes for socialization and training as early as 12 weeks. A Doberman is often referred to as a "Velcro" dog, and most prefer to be with you at all times...even in the bathroom. It is important that you want a dog that is this much a part of your life. A Doberman should be raised as part of the family and not tied to a tree out back or left in the yard all day. Dobermans have short coats and do not do well in cold climates for long periods of time.



Q: I live in an apartment, does that mean a Doberman is not for me?

A: No this does not mean a Doberman is not for you, but it does mean much more of a commitment on your part to insure the dog gets the exercise he will need to be healthy and happy.



Q: Will Dobermans turn on their owners?

A: No, This is an urban legend that has been around for many years. I have talked to many breeders, even some that have been doing this as long as 40 years, not one of them has ever been bitten by one of their dogs.



Q: Where do I find breeders in my area?

A: The best advice I have for this is to contact the AKC or DPCA and try to get information about local Dobermans clubs, they should be able to refer you to breeders....Do keep in mind that this does NOT insure a good breeder, you still have to ask questions and visit if you can...if you can not visit, ask for references.



Q: How long do I have to tape the ears before they stand?

A: Depending on the crop, it could take weeks or months. I have had some ears stand in 8 weeks and others it took 12 months. The most important thing is NOT to give up. If you take the ears down and they fall, TAPE them up again!! Also, ears should be taken down, cleaned, aired, and  put back up within a few hours unless there is a good chance the ears will stand. Taking ears down and leaving them floppy for a day or two at a time will get you no where.



Q: I have heard that red Dobermans are vicious and fawn Dobermans are more calm, Is this true??

A: Absolutely NOT!! Color has no bearing on the temperment, the main factor in temperment is the breeding behind a Doberman and by how a puppy is raised.



Q: How do I go about finding a "King" Doberman?

A: Dobermans are bred as a medium size dog . Breeders who are advertising "King" size dobermans are not breeding true to the standard and clearly are not concerned about the preservation of our breed. Dobermans were bred as working dogs and have much agility, as you raise the size you lose both the agility and function of the dog. The Doberman standard states Dogs should be 26 to 28 inches tall, 27 1/2 being ideal-Bitches 24 to 26 inches tall 25 1/2 being ideal. If you would like a "A Large Or King" size dog, I suggest you go with one of the "larger" breeds.



Q: Where can I find more information on the "White Doberman"?

A: There are really no White dobermans, They are actually albino's! There is a lot of information on the Web about white dobes...but a good page for information is The DPCA's "What is an Albino" . The DPCA is also running a "Operation White Out" campaign to try and reduce the terrible exploitation of these animals.


All contents copyright © 1996-2021  Akolade Dobermans 
Please contact cheryl@doberman.org