Are Doberman Pinschers Aggressive? A Comprehensive Guide

Doberman Pinschers are loyal and intelligent dogs that make great pets. But do they become aggressive? Learn more about this breed's reputation for aggressiveness and how you can correct this behavior in a kind and humane way.

Are Doberman Pinschers Aggressive? A Comprehensive Guide

Doberman Pinschers are loyal, intelligent, and strong dogs that make great pets and formidable guard dogs. However, due to their size, an aggressive Doberman can be potentially dangerous. But do Dobermans become aggressive? Modern breeding practices have produced dogs that are much less aggressive, but studies have shown that the

Doberman

breed is even more likely than others to show aggressiveness towards people they don't know and also towards other dogs. Fortunately, you can correct this behavior in a kind and humane way.

Dobermans are instinctively much more protective than offensive or aggressive. They generally only become aggressive when trying to protect themselves or their owners from a perceived threat. Anxiety and fear contribute to Dobies' aggressiveness, as well as to their innate desire to protect their territory. At the top of the Doberman lineage from yours it's very, very difficult to work, it's a completely different game for guard dogs.

Dobermans are affectionate animals, but they have the physical capacity to be dangerous if necessary (they are big, strong and have a powerful bite). If a Dobermann or German Shepherd is a K9 and bites someone while working, that bite is simply reported to the CDC as a bite. Louis began experimenting with selective dog breeding and, after many generations, ended up with the Doberman Pinscher, the perfect protector. The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal and affectionate family companion with a bad reputation for aggressiveness.

With years of experience and participation in the Doberman community, I think I can answer that question with confidence: No, dobermans aren't bad, yes, they have the capacity to be dangerous (but they rarely are) and are generally never aggressive without the need to protect themselves or their owners.John Walter is a family Doberman specialist, has a CPD certification in canine communication and is an active dog trainer specializing in the Doberman Pinscher breed. He agrees that Dobermans have an unfair reputation for being ruthless when statistics show that they are a breed of affectionate dogs (who can be protective, but only when necessary). While the American pit bull terrier is known for biting and refusing to let go, the Doberman does the opposite.If this dog cannot learn to exercise its “sucking” muscles after three years of legitimate training and a lifestyle appropriate to its mental and physical needs, or has a genetic defect that contributes to what appears to be dangerous and certainly socially unacceptable behavior for a normal Doberman in the line of work that cannot be treated with medication, I doubt that castration will significantly affect the problem.The Rottweiler is larger and stronger than the Doberman Pinscher, with males weighing up to 135 pounds. While Doberman Pinschers certainly have the physical abilities to be quite dangerous animals, the modern Doberman is generally suited for a companion role and isn't likely to be too aggressive.