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.

My previous dog was a Doberman, rehomed from DP sister who couldn't manage his exercise needs. He was a great dog, but as previous posters have said, required lots of exercise and stimulation. They are also ime very needy dogs, ours followed us everywhere! Although I loved him dearly I don't think I would have another. If you want a large breed, short haired exercise loving dog have you considered a Rhodesian Ridgeback? We lost our ridgie in April and I don't think I would consider another breed now.

A Visla would be a good alternative.

Statistics on dog attacks don’t mean anything. The most reported dog attacks are from the Labrador...but only because there’s loads of them!

A lot of misinformation about boxers on this thread! I have 2 (bitch and a dog) but have had at least 1 boxer for the least 20 years.

They are a fantastic family dog, excellent around children and daft as a brush. Love a cuddle, preferably in your lap, they are a real people dog.

I walk mine for 45-60 mine off lead a day and they run and sniff and play and behave like most dogs. I dont tend to have issues with my dogs behaviour but on encounter a lot of small happy dogs are quite aggressive to my 2. Good job they don’t give it back as they would squash them flat!

Genuinely friendly to anyone who comes to the house. I wouldn’t have any other breed of dog now.

Not flat faced ( don’t know here that had come from!) and no breathing issues. Don’t like being walked in very hot conditions but then no dog should be walked in heat as it’s dangerous.

I couldn't have any brachycephalic dog and Doberman is the only breed I am genuinely scared of having been attacked by one and routinely lunged at on my bike by a second.

Agree with the suggestion of a Weimaraner or a Viszla.

Who said Boxers are flat faced? Ah... found it. Bred to be?? Don't think so. Snub nosed perhaps! But the breed isn't bred to be flat nosed, far from it

Muzzle broad, deep and powerful, never narrow, pointed, short or shallow. Balance of skull and muzzle essential, with muzzle never appearing small, viewed from any angle. etc

Not flat faced ( don’t know here that had come from!) and no breathing issues.

From the wiki page, they're a brachycephalic breed:

"Because of their brachycephalic head, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions."

Brachycephalic yes, flat faced no! There is a difference, one that is easy to see. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are another brachycephalic breed that are not flat nosed.

No, but brachycephalic breeds still have issues with breathing and exercise in warm weather. Not really a breed I would willingly buy and encourage the breeding of.

I've met some fab boxers and I'm sure they're great pets but like Cavaliers and Pugs they have some very unfortunate health problems which need to be bred out of them.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachycephalic_airway_obstructive_syndrome

I have an adopted boxer , short haired but the hair gets everywhere op so it won’t necessarily be cleaner because short haired.

As a vet nurse I would say Dobermans are healthier (although they are prone to having haemophilia) both are usually friendly, I would say boxers are a more common breed which would alter statistics. I personally prefer dobies

Have you thought about a standard poodle? They are relatively few health problems for pedigree dogs (check Dad is PRA clear), are lots and lots of fun (although they like getting their own way) are super smart/trainable, and don't shed (although you will need to clip them, or take them to a groomer). They have limitless energy!

BOXER! I used to have one and he was the most loving dog I’ve ever met!

My boxer was from a rescue too. I think it’s worth waiting a while and keeping and eye on rescues rather than rushing into buying a pup!

No, but brachycephalic breeds still have issues with breathing and exercise in warm weather. I think many dogs do. Mine does and he is about as far from brachycephalic as you can get...

Second picture is him tired, I just felt the need to share it

Now, a bull terrier is a dog I would consider! I think they’re beautiful

I had a lab collie retriever cross, gentlest dog you will ever meet loved walks and swim. Stayed with me for 17 years had to put him down last year. That dog helped me through everything and knew when I was sad. He was a rescue dog. I gave that dog a second chance and in return he gave me his all. And honestly a piece of my soul went with him. He was the best boy

Please look at the cross breeds in the rescue centres. You can get puppies there and they have less health related issues. I got two dogs from a breeder one was incredibly agressive, the other had hydrocephalus I would only ever get a rescue dog now.

Rescue a dog and you will have a bestie for life. I thank God I went and looked at a rescue dog because honestly he was much more than a dog he was more human than most people I know.
Ultimately your going to do what suits you best ofc. But please don't buy in to puppy Mills. A lot of dogs even big breeds are shoved in to tiny cages their whole lives and only brought out when they get bred or when someone wants to view the bitch. Then when they are finished they turf them out on the street if they are lucky or kill them. Dogs are like hairy wingless angels they all deserve a chance.

Also if you bring your frenchie in the staff there are great cos they want dogs to be rescued so they will socialise them for you

and stubborn, pig headed, snuggly, loyal, did I say snuggly, daft as a brush and determinedly individual!

I pondered loing and hard before deciding on him. 6 months on and I am glad I did. I can't imagine life without him now.

Popular flat-faced breeds in the UK include French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, pugs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, shih tzus and boxers.

www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/things-think-about-buying-flat-faced-dog

I love dogs more than I like people and I agree they are angels. I often think about rescuing a dog and giving him a second chance but it’s hard for me - ever since I was little I was fascinated with dog breeds. I still am - it’s the autism in me I think because I just can’t get my head around getting a cross breed. I do a lot for dog charities though if that makes me sound any better 🙁

I will try and put some thought into it though

Yes, Hopeless we alreadyhad that conversation... BlueCross page also incudes

The scientific word that vets use to describe short-nosed or flat-faced dogs is ‘brachycephalic’. This comes from two Greek words meaning ‘short’ and ‘head’. and we discussed that boxers are short / snub nosed rather than flat faced, as is the King Charles. Unlike the bulldogs...

But you can get a breed from a rescue - with a breed specific rescue you often see kc registered, fully papered/documented breed dogs....

If I had to choose between only a Boxer or a Dobie I would 100% go for a Dobe everytime. Every Boxer I have ever known has been completely and utterly mad as a box of frogs from puppyhood until death (the oldest one I knew died at 13 and he was absolutely bonkers up until the day he died!).

However if I had the choice of any breed I would always go for a Dalmatian. I love them and always have!

You can see what "selective breeding" has done to the Boxer over the years. The earlier photo was taken in 1915. It's heartbreaking. Just one of many breeds that has been ruined to cater for the stupidity of humans.

@CuriousaboutSamphire you may have discussed it but you are incorrect. The Boxer is a flat-faced dog according to the Blue Cross, with numerous related health issues.

they look like two entirely different breeds hopeless.