Jason Morgan 
Many people believe that Doberman pinschers, a large and muscular breed of dog, are aggressive and prone to turning on their owners. While it is true that Dobermans can be protective of their family and territory, they are typically loyal and friendly dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Doberman pinscher as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they are often used as service or therapy dogs.
So why does the myth that Dobermans turn on their owners persist? One possible explanation is that Dobermans are often used in guard dog roles, and when these dogs attack someone, it is often their owner who takes the brunt of the attack. Additionally, Dobermans have a very powerful bite, which can cause serious injuries. As a result, when something goes wrong, and a Doberman injures someone, it is often sensationalized in the media.
It is important to remember that dogs are animals, and they rely on their owners to provide them with food, water, shelter, and love. When these needs are not met, dogs can become destructive or aggressive. In reality, any dog can potentially turn on its owner if abused or neglected. So before you decide whether or not to get a Doberman pinscher, be sure you are prepared to commit to providing for its needs both physically and emotionally.
Why Dobermans Do Not Turn on Their Masters
Dobermans have a reputation for being unpredictably aggressive — but the idea that they turn on their owners is a myth.
Dobermans are one of the most commonly feared dog breeds in the world. But while it’s true that these dogs can be protective of their family and territory, the idea that they turn on their owners is a myth.
The reputation of Dobermans as aggressive dogs likely comes from their use as guard dogs. Dobermans are often employed in this role because they are intelligent and have a powerful bite. However, Dobermans are typically loyal and friendly dogs when properly trained and socialized.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the Doberman pinscher as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are often used as service or therapy dogs because they are so obedient and easy to train.
Following are some positive traits possessed by this marvelous breed:
- Highly Intelligent: Dobermans are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds. This allows them to be easily trained for a variety of tasks.
- Loyal and Protective: Dobermans are loyal to their families and will protect them from danger.
- Friendly Towards Other Dogs: Dobermans get along well with other dogs and can typically be socialized at an early age.
- Active and Playful: Dobermans enjoy playing and require plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy.
The Brain Size vs. Skull Size Myth
There are many myths about Doberman pinschers: the brain size to skull size ratio.
For a long time, people have believed that Dobermans have disproportionately large brains compared to their skulls. This myth likely originated from the fact that Doberman pinschers are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds.
However, recent research has shown no significant difference in the brain size to skull size ratio between Dobermans and other dog breeds. The average Doberman pinscher skull is only about two millimeters larger than the average skull size of other breeds.
So why does this myth persist? One possible explanation is that when Dobermans attack someone, it is often their owner who takes the brunt of the attack.
Additionally, Dobermans have a very powerful bite, which can cause serious injuries. As a result, when something goes wrong, and a Doberman injures someone, it is often sensationalized in the media.
Doberman Health Concerns
White Dobermans are generally healthy dogs; they are prone to a few health concerns.
The most common health problems seen in Dobermans include:
- Cancer: Dobermans are susceptible to a variety of cancers, including lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and bone cancer. Male Dobermans can suffer from testicular tumors and prostate problems.
- Eye Problems: Dobermans can suffer from various eye problems, including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and lens luxation.
- Hip Dysplasia: Dobermans are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint is not properly formed. This can lead to lameness and arthritis.
- Reproductive Problems: Female Dobermans can experience reproductive problems, including false pregnancies, ovarian cysts, and uterine prolapse.
- Canine Compulsive Disorder: Dobermans can sometimes suffer from canine compulsive disorder, which causes them to exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as licking their paws or tail.
- Hypothyroidism: Dobermans can develop hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to weight gain, hair loss, and skin problems.
While these health problems can be serious, most Dobermans can be successfully treated with proper veterinary care.
Doberman Dog Bite Statistics
In the United States, there are an estimated 4.5 million dog bites each year.
Of those bites, approximately 20% result in injuries that require medical attention.
The most common victims of dog bites are children. In fact, nearly 60% of all dog bite victims are children aged 14 or younger.
Dobermans are responsible for a small percentage of dog bites each year. However, when they do bite, their bites can be quite serious.
According to a modern data set, which covers the 13 years from 2005 through 2017, Dobermans were responsible for just 1.4% of human fatalities (6 of 433 deaths).
As with any breed of dog, it is important to take precautions to prevent dog bites. This includes:
- Always supervise children around dogs.
- Never leave a child unsupervised with a dog.
- Teaching children how to interact with dogs appropriately.
Why do Doberman Attacks happen?
There is no one answer to the question of why Doberman attacks happen.
There can be any number of reasons why a Doberman might attack its owner, including:
- Lack of socialization: If a Doberman has not been properly socialized, it may view its owner as a stranger and may be more likely to attack.
- Lack of training: A Doberman that has not been properly trained may be more likely to attack its owner.
- Fear or aggression: If a Doberman is afraid or aggressive, it may attack its owner to defend itself.
There is no one answer to the question of why Doberman attacks happen. However, there are several things you can do to help prevent them, including socializing your Doberman from a young age, training it properly, and taking steps to ensure it does not feel afraid or aggressive.
Warning Signs That Your Doberman Might Be About to Bite
Several warning signs can indicate that your Doberman is about to bite. Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Growling: A Doberman that is growling is often signaling its intention to attack.
- Snarling: Snarling is a more aggressive form of growling and is also a warning sign that a dog is about to bite.
- Licking its lips: This can be a sign of agitation or excitement and maybe a warning sign that the Doberman is about to attack.
- Showing its teeth: When a Doberman shows its teeth, it is often preparing to bite.
- Hackles raised: The hackles are the hairs along the dog’s back, and when they are raised, it often means that the dog is feeling threatened or aggressive.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is important to take steps to defuse the situation and prevent an attack from happening. This may include removing yourself from the area, asking a friend or family member to help you restrain the dog, or contacting a professional dog trainer.
See Also: The Best Doberman Collars
How to Avoid Being Bitten by a Doberman?
There are a number of things you can do to help reduce your chances of being bitten by a Doberman.
Some of the most effective measures include:
- Socializing your dog from a young age: The more socialized your dog is, the less likely it will attack.
- Training your dog properly: A well-trained dog is less likely to bite.
- Providing plenty of exercises: A tired dog is less likely to bite.
- Avoiding provoking your dog: Do not tease your dog or do things that may make it angry.
- Getting to know your dog’s body language: By understanding how your dog communicates, you can better predict when it is about to attack.
If you take these precautions, you can help reduce your chances of being bitten by a Doberman. However, no amount of precaution can completely eliminate the risk. If a Doberman ever bites you, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
The Importance of Proper Training and Socialization for Dobermans
Dobermans are intelligent dogs, and with proper training, they can be excellent pets.
However, if a Doberman is not properly trained or socialized, it can be dangerous.
Therefore, it is important to take steps to ensure your Doberman receives the proper training and socialization from a young age. This will help reduce the likelihood of it attacking its owner or anyone else.
If you are considering getting a Doberman, be sure to research how to train and socialize it before bringing it home properly. The better you can prepare yourself and your dog; the more safe and enjoyable your experience will be.
Final Thoughts
Dobermans are loyal and intelligent dogs, but they can also be dangerous if not properly trained or socialized.
If you are the owner of a Doberman, it is important to take steps to ensure it receives proper training and socialization. This will help reduce the likelihood of it attacking its owner or anyone else.
If you are considering getting a Doberman, be sure to research how to train and socialize it before bringing it home properly. The better you can prepare yourself and your dog; the more safe and enjoyable your experience will be.
See Also: Training your Doberman: All you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dobermans turn on their owners?
Dobermans can turn on their owners, but it is not common.
What are some of the warning signs that a Doberman is about to bite?
Some of the most common warning signs that a Doberman is about to bite include:
• Snarling
• Licking its lips
• Showing its teeth
• Raising its hackles
What can I do to avoid being bitten by a Doberman?
There are a number of things you can do to help reduce your chances of being bitten by a Doberman, including:
• Socializing your dog from a young age
• Providing plenty of exercises
• Avoiding provoking your dog
• Getting to know your dog’s body language
How can I tell if my Doberman is properly trained?
A properly trained Doberman should be able to obey basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come. It should also be housebroken and know how to walk on a leash. If your Doberman does not know these basic commands, it may need more training.
What is the best way to socialize my Doberman?
The best way to socialize your Doberman is by taking it to dog parks and other places where it can meet other dogs. It is also important to gradually introduce your dog to new people and environments so that it does not become scared or aggressive.
