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?

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.