Dobies get a bad rap. I have this unfortunate thing about every stray ending up following me. Many years ago, this poor Doberman followed me home when I picked up my oldest daughter from school. Judging by the conditions of his paws, he must have walked from Compton.
We tethered him, fed him, and wrapped his paws. The look of gratitude in his eyes was heartbreaking, and it broke my heart when ‘Jefe’ the landlord told us to get rid of him.
I don’t know, but he was nice to me and the kids. A good friend of ours just got a dobie from a rescue operation. He’s a sweetie pie as well :)
I was initially surprised at what big lap dogs dobies can be, despite reading it while researching the breed. Mine are both really sweet and gentle dogs. Truly a wonderful breed.
We have had only Dobermans during our marriage; in our opinion, they are the BEST dogs in terms of personality, sweetness, and kindness to kids and other animals. But you’re right, they get a bad rap, since they were the “mean, vicious” dogs before pit bulls inherited the title. But our dogs have never been abused; they have only been raised with love.
I really haven’t made up my mind about “pit bulls” yet. We regularly dogsit for a very large (non pit bull) dog who is a perfect gentlemen when with us, but when left to his own devices and running loose at home, has a tendency to kill cats, squirrels, and rabbits, rather indiscriminately. He’s an absolutely wonderful dog, but do I trust him absolutely, even when under our constant supervision? Not really. He is very good about following “our” rules, but he has the strength and cunning to go his own way if the irresistable temptation presented itself. With the strength, aggression, and tenacity of pit bulls, you have to be a MUCH more vigilant owner who knows how to control your dog.
Just my .02 worth, anyway.