Dobermans were bred to guard humans and property, and they will protect their owners with whatever force is necessary. While owning a Doberman is a unique experience, the dogs get a bad rap for being aggressive and mean.
As with any other dog, it depends on how you socialize, train, and treat your Dobie as to whether it becomes aggressive and mean. While Dobermans are protective, we wouldn’t say they are any more protective than other dogs.
Studies have shown that Dobermans are slightly more protective than German Shepherds, but that again comes back to how the dog was raised. Dobermans tend to put on an aggressive face and try to scare off an intruder or threat before biting. Of course, if the danger keeps coming, the Dobie will attack and bite to protect their family.
In the article below, we’ll provide insight into the Doberman’s protective nature.
Will My Doberman Protect Me?
Your Doberman will protect you, your family, and your property if they think you are being threatened. They were initially bred to defend, guard, and protect.
Dobermans are wary of any stranger, so you don’t have to worry about someone you don’t know disturbing your property. The Doberman needs to be cared for by an experienced owner because of their size and strength. They aren’t ideal for first-time pet owners since it takes a firm hand to teach the Doberman how to behave with strangers who aren’t intruders.
A Doberman must be taught when they should attack and when they shouldn’t since they were bred to protect.
Will My Doberman Attack an Intruder?
Yes, Dobermans will generally attack an intruder who doesn’t retreat after hearing them growl and bark. With their speed and agility, they can guard large areas of property and quickly stop people from getting in.
The Doberman shows aggression towards anyone they consider a threat, but they won’t attack by biting unless the intruder persists in coming onto the property or threatening their family.
However, it’s best to have your Doberman trained when they’re still a puppy. It’s also better to have the dog trained by a professional to ensure they develop into a well-behaved pet. Dobermans who are professionally trained can easily tell the difference between threats and non-threats and react accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Dobermans were bred to protect, guard, and defend their owners. However, they’re also affectionate and loyal to their owners. It helps to have your Doberman socialized and trained by a professional as a puppy so that they can tell the difference between a friendly neighbor and a burglar.
For experienced owners, they make exceptional pets. They are intelligent, loving, and energetic but have a stubborn streak. You just have to know how to handle your Doberman the right way.
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Daria Shvetcova, Shutterstock
