How to Select a Doberman Pinscher

A Doberman pinscher is a strong, powerful breed of dog. The breed was originally bred in Germany as a watchdog. Doberman pinschers still make excellent guard dogs. They are also gentle, loving dogs that can be great family pets with the proper training and socialization.

• Interact with the dog before you commit to buy. Doberman pinschers can be aggressive and overly energetic if not properly trained. A young dog needs much socialization training with people and other dogs. Older dogs may be more difficult to train if their bad habits have been with them since birth.


• Look for signs of illness. Check the dog from head to tail for any signs of illness. The eyes should be clear, and the ears should be free from pests. Dobermans can develop hip problems. Check that the hips are properly aligned and that the dog walks without a limp. When in doubt, ask whether a vet can check the dog before you buy.


• Understand how the dog will interact with your family. When selecting a Doberman, bring the entire family. Dobermans can be good with children when properly trained. Ask the previous owner whether the Doberman has ever shown signs of aggression with children. If the Doberman has never been aggressive, introduce it to your children while you supervise the interaction.


• Understand how the dog will interact with other pets. Male Dobermans do not do well with another male dog in the household. Some Dobermans will not do well with indoor cats. Ask the previous owner whether the Doberman has ever had interactions with other household animals.