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Original poster

Doberman? Other suggestions

74 replies

lastqueenofscotland · 27/10/2021 21:46

Having had a permanent WFH confirmed for both me and DP we are going to start looking for a dog in the new year.
Ive had working gun dogs (setters, spaniels etc), and DP had golden retrievers.
I’d rather a shorter haired breed.
Something that wants a decent amount of exercise/training etc but not Collie levels of stimulation needed.
Would want to do activities like competitive obedience, Cani-x and agility (but again… don’t want a collie)
I’d like a large-ish dog but not too heavy set.
I despise the poodle-cross fad so please don’t suggest them Blush

We keep coming back to Doberman’s but does anyone else have another suggestion?

OP posts:
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thesandwich · 27/10/2021 21:47

Doberman’s are wonderful… so smart.

QuentinBunbury · 27/10/2021 21:48

Vizla? German pointer?

Auntieobem · 27/10/2021 21:49

Boxer?

Sprig1 · 27/10/2021 21:52

Vizla, pointer, weimerana.

Daisy829 · 27/10/2021 21:52

I was about to suggest a Vizla. Beautiful dogs.

icedcoffees · 27/10/2021 21:53

German Pointer.
Hungarian Vizsla.
Trailhound.
Foxhound.
English pointer.
Pharaoh Hound.
Dalmatian.

NoSquirrels · 27/10/2021 21:53

Are Doberman’s good for agility? I can’t recall ever seeing one, tbh.

I’d love a Doberman so I’m not going to dissuade you, though!

ButterflyWitch · 27/10/2021 21:55

Northern Inuit. although not particularly short haired!

villainousbroodmare · 27/10/2021 21:55

Dobies are beautiful but often hectic and anxious, and disastrously unhealthy.
Vislas, ridgebacks (unless a steady sensible line) and Weims similarly beautiful but mad.
I would go for another setter tbh.

MistandMud · 27/10/2021 21:55

An actual standard poodle would be lightly built, agile and very, very bright. Plus they look fantastic when they run.

Possibly not the sleekit suave dog you had in mind, though.

curtains15 · 27/10/2021 21:56

Dutch shepherd. Very intelligent loyal dogs and not a very common dog breed.

abbey44 · 27/10/2021 21:57

I've always had Weimaraners, beautiful dogs, athletic, intelligent and versatile. Would fit your requirements perfectly.

villainousbroodmare · 27/10/2021 21:57

If you want a dog who cares what you think - ie attentive enough for agility etc - I'd stay away from the hounds.

NoSquirrels · 27/10/2021 21:58

@villainousbroodmare

If you want a dog who cares what you think - ie attentive enough for agility etc - I'd stay away from the hounds.
I suspect this is VERY true! Grin
Original poster
lastqueenofscotland · 27/10/2021 22:00

Setters are a no. Too much hair… short hair is an absolute must.
Doesn’t need to be an agility champion (if I cared about that I’d go collie!) but more a fun thing to keep their brain ticking over/a side of training.

OP posts:
Original poster
lastqueenofscotland · 27/10/2021 22:01

Also I have a family member who is big into their standard poodles and they just do nothing for me Blush

OP posts:
Sunbird24 · 27/10/2021 22:03

One of my friends is on her second rescue black lab, both have been gorgeous and absolutely loved agility.

icedcoffees · 27/10/2021 22:10

Does the activity have to be agility or would you be just as happy doing scent work or similar?

Someone upthread was dismissive of the hound group but actually if you work to their strengths you can end up with a fantastic bond. Just make sure you treat them like a hound and not a spaniel or a Labrador!

villainousbroodmare · 27/10/2021 22:11

I don't think I'm oblivious to shedding... maybe the working setters like mine, with their light coats, don't shed much. I would find a JRT or Dalmatian with that sharp spiky white hair much more annoying.
I do virtually no grooming beyond checking for burrs and a monthly bath.

Original poster
lastqueenofscotland · 27/10/2021 22:14

My family all work setters - it’s not necessarily shedding - short haired breeds are the only dog-hill that DP will die on!
Everything else he is totally happy to leave to me so I think I ought to afford him that one!

OP posts:
Postdatedpandemic · 27/10/2021 22:15

German shorthaired pointer or English pointer. No grooming required a quick once over with flannel and curry comb once a week will do.

villainousbroodmare · 27/10/2021 22:18

A nice ridgeback is a very nice dog. The dogs are usually less skittish than the bitches and physique seems to go with temperament ie the sturdier ones are more steady and the pointy-faced ones are nervier. I'm in South Africa and I see a lot of them.

LadyCatStark · 27/10/2021 22:19

Surely you need a Labrador! If mine new what agility was, he wouldn’t be able to wait until he’s 1 to do it! He’s super smart, extremely gentle and loving, short haired and full of fun 🥰 here’s a pic of a recent jump so you can see just how much he loves jumping.

Doberman? Other suggestions
LadyCatStark · 27/10/2021 22:20

*knew not new sorry 🙈.

Cecillie · 27/10/2021 22:32

Dobermans can be lovely but also a bit aloof and maybe not the brightest, most interactive type for the activity you plan. Also, and this is completely wrong but happens, people can be wary of them with themselves and their dogs. So maybe if you want to be out and about in training , competition scenarios, a more " friendly" looking breed would make life easier.
A vizla would be perfect , happy to do everything you want to do.
Have never met one I wouldn't take home.