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Dobermans vs other breeds?

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24K views 76 replies 39 participants last post by  Julie W  
#1 ·
I searched and did not find anything, if this thread has been posted before please PM me and let me know so we don't have a repeat of the past.

I know a lot of people on this site have Dobermans, but they also have a lot of very different breeds to go with them. This is what this thread is more or less about. I have two Dobermans, and an American Staffordshire Terrier. Those of you with other breeds, how do you feel about them? I feel like we all have the same things that drew us to the Doberman, but what about the others? My reasoning for this post is.. I have been questioning which breed I will continue to own after my babies are gone. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I would like to have my mind made up by that time.

I love my Amstaff just as much as my Dobermans, but for a lot of different reasons. I do, however, think there will always be a Doberman in my life. Something about this breed I just cannot get away from. But sometimes, I don't know how my life would be without a Bully; anyone else have this going on?

Questions:
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

4. Those with ONLY dobies, would you ever own anything else? Any other breeds ever caught your attention that you may be curious to have? What drew you to having a Doberman in the first place? If you could not own a Doberman, what would be your second choice?

I now have three dogs. I started with a Dobie, then got them amstaff. Amstaff didn't want to play with the Dobie, so we got another Dobie. Dobies play together, Amstaff plays fetch, catch, or spring pole.

I think this will be an interesting thread to see what everyone else has at their home, and in their heads. Please explain answer if need be. I would love to hear other people opinions about this subject.
 
#2 ·
I was raised with shetland sheepdogs...that's all we ever had and until I was in college, I never owned another breed. I still have a 6 year old male who lives with my parents on their farm. In response to your questions:
1. Andy (my male sheltie) is really sensitive and since he's older, doesn't appreciate rough play. He's never met Gunner and probably never will.

2. Pros of sheltie- Very smart, obedient, beautiful, very attached to family
Cons- HAIR and tons of it, too sensitive to have around young kids IMO, very yappy, a bit too small again for young kids

3. As much as I love shelties, I doubt we will own any more. I don't appreciate the insane amount of hair and grooming, and having two very wild boys...we need a breed that can tolerate the craziness. Dobermans are perfect for our family, and I don't have the desire to own anything else.
 
#3 ·
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

Doberman, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky. They all get along great and play hard.

Here is a video I put together of them playing together:

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2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

I will never own another husky again. Loyal, obedient, and protective breeds are more my style. The husky is super comical and sweet and adorable but she is 5 years old now and still cannot be trusted off leash. She is very dramatic and a total diva. I love my GSD and will always have one. Cons of double coated dogs = lots of shedding. Pros of a GSD with a Doberman? It looks like I have a police escort when I am out with them together and sketchy people keep their distance :)

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

I will always want a Doberman but there are definitely other breeds that interest me as well. The other breeds I am interested in owning are: Beauceron, Dutch Shepherd, Miniature Bull Terrier.
 
#5 ·
My mother bred Australian Shepherds my whole childhood
They are great but very energetic super smart though the hair is to much for me to manage even though I have worked as a dog groomer for two years Still dont wanna deal with it at home.

I personally have always had a pit never had I not had one. I love them but the dog aggression is very intense and The scrutiny against them gets old I dont think Ill have any more

I have owned a Papillion he was awesome but two much of a barker super smart and cuddly though

Have owned a Jack Russel ... never again didnt last long :(

Have owned a PomCHi.... Never again bit me 5 times first day I had her

AND MY ALICE my first doberman after dreaming of one for about 17 years lol I dont think ill ever not have one again.
 
#9 ·
1. I have a cocker spaniel that is very small (17lbs) for the breed. She and Whiskey play great together most of the time (except when he drags her around by her ear or leg) she is almost 6 now and he's brought her back to life almost.

2. Grooming, submissive peeing (very very common with cockers) oh and did I mention grooming.

3. Now that I have one I'm seriously considering another further down the line but I want to get into SAR work so I may go with something else if I can't get a good working line bitch.

4. I would really like to have a dutch shepherd or malinios when DH and I finally get to a point in life where we can have a house and yard of our own. I've also considered a border collie (working lines because they are so dang trainable but all that hair...) and a GSD (ugh the hair again)
 
#10 · (Edited)
I am a groomer so I know about all the hair and coats of other breeds, but I appreciate everyones answers so far. This is exactly what I wanted with this thread.

TxDobieLady- I have had 3 rescued bullies, but this is my first that I have had for my own. I agreed about how people are about them, but that's a lot of the reason I want to always have one. My male has not ever given me any issues with other dogs. He does great with people of all ages. I think he helps out the situation they have going on.

ZeldaRules- I had a foster Husky, and I agree with everything you said. I think they're so beautiful but I will never have one again. Things I do like about the breed, but just not for me. PS- love the pictures of them all together. I figured these breeds would be able to put up with a Doberman.

Thanks for all the posts so far.


PS- I would also like a dutch shepherd at some point in my life. Only ever seen two.
 
#12 ·
@AKTURBO - This is the first bully ive had with dog aggression but he is the best when it comes to people but its made me realize how much I enjoy having my dogs be able to be around other dogs. especially when I would go to work and I could no longer take him.


Breeds I would Love to Own :German Short Haired Pointer, Beauceron, Boxer, Dogo Argentino, Gordon Setter,


Also I forgot to had that I fostered 3 Greyhounds... Great GREAT dogs... Not enough energy for me though other than that amazing dogs
 
#14 ·
I feel like when you own any kind of bully you need to keep things in mind about them. I am all for not having breeds band, and the welfare of pits when bullies but when it comes down to it you do have to keep in mind where the breed started. They are a terrier, and they are stubborn and hot headed at times. I am very aware of what I have, and I am very cautious about situations I place him in. I am sure you already know all of this. But it seems sometimes people get too comfortable with them, when in reality this is not the breed for something like that. Being too comfortable can get you in trouble. I do understand what your saying about owning a Doberman over them. Makes total sense to me..

I would LOVE to have a greyhound, beautiful dogs. And all the rescues out there are a plus.

I would also love to own a Dogo.

4) I am curious about lots of other breeds... I would love a New Zealand Huntaway one day, or a NZ heading dog Would also love a Malinois, and I would love to try training a sighthound (perhaps a Saluki)... Other breeds in the "would love to own but probably won't" box... Papillon, Cocker Spaniel (English, not American), Bullmastiff, smooth hair Border Collie...
Being a groomer, I can say that I LOVE the English Cocker as opposed to the American. If I ever had a cocker, it would be an English.
 
#13 ·
1) Have had a GSD growing up, 4 black Dobergirls, Libby (a ridgeback x staffy x boxer x lab) and now have Flick (hopefully!!) who is a Border x Whippet. Our GSD never really played with the Dobers, he was too serious. Libby plays with Lottie a bit, but Libby is much more gentle than Lottie, luckily she is very tolerant and puts up with a lot from Lottie! Flick has not met Lottie & Libby yet, I don't see them all getting on that well though, Flick doesn't seem like the kind of dog that likes really physical/wrestly play, both Lottie and Libby enjoy that... she would like to run with Lottie, but Libby hates running and just wants to wrestle or play tug.

2) GSD's hair was insane, also he was verrry serious, not playful... very obedient and well behaved, almost like a robot though, it's like he didn't have a personality (he wasn't treated badly or anything, was just always like that). Libby is so naughty, she is always up to naughty things and knows it, but she is so cute she gets away with it! She is incredibly gentle with everyone/thing, loooves her family so much, very sensitive, can't handle people yelling or anything, very little drive and she is very lazy, Libby's idea of a perfect day is spending it cuddled on the couch with her favourite person being fed delicious treats and only going outside to the toilet. Flick is so far a lot of fun, great level of drive/trainability, quiet/calm in the house when you want her to be... she is quite sensitive, high prey drive and reactive with other dogs (but thankfully can be distracted with a toy)

3) The apparent lack of full health testing and titles other than conformation titles in my country has put me off Dobermans a bit, I am very involved in agility, and it's very competitive here with just one venue, so Dobermans will be competing against Border Collies and other farm dogs... Most Dobermans I have seen do NOT stand a chance against the high drive farm bred dogs (heck even the Belgian Shepherds I have seen can't hold their own against a farm bred dog), this would put me off having a Doberman at this stage.

4) I am curious about lots of other breeds... I would love a New Zealand Huntaway one day, or a NZ heading dog Would also love a Malinois, and I would love to try training a sighthound (perhaps a Saluki)... Other breeds in the "would love to own but probably won't" box... Papillon, Cocker Spaniel (English, not American), Bullmastiff, smooth hair Border Collie...
 
#16 ·
Questions:
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

Vizslas, who do NOT play as rough as Dobes :) Flirt is not allowed to play rough unless Vizslas want to play rough. She LOVES it when we have pittie boarders :)
What they do in the yard
tunnel fun - YouTube

What Flirt does when she wants to play Dobe style Hey
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I said HEY
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ARE YOU DEAF - I WANT TO PLAY
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made you look!
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2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?
Similar to Dobes, but MORE velcro and MORE energy (both pros and cons)

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?
No
 
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#17 ·
1. I have a male doberman, a rescued female staffie mix, and a male standard poodle. They all get along extremely well, although the am staff mix and the dobe are both extremely needy and affectionate and will get pushy with each other when it comes to receiving attention. The dobe and the poodle play better as kaya my mix breed is a very rough player. I have grown up with bearded collies and old english sheepdogs.

2. Staffie mix is the most loving dog I have ever owned with both people and pets. Con - the breed ban in Ontario and the prejudice against her breed is a daily frustration. Poodle - very obedient and friendly with everyone Con - He is very aloof and uninterested with us most of the time (i prefer my velcro dogs) He is also a submissive/excited urinator and a constant barker. Also wayyy too much grooming. I love him dearly but i would never choose to get another.

3. No way. I love mine more than anything. I have grown up around other dogs in both the show ring and working at a boarding kennel and nothing can quite compare. (but I'm biased :p)
 
#18 · (Edited)
My answer might differ from a lot of people on this board. I love my dobermans, and am so grateful to have shared my life with three wonderful dogs of this breed. With that said, they are not *my* breed, per se. I will not say that I will never have another, as there are a lot of traits about the breed that I love, and I look at Ripley and Keira both often and have a hard time imagining life without Dobermans... but at the same time, there are breeds better suited to me at this point in my life.

1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

I also have Dance, my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. She let them know early on that she was not going to tolerate any rude play, and so they play together very nicely. Dance does have a different play style, but the dogs all adjust their styles to fit one another it seems. Dance is a very hardy little dog and in a lot ways is rougher than the Dobes when she plays. She loves to wrestle hard, she loves to tug and she loves to chase and be chased. The Dobes like all of those same things, but they also like to body slam eachother sometimes (though not as much as a lot of other Dobes I know), which they do not do with Dance thank goodness. She's sturdy, but she is half of Keira's size and more than half of Ripley's size. Ripley and Dance really are the best of friends. Keira doesn't play a whole lot unless she's in a certain mood, but Ripley and Dance love playing together and just hanging out together too.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

I've owned a few different breeds, so this question is hard for me. We've had a Dalmatian, four Rottweilers, 3 Miniature Dachshunds, and we even had a Bichon Frise when I was really little. There are pros and cons to every breed I've owned, including Dobermans. The thing I like best about Dobermans though when compared to most of the other breeds I've owned is just how tolerant they are of everything. Doesn't matter what I want to do to them, I'm doing it, so they're going to tolerate it without complaint. My other dogs were all very tolerant as well, but there is just something about the Dobes that seems a bit extra somehow. For example: when I hug the dobes, they stand still and kind of melt and when I hug Dance, she gets all wiggly and excited and then gives in and stays still for a quick second. Or, when I'm doing their nails, the Dobes always give in and even if they kick a bit, they aren't brats. Where as Dance always puts up a bit of a struggle and I have to lay her down a couple of times. She's much more headstrong than the Dobes are in a lot of ways, if that makes sense. Another thing I like about the Dobes is just how compliant they are. I tell them to do something, and sure, they might blow me off every now and then but chances are good they're going to do what they're told and not push my buttons. Dance is more sneaky and is likely going to try what I just told her not to do again and again, just in case I change my mind. She's much more mischevious than they are. Pros for the Dobermans when compared to my Rottweilers are that Dobermans obviously shed a lot less, they're more reserved & refined in their mannerisms, they don't pant constantly, etc. But the Rottweilers were far more eager to please over all, made better pillows (sturdier -- I'm always afraid of squishing the Dobes, haha), and were just so overwhelmed with love and joy and devotion in a more forward way than my Dobes are. More differences about the Doberman when compared to other breeds I've owned: They're ultra clingy and take "velcro" to a whole other level, they have kind of an unfocused energy that is sometimes hard to channel, they are very prone to reactivity it seems and same sex aggression, they can be very sensitive, etc.

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

Yes, I have. I won't even consider owning another Doberman after my current two are gone until I own my own home one day. Right now I don't want another Doberman because: I am going to move away from home at some point and it's hard to find somewhere to live with a Dobe, I would prefer a breed not prone to dog aggression/same sex aggression at this point (I've been fortunate that both of mine are dog friendly so far), I want something a little smaller (again for living situations, and also because it is easier to take a smaller dog places than it is to take a Doberman a lot of times), I want something more geared toward frisbee and fetch without having to worry about too much joint stress, and I want something much more quick to learn and eager to please, etc. Tollers are my breed for sure and are the breed I hope to always have one of, but I think my next dog will be a Koolie (I've given Kelpies some thought also). With that said, just because I don't want another Doberman in the near future, that doesn't mean I will never have another. There are lots of things I love about them that might make me get another someday, when the time is right.

And question four doesn't really apply to me, since I've never owned just Dobermans. Actually, I've never just solely owned one breed at a time. We've always been a multi breed house hold. The only reason we have Dobermans is because we fell into them through word of mouth that there was a nice dog available through rescue.
 
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#19 · (Edited)
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?
I own a yorkie, who is an old fart. She does not tolerate Juno's play. I also see my dad's Pug & Shih Tzu 3-5 days a week. They don't like her either. LOL.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

I sort of answered that, in a way.

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

No.

4. Those with ONLY dobies, would you ever own anything else? Any other breeds ever caught your attention that you may be curious to have? What drew you to having a Doberman in the first place? If you could not own a Doberman, what would be your second choice?
A Rottie, Cane Corso, or Presa Canario. I think I'd like to have a "heavier" dog one day, and see if they make out to be good sport dogs.
 
#20 ·
I'm still playing even though I don't have a dobe yet :(

1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? I have a Boxer, an APBT, and a Chihuahua-mix (we believe either MinPin, JRT, or rat terrier). Only my Boxer, Lillie, has ever played with a Doberman - absolutely loved it, very similar play styles. Considering my APBT (Bella) and Chi-mix (Keiko) can't get enough of Lillie, I'd like to think that they'd play well with a Dobe. I always call Keiko my little mini-Dobe because his play style is so similar.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own? Lillie is one of the absolute sweetest, cuddly dogs I've ever had. I had Huskies and Malamutes growing up, so it's a whole different ball game. I lovelovelove velcro dogs. I love that Lillie is so happy to see me (even if I've only been gone 10 minutes) that her little butt couldn't stop wiggling if she tried. Keiko is very similar and very in tune to emotions. However, his barking drives me NUTS. He's very protective of our family and even of Lillie and Bella. Bella and Lillie are both so comical that they always cheer me up when I have a bad day, and Keiko use the cuddle method to cheer me up.

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed? I will always have a bully breed. Always. But I really want a Dobe as every one that I've met has been the sweetest and they're such amazing, intelligent dogs.
 
#21 ·
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman?

Just have Rocko, I grew up around hunting Labradors.


2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

Labs are people dogs, everyone knows and loves them. Good dogs just not a breed I have a use for.(my dad is an avid hunter and his dogs are worked all throughout the hunting season)

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

I'm still on the fence about this, I love my Rocko but am considering another breed for my next sport dog.(this is something that is in the far future however) In the meantime I'm hoping to Foster a GSD in the near future!


4. Those with ONLY dobies, would you ever own anything else? Any other breeds ever caught your attention that you may be curious to have? What drew you to having a Doberman in the first place? If you could not own a Doberman, what would be your second choice?

The next dog I purchase will be either a Dutch Shepard, GSD, or a Malinois. Not sure yet, it so far into the future I have plenty of time to sort it out!
 
#22 ·
I've had a mixed breed mutt and a dobie x GSD way back in my past...but my last two boys were pure dobe and this is the way I'll go forevermore. There is no other breed for me!

The only other breed that stands any chance to tempt me is the minature schnautzer as they have big dog personality in a small package...and I do like the colouring of the weims...but I doubt either will tempt me away from dobes.

To me, dobes are the total dog....not too big, not too small, the perfect combination of social and loving...but fearless protection when required. They're 'clean' and low maintenance grooming wise...the perfect indoor dog. They're exhuberant, intelligent and totally engaged in your life, uncannily discerning and full of personality. They talk to you and challenge you and make you laugh, cry, holler and drink! :lol:

plus IMHO they are the best looking breed out there...again, it's that perfect balance of sleek muscle and athletiscim in a medium sized package. They work hard and play hard, but at the end of the day they like nothing better than to flop out on the couch and snuggle.

The only downside to the breed is that it is riddled with health issues and it does your head in trying to find a bloodline that will give you the best chance at a long and healthy relationship...and when they go....they take HUGE chunks of your heart with them, the loss is horrendous and the house/life way too empty. :( A dobermann is never "just a dog"

I like the responsibility that comes with owning a dobe....you simply can't be complacent or mediochre about training and socialisation...you have to get involved and fully committed to it as if you give them an inch they will take a mile. They force you to better yourself as a person and their reputation depends on your own intelligence, sensitivity and conduct. They require total committment, which means they're not the breed for everyone...but if you have what it takes...they take everything to a higher level and are simply amazing! I feel so blessed to have had two amazing companions so far and I was as proud of them as any mother...both very individual and different personalities, but both shared the loyalty, intelligence and regality that the breed is known for.

There is no other breed for me :)
 
#23 ·
I can only answer two of these questions, right now :D

3. I'll probably always own a doberman. I just love the breed too much not to.

4. I'm actually looking into getting a Corgi in the next 1.5-2 years, I've always wanted a two dog family. I love my dobie and one day maybe I'll have a pair (not siblings, not two boys, lol) but for now I want a dobie and a small tough dog that can keep up with him :D I got the dobie first because I wanted a bigger dog. I wanted a dog that was intelligent, loyal, and intimidating looking. Before I got Dreizehn I had met a bunch of dobies and loved them all so it seemed like a good fit.
 
#24 · (Edited)
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

I have border terriers, and even though they are little, they play rough with my Doberman. Borders are very growly and bitey during play, so they jump on and grab at Chase when playing. They will actually tag team him, so one will jump at his throat and wrestle for awhile and then leave when the other one jumps in. You wouldn't think Chase would like it, but he has a blast. Chase loves body slamming, but that is a big no-no with the little dogs, and both they and I will tell him off if he tries. He actually hurt my older girl's leg pretty bad a couple of weeks ago when I believe he body slammed her...didn't actually see it happen. I don't let play escalate too much because terriers have a short fuse, and I don't want someone getting pissed and then it escalating into a fight.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

Cons: Borders cannot be trusted off leash and even the most trained OTCH dog may take off after a critter. They tend to be reactive and do everything in a big, big way. The grooming is work on them. They don't have the relaxed, easy-going vibe that Chase is already showing at 19 months. They can be prone to same sex aggression, especially bitches. They can be climbers and will hop on counters/tables to test you!

Pros: They are very smart and very, very charming. Most are extremely trainable and excel in dog sports. They love everybody and are incredibly outgoing. They are a big dog in a small, transportable body. They are fun. They like exercise and doing, but will hang out all day without bothering you if you don't want to go out. They are cuddly and will lie like a baby in your arms for hours.

I grew up with a GSD and a golden, and my mom still has one of both. Prefer the GSD temperament over the golden in a big way. First golden was a decently cool dog, but my mom's current golden, from big time show lines, has little personality.

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

I have considered not owning a Doberman. I will always have border terriers, so it is very important that my Dobe have a very sound temperament to safely live with little dogs. Chase is a wonderfully kind, obedient, and tolerant dog, and I regularly have Dobe breeders and owners go on and on about how exceptional his temperament is. So, since his temperament draws so much attention, I'm worried that he's not the norm, and he's the kind of dog I need with my little dogs. Terrier bitches can be pushy and bitchy, and Chase deals with their 'tudes without batting an eye. I fear that I wouldn't get so lucky with another Doberman, and I don't want to have to worry about my little guys' safety around a Dobe. Maybe I'm being silly. I sure hope that Chase's temperament is the norm in this breed because I would love to have another!
 
#26 ·
I do agree with you though, and its half of the reason I started this thread.. I love my bullies, always have always will. But something about the dobie keeps suckin me in. Keep em coming!

I like to see how the "aggressive breed" people stick together. Other than the bullies, I'd give the following breeds a try: Shepherds, Dogo, and esp the Presa. I'd love to test out a Bel Mal. Shepherd.. I doubt I will ever own. Being a groomer I know the hair, and I don't even like cleaning up the short hair from the 3 dogs I have now. Dogo- I can't decide if I want a dog that is almost all white, all the time. Presa- I don't care for the shoulders being lower than the butt. Stupid, I know.. I think they're beautiful but it just bothers me for some reason.
 
#27 ·
Questions:
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?
Whippets. The whippets definitely play with the dobermans. They play very well together. Basically the whippets run really fast and the dobermans lumber along behind frustrated trying to catch them.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?
Pros - sweet and naturally biddable, extremely clean and odorless, very genetically and structurally healthy and long lived, athletic and amazing to watch at full speed while at the same time being completely lazy and laid back to live with, get along well with everyone - not dog aggressive to any sex normally, all natural with the exception of dewclaw removal, organized racing activities that anyone can get involved in and it's a TON of fun, nice medium size, extremely low maintenance grooming.

Cons - not trustworthy off leash unless in a very "safe" area as they can be 200 yards away in less than 11 seconds and good luck on a recall from there, while intelligent and naturally biddable they tend to give you the finger during formal obedience, prey drive varies but can be pretty extreme in some cases to any small creature that dares to run from them outside in open spaces (beware cats or even small squeaky dogs in dog parks), and an unfortunately high incidence of cophragia.

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?
Hell no.
 
#40 ·
Pros - sweet and naturally biddable, extremely clean and odorless, very genetically and structurally healthy and long lived, athletic and amazing to watch at full speed while at the same time being completely lazy and laid back to live with, get along well with everyone - not dog aggressive to any sex normally, all natural with the exception of dewclaw removal, organized racing activities that anyone can get involved in and it's a TON of fun, nice medium size, extremely low maintenance grooming.
I swear, you've pretty much convinced me I need a whippet. The only thing I worry about with a whippet, is that I love hiking and I would be concerned that they're too delicate for hiking. Any thoughts?
 
#29 · (Edited)
1. What dog breeds do you own, and how do they play with your Doberman? Do they play together at all (we all know Dobies have a "way" of playing)?

I grew up with Irish Setters and a yellow lab. Otto raised my mom's current Setter, Banner. They were the best of friends and were perfect for each other in terms of energy level and rough play. I have never really cared for Banner, but since he was Otto's BFF I tolerated him.

Now I foster Great Danes, but I've never had the chance to let one play with a Doberman. My last foster had TONS of energy and would have been an ideal companion for a Doberman. If my current foster got along with dogs, I think her energy level would work well with a Doberman too.

2. Pros/cons of other breeds you own?

Pros: Beautiful, loving, velcro, on/off switch, comedic personalities, short coat, big

Cons: fear issues, expensive, not as smart as I would like, health issues

3. Have you ever considered not owning a Doberman and sticking with another breed?

No, I will always have a Doberman in my life if I can help it. I struggle going day to day without one ;)

Some of the other breeds I would like to own in addition to my future Dobermans: Great Dane, pitty, mastiff type/mix, miniature Bull Terrier, and really any big dog, sturdy dog.