Navid_K

Hello everyone,

This is my first post on the street forum. I'm planning on getting my Doberman over the next few months from PennyLane Dobermans.

My only question is whether to get a male or female. I've read many prior discussions on dt from other users, but figured I'd give you my background and you can all chime in on your opinions.

I live with 2 people. There are no other pets in our house. My parents, who don't live with me, have a male neutered shiba inu and a female siberian husky. I see my family twice a week after work for a few hours and once on the weekend for longer. Most of the time this is at their house. My good friend also has a 7 month old German Shepard. I will be seeing them once a week or so.

I've never owned a large breed dog but have helped my good friend raise his gsd.

I've read that first time dobe owners are recommended to get females, although I'm not entirely sure why.

I've also read the general gender traits for the dobe and know they're generalizations.

Now knowing my background, what is everyone's thoughts?

Thanks!

EmilyB

The breeder will likely match the best pup with you. Have you begun talking with them yet?

odiakkoh

If you don't have a preference or other pets to worry about I'd just let the breeder choose the right dog for you. (Well they'll be choosing anyway but giving them the option of either sex make things easier IMO)


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Sharly

Your breeder should match a puppy that will suite you

Also, Dobermans are a medium breed. Best of luck to you and welcome to the forum!

KissNme

Welcome to DT from Kansas. I don't have any advice.

brw1982

Since you don't live with any other dogs I'd say sex of the dog doesn't matter much.

It depends on the individual dog. Tell your breeder what you'd like in your dog and rely on their knowledge and experience to pick the right puppy for you.

__________________


Old Drum's Crimson Crisp, "Fiona"
Old Drum's Fiery Rumors of Taliesin, "Tali"

SpecialK

Depending on what you want to do with the dog, I would say there could be a few reasons to sway toward female. I have a large male and tend to gravitate toward male dogs, but I think my next would be a female. They are (typically) smaller in size and to me that makes it easier to bring them places. Also, I do a lot of classes and events with other dogs. Due to the male/male issues I just feel like having a female could be a bit less stress. Of course female/female aggression can still be an issue, and any dog can have problems if not socialized properly.

Overall, I agree with talking to your breeder for the right personality/temperament fit above all. Good luck!

__________________

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." --Josh Billings

UKC Ch. Bruda Weekend Warrior, TT, CGC, TDI "Rowan"
Bruda Pure Seduction, S.T.A.R. Puppy "Monroe"

dobebug

I agree with the folk who have recommended talking to your breeders and giving them the opportunity to help you make this decision.

I know them and they are very knowlegable and will be able to give you insight over which choice would be best for you.

Personally I prefer males and swore, after the first bitch I owned in the mid 1960's that I'd never own another. Since my dogs always start out as conformation dogs they are intact--most of them stay that way through their life and after they are out of the conformation ring they go on to do performance type things in Obedience, Tracking, Rally and Agility. Even though I've had a couple of males who were not particularly thrilled about being in close quarters with other males training goes a long way toward perventing them from acting on any impulses.

Navid_K

Thanks for the input everyone. I have been speaking with the breeder often. Once the litter is born they will observe the pups until they reach the right age and then match me.

I'm very excited and nervous about my new life with a Doberman. I never would have thought that my parents, siblings and close friends would become such a large pack of people and dogs,but they are such valuable additions to life.

Navid_K

How did your males compare to your females with respect to showing affection towards you?

dobebug

Remember what I said in the third paragraph? The first bitch that I owned in the early 60's was the last bitch I owned. I don't want to have to live with a bitch 365 days a year. My friends have bitches--I dog sit for bitches who belong to other people--nearly all of the bitches love me and love spending time with me. I like some bitches a lot--just not living with me on a full time basis.

However--I'll point out that bitches are well named--and I think that they are generally more picky, snotty, set on their own agenda and generally much harder to get along with than males.

My males seem to think the sun rises and sets in me (but what to they know--they're just dogs <g>). I think males are mellower, sweeter, try harder and I have never regreted putting all plans of being a breeder to rest because I didn't want to deal with bitches on a day to day basis.