Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

190 replies

SweatyYFronts · 03/07/2019 13:02

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
16
thetwinkles · 03/07/2019 20:19

We have a Dobermann he's lovely, great with the kids. They are very faithful, usually to one person - my husband! He dotes on him and follows him everywhere. They are often given the nick name Velcro dog for this reason!

Our boy was imported from Europe by a uk breeder, we got him at 10 months. If I could change anything I'd have had him from a puppy. He has random fears and is rather a wimp at times, doesn't like to be left alone and detests anyone in fluorescent clothing.

Good luck xx

EmeraldShamrock · 03/07/2019 20:24

Greyhounds or lurches are beautiful elegant dogs.

howwudufeel · 03/07/2019 20:29

I like to my dogs to have a good run around so I would struggle with greyhounds or lurchers. There are loads of rabbits and squirrels where I live.

mazv1953 · 03/07/2019 20:33

Many, many years ago I got talking to a dog handler. He said that you can train any dog to attack , but only 2 breeds are stable enough to stop on command. One was the Alsation and the other a Doberman.

GreytExpectations · 03/07/2019 20:34

A lot of dog chase squirrels, rabbits and cats. Fair enough the off lead stuff is an issue with greyhounds but its sad to see them get so much undeserved hate

EmeraldShamrock · 03/07/2019 20:43

GreytExpectations There are big changes in attitudes towards greyhounds.
They're treated appallingly with the dog tracks.
People are boycotting their sponsors until they change their conditions.

howwudufeel · 03/07/2019 20:45

Greht There is no hate from me for greyhounds. I have known a few and they are nice dogs. I just know they are not for me given where I like to walk.

GreytExpectations · 03/07/2019 20:49

Yes EmeraldShamrock that is true but sadly that should have happened ages ago and it doesnt stop the fact that they still grt overlooked at rehoming centres. The issue is people like you see on Mumsnet who mock and joke about Greyhounds as pets. People need to consider them more often but I'm always seeing posters on Mumsnet rolling their eyes at "another" greyhound recommendation.

howwudufeel i understand that, fair enough

Toitoitoi · 03/07/2019 20:50

Boxers have not caused any deaths. Actually it is when they are mixed with other breeds!
I would have a Boxer over a Doberman any day.

Boxers are a much more stable dog but you need to be strong and responsible owning this type of dog. Are you capable of pulling a Boxer/ Doberman off another dog in a fight situation?

WhenISnappedAndFarted · 03/07/2019 20:52

Personally I'd never get a boxer for all the reasons PP's have said and choose a doberman over one all day long.

It seems to be very split in this thread.

howwudufeel · 03/07/2019 20:52

DP told me earlier that 600 greyhounds a year are killed in Ireland because they aren’t fit to race. That is scandalous and I can completely understand why people are so passionate about them.

EmeraldShamrock · 03/07/2019 20:56

DP told me earlier that 600 greyhounds a year are killed in Ireland because they aren’t fit to race
It is horrific.
Lots are owned then abandoned by the travelling community, they have a shit time all round.
It may be outing but my cousin the dog rescuer has 6 greyhounds, 2 she saved from Egypt and several others saved and rehomed from Lanzarote.
She is ace.

flooredbored · 03/07/2019 20:57

We have a Doberman and I personally don't think they would be a great match for a French bulldog. They need A LOT more exercise. Ours is also a clumsy oaf and quite often bounds into our other 3 large dogs. I'm not sure a small dog would appreciate it! She is definitely the most high needs out of our 4 dogs.

QueenofLouisiana · 03/07/2019 20:57

Out of the two- boxer. I grew up with boxers and loved them: intelligent, cuddly and gorgeous.

In general: border collies or mutts are my favourite breeds.

Handsoffmysweets · 03/07/2019 21:00

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

GreytExpectations · 03/07/2019 21:02

DP told me earlier that 600 greyhounds a year are killed in Ireland because they aren’t fit to race

It is heartbreaking and i cannot support greyhound racing for reasons like this and its also why i get so pissed off whenever I see a comment on mumsnet joking about them always being suggested.
Meanwhile, my greyhound is snoozing on the sofa next to me and im so grateful that his previous owner chose to hand him over to a rescue kennel when he could no longer race instead of the horrendous fate many others get

geekone · 03/07/2019 21:03

The grooming might put you off but we have a giant schnauzer and he is great. He’s a big working type, loves walking off lead, great with other dogs, brilliant recall little or no heath issues with the breed. But you will probably need to go on a waiting list, though the litters are huge and the breed for some reason isn’t “popular”.

All the vizla I have met are gorgeous though, and a good alternative to Doberman who by the looks of it have health issues.

Good luck choosing, I have puppy jealousy Grin

geekone · 03/07/2019 21:06

Op also I agree with @Handsoffmysweets. Training, walking and discipline are really important with a large working breed. Ours needs consistency too.

Maneandfeathers · 03/07/2019 21:07

I find boxers very unstable to work with. They tend to give little to no warning signs and are quite difficult to read. Personally I never trust a boxer when I have to deal with them.
They also have a fair few health problems and I don’t like the gum epuli/bad teeth which tends to give them bad breath or the yeasty skin smell that the vast majority of them seem to have (sorry to any boxer owners out there but they do tend to stink! Blush)

Doberman’s are less common. They tend to be quiet and aloof but out of the two I would prefer a Doberman temperament wise. Funnily enough although they do look scarier I can’t recall having met an aggressive.

Neither would be near the top of my list though.

geekone · 03/07/2019 21:16

Oh well if you insist, here is my GIant Schnauzer

To ask you to help me choose my DOG BREED? Doberman or Boxer
SpitefulBreasts · 03/07/2019 21:32

There are so many lies about Boxers on this thread, they're not all aggressive, they're not all stupid, boxers have massive personalities and love their humans, they don't like being left alone and can be destructive when they're bored.
We have 2 atm, both male, there are no fights to be top dog. One is completely thick and is incredibly hard work and is possibly the most stupid dog I've ever met. The other is the smartest dog I've ever met, and is very intuitive with an understanding of human frailties that I find to be incredible, both boxers but both very different personalities.
We've had mixes of sex, Male and Female, the top animal in a pack, meaning more than 2 will always be the Female.
Our smallest Female was definitely top dog, she lived to be almost 14, very old age for a boxer.
Op you may have gathered that I love Boxers, but if I were you I'd think long and hard as to why you're so specific about the only two breeds you'll consider and why a rescue is out of the question.
Our extraordinarily stupid boxer came from a breeder so there's no guarantee that you'll end up with a calm sensible dog.

SpitefulBreasts · 03/07/2019 21:43

Whoops I've just seen Mane and feathers post.
Have to say I disagree with you, I find Boxers incredibly easy to read, possibly because I've had so many of them. I do know that other dogs find Boxers hard to read As Boxers don't have the long nose then other dogs can and do react differently

Maneandfeathers · 03/07/2019 22:04

@SpitefulBreasts I tend to find they don’t give as much warning as other breeds. Don’t seem to growl or curl a lip or even tense up, just straight to bite. Much like bulldogs actually. As a professional I find them 100 times harder to predict than say a Labrador or collie.

My job is basically being attacked by dogs for a living- I meet a lot of dogs who hate me so I know a fair amount about how different breeds react under stress.

Miagp · 04/07/2019 06:37

I have a boxer. He's got a good sized muzzle, not the squashed over bred nose of a lot of the breed and he's a very athletic shape.....he's more reminiscent of the breed origin of a bullenbeisser rather than the bulldog it was crossed with when the breed was created. Don't be fooled with their "stupid" reputation, they're just willful and disinterested in some types of training, it's not in their dna to have the same training interests as say a collie or spaniel , mine is very obedient and well trained in the basics like recall, sit, down etc.
When it comes to humans he's a big softie but he's a nightmare with dogs he doesn't know and the strength needed to control him is unbelievable, they're pure power houses. N

Kayjay2018 · 04/07/2019 06:51

Hi @SweatyYFronts we have 2 dogs, brown Doberman and a rescue. The Doberman is now 5 1/2 and it took until about 2 years old for her to start to calm down. She is the only Doberman our doggy daycare lady has ever accepted because she is so chilled and does not have separation issues. She has been extremely well supervised, however if she sees a squirrel, cat or deer she will chase.

She was the runt of the litter and the breeder does a personality test on the dog before assigning to an owner. As my husband had never had a doberman before she, as the most chilled and relaxed of the litter was matched to him. Up until this year she has needed 2 walks (over an hour each) to keep her well exercised.

She has been checked for heart issues and is clear, does have an eye issue which will probably need fixing this year.

She is an absolute softy, very very well bonded and adores DH, has accepted me, my son and lately a rescue pup with minimum fuss. She is on a raw diet and is very healthy. She is a complete princess and hates getting wet or muddy 😀. She is around 32kg in weight but thinks she is a lap dog

Don't underestimate the energy in the first few years and the fact that they are not necessarily food oriented so training needs patience and time. Wouldn't be without her and would get another one in the future - we would be picky about breeder and looking for parent dogs to have the more chilled out side (she has her dads laid back temperament.

If you have any Doberman questions, please shout