Hello there.

A friend of mine has a sister who's partner really wants to add a Doberman to the family.

My friend's sister is really worried as they have children. And debates the idea.

Anybody give us some info on Dobermans and their social tendencies and background?

Cheers

I used to have a lovely Blue Doberman called Zahra.  She was the most fantastic dog ever and friendly with everyone large or small.
Obviously as with any dog the children need training as to how to behave with dogs as well as the dog.
Did find though because of thier thin coats, she didn't like laying near the floor where there may be a draught.  She had her own chair.

Bev

I know nothing of this breed except that my dog's breeder also breeds Dobermanns and has children.  pm me if you want to know more

children?  No problem :) my boy hasn't been raised with kids but even so, he's fantastic with them - little licks and all :D

If they raise him/her properly, they should have no problems whatsoever.  A proper dobe today is one of the sweetest, most patient dogs you can get - their temperament really is exemplary, very soft dogs.  The "sharp" temperaments they originally were bred with ahve all but disappeared now, only badly bred ones tend to have any problems, and most of these are down to poor socialisation.

A pup will become very attached to the children - they are first and foremost family dogs, and many dislike being away from their owners for any length of time - my guy spends every single night with his head in my lap for scritches :) Not only that, but they are typically very sensitive to strangers, and will be keeping an eye on the kids' safety - watching out for dodgy people.

What I'm trying to say is, she should go for it - they are a lot of work at times, and need a lot of exercise, but they are well worth it.  I've only had my one boy, but I'm hooked - he's such a sweet boy, I know now I will _never_ be without at least one dobe.

here's a link that should convince her:

http://bakaridobes.westhost.com/dobekids.htm

I agree with Nikkita. My Dobe boy is now 6 years old and absolutely fantastic with kids, he has never been raised with them.

On the down side to having a Dobe they can be very dominant dogs and need firm but fair ground rules to laid down from the start.

They should not be any more of a problem than any other breed.  As a breeder I like to meet the children of any prospective family and if they are polite and well behaved then the chances are the parents will raise the dog in the same way and all will be well.  If the children are out of control then the changes are the dog will be the same and chaos could occur.

Can your friend's sister and partner visit someone with adult Dobes to see what they think?

If they are anywhere near Edinburgh for the next 2 weeks they are more than welcome to come see mine :-)

THANKS A LOT EVERYBODY