The Breed Standard describes the desirable
characteristics of an ideal temperament being
Proud, Noble, Energetic, Watchful, Determined,
Alert, Fearless, Loyal, and Obedient. These descriptive words give us
all a pretty clear picture of how our Dobermans should look and behave at any
given time.
Correct temperament determines how the Doberman
will and is able to perform the function for which it was bred. In order to
properly preserve and protect this breed in today’s modern world, it is
important to fully understand and appreciate the purpose of that function.
It is function that
determines the purebred dog’s most important characteristic – breed type.
No function, no type – no type, no breed.
Temperament is both the physical and mental
reaction to any stimulus. It includes the attitude of the dog and what that
attitude expresses. When we train and condition our dogs to stimulus, we are
modifying its natural behavior. What you see is not the natural temperament of
the dog but, a learned behavior.
Temperament is both instinctive and learned
behavior combined. Dobermans should be able to look you in the eye
without nervousness or inhibition. To act as a companion, family guardian and
personal protector, the characteristics displayed MUST be an image of boldness
and firmness!
Dobermans are first and foremost ‘protection’
dogs. Having the courage and determination to protect does not mean to
‘attack’.
There are many elements of temperament not included
in the standard. Stability, confidence, courage, sharpness,
hardness, sociability, sensitivity and combativeness to name but a few.
Please don’t confuse or interchange temperament with character as they are not
the same. Character is the overall blueprint
of behavior, the ‘total dog’ – it’s self-esteem which
reflects the undeniable arrogance of a proud and noble Doberman, whereas
temperament is part of the dog’s character.
To discuss temperament, we must also discuss
‘drives’ whether they are instinctive or acquired and developed through
training. The most important drive is
social drive
because this is necessary for survival. The desire to be with the pack, both
human and canine means isolation creates behavioral problems such as destructive
or overly dependent actions.
Prey drive –
which is the desire to chase the cat or ball.
The stronger the drive, the harder the chase.
Defence drive
is the dog’s desire to protect and defend him/herself.
It is quick to react to a threat or a challenge.
Dominance drive
is the desire to control the action and be the leader of the pack. Poor
imprinting can cause improper development of this drive and so it is very
important in the young dog to establish the proper pack order.
Territorial drive, fighting
drive, protection drive, submission drive
are all drives that are components of temperament. Temperament is a total
concept requiring an understanding of the dog’s relationship to its environment
and what it has learned through its experiences.
Dobermans with a good temperament have stable,
confident attitudes. They are not by nature everyone’s best friend. The aloof
Doberman with a degree of suspicion does not mean it has a faulty temperament.
Good temperament is not an accident. It takes the dedication of a good breeder
to research blood lines and ensure they breed for stable, solid and sound
temperaments. It then requires fabulous owners who are willing to train the dog
properly in the right environments with the capable leadership necessary to
ensure they remain exemplary ambassadors of the breed.
Learned behavior is very very
important in a well-adjusted Doberman. What you imprint during the first 8-20
weeks of the dogs life will have a lasting effect on the temperament.
Temperament is not black and white by any stretch
of the imagination. In order to properly evaluate the dog requires knowledge,
experience, and honesty. The dog that leans on its handler or owner may be
insecure or it may be pushing for a dominant position to gain the upper hand in
a given situation. The dog that jumps up on you may be giving you a happy
excited greeting or it could be a dominant show of force. Just because the dog
stands for examination and holds its ears up does not indicate correct
temperament necessarily. Understanding the ‘whole dog’ or ‘total dog’ without
taking any single element of its behavior out is imperative to evaluating the
‘total dog’. What is a dominant behavior in one dog may be submissive in
another dog.
A Doberman is not a dog for everyone.