Are Dobermans considered one of the “dangerous” breeds of dogs?
Yes, but don’t take it the wrong way. People see them as dangerous dogs because of that stereotype of a viscious dog. Like a pitbull, german shepherd, or a rottweiler. They are all seen as dangerous dogs because most of the people who own those dogs aren’t qualified to have them and use them as attack dogs. Or they don’t train/care for them, so the dogs become a danger to people and other dogs. That is why so many of these types of dogs are put down, because of their irresponsible owners, they have to die. That is why people see them as dangerous, it’s the owner who makes the dog. I only wish just responsible people would own dogs. No dog is born viscious, all dogs can be wonderful companions if you train them right and take responsibility in taking care of it.
In reality, all dogs can be considered as dangerous, as they can bite. But the reference you cited mainly refers to Pit Bulls. They, too, can be gentle but most are raised to be guard/ attack dogs. They are considered the most dangerous breed as they go for the throat, clamp on and will not release. I have a Doberman myself, and like you said, she is lovable, gentle and well behaved. I honestly believe that how they are raised helps determine their aggressive/ non-aggressive behavior. In the past, I have also owned German Shepherds who were also gentle, but protective.
In England, no, thankfully the breed has not be labelled dangerous. The Dobermann was not listed as a dangerous breed in Germany. A well bred Dobermann from a kennel that breeds its dogs to work/compete in sport/conformation, homed to someone capable of owning the breed, is an excellent dog, anything but dangerous, but it is absolutely not all in the training! It’s temperament which is genetic is fundamentally important. A Dobermann should be mentally stable, pack focused & have the drives to function as a guard/protection dog & not be *soft*or weak nerved, but that is all too prevalent in the breed today because of bad breeding. It’s the idiots in a breed that purchase a dog because of its negative reputation & want a vicious beast of a dog by their side & then fail to train & control their dog, who considerably contribute to the breeds bad reputation.
