Q) Why did you choose to buy/adopt the breed of your dog ?

I had another American bulldog at the time who was living with my parents since I moved to uni. They wanted to keep her and she was such a lovely dog I decided to get another the same breed. I adopted Charley at 18 months old. He had 2 prior homes and had lived 9 months in the kennels. I fell in love with him as soon as I met him.

With Cooper I wanted a new large breed dog and decided to try a different breed for a change. I researched for 2 years and decided to get a Doberman because they are known for their intelligence and loyalty.

Q) Before you had your breed of dog, did you have any of your own stereotypical views towards the breed?

Definitely not. I have always thought they were lovely dogs.

Q) Have you had people cross the road/ give you a wide berth in order not to pass close to you whilst out walking your dog?

I regularly have people cross the road. I’ve even had people shout from the other side of the street "they are scary".

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Q) Have you ever had parents pull their children out of the way/ closer to them when they have seen you coming?

Yes lots of times, even if their own smaller dogs are barking and growling at mine. And even when I have my 2 children with me people are funny about their children being near them. Apart from if the person knows me or we are doing the school run, then those parents let their children say hi.

Q) What is the most negative thing you have experienced physically/ verbally whilst out walking?
People offering me dog fights in the street. Like they see I have big dogs so assume I fight them and try and bring their dogs over. Or people asking me to teach their little dogs “a lesson” when they are being reactive. I’ve also had someone report me to the police for “owning an aggressive pitbull” and the police had to come out to my address and check Charley’s rescue paperwork. They did laugh when they met him though and saw how soft he was.

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Q) What’s the most negative experience you have had online regarding your dog /the breed of your dog?

I do tend to ignore negative comments and have certain words blocked on my insta so I don’t have to see the comments about with breed. I have had lots of negative comments about Cooper being uncropped/undocked but I think that’s a misunderstanding between the USA and UK laws. I love Cooper’s goofy ears and curly tail. I have also had issues online trying to book them in to socialisation classes because both their breeds are banned at our local school.

Q)Why do you believe people have the stereotypical views that they have towards (your breed of dog)?

I think for bully breeds, some people do breed them for fighting so unfortunately everyone assumes every bully breed is aggressive because they always have bad press. There is always a lot of bad press around bully breed dogs, although smaller dogs act the same way they don’t hit the headlines for it. Dobermans are also the “baddies” in cartoons/films and were the dogs that had very bad press in the 70s/80s and those stereotypes stuck with people of that era and passed it down to their children. I know my mum was petrified of dobermans until I got one because she was brought up being told they were aggressive. Unfortunately bad breeding is a common problem and aggression was an issue for dobies at the time, and some bullies now, but if you pick a dog with good genes and train it well then there’s no issue.

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Q) What would you like to say to people who have pre judged views towards (your breed of dog)?
Not all big dogs are aggressive. Yes some are, but some small dogs are aggressive too. If the dog is well trained there’s absolutely nothing to fear. I wouldn’t have these dogs as family pets if there was any doubt in my mind that they caused a threat.

Q) What would you say to someone who was considering getting (your breed of dog)?

Definitely do your research, make sure you understand how to fulfil the needs of the breed, and make sure both the mum and the dad are met and have calm temperaments (if possible, obviously with rescue that isn’t possible but rescue centres do thorough assessments too). Then enjoy your pet because both breeds are super loving, loyal and love cuddles.

Q) Do you feel that dog stereotyping is talked about enough, if not, in what ways can we raise more awareness?

I feel like people try to raise awareness but can’t compete with the sensationalist headlines and tv shows that come on.