Hey guys, I've been thinking about adopting a Doberman as a pet, but I'm not sure if they are intimidating or not. I'm a single woman living in a relatively safe neighborhood, and I want a dog that can protect me if needed without scaring off my friends and family. I've heard that Dobermans are loyal and protective, but I'm worried that their reputation might intimidate people. Can anyone who has experience with Dobermans tell me if they are generally intimidating or not? And if so, how can I train my Doberman to only be protective when necessary and friendly otherwise? Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello everyone, I have had multiple Dobermans throughout my life and I can confidently say that they have not been intimidating at all. It all comes down to how you train them and the rapport you build with them.
Dobermans have a very sweet and loving temperament, and they are incredibly affectionate towards their family. They are great dogs for families with kids as they love to play and cuddle. However, they can be a bit wary of strangers, but by introducing them to people at an early age, they will learn to be more comfortable around others.
One thing to keep in mind is that Dobermans need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent dogs that love to learn new things, so regular training sessions can go a long way in building up their confidence and keep them mentally engaged.
In my personal experience, my Dobermans have always been very gentle and friendly with everyone they come across. Yes, they have an intimidating appearance, but that's not reflective of their personality. It's important to socialize them and build up a strong bond of trust with them, and you will have an amazing companion animal that is both loyal and loving.
So to answer the question, Dobermans aren't necessarily intimidating dogs, but like with any dog breed, they need proper training and socialization. If you put time and effort into training them and building up a strong relationship with them, they will be nothing but loving and loyal to you and your family.