To ask you to help me choose my DOG BREED? Doberman or Boxer

[SweatyYFronts]

DH and I are getting a puppy. We’re undecided between two breeds though ...

Doberman and Boxer

I’m autistic so tend to read a hell of a lot of info and statistics regarding stuff I’m interested in. Everything I’ve read tends to say that a Doberman has a more stable temperament than a boxer. Infact, boxers have killed more people than Doberman’s have and have also severely injured more people in attacks than Doberman’s.

DH is adamant that he wants a boxer “because they’re cute and funny” but the statistics are right there! I know the majority are lovely dogs and they are funny but as I say ... the statistics, research and info suggests that a Doberman would be a safer option.

We have a french bulldog already. So new dog would need to be “dog friendly” and again, Doberman seems better in this regard.

I intend to take the dog to training classes and socialising classes etc whichever breed we get but I’m thinking a Doberman will be easier to train? Not as crazy and a bit more stable?

I am in touch with breeders of both dogs. Both have puppies ready in a few weeks.

Oh, I see you already have a bulldog. I think your husband needs to amend his ideas. Supporting the breeding of dogs that can't breathe properly is not "cute".

I had a doberman growing up - lovely chocolate bitch. She was a rescue and had quite a few issues, but DM put a huge amount of effort into training her - by the time she was all trained up she would literally poo on request. But it was a lot of work and three long walks per day - which was easy as DM was at home and we lived next to a huge park area with lakes.

But don't underestimate the time and effort involved - several walks every day, with off lead running, in all weathers.

She was protective of us and the house, but not aggressive to other dogs generally. She was a huge cuddle monster and very clever. So I'd go for a dobie, but I'm biased.

I'd be really careful about getting all the health checks etc - I had mine 30 years ago now and I'm shocked about what I've read on this thread about the state of the breed.

Neither. But if you absolutely need to, a dobermann. at least they have less health issues (short snout on the boxer is a problem). both need insane amounts of exercise and training to be pleasant dogs though

Weimaraner?

I like both breeds. You have simular taste in dogs as me op. I'd choose Doberman over boxer. But i would 100% recommend asking the breeder about the health checks they do, especially in regards to dcm. I lost my Doberman a couple of years ago to this at 8yo. It's the most heartbeaking thing I've ever been through and wouldn't wish that on any other owner. I wish I'd known about it before we got our Dobey.

The dog needs to be short haired, capable of long walks and little prey drive as I like off lead walking (in suitable areas obviously)

Okay so I don't have advice on boxers or dobermans but would you consider a spaniel?

Apart from the short hair, they would fit really well with your description above. We've had them for a while, usually very loving and friendly dogs and capable of very long walks like to you want.

We have a working type at the moment but often walk off lead and not found the prey drive to be a problem with good training (never actually been worked).

Whatever you get you will have to put in the work. All dogs are different whatever breed they are, there is no guarantee that each dog from the same breed will act and behave identically. They all have their own little differences in terms of what training they will require etc...I've found.

If I were to choose from the two stated though I would probably go with Doberman.

Labrador

We have a Doberman, she's soft as muck and is very loving, but is very high maintenance and needs A LOT of mental stimulation as well as physical. They are intelligent but very velcro and will tend to stick to one particular person like glue.

If I had my choice again, I wouldn't get a doberman purely due to the fact that I have found her to be more difficult than a toddler. I don't think it's her particular breed though I just think we weren't fully ready for how intense she is. We have had many dogs over the years and fully researched the breed and local breeders but it was still a shock to the system.

I grew up with Boxers and ours were the most soppy, good-natured, child-friendly dogs. Pretty stupid and hard to train though! I know you’ve done your research but just thought I’d add my experience, I’ve never met a mean boxer, they are all soppy, kind gentle dogs ime.

I love Weimaraners! Beautiful dogs

If you want a larger dog, what about a short-haired pointer, a Weimaraner or a vizsla? All healthy, hardy working dogs who would happily walk for miles.

Cleanliness doesn't have much to do with the length of the fur - boxers drool like nobody's business, for starters! They also have folds of skin around the face, mouth and nose that can soon get pretty whiffy if not cleaned regularly.

@SweatyYFronts jzst saw you are after a working dog. definitely dobermann, but make sure their parents are healthy/breeder is reputable. a well trained dobermann is amazing
boxers on the other hand have been bred for looks - i‘ve met several incredibly stupid ones (lovely dogs, but incredibly dumb, very hard to train), and some aggressive ones. never one that was a pleasant to work with.

Get a Ridgeback! Most amazing dogs, I’m still pining after my old boy, I lost a few years ago. My boy was protective, obedient, friendly, got on well with all dogs, hardly ever on the lead, excellent call back, so intelligent and the biggest snuggler ever! He was just the biggest baby if a little pup come running into the house- he would be on the back of the sofa on all fours, they would terrify him! Lol.

You’ve had large dogs before so it sounds like you know what you’re doing - both those breeds do have a lot of energy and ime boxers are lovely but completely bonkers whereas Doberman’s re a little more intelligent.

We adored our Doberman - a beautiful brown boy that we rehomed as a 6 year old. BUT, he was hugely dog agressive and his prey drive was through the roof (I'd never seen a dog catch a bird in flight before).

As PP have said, they are highly intelligent dogs and need a lot of stimulation. They also need lots of exercise, attention and consistent training. They form VERY strong bonds with their 'pack' (not necessarily with just one person though), that can lead to jealousy - something to really consider. In your situation, already owning another dog, I'm not sure they would be my first choice of breed even though I love them and would love to have another in the future.

When we looked at getting another dog after DS was born, dobes were off the list because we knew we couldn't give everythng it would need (our rescue staffie is a better fit for us as a family).

I would look at breeders of both breeds and find a good one that pracices ENS on the puppies, does the relevant health checks appropriate for the breeds and will let you meet the potential mother (and grandmother if possible) as that will give you a better indication on the temperament of the pup than breed. Perhaps you can find dobie breeders and your husband boxers and can make your choice from there? Good luck 😊

I grew up with a boxer - utterly soft and dopy and loving. Not particularly flat faced either (nothing like a pug or bulldog) so no breathing difficulties.
My main warning would be - someone described them to me as the Peter Pans of the dog world and they weren’t wrong. Puppy-like, v.v.v.over active behaviour continued until about 6/7 years old, and she only fully started to calm down at about 10 (lived to be 13).

Argh the potential jealousy of Doberman is putting me off! I don’t want to put my little dog at risk.

I’ve just been speaking to Doberman breeder and have admitted my concerns. The family has owned Doberman’s for over 20 years, they have 4 now and walk them across fields off lead with cows and horses etc with no problems. He said they get on with all dogs, big or small as well as cats but agreed that it’s all down to training and socialisation. I know that deep down they’re Promoting something to sell (sounds harsh but that’s the bones of it isn’t it) but any breeder will try and push their own breed

You should put this in Doghouse OP.

You've clearly said its between a dobie and a boxer so not sure why people are trying to suggest jack russells/spaniels etc!

Both are lovely breeds as long as you have looked into the respective health problems both dogs are prone to, and understand the exercise needs. As you already have a frenchie, a dobie will be a bigger change in the amount of exercise you need to offer. Boxers also need lots of exercise but you need to be mindful of the breathing problems short noses cause.

Boxers are amazing dogs, but they are eternally puppyish so will make you laugh everyday but take a long time to mature. They can be quite destructive, but that is true of many breeds.
Dobies are clingy and very headstrong but very clever.

Are you in the UK OP, as some countries have restrictions on Dobermans.

Do you trust the breeder? How did you find them?

No I can’t adopt. I already have a dog and the priority is to make sure he’s safe with a new dog. This means buying a puppy.

Just wanted to address this misconception that getting a puppy means they’re safe. I think people assumed that because they’re getting a puppy from 8 weeks they’re getting a blank canvas on which they can create the exact dog for their family. This is not true. Puppies come with genetic background. Their parents genetics leave an imprint which cannot be fully known until that dog is adult. And I don’t just mean health, I mean everything, personality, energy levels, triggers, prey drive, anxieties. Etc.

Whereas a dog that has been rescued, even one that was brought in as a stray, has been observed and assessed by trained professionals (not just the person who has a vested interest in you buying their pup) as to what their personality is, what animals they are safe and not safe with, any existing or former health issues, their energy levels, dietary requirements etc.

It really is very unfair to perpetuate the myth that rescue dogs are either unknown or unsafe in comparison to puppies. Puppies are very definitely the unknown element in that comparisons.

Yes UK

Dogs like spaniels, terriers etc are a no go. As are labradors. It would have to be a big working dog. Even a Great Dane is a possibility

Maybe a Weimeraner would be a good compromise.I love Boxers, but couldn't live with one (she says as the rpiud onwer of an 8month old English Bull Terrier).

Have a read up on the cardiomyopathy that's inherent in Dobermans. Pretty much all of them have it these days due to the narrow gene pool.