[IWannaDobe]

While browsing here and doing research on the breed I've found a lot of information about same sex aggression in Doberman, mostly male/male aggression. We have a male chihuahua and most of the dogs in our extended family are male with a couple of exceptions. We've already decided on a female Doberman for our next dog, but I have a few questions. Are females typically less dog aggressive in general? Is female/female aggression as common as male?

 

[sam&macksmom]

Female/female can occur but it's not as common as male/male aggression.

Bitch fights can be just as nasty as male fights. Again, not as common as male/male aggression but there's always a possibility of it occurirng.

 

[Jhagman]

My male dobes have been just fine with males of other breeds and sizes. My male Cav Spaniel is more aggressive.

My new female dobe pup is actually a tad more aggressive towards other dogs.

But I've always heard male dobes aren't to be in company with other male dobes.

 

[punkischic]

i think socializing and LIVING with are two different things.

most Dobermans i know who have same-sex aggression do fine in certain social settings (with other Dobes) as long as everyone is aware, but these same dogs cannot and should not live with dogs of the same sex.

 

[ZeldaRules]

I hear this on the GSD forum a lot:

"Males fight to breed, females fight to breathe."

A friend of mine had a female lab and a female pit bull. They got along great for the longest time until one day their dynamic changed for some reason and they decided they wanted to kill each other...it was the lab that first went after the other dog, he had to re-home the pit since his lab came first.

I have a 5 year old female husky and a 2 year old female GSD. My shepherd is a rescue and is very wimpy and submissive with my husky so there has been no issues, got the GSD 8 months ago.

 

[PatchworkRobot]

i think socializing and LIVING with are two different things.

most Dobermans i know who have same-sex aggression do fine in certain social settings (with other Dobes) as long as everyone is aware, but these same dogs cannot and should not live with dogs of the same sex.

While every dog is definitely different I very much agree with this. I've met many male dobes (and other dogs known for same sex aggression) while working at doggy day cares and I've NEVER had an issue whereas I've known several "siblings" (sometimes litter mates and sometimes just raised together) who one day they decided they wanted to kill each other. I would still keep a careful eye on your dog, especially once she hits maturity, but I do agree that socializing with other dogs and living with other dogs are two different things.

 

[robinb]

Male to male is fairly common in this breed and most good breeders won't place a male pup in a household with an existing male. Female to female is less common, many have more than one female living in the same house with no problems. A male female combo gives you the best chance of having no problems.

 

[punkischic]

While every dog is definitely different I very much agree with this. I've met many male dobes (and other dogs known for same sex aggression) while working at doggy day cares and I've NEVER had an issue whereas I've known several "siblings" (sometimes litter mates and sometimes just raised together) who one day they decided they wanted to kill each other. I would still keep a careful eye on your dog, especially once she hits maturity, but I do agree that socializing with other dogs and living with other dogs are two different things.

thank you PB, i should have mentioned that. every dog is an individual!

that being said, same-sex aggression among females living with each other can still occur, it's just less likely than same-sex aggression among males. like robinb mentioned, a male/female combo is clearly the best choice especially if you're inexperienced with the breed or breeds with similar traits in terms of dog aggression.

 

[punkischic]

thank you PB, i should have mentioned that. every dog is an individual!

sheesh, I meant PR! PR! apparently i can't even type initials correctly.

 

[Toby'shuman]

I have a 3 male household, 2 male Terriers and 1 male Doberman. All is well with one of the Terriers, well sort of, a bit of bullying does occur but I tell the Jack my small Terrier to stop being silly. However between my large Terrier, Russell and my Dobe Toby there is an absolute loathing that has in the past broken out into violence.

So male on male aggression can happen and does and it doesnt matter one jot about the size of the opponent, when it's war, it is war.

By the way, Toby socialises with 2 male dogs regularly, with no problems, (touchwood), however, if they were to live together I could see fur flying. He gets along with 2 bitches as if they were the light of his life, however a third he would rather send packing with a bite or two on her bum to show her what he thinks.

 

[Amelia_]

I'd agree with what's already been said, it's down to individual personalities but it's very, very common in the breed.

I have two males and havnt had any problems yet, but it's still early days as my boy is only 9 months old. I believe in preparing for he worst and hoping for the best. They don't eat together, they're not left alone together and high-value items are never firm when they're together. Boh of my boys are very submissive, my mix especially, but I don't think it's worh taking any risks and getting slack.

I met someone the other day with 3 male dogs (2, 4 and 8 years old) who claimed to mere have had any problems, but I don't think I'd personally take that risk.