Description:
Athena is a pure bred AKC papered Doberman. She is being fostered by a Doberman-savy family who has shared several insights with us:
"She's a red, 2 1/2 year old, spayed Doberman. She's UTD, HW-, cropped ears and cute as a button. She needs to go to established adults (no young singles) that are Dobie savvy. The last owner, she was a give up, recommends against small children and small dogs. They gave her up because of food aggressions. I'm still evaluating her and so far she has done well with my danes and greyhound. She LOVES to play, knows sit but pulls on leash. I'm working on basic obedience. She can get a little overly exuberant at times so it's important that she goes to someone that understands that she needs basic training and firm but gentle handling. she is one of the most affectionate dogs that has come through our home. She acts starved for attention thus I'm going to be looking for a family that has at least one person home most of the day. She is purebred w/AKC papers and complete vet. records."

***How much do you know about Dobermans? According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, this is a breed of relatively recent origin. It was developed in Germany in the 1860's, presumably by crossing among German Pinschers with Rottweilers, Beauceron, Pinschers, Greyhounds and English Greyhound to create the sleek and highly intelligent Doberman Pinscher. The creator of this mixture was a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann. Dobermann had to travel frequently through bandit-infested areas, and decided to "construct" a watchdog and bodyguard capable of handling any situation that might arise. Bearing the name of its originator (shortened by one n), the Doberman was first presented at a dog show in 1876. It was immediately a big success.
Although the Doberman has the reputation of being a very aggressive dog, this is just not the case. For example, Dobes make great therapy dogs. They are sweet and gentle with nursing-home patients - tippy-toeing over IV tubing and walking at the resident's speed (which can be very slow), while at the same time will fiercely defend his master if it becomes necessary. These dogs are like big, protective babies. Doberman Pinschers have many talents including tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, therapy work, competitive obedience and schutzhund.
The Doberman Pinscher is intense and energetic with tremendous strength and stamina. Versatile, highly intelligent and very easy to train. Determined, fearless and assertive, but not vicious. Noble, loyal and affectionate with the family, it likes to be physically close to the family members. Devoted and watchful, this is a very people oriented breed. The Doberman needs an owner who is willing and able to discipline the dog without being afraid of him. All family members should learn to handle the dog properly, as Dobermans can be pushy if allowed to have their own way too much.
The Doberman has been bred to work with man, and he needs this interaction often. They must be with family, and not abandoned to the backyard. They have a life expectancy of around 13 years.