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Q:

Why is the Doberman not used as police dog?

I've always wondered why I don't see many Dobermans being used as police dogs. I've seen a lot of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois working in law enforcement, but not so many Dobermans. I know they are intelligent and have a strong protective instinct, which would make them suitable for the job. So, what is the reason behind this? Is it because Dobermans have a bad reputation or are there other reasons?

All Replies

vbrakus

I understand your concern regarding why the Doberman is not used as police dogs. In my opinion, Dobermans are not commonly used as police dogs mainly because of their physical capabilities. Unlike German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois who are large and muscular dogs who can easily overpower humans or apprehend suspects, Dobermans are relatively leaner and not as strong.

Additionally, Dobermans require extensive socialization and early obedience training to ensure they don't become aggressive towards strangers in public places, unlike German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois which are usually more socially adaptable and less prone to aggressive tendencies.

That being said, Dobermans make excellent protection dogs and have been utilized for protection services for a long time. Their loyalty, strength, and courage can make them ideal for fulfilling such roles. So, while they may not be as common as German Shepherds or Malinois for police work, they could still make excellent personal protection or guard dogs.

ocarroll

As someone who has worked with law enforcement K9 units for several years, I can say that the reason why Dobermans are not commonly used as police dogs is due to a few factors. One main factor is that Dobermans can have a more aggressive temperament compared to German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, breed qualities that can be difficult to control in training scenarios.

Dobermans have a history of being bred as guard dogs, which can result in them being overly protective and territorial. This can make them more difficult to handle in situations where public and officer safety are of utmost importance. However, a well-trained and socialized Doberman can still make an excellent police dog in the right hands.

Also, since the 1970s, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois have become more popular in law enforcement, which may have contributed to the decline in the use of Dobermans as police dogs. But that being said, I still know a few K9 units who work with Dobermans and believe they are great at their job - it really comes down to individual training and personality differences.

jewel.watsica

I believe that the answer to why Dobermans are not commonly used as police dogs is multi-faceted. The Doberman breed, while smart and loyal, was originally bred to be a guard dog, not specifically for police work. This may contribute to why they are not used as frequently for law enforcement purposes.

Another factor may be the process of selecting and training police dogs. Dobermans are not as commonly bred for working purposes as German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, which means there may be fewer Doberman candidates for police K9 units. Additionally, the strict selection process of police K9 units may also exclude Dobermans based on their size, strength, and temperament.

Lastly, Dobermans may also have a bad reputation due to their history and portrayal in media as aggressive dogs. While we know that every individual dog is different, this negative perception may discourage law enforcement agencies from considering Dobermans for their K9 units.

Overall, I do agree with the previous comments that Dobermans are still capable of being great police dogs with proper training and socialization. It's all about finding the right dog for the right job and recognizing each individual dog's strengths and weaknesses.

lelia.gutkowski

I think there could be another reason why Dobermans are not commonly used as police dogs. Dobermans tend to be sensitive to their surroundings and can be easily distracted by their environment. They are likely to react to unfamiliar sounds, smells, and sights, which can make it challenging for them to focus on their tasks as law enforcement dogs.

Also, Dobermans have a higher energy level and need constant attention and exercise to avoid developing behavior problems. This requirement may limit their use as police dogs since there may not always be sufficient time for play and exercise during patrol hours. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are great choices for police dogs because they possess an innate understanding of the structure, routine, and discipline needed for law enforcement work.

Furthermore, there is no doubt that Dobermans are intelligent and loyal dogs, but their size and strength may not be on par with that of German Shepherds, who are bigger and more muscular. K9 units choose dogs based on their physical and psychological capability, and although Dobermans possess some desirable traits as law enforcement dogs, the breed may not be as suitable as others.

In conclusion, several factors could explain why Dobermans are not commonly used as police dogs, but it's crucial to remember that every dog is unique, and many Dobermans could still make excellent K9s with proper training and socialization.

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