How to choose the right dog breed: The Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is the epitome of the guard dog and disciplined protector. It is top ranked on ease of housebreaking and is second from the top on obedience training. The Doberman also rank among the top few breeds on territorial defense and watchdog barking, two traits critical for territorial protection.

The profile of the Doberman can best be seen against the background of similar profiles like those of the German Shepherd, the Rottweiler and the Akita. The Doberman also has low rankings on excitability and excessive barking and pretty high rating in demand for affection.

If you are considering a guard dog that will also be a family pet, the Doberman may be more aggressive and powerful, and less easily dominated, than you would like. Even with a moderate ranking on exerting dominance over its owner, this breed requires from the family a willingness to discipline the dog whenever there is a confrontation over dominance.

Some other breeds are less highly tuned as guard dogs but still have the good watchdog trait of being highly trainable and having high rankings on territorial defense and watchdog barking. The Welsh Corgi and the Standard Poodle are two trainable breeds with only modest ranks on dominance over owner and aggression toward other dogs but high rankings on territorial defense and watchdog barking.

Choosing a female doberman is certainly one way of reducing the tendency of this breed to be aggressive toward other dogs. Given the Doberman's high scores on watchdog barking and territorial protection, the female can be expeced to excel in home protection.

The Doberman Pinscher:

Weight: 70 lbs
Height: 27 in.
Build: Solid
Coat: Short, smooth, little shedding.
Color: Black, red blue.

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