Are Dobermans Good With Kids? What Parents Need To Know

When introducing a new dog breed into a family setting, it is important to know how the dog will interact with your children. The Doberman, also known as the Doberman Pinscher, is a breed that can come in variations of black, white, light brown, and shades of red as well as a more blue-dark brown coat. They’re larger dogs known for their traits of intelligence, loyalty, and obedience. But how well do Dobermans do with children? According to Doberman Planet, Doberman Pinschers are family-oriented dogs who do especially well around children if they are properly socialized from a young age.

Key Points of Doberman Pinschers

• Doberman Pinschers are known for their loyalty and obedience.
• A lot of attention is required for Doberman puppies.
• With their short, thick fur, Dobermans may cause allergic reactions in some people.
• If they are properly trained and socialized, Dobermans can be great family dogs.
• Dobermans are highly intelligent and require daily mental stimulation.

Doberman Pinscher Personality Traits

Fully socialized adult Dobermans are fantastic family dogs, but the puppies require a different level of attention to socialization. This kind of training might not fit with raising an infant or toddler alongside a Doberman puppy. This is not to say they’re not good dogs! Dobermans are protective of their families and have a tendency to please, which means they do well with consistent training (via Pet MD).

Why the Age of Your Child is Important

Deciding when to get a dog can have a lot to do with the age of your child. Raising an infant and training a Doberman puppy at the same time can be quite a task. Doberman puppies are loving and affectionate but they are still puppies. They need to be trained and socialized to reach the level of maturity required for putting up with the behaviors of a toddler (pulling, poking, generally exploring, etc.).

So it’s worth considering how much energy you can split between a baby and a young Doberman versus finding one that’s been raised with lots of socialization. An older Doberman may require less supervision with your child. As your child gets older, encouraging them to participate in the training of your Doberman will help to set the bond between the two. It will also teach your child a thing or two about responsibility and dog ownership!

What If My Child is Allergic?

Dobermans are not considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. According to Doberman Planet, most people have an allergic reaction to their short, thick fur. If your child or anyone in your family is allergic to dander or saliva in canines, the Doberman pinscher may not be the right dog breed for you. Of course, most allergies can be helped with medication, if you want to go that route. 

How Big Do Dobermans Get?

Female Dobermans can grow between 60-77 pounds. Most of the males clock in at around 88-89 pounds. And because they are considered bigger, stronger dogs, keep in mind that they need room. If you don’t have the space to fit them or the proper time to train and exercise them, they will take their energy out in ways that can be more destructive than constructive (via Pet MD).

Energy Levels of Doberman Dogs

Dobermans are highly intelligent dogs. This means they have a fair amount of mental and physical energy that needs to be exercised on any given day. They are incredibly athletic and love the outdoors, long walks, and big yards for running. They do well with mental stimulation like tracking exercises, obedience training, and agility training (via American Kennel Club).

With an older child, these activities may be a great bonding opportunity between the two. For a younger child, you’ll need to be involved daily in your Dobermans and supervising. Dobermans can be incredibly playful but also need time to just get their energy out, so they’ll do best in an active home.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Doberman?

According to Pet Budget, Doberman Pinscher puppies can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,250. Though the average cost of a Doberman is typically $1000. This pricing depends on if you choose to adopt or find a rehoming option versus going through a Doberman-specific breeder. 

Add in the supplies needed to house, train and feed your new family member. Keep in mind they grow to be bigger dogs. So, you’ll need a larger bed and larger kennel, which generally cost more. A good model to follow is to consider your expenses at around half the price you paid for the dog, at least in the first year. 

Going forward you’ll also need to consider if you want your Doberman to be trained by a professional or if you have the time to handle socialization and training yourself. As mentioned, socialization is so important. So, really make sure that you’ve considered your options here. Budget accordingly for your Doberman to be properly trained.

In terms of grooming, Dobermans don’t require much beyond a weekly brush and the occasional bath. And you can clean out their ears with a gentle soap to prevent any dirt or bacteria (via American Kennel Club). 

What to Know About Doberman Dogs

Overall, Doberman Pinschers are really good dogs. They require responsibility and training before they can be the family dog of your dreams. If their affectionate and protective nature can be cultivated in an active and orderly setting, they will make a wonderful companion for you and your kids. Just be sure to do your research and budget ahead. Planning and preparing can make the experience of getting and raising, or continuing to train, a Doberman, a paw-sitive decision!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Yusuf Monik Yuce.