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.

I’d have a Rottweiler but I’d never convince DH of that one

The only Great Dane I’ve known made the most tremendous mess in the house! Short-coated but there was hair and slobber everywhere! I’d also be put off by the short life expectancy.

And German Pointers are bloody fantastic, intelligent, affectionate dogs but again, they're HPRs with lots of prey drive.

The smooths are great, but I've been put off the wires by two awful things that have happened to people I know. One had a GWP that killed her border terrier and someone else had one that damn near ripped his partner's face off (extensive plastic surgery was required).

The second dog was one I knew well and used to play quite rough games with, so that really put the wind up me.

I reckon the poster recommending a standard poodle is worth listening to - they’re energetic, smart, trainable and won’t cover your house in hair.

@LakieLady

Yes, the Japanese Spitz looks suitably furry. I think we've done the dog bit, though. They can be a tie, can't they?

I can’t understand how anyone could buy a puppy when there are hundreds of thousands of dogs (of all breeds) in rescue centres.

My Dsis has a Dogue de bordeaux she has a really pleasant temperament, she sloppy as heck but if you were considering a boxer.
They are very smart dogs, high energy outside the home but are known to love relaxing at home.
She also has a tiny cocker spaniel who was first, she is lots older and they gelled well, they are like little and large best dog pals.

I would say dobie! My girl was lovely. Never gave me any trouble and loved everyone.

Shame I can't say the same about my terriers 😂

Can't believe all the negative stuff written about boxer dogs 🙁 I am 32yrs old and all my life I have had a boxer dog. (When I was born my mum had a boxer puppy already) They're intelligent and so loyal. I have 2 young daughters and they adore boxer dogs too as they're very playful and also very funny. Would def recommend as a life long owner of a good few 👍 Perfect pal too

Great Danes are... well, great, if you only want a dog for a few years. 8-10 is the lifespan, but arthritis etc due to size means for the last couple of years they are often greatly restricted in what they can do due to pain

Op, you can get breed specific rescues. I think its sad that someone who says they love dogs and even does a lot for dog charities you would completely write off the idea of a rescue because of a massive misconception about puppies being more "safe". You can have the dogs meet first to make sure they are compatible and plus its more likly a rescue dog will get on better with your current dog than a puppy would. A lot of adult dogs dont like puppies due to their energy.
Do the right thing and rehome a rescue instead of lining the pockets of greedy puppy breeders. You will likly get more honesty from a rescue kennel than from a breeder.

I have 2 Boxers, they are my beautiful best friends, but they have been (and continue to be) hard work. They have been very destructive, particularly the male. They bounce and jump and are like overactive toddlers in adult sized bodies. My male has no reliable recall despite extensive training - he can do a multitude of tricks for treats though 🙄.
My bitch is far more obedient, particularly for my husband, and is quite protective of me and the Dc.
They can have diet issues ie bloat/need a raw diet/sensitive stomachs and they can strip paint with their breath and farts.
Boxers have a lot of health issues, particularly heart and hips, I cannot stress enough how important a decent breeder is to minimise these risks ( I understand your reticence to rescue in this case).
On the plus side they are immensely funny and loyal and loving, I would not have any other breed of dog. My eight stone boy knows that he has to be gentle around smaller animals as we got a kitten last year and he is marvellous at playing without hurting (the cat not so much!). Both had low prey instincts we used to have guinea pigs as well as the kitten and they were lovely with them.
My best advise is to join a group for each breed as they will recommend decent breeders and to continue with your research.

I’m starting to wonder if I should just stick with the one dog. I’m terrified of putting my frenchie in danger but wouldn’t want another small dog 🙁

What about a standard poodle. They are smart, good walkers and non shedding. I have a mix that’s mainly standard so I’m biased. Left in a long / shaggy cut they’re very cute!
I’d stay away from the other breeds due to the health issues.

Its more temperament that matters, but any big young dog is going to be boisterous. My furniture regularly goes flying when my three big dogs have a mad half hour. If you're going to be worrying about your frenchie getting hurt then it may rub off onto them and affect behaviour. I've seen a few fiesty frenchies too! A rescue dog will be easier to asses than an unknown puppy. Bear in mind that a big dog will cost more at the vets, need bigger beds and a bigger car too.

@Gth1234 I suggest you look at the Finnish Laphundd.

My concern with dobies is dcm and Wobblers, very distressing. As for boxers, I’ve known multiple dogs, all with cancer issues.

With a French bulldog, you need to consider energy level and get something with similar needs, otherwise you risk upsetting your resident dog with a mad puppy. I’d also consider size.

I can’t understand why pp are suggesting hprs? Has anyone mentioned a retired greyhound yet (I’m just doing mumsnet dog bingo for my own amusement)?

We had boxers in the family growing up. The dog was soppy with us children but did not like other dogs. The bitch was great with other dogs, she was the best dog ever.

@LakieLady, the wires do tend to strike me as sharper tempered than the smooths.

OP, if it's any comfort, we have twice brought a puppy into a house with an existing dog with no major issues. This afternoon I stood and watched my younger dog politely queuing up for the water bowl while the old guy drank his fill.

I just find it hard to understand why you are only considering breeds prone to serious health problems.

I’m starting to wonder if I should just stick with the one dog. I’m terrified of putting my frenchie in danger but wouldn’t want another small dog 🙁

I dont understand where this anxiety about you current dog being in danger is coming from? If you want to be sure then you would need the new dog and your current dog to meet each other and spend time together before the new dog joines the family. Unfortunately you cant get that with a puppy. But a lot of rescue centres offer fostering programmes. Where you can take in a dog on a trial basis, that way you would have long enough to see how the 2 dogs behave together before committing. Alternatively a good rescue centre will also let you make as many trips as you need with you current dog to test them out. You think rescue is more dangerous but actually its the safer option than a puppy.

I have been owned by boxers for the last 18 years. I have two at the moment. Male and female I also have 3 children an 8 year old and 4 year old twins. I trust these dogs with my life and that of my children. They are the most loving and loyal breed. They are amazing with other dogs, they are clever and very obedient they can walk for miles. Just because they are brachycephalic doesn't mean they can't go for miles and miles. In the warmer weather you should be walking them earlier in the morning or later evening as you should with all breeds of dogs anyway. My female that I have is 100%euro and is bred to work and there is nothing stupid about her at all. Keep boxers loved and entertained and you will never have another breed. As for health any dog can get poorly and you should have adequate coverage for this. A reputable breeder is a must kc registered all health tests done on parents heart, eyes, hips. If it was one of my puppies I would need to know if you are good enough for one of my babies. The boxer is such a precious gift that it must not be treated as anything less.

@SweatyYFronts

Unfortunately this is a situation where statistics are not that helpful - there’s more variation in temperament within a breed than between breeds. This means that regardless of which breed you go for, it’s essential to meet both parents - you want to se calm confident, relaxed dogs with no signs of nerves or wariness .

The breeds that you’re looking at are all high energy breeds and would need a lot of exercise and stimulation compared to a frenchie so you’ll need to factor in additional training and exercise

Has anyone mentioned a retired greyhound yet (I’m just doing mumsnet dog bingo for my own amusement)?

Maybe you shouldnt make light jokes out of the fact that thousands of excellent pets are left homeless every year because people want a "cute and safe" puppy and the racing industry exploits innocent dogs? Fwiw there is a fucking reason greyhounds are always suggested- they make great pets and are low maintenance but just go ahead and make your jokes

Although buying from a reputable breeder has some boxes ticked for most 'breed traits' for either a Doberman or Boxer, it still is about the individual personality, the impact of the environment both internal and external that influences the puppy. We've got a number of dog (19) and some are rescue, yes puppies were in there, some rehab due to other issues and some failed foster dogs. Observing them....you 'want' your dogs to get on, old dog and new dog, however occasionally they just can not tolerate each other so is a gated community doable in this situation. 1 + 1 does not equal 2 with dogs it usually equals 3 or 4, so be mentally prepared for that. Both breeds you've chosen have predisposition at a genetic level to disorders so observing tests undertaken on your chosen pup should be done...and not oh yes pup has had the health tests.

Both dogs are fairly large, extremely strong, and need to have training, both classes and then your FBD and new pup trained separately too.

I wish you luck as it really is a lottery and I have 3 sets of siblings in my family group of 19 that although brothers, then sisters, a set that are a brother and sister from a different litter, are very different in their approaches to learning and demonstrated personalities.

Just out of interest Joe, are either of your boxers on long term medication for anything, and how old are they?