Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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

Joe901978 · 04/07/2019 10:36

My boxers are 7 and 20 months on no medication.

Ginni322 · 04/07/2019 14:57

Definitely a boxer.. I have been raising boxers for the last 25 years.. They are very loyal and smart and great family dogs.. I just sold a litter of 10 puppies and most people say they will not have any other breed of dog but a boxer.. As with any dog there is health problems some are more prone than others.. And I Still prefer a boxer over any others..

DennisSkinnersMolotov · 04/07/2019 15:48

Our brown dobie boy who I still miss after 8 years.

Just going on what ManeandFeathers said about not giving signals (I know this was in relation to Boxers). As I mentioned previously he was dog agressive but would give NO warning signals. No growl, no snarl, nothing at all. I learned to read him, the only sign he was unhappy would be a tensing in his shoulders and a slight repositioning of his feet (almost going on tip toe).

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

ashlehmariexo · 04/07/2019 16:08

As long as you have a puppy, you can train either the way you want them to be. I don't care how big the 'statistic' is, it's all a matter of training. Both these dog breeds are very smart, so training should come easily, and either will be as sweet as can be with the right training.

thetemptationofchocolate · 04/07/2019 16:21

OP in answer to your question what about a Great Dane? Lovely dogs, really lovely but the spit! Also they are so huge that any vet work will cost a fortune, and their average life span is short.

HMATA7 · 04/07/2019 16:44

We have a boxer bitch and she is the most loyal and docile thing! Wouldn't hurt a fly and is fantastic around smaller dogs and puppies and all of my friends small children too. Very high energy though and need a lot of attention. She was a little destructive when we first had her (from 8 weeks old) but once we had got her into a proper routine she has been fine.

Do agree with PP though they shed like mad and I'm constantly hoovering!

Boxers are certainly not stupid either, mine is so clever and responds well to training. Couldn't imagine life without her!

Good luck with whichever you decide!

howwudufeel · 04/07/2019 16:49

Ginni I am so envious of you spending time with boxer puppies. My ddad isn’t well at the moment and he absolutely loves the breed. He had two over nearly thirty years but sadly he is too unwell to have a dog now. I sometimes show him puppies of boxers to cheer him up. He just loves them so much.

Kayjay2018 · 04/07/2019 16:53

This is our girl Doberman, she had been an only dog for 5years when we introduced the newbie. We got them to meet before we finalised adoption, she was not interested in the slightest. Now they have great fun together, we make sure she know she is top dog (she sleeps in our room, he is in a crate, she gets food and treats first). I think it really helped hat we went for a dog of the opposite sex and younger than her so it didn't undermine her position!

howwudufeel · 04/07/2019 16:56

She looks completely pissed off at having to share her bed!

sep30 · 04/07/2019 17:01

We have a frenchie and after losing my Dalmatian very suddenly we narrowed it down to Doberman and Vizsla, in the end we went with the Vizsla mainly because of peoples reaction to them when you're out walking! Him and my frenchie are inseparable! I really couldn't recommend a Dalmatian or Vizsla highly enough, athletic and intelligent without the drive as much of the Doberman. Good luck with whatever breed you choose, they will be amazing either way :)

sonjadog · 04/07/2019 17:08

Both beautiful dogs. The stats are all very well but a lot comes down to the temperament of the dog you choose and the training you give. You can’t guarantee anything.

If I had your list of requirements, I think I would look at a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Beautiful dogs.

Kayjay2018 · 04/07/2019 17:55

@howwudufeel - he was there first and then she decided she wanted to join him! I when and got another bed so they could both spread out. Having two dogs is just like having toddlers, they always want what the other one has, even if you buy two of the same thing 😀

tabulahrasa · 04/07/2019 18:08

“but any breeder will try and push their own breed”

Not really, a decent breeder would be giving you negatives as well - no breed has only positives.

howwudufeel · 04/07/2019 19:47

They are adorable kayjay

GreytExpectations · 04/07/2019 21:02

Not really, a decent breeder would be giving you negatives as well

If you're lucky.... a breeder has one thing in mind: money.

Wolfiefan · 04/07/2019 21:22

A decent breeder won’t put money first.
Unfortunately a decent breeder is as rare as hen’s teeth.

jimzmum · 04/07/2019 22:35

May I suggest you broaden your search? A Newfoundland, or Newdle, would fit your needs. Never met a stranger, friendly, likes dogs, cats, all pets. Very intelligent.

Durgasarrow · 04/07/2019 22:38

Two terrible choices. Don't get either of these violent dogs.

Fortheloveofscience · 04/07/2019 23:00

A Newfoundland, or Newdle, would fit your needs. Never met a stranger, friendly, likes dogs, cats, all pets. Very intelligent.

I’m a Newfie owner and love the breed, but it’s totally not the right dog for OP. She wants something low shedding, Newfies make the most incredible amount of mess! Also often on the lazy side and exercise has to be restricted in warm weather so not ideal for someone who wants a lot of long walks.

Kimberly1215 · 05/07/2019 03:04

I’m a dog trainer and have owned both breeds. Both are great with kids and other dogs when socialized. But Dobermans are my favorite. I really love the breed. They are called the Velcro dog. Because they stick to you. Every where you go they go. Both breeds need exercise. Just do your homework.

4legsandawaggytail · 05/07/2019 13:09

A puppy will go through puberty and at this time may cause problems with your own dog no matter what bread you get. As puppy's mature they often challenge the resident dog/bitch and fights quite often occure while they establish their own hierarchy.

You have chosen 2 very high energy often hyperactive breeds. One slobbers a lot and one does not. Both will need plenty of physical activities but the doberman will need the added benefit of being mentally stimulated enough so the don't get destructive.

Have you though about the daily unit as it stands now and if you're going to have more children in the future. How will this effect how you care for the dog, who exercises and feeds air and who's responsibility it is to do things like make sure the garden is safe for playing in. There are lots of practical things to consider with both breeds. I've had friends who had both breeds. The boxer was a bit clumsy and forever knocking the young one over but soppy as hell. The Doberman was less soppy but more demanding and needed more work for brain training.

Ultimately if you both can't agree on a breed and you give in and settle on one you don't really want, will you both care for the dog in the same way for the next 10-13 years. Also take into consideration your small dog will not have the capacity to go on such long walks as either a boxer or a doberman so will they be walked at the same time.

I know you don't want an older rescue dog but the benefit of this would be you could take your dog to the rescue centre to see which dogs your dog likes. So your dog could screen the temperament of a dog you may want to bring into its space.

The choice can only be for you family based on your own circumstances.

Fromablokespoint · 05/07/2019 16:50

There are only two types of dogs, Boxers and other dogs!

Have owned many dogs over the years, mutts, working dogs, rescue dogs, from Lurchers to Jacks.
Last 5 dogs have been Boxers. They are just different. Personality wise they are fantastic. Loyal, funny, clowns, affectionate.

I'm biased but do have a good history of "other dogs" to base this on.

Puppywithattitude · 05/07/2019 16:56

Regarding the Vizsla recommendation upthread, we have one but he has quite a strong prey drive.
They also need loads of exercise 2+ hours a day.
He is extremely loving, attracts a lot of attention, (they are exceptionally handsome dogs,) but he is hard work and I would never have another.

AdobeWanKenobi · 05/07/2019 17:08

Aren't modern boxers rampant droolers?

Back in the early 70's my parents were selling a sofa. Guy turns up with a boxer on a lead and says he has no money but did they want to swap for the dog. (70's were weird times)
Bafflingly my Dad agreed.

He said it lasted 3 days and when my Mother wiped the slobber off the fireplace mirror for the hundredth time that day Dad took the dog back. Guy said he still had no money for the sofa. Dad said it was on him.

Fucksandflowers · 05/07/2019 17:41

I dont like boxers personally.

I haven't met any human aggressive ones but I have yet to meet a boxer that hasn't raced over from considerable distance and bounced all over and followed my dog ignoring all her signals and ignoring it's useless owner who just shouts 'it's okay, he's friendly!' at me.

Such fun when your dog happens to be really uncomfortable around other dogs and likely to get aggressive...

Dobermanns are in a seriously bad way health wise and I have heard bad things about temperament in some lines also.

Considering that the last time I went to Crufts I watched a Dobermann go for another dog with absolutely zero warning nor provocation then win I am not one bit surprised to hear that their temperaments appear to be going downhill.
As with so many other breeds, it seems the only important consideration for most breeders is looks and medals.
Who cares about temperament and health as long as it's placed first?

Flip

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8