I'm sorry that the breed scares you :( Thanks for taking the time to ask!
I think the bad rap comes from a number of things. They are a good sized and muscular dog that looks very intimidating. Their origin is in personal protection, so the intent gaze, alert stance, etc. are all meant to have a certain visual effect upon a viewer. They also used to be FAR more sharp of temperament, and be more of a "one man" dog. I've heard that Dobermans at shows used to be untouchable by the judges, even as recently as the 70's, because they were very suspicious/alert/protective. That kind of temperament has been softened in recent years, which a lot of people do decry, but I don't feel that "protective" ought to equal "ticking bomb you can't take anywhere". Viciousness should not be encouraged or looked for.
As a result of that kind of history, though, Doberman is frequently the go-to when people want a dog to run around on their property and protect it, when TV or movies need junkyard dogs, etc. They're very intelligent, but they're also (in my experience) so very personable and loving as well.
Whatcha Got there gurl?! Oh, it's one of those flexible disc thingies! I love to chew those! BOL Oh, and I love to chew the plastic ones too...butts Ma won't let me have em' anymore cause of that...meanie. I hopes you were able to toss it around Elka! Kisses, Ruby
Yup, it's a Kong Flyer. So, Kong material....ish. Elka does love to chew on it, but that's what happened to her blue and white puppy one. The red "grown up" one is only for Frisbee, no chewing allowed!
Looks like Elka is queen of all she surveys! :)
ReplyDeleteShe seems to think she is!
DeleteHehe my garden is all patchy too:-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's a good thing I don't try to grow much!
DeleteLooks sweet ~ the breed still scares me ~ what can you tell me about the bad rap this breed gets?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that the breed scares you :( Thanks for taking the time to ask!
DeleteI think the bad rap comes from a number of things. They are a good sized and muscular dog that looks very intimidating. Their origin is in personal protection, so the intent gaze, alert stance, etc. are all meant to have a certain visual effect upon a viewer. They also used to be FAR more sharp of temperament, and be more of a "one man" dog. I've heard that Dobermans at shows used to be untouchable by the judges, even as recently as the 70's, because they were very suspicious/alert/protective. That kind of temperament has been softened in recent years, which a lot of people do decry, but I don't feel that "protective" ought to equal "ticking bomb you can't take anywhere". Viciousness should not be encouraged or looked for.
As a result of that kind of history, though, Doberman is frequently the go-to when people want a dog to run around on their property and protect it, when TV or movies need junkyard dogs, etc. They're very intelligent, but they're also (in my experience) so very personable and loving as well.
What a lovely way to spend some time!
ReplyDeleteWe're trying to teach her how to play Frisbee like a "real" dog! ;)
DeleteWhatcha Got there gurl?! Oh, it's one of those flexible disc thingies! I love to chew those! BOL Oh, and I love to chew the plastic ones too...butts Ma won't let me have em' anymore cause of that...meanie.
ReplyDeleteI hopes you were able to toss it around Elka!
Kisses,
Ruby
Yup, it's a Kong Flyer. So, Kong material....ish. Elka does love to chew on it, but that's what happened to her blue and white puppy one. The red "grown up" one is only for Frisbee, no chewing allowed!
DeleteNever tried a Kong flyer... have to look into one of those! I bet you've got some great action shots of her catching it! Happy WW!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! Petal loves her Kong Flyer too. :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Marquie, Lassie & Petal
Hope the Kong Flyer is durable like the other Kong products! :)
ReplyDelete