You've seen them in movies and on television; the dog that inspires fear in even the toughest of tough guys. Doberman pinchers have received a bad rap for many years as a vicious beast that could never be a loveable pet to a family. However, this image of the breed is largely incorrect and rather unfortunate since it results in mostly unfounded fear of the breed. In fact, the Doberman pincher is an affectionate, gentle pet that will be protective of his family while he is exceedingly loving toward them. If you are considering the addition of a Dobe to your family, there are a few factors that you should consider first.

Strong Personality

A Doberman Pincher is considered to be a dominant dog, which means that a firm hand is needed to train this breed properly. Since aggression toward people and dogs outside the family can be characteristic of the Doberman, training should begin early and be done consistently to ensure that there are no problems as the dog matures. This animal can possess a stubborn streak that can make training a bit more challenging, but their eagerness to please and their intelligence certainly make them capable of becoming an obedient, well-trained family pet. The female Doberman pinchers can tend more toward the stubborn side than the males.

Energetic and Playful

This breed was created for power and strength in the 1860's by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann. Because Dobermann had to travel through dangerous areas at times to conduct his business, he wanted an animal that could serve as a guard dog by his side on his journeys. This means that the Doberman pincher is a perfect choice for families that want a bit of extra protection at home. Not only is the appearance of a full-grown Doberman pincher enough to scare off all but the boldest of bandits; this dog will protect his family and his home to his fullest capacity if necessary.

Because of his energy and strength, the Doberman pincher needs plenty of exercise every day in the form of a walk and time to run in a fenced yard. This dog can work in an apartment setting, as long as daily walks are taken without fail. However, a bit of room to run in a back yard is generally a better choice for the Doberman pincher. This is also not a dog that will enjoy staying outdoors alone most of the day. The Doberman pincher will want to spend as much time with his family as possible, and this bonding will socialize the dog well and reduce the possibility of aggressive behavior.

Overall, the Doberman pincher can make a good choice of a pet for many families today. If you are considering one of these beautiful dogs for your own family, talk to a breeder or veterinarian to see if a Dobe is the right dog for you.