Why do you think we don't see many Doberman service dogs?

[Rich S]

I think it really comes to public perception. You always see the yellow lab dog guide today - classic. Of course we see many labs and GSD service dogs. It really makes your wonder - since Dobermans are such people-dogs, intelligent, devoted, trainable, why don't we see them as much in this role?

[jelly8bean]

I do wonder, you don't see them that much in protection either. What is their real role these days and had bad press shut them out. They are so smart and trainable that I can hardly think of anything they can't do.

[DynamicDuo]

I think that I read somewhere that training programs found that Dobermans bonded too quickly and closely to their "first" owner/trainer and did not always perform for the new person or trainer that recieved them later in their life. I can see this being the reason since OUR Dobies listen better to me than my husband! HAHA

[Rich S]

I think that I read somewhere that training programs found that Dobermans bonded too quickly and closely to their "first" owner/trainer and did not always perform for the new person or trainer that recieved them later in their life. I can see this being the reason since OUR Dobies listen better to me than my husband! HAHA

Interesting.

Any dobe owner would have a difficult time arguing that.

[triplecminis]

the stigma attached to them by narrow minded people has yet to be fully overcome...

[VonDoom]

they are also no best suited for extreme climates. those cropped ears in the sun for an extended period of time would fry like a potato chip. and of course we all know there not well suited for cold climates.

also as far as pp goes there really arnt many left with the nerve required to pass a ipo
or schutz II esp NA lines. Even the european Dobermans have trouble competing with a GSD on a trial field.

[jelly8bean]

Wow.. I love my dogs.. but I had no idea that they were no longer breed to even begin to compete in schutz etc. Their original purpose was protection so seems weird. But the cuddle bunnies I have would definately not have the "nerve/drive" needed.

[MLR]

I agree with the assesment about dobermans bonding so much with their first owner/trainer that they have a hard time making a transition to their next handler. My male, Hercules, was owned by my son from week 5 1/2 to week 8 and then given to me owing to his (my son's) allergies. While Hercules has accepted me and does love me a lot, at 4 1/2 years old now he always responds to my son by fawning all over him when he comes over to my house. My son will always be his first love, while I just am the next best thing.

Mary Lou

[VonDoom]

Wow.. I love my dogs.. but I had no idea that they were no longer breed to even begin to compete in schutz etc. Their original purpose was protection so seems weird. But the cuddle bunnies I have would definately not have the "nerve/drive" needed.

Well dont get me wrong there are alot of good PP candidates out there. Its just that the breed as a whole has really taken a shot in the ast cpl decades in North America. As conformation has taken a front seat to what the doberman was relly bred to do. It is a rare thing to find an American Doberman doing anything spactacular on a schutz field. Remember PP dosent begin until level III training and good luck finding an american Doberman with a schutz III title. Most are all european. And even the european Dobermans are being over looked in faver of a GSD for serious competitors.

[jelly8bean]

Yes.. I have a rottie too (very sweet) and on a Rottie board there is alot of discussion of Schutz, and those that make it. GSD's and Mallies seem to be the primary dogs in that work.