define "Loyal": a supposed quality of dobermans

**reisende** · 10-02-2008, 09:02 AM

you know how you read about dobermans, and the few adjectives that keep popping out are: intelligent, active, athletic, affectionate, and almost always loyal.

what exactly is loyal here?

a dog which is aloof to strangers, but affectionate/goofy/etc with its 'pack' of family? but I have seen many other dogs of different breeds gentle but aloof, and I'm sure there are dobes which are more like happy friendly beagles.

a dog which will guard his/her family? but many dogs do that - not even your typical guard type dogs (GSDs, etc).

well of course if you compare a husky to a dobe, it is obvious what 'loyal' means, but even a golden retriever can be loyal. so what is loyal to you??

marlee12002 · 10-02-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reisende

you know how you read about dobermans, and the few adjectives that keep popping out are: intelligent, active, athletic, affectionate, and almost always loyal.

what exactly is loyal here?

a dog which is aloof to strangers, but affectionate/goofy/etc with its 'pack' of family? but I have seen many other dogs of different breeds gentle but aloof, and I'm sure there are dobes which are more like happy friendly beagles.

a dog which will guard his/her family? but many dogs do that - not even your typical guard type dogs (GSDs, etc).

well of course if you compare a husky to a dobe, it is obvious what 'loyal' means, but even a golden retriever can be loyal. so what is loyal to you??

I could be completely wrong but as you said you wanted to know what "loyal" meant to us so here is my story...

I agree with all the points you made about what loyalty can involve and yes other breeds can be loyal in that sense... protective, gentle, etc. In my experience, no other dog has ever shown the loyalty that my past dobe Aiden did. I think that loyalty means when they are always by your side.

When I was really sick years ago (my kidneys were failing), Aiden stayed by my side the entire time. He never left to play and he never wanted to go for a walk. I was completely unable to get out of bed for several days at a time and he would lay with me night and day and never leave. My Mom had to come over and take him out to go to the bathroom for me and feed him, etc. When she took him out to go potty, as soon as he finished he would run back to the door waiting to go inside and then jump back into bed with me. He never wanted to go for his walks, or play outside with her. He wasn't interested in usual favourite bones or toys in the house either. I assume he knew something was wrong and was determined to stick by me... whether it be for comfort, protection or something else, I don't know.

Okay now I'm crying again... sorry. He was the best dobe and friend I've ever had and I still miss him terribly. I can only hope that Trinity turns out to be half as wonderful and loyal (at least my definition of loyalty). I would like to see what others have to say too.

**Camillesdad** · 10-02-2008, 10:26 AM

Marlee hit the nail on the head. I think of the Doberman loyalty in terms of an uncanny ability to "read" his/her pack members state of mind, or put more simply, empathic ability. The stories you can read on Dtalk reinforce my view daily. Camille knew when I needed her, and she never failed to be by my side. Now I'm all choked up.......

**RedFawnRising** · 10-02-2008, 11:31 AM

Ah, Dober loyalty.

It's that infinitesimal split second hesitation before leaving my side to con a treat from someone else.

It's that immense remorse, the frantic apologetic licking all over me when Kylie has knocked me flat off my feet, being stupidly zoomie and not looking where she is going.

It's Ezra not being satisfied just being under the covers, which could be argued as a creature comfort thing, but he has to be touching me at all times, as well.

It's their self-appointed safety escort duty, each time we humans go to the bathroom.

The dedicated devotion they show, barking away the killer leaves blowing by the windows--and the joy they get when the leaves leave, duly frightened.

Their willingness to share humor and love, to greet each new day, when awakened by us, as though it's going to be The Best Day Ever.

**Luvbirds59** · 10-02-2008, 12:39 PM

its all about ME where Petey is concerned, no one else matters to him when I'm with him....well maybe a female dog rates higher at this point

, but I'm his favorite human! He is loyal to me, and my family next.

Carol
ox

**sebsyd** · 10-02-2008, 10:49 PM

Dobermans seem to have a higher level of intuition. They know exactly when you need them for comfort and they seem to adjust their own pace to match what is needed. Loyalty is the bathroom companion and the following you from room to room even if they are in the middle of their daily nap; the constant protection against the unknown. The loyalty and love that my two show to me daily is what grounds me in this ugly world.

DLS · 10-02-2008, 10:59 PM

I once took one of my DoberBoys back when his owner's Wife decided he was too rough with the kids. That poor dog mourned for his 'lost' family for over 3 weeks. He would sit outside and howl, made me cry to watch him go through the 'loss' of his home and family. It took about 3 months before his Loyalty switched to me and from then on he was my constant companion. He turned out to be one of my personal favorites of all time.

**reisende** · 10-02-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLS

I once took one of my DoberBoys back when his owner's Wife decided he was too rough with the kids. That poor dog mourned for his 'lost' family for over 3 weeks. He would sit outside and howl, made me cry to watch him go through the 'loss' of his home and family. It took about 3 months before his Loyalty switched to me and from then on he was my constant companion. He turned out to be one of my personal favorites of all time.

wow. that is immensely touching!

Lexxsmom · 10-03-2008, 10:44 AM

loyalty...

when as a 10 week old puppy, when stay at home mom had the flu, little baby dober energy ball suddenly had the ability to sleep in my knees on the couch for 4 hours at a time and didn't have to pee every 30 minutes

when Kyle and I have a huge fight and as i turn to leave to cool off, he's sitting by the door saying " don't forget me, i know you need a friend right now.. i even promise not to pull on the leash" and then doesn't.

when after his first seizure, in his horror of not knowing where he is or whats going on, he whines and looks for me as i get up to call the vet. Allows me to pick him up and place him in the car. and struggles to move to lay his head on my hand the whole ride there. " its ok mom, i'll be ok, now stop crying"

when even after he was attacked and limping, he still got off the couch EVERY time i got up, whether it be to get a drink, go to the bathroom, or simply to open a window, Every time i would turn around and see a dober face, one paw held up, with an expression that could only be read as " its ok mom, i know you're hurting too, I'm right here"

that my friend, is loyalty

OldDrumDobes · 10-03-2008, 11:28 PM

Loyal.. the fact that any Doberman I have dealt with would do anything to please me. Their always looking at me, saying what can I do to please you (please just show me)?? That's loyal, they'd walk to the ends of the earth if they knew it's what I wanted. Their my most loyal companion ever! I know they would never break my trust and belief in their love and ability! To me that's loyalty!

According to the Dictionary Loyal: –adjective 1. faithful to one's sovereign, government, or state: a loyal subject.
2. faithful to one's oath, commitments, or obligations: to be loyal to a vow.
3. faithful to any leader, party, or cause, or to any person or thing conceived as deserving fidelity: a loyal friend.
4. characterized by or showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, allegiance, obligations, etc.: loyal conduct.