This article was written by John Jackson and has been contributed by http://www.greatdogsite.com. For more information on the Doberman Pinscher, please visit our page http://www.greatdogsite.com/breeds/details/Doberman_Pinscher/.
Although many people continue to believe that the Doberman Pinscher is a rather nasty, aggressive dog that would just as soon attack as do anything else. The belief is that this breed of dog would not be good as a family pet with children around. Actually, although this may have been the case for a time, the temperament of the Doberman Pinscher has changed over the years and perhaps this type of reputation is not deserved in the twenty-first century. It is possible to trace the exact breeding history of the breed. The breed was originally developed by a man named Karl Friedrich Doberman who wanted the dogs to be people protectors. The needed characteristics were size, the intelligence to learn and follow commands given by a handler and to attack when given that command. The Doberman breed developed to work as personal protectors, guard dogs, dogs used during the war and dogs used by the police. This is how the Doberman Pinscher developed its early, earned reputation.
However, about a quarter of a century ago, during a dog confirmation event, a judge named Peggy Adamson decided to disqualify a prize Doberman because it displayed vicious behavior in the judging ring during the event. It has been said that this event might have been the catalyst that changed how the Doberman temperament should be viewed. Breeders then started to try and extinguish the aggressiveness in the breed, but to maintain the intelligent, playful characteristics of the breed. Essentially, the Doberman was originally a breed in which the aggressiveness was supported, and now may always be a bit apprehensive around unfamiliar. However, with appropriate training and socialization, and a confident, firm handler, this aspect of Doberman behavior should be a very manageable trait for a competent handler.
At this time, even though much of the aggressiveness has been bred out of the Doberman Pinscher, it is possible that some of the dogs will still display this type of temperament. If you are thinking about acquiring this breed, you will really need to do your homework about the breed and how to choose the right Doberman Pinscher. Research and read about the breed. Visit some breeders to talk to them about the breed and their particular dogs. Look carefully at the environment. Observe the pups and parents if possible to get an impression of their temperaments. The more information you have about the Doberman breed and the possible choices you have, the better you will be able to decide if this is actually the breed for you.
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