Dobermans have a single layer coat which you’d think would be better for the heat but in reality, it can be worse in a lot of ways. The heat transfers almost directly to their skin. They’re also muscular dogs so they do tend to overheat easily. They aren’t great in the heat. I wouldn’t say they can’t work in a desert environment by any means, you just need to focus a bit more on keeping them cool. They’re indoor dogs anyway primarily so they should be in your air-conditioned house most of the time anyway.

That’s definitely pretty typical of a female Doberman. That’s so great that you’re doing that for her! I’d say to continue being loving, but set limits. Let the new owners flood her with all the love possible, not so much you. It might help her to remain just the slightest bit reserved with you and hopefully open up to the new owners more. Sleeping is a great example. Personally I’d not let her sleep with you since that’s a major bond-builder with dogs. Also not letting her on the couch and fall asleep with you might be beneficial. You can still give her a very comfy dog bed, lots of love, but the most subtle of limits might make the difference for the new owners. Or it won’t matter, but I’d say it would be worth a try to help her as much as possible. Or you could adopt her yourself! Even better! Haha.

Hi Wendy, I’ve definitely known Dobermans 19-months old (and much older) who have been successfully rehomed. Being that it’s a male Doberman might really help you here since males are usually a bit more accepting of strangers. This might help you warm the dog up to your home quicker. The uncertainty of what they went through in the past is certainly an issue. But my biggest caution I give to people there is if they have young kids in the house (for safety reasons). You don’t have that issue, so that’s a major plus. If you can adopt and are willing to take that on, I’d definitely do it! Such a great thing to do for the breed!

Hi Doug! Potentially, the one thing you have working in your favor though is the age gap and the fact that you’ll be getting a puppy who will be growing up with the other dog in the house the whole time. Just be careful around puberty time (about the 6 months to 2 years old time frame). If you want the best chances of success, consider getting a female puppy. If not, you can still make it work with two males, you just need to be very cautious as same-sex aggression can be an issue in Dobermans.

Dobermans, in general, are great guard dogs naturally. In most situations, you don’t even really need to train them and very often their presence alone is enough to deter any would-be intruders. I am a big believer that if you just focus on making your Doberman a well-rounded, confident, dog who is loving and well socialized, then you’ll have a great family dog who will also naturally protect the family. If you want to get serious about guard and protection training you could look into IPO training or something similar. Females will do great at this as will males.

Hi Elle! Really their differences can be quite subtle and a bigger impact on their behaviors is how you raise them and their individual genetics/temperament. Dobermans, in general, are GREAT personal protection dogs. So even if the female might be slightly more “single-person inclined” as far as bonding goes, really even the male will bond quite closely. Especially if they are in a family of one so to speak. Yes, females can be moody at times. If you want a male I certainly wouldn’t hesitate because of the bonding behavior differences. Both are Dobermans and both will bond extremely tightly to you. A male Dobie will definitely always have your back if things got serious. Good luck with whatever you choose! Focus more on the individual pup you pick than what sex they are!

Hi Erika! Generally, you’d be a bit safer getting a female Doberman in your situation. This is because same sex aggression in male Dobermans can be an issue. Getting a female would probably help to keep things calm at your house. The only issue could be with the female’s first heat. It could cause aggression with your two boys. But that depends a lot on the individual dog. Also if you got your female spayed before then it also won’t be an issue.

Any advice would be great! Thanks!