Hi everyone,
I've been thinking about adding a new member to our family and I've always been fascinated by Dobermans. I have children aged between 4-9 years, and I'm wondering how good of a family dog a Doberman would be. I know they are known to be fiercely loyal and protective, but would they be a good fit for a household with young children?
I want to make sure that any dog we bring into our home can coexist and interact safely with my children. I've read mixed reviews about Dobermans, some say they are gentle and affectionate with their families, while others warn that they can be aggressive and not recommended for households with kids. I don't want to take any risks, but I also don't want to miss out on the opportunity of having a loving and loyal dog.
Can anyone share their personal experience with owning a Doberman as a family dog? Should I consider other breeds instead? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hello everyone,
As someone who's owned Dobermans as family dogs for nearly 15 years, I believe I have a lot of personal experience to share on this topic. In my experience, Dobermans can make excellent family dogs, but it's important to remember that individual temperament can vary greatly depending on the dog.
Dobermans tend to be very loyal to their families and can be protective, which can be great when it comes to keeping your family safe. However, this can backfire if they become overly aggressive, so socialization and good training are critical. We enrolled our two Dobermans in obedience classes and continue to work with them regularly to ensure their socialization and training stay on course.
One thing to keep in mind is that Dobermans tend to be energetically charged and require a lot of exercise and attention. It's important to have the right resources to be able to provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation. In our experience, they love to play fetch and go for long hikes, but it's important to figure out what activities work best for your own Doberman.
Finally, it's important to remember that Dobermans can be prone to certain health conditions, such as heart issues and hip dysplasia, so it's important to choose a reputable breeder and make sure your dog receives regular veterinary care.
In summary, Dobermans can make great family dogs, but only if you are committed to socializing and training them properly. They require a lot of exercise and attention, so you should make sure that you have enough time and resources to meet these requirements. In the end, if you're willing to make the investment, they can become a lifelong source of loyalty and affection in your family.