Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My family and I recently lost our bullmastiff female. We love the breed and plan on eventually having two big dogs in our household....a doberman and another bullmastiff (eventually). I have read a lot on the doberman breed and understand the breed requires a significant amount more exercise then a bullmastiff. A freind of mine advised me the breed was very hyper. I know it is protective, I know to socialize the dog when it is young with other dogs and getting it acclimated to young kids, and that you have to stay on top of good, stern training program.....no problems there. Also, I know different dogs have different personality.

My question is, is the doberman breed hyper and is it suitable to be an indoors dog about 95% of the time? My wife runs 3 miles per day and would take the dog on most of her runs.....it would play in the yard....go on trips to the park and dog parks, freinds pools, etc. etc. etc. but of course their are plenty of times when the dog may not get out as much. I do not know anyone that has a dobey so it I am asking advice from y'all. I live in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area.

A Doberman does need more exercise than a Bullmastiff. They also need more mental exercise (obedience, agility,tracking, etc.), but from what you,ve said your dog would get plenty of exercise, so I don't think there's any need to worry. And a Doberman should definitely be a housedog. I would make sure to get opposite sexes,as I know Bullmastiffs do not get along with the same sex and you may have problems with a Doberman in that category too. I would never try 2 males together. I have a 4 year old Bullmastiff girl and she is wonderful! : )
staffordmom

I was thinking of getting a male Dobie and in about 3-4 years getting a female Bullmastiff. Do yours get along well? We have almost always had all females but I understand with two big dogs, it is much easier with two opposite sexes.

Also, how is your Dobie with kids? I have plenty of friends with Rotweilers and they are great with kids. They too have the misconception of a dangerous breed. I just want to make sure I don't end up with a dog like a Pit Bull that really is unpredictable (I understand plenty are good)....and yes, of course I know that no young child should be left alone with any dog....at least until they learn to respect the dog.

I thought I might be able to offer a bit of insight here so here goes:

My dobie female lives with 4 big dogs and a 2lb Mini Pin. In our pack we have 2 male golden retrievers, 1 male Aussie, 1 Elk Hound, and the Mini Pin. She is the only female and they spend 8-9 hours a day together. She is fixed, which helps with the other males attitudes as they are all studs, but they all get along famously. They tolerate her rough play and even have been seen letting her pull on their ears. She likes to lead them to where ever she wants them by their ears. While they will get irritated with eachother at times they let her do whatever she wants whenever, with no problems. Before she was introduced into this established pack she had a pack of her own, wich included a Mini Schnauser, Mini Poodle, and a Bichon. She seems to know her own strength, because she was nothing but gentle and kind to the small dogs where she will tumble around and play rough with her new pack. They really do understand their surroundings and compainions.

As far as children, When Lilly was a puppy there were no children for her to be introduced too, so when she did meet her first child at 8 months I was nervous. She did then what she has done every time since as a child approaches. She sits down and tries to stay as still as possible (while her nubin wiggles as hard as it can) until the child gets close and then she gives them the biggest kiss on the face she can. She really loves kids, and aside from myself and my husband, will only take her comands from a child. She pushes my husband and I...keeping us on our toes, making sure we are sticking to her training, but with a child she does all of her comands without being told. She really wants to please the little ones!

As far as a bully friend goes, Lilly's current play date buddy is an english bull. I know the size is a big difference, and temperment as well, But my lilly loves her bully buddy and has from day one.

From what I have read I think you would make a great Dobie owner and I wish you the best of luck and hope you will continue to post here and let us all see pictures when you do get your puppy. Good luck!

I don't have a Doberman, I have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Bullmastiff. The Bullmastiff rules even though the Staffy Bull is 6 months older and was here first. The Bullmastiff is very dominant, but he is submissive to her.
staffordmom