Boxer, Rottweiler, or Doberman Pinscher?

[Fandogg]

I've narrowed it down to 3 breeds. They all display things that I like in a dog and want in a dog. I simply cannot decide. I am not a novice when it comes to dogs so I don't want to hear "you really should find a dog that fits your lifestyle"...Trust me these breeds fit my lifestyle, I've already determined that. The question now is I want to do competitive obedience and conformation events with my dog(s). The Doberman I understand would be best for competitive obedience. But how would it co-exist with other other dogs if I decided to get more? The Boxer is more submissive then the rest of the breeds which I covet. However their trainability is up for question. The Rottweiler has the best looks in my opinion. But how are they versus the Dobbie and Boxer when it comes to competitive obedience. (probably comparative to the boxer). Which dog sheds the most?

This is important to...there is one thing for some reason I've always feared and that is while at conformation which dog is least likely to bite the judge when the judge looks into it's mouth?...Plz help me.

 

[wildwings811]

Well I think all the breeds you mentioned are suitable for obedience the Dobie (the breed I have) is not agressive with other dogs as long as they are socialized properly and none of the breeds are aggresive as long as you train them in the proper manner

I agree that the Doberman would probably be best at obedience but that is my opinion although I have seen many great Rotties at obedience competitions and I can't say that I have seen many Boxers at obedience competitons

I guess it is all in what you like

Oh by the way I know for a fact that Dobies do shed alot but don't know about the other breeds with the shedding but I would say probably about the same

 

[Mordy]

all three are traditional working breeds that will do well in obedience. i don't think any of them is "better" or "more suitable" than the other. it really comes down to personal preference.

what is important in your case is to make sure you get the right individual, regardless of the breed you choose. look for a breeder who is involved in obedience and other dog sports, not just in conformation. tell the breeder exactly what your goals and expectations are and let him/her pick the most suitable pup for you.

 

[showpug]

I show in conformation and if your dog is trained and socialized properly they won't bite the judge. Go to the shows and meet some people in the three different breeds that you like. Ask them questions and watch the dogs and how they are handled in the ring. It is VERY rare that a dog goes for the judge. You just have to train your puppy to stand for examination and to allow it's mouth to be looked at and opened by a stranger. I like all 3 of the breeds you chose and would assume that a rottweiler would shed the most because it is a double coated breed whereas boxers and dobies are not. All 3 are intelligent and great working dogs. I would say the boxer would be the most energetic and then the dobie and then the rott, but that is just my personal experience. Good luck

 

[Melissa_W]

In an ranking of the intelligence of dogs, Dobes are #5, Rotties are #9 and Boxers are #48. I don't know how much stock to put into it though.

http://www.agilitynet.com/reference/dogintelligence.html


My aunt had a Boxer, and it gave me a very poor impression of the breed. He was very hyper and inattentive. However, I realize that many times it's more the owner than the dog. Good luck on your decision!

 

[showpug]

In an ranking of the intelligence of dogs, Dobes are #5, Rotties are #9 and Boxers are #48. I don't know how much stock to put into it though.

http://www.agilitynet.com/reference/dogintelligence.html


My aunt had a Boxer, and it gave me a very poor impression of the breed. He was very hyper and inattentive. However, I realize that many times it's more the owner than the dog. Good luck on your decision!

It is interesting...I have actually moved away from referring to a dogs behavior as intelligent or not intelligent. I have learned over the years that dogs in general are intelligent animals and that they just think differently. Some dogs are more driven and tenacious while other are less driven and patient.

I must admit that my experience with Boxers has been very similar to your experience with your Aunt's boxer!!!! LOL!

 

[Melissa_W]

Yeah, I know what you mean. The ranking is based on the number of times it takes the dogs to perfect a new command. However, that isn't necessarily an indication of intelligence. My dog "plays dumb" all the time. He doesn't seem to understand what I mean if it's something he doesn't want to do! It would probably be better to call it a ranking of "trainability" or something.

 

[Melissa_W]

by the way, your pug is so adorable!

 

[showpug]

by the way, your pug is so adorable!

Thanks!! He's my rescue boy and household senior citizen. He's the best at snoring and giving the blank stare look from across the room LOL!!

I agree with you on the trainability comment. My pugs are that way. They will only agree to learn if you have something for them, otherwise they just play dumb....I actually think that behavior requires more brain power and smarts then the bouncing eager-to-please do anything for you lab....but then again I am biased

 

[Dakotah_2009]

what is important in your case is to make sure you get the right individual, regardless of the breed you choose. look for a breeder who is involved in obedience and other dog sports, not just in conformation. tell the breeder exactly what your goals and expectations are and let him/her pick the most suitable pup for you.

I agree w/ that as well. Talk to a breeder, it maybe the best thing.

 

[Fandogg]

re

I have eminated the Boxer as one of my choices so I am making progress...Now it is between Rottweilers and Dobermans...I like the looks of Rottweilers better but I am still unsure. Any opinions greatly appreciated.

 

[RD]

Do you know anything about the Doberman breed? Have you researched showing Dobes in conformation at all? It is HARD for even an extremely skilled owner-handler to put points on a dog, if you wanted to finish your Dobe's championship your best bet would probably be to place the dog with a professional handler. The Doberman ring is really competitive, and it'd be tough for you to finish your dog if you weren't experienced in handling Dobes. Consider Juniors first, perhaps take handling classes.. Even that won't put you at the same level as a professional handler, but you will at least have a chance then.

I am looking into bringing a Doberman into the family when I move out, because I'd like to show in conformation. (Yeah, I'm gonna be owner-handling a Doberman, but it's already been made quite clear that I am insane.)

Don't know too much about Rotts, so i couldn't tell you anything about 'em. Sorry.

 

[Fandogg]

re

hmm...if the dobbie ring is really competitive i wonder how competitive the rottie ring is? anyone know?

 

[Doberluv]

I think it's great to try to find a breed geared to what you're interested in, in the way of sports or showing. Also, it's natural to be drawn to a good looking dog or to one which you like the looks of. However, I'm getting some weird red flags here. (I could be mistaken) I read no mention what so ever about the general personality of the breeds, what you like, the dog as a companion and family member. That's the majority of a dog's and your life....home life, your best friend. What kind of traits do you like in a dog? Laid back, compliant, let the world go by kind of dog? Or high energy, demanding, needing involvement by you just about 24/7? LOL. Perhaps you have already researched all this and hung out with some of these breeds. But I just wanted to caution you about this, just in case you're mainly picturing trotting around the ring with a well trained dog. And then you could end up with one which drives you nuts the rest of the time.

Male Dobermans are notoriously dog aggressive to other male Dobermans whether they're neutered, whether they're socialized well or not. Of course there are exceptions, but this is the general rule. They should not, however be aggressive to people and should not bite the judge. Shyness and viciousness are disqualifications and not any part of the correct Doberman temperament. Good breeding and owner handling, of course play into that.

 

[showpug]

Do you know anything about the Doberman breed? Have you researched showing Dobes in conformation at all? It is HARD for even an extremely skilled owner-handler to put points on a dog, if you wanted to finish your Dobe's championship your best bet would probably be to place the dog with a professional handler. The Doberman ring is really competitive, and it'd be tough for you to finish your dog if you weren't experienced in handling Dobes. Consider Juniors first, perhaps take handling classes.. Even that won't put you at the same level as a professional handler, but you will at least have a chance then.

I am looking into bringing a Doberman into the family when I move out, because I'd like to show in conformation. (Yeah, I'm gonna be owner-handling a Doberman, but it's already been made quite clear that I am insane.)

Don't know too much about Rotts, so i couldn't tell you anything about 'em. Sorry.

I have heard the same thing...the most competitve ring in conformation!!

 

[Fandogg]

Yes I have taken several breed selector questionaires ect to get to this point. But if anyone could shed some light on Rotties it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dakotah_2009]

I think you should get a Rottie. I like Dobes, but Rotties eem to be better, i really don't know how to explain it. but whatever you chose, i mean you have to live w/ the puppy.LOL

 

[Doberluv]

but Rotties eem to be better

Better at what? LOL!

 

[Dakotah_2009]

I think they look better and are shaped better, b/c of how buff they look and all. I think they both, Rotties and Dobes, have the same brain power and are both good at what they do.

 

[Fandogg]

Leaning towards Rotts.