Doberman Vs German shorthaired pointer. Which breed for my family?

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kdempsey61

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#1
Hi all. Im a new member to this forum wanting some information on two particular breeds that we are interested in. We are considering getting another dog around christmas time, as my partner will away alot and I dont feel safe with only my foxy to protect me. (Although im sure he'd give anyone a run for their money if they tried to hurt me!)

As I have mentioned, we already have a 4yr old male fox terrier who loves the company of other dogs. We also have a 1yr old son and another on the way! We own our own home with a large block, however we are in the market to buy a small farm for my horses. I prefer shorthaired dogs as I get asthma. I take my foxy for a run everyday at the local dog park, (which is more of a feild) where he chases rabbits to his hearts content. we also enjoy going to the river in summer time.

I have always had a love for dobermans and would love to own one however I have heard that, though good with your own children, they are not tolerant of other peoples children. Also that they prefer to be on their own and are not really "other dog friendly".

I also like GSP,I used to babysit a friends show dogs occassionally and found them very affectionate and good looking dogs.

I'm just not sure on what breed is for me. Please help!!
 
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#2
A well-bred, socialized Doberman can be a model citizen. I've known many people who had Dobermans that were friendly and outgoing, but knew their business when it came time to protect their owners or property. The secret is to socialize your dog so that it understands the difference between what is normal and what is a threat.

With your male Fox Terrier, I'd strongly suggest getting a female dog, whatever breed you get.

I'd also strongly suggest that you check out Doberman Rescues. It can give you a great opportunity to find the perfect dog; you'll know what kind of temperament the dog has, how big it's going to be (there's a wide disparity in size among Dobermans today), and you don't have to go through all the hard puppy stuff. That's how my sister got her female German Shepherd, who is a perfect match with the male Jack Russell they have. The German Shepherd keeps the Jack Russell in line, won't let him be alone with the kids (he bit one once - but he was fully justified), and just generally keeps things orderly.
 
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#3
Hi,I'm also new to this site,and I just read your message about dobermans & german short hairs.Well I currently own a 2 year old female German short haired pointer.She has never been good with children, but is very protective of our property.Shes an excellent guard dog,she has never been around children or other people out of the family.I wouldn't trust her around children,because of the fact she bit a little boy on the butt a year ago.She stays at home in the yard,very good dog doesn't run off.But won't let anyone she doesn't know in our yard.I also love dobbies,I've never owned one,so I'm not real sure how they'd be around children.I think any breed would be good with kids if socilized with them at an very early age and trained properly.hope this helps you decide...
 

seaecho

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I suspect you'd be happier with a Dobie. GSHPs are too hyper for many people, and from what I've experienced, also can be very destructive. They need the vigorous exercise that only an all-day hunt would provide. Most people I've known who had them say they are too much of a handful for the average family.

Dobies on the other hand can be very individual. More so than many other breeds. Lots of Dobies are just big wimps - not good watch or guard dogs at all. You need to be sure the parents of your potential pup have guard dog temperaments, but are also good with kids. An intelligent dog can tell the difference between a harmless kid and a dangerous or potentially dangerous adult. Some Dobies are not much in the brains department - and hyper. Another good reason to check out the parents. Some Dobies can be TOO good at guarding, and are not trustworthy with other dogs and kids. Do your homework - make sure the temperament on your dog is guaranteed as well as the health.

Incidentially, its not true about Dobies being independent and not wanting much to do with other dogs. I've owned them and had friends and clients (used to work as a vet tech) who had Dobies that are very social with other dogs. It seems to be the norm for the breed, so I don't know why someone would tell you differently, unless they happened to own an unusually solitary dog. As with everything, do your research, and if you find a dog with the right temperament for your family, you're on the right track.

Randi
 
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#5
My limited experience with pure breds has had me cross paths with many GSHPs, mainly because I compete in Shotgun comps and know a bunch of hunters (which I'm not). They are indeed pretty hyper for your average family setting, and need a lot of outdoor time.

Thats said, watching a good pointer work is cool as heck. My best friend when I lived in Cali had a GSHP named Ruger who I dogsat pretty frequently. It was fun watching him point at everything: frogs, turtles, snakes, and even grasshoppers! I'm sure that pointer "purists" would hate that, but i thought it was fun.
 
F

FaceZ Of DeaTh

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#6
Get a doberman. I dont have a pareticular reason except the fact that i liek dobermans. They are extremely smart and i like big guard dogs. My parents had one when i was little and it new like 30 tricks. It also was realy protective.
 
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#7
Dobies are great dogs. I can't wait to get a bigger yard so I can get another one.

Chazhound
 

Jazzie

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#8
Well i have no real advice as to which dog you get but i will say this......we recently tried to get a rehomed dog here in the UK and they advised us against it if we had a young child in the house,our son is 3 by the way,so this is why we ended up with a new puppy instead.Just a thought if you were going to go that way,they told us it was very hard to place a 'home' dog with small kids due to not knowing the dogs full history.
Hubby had a Dobie before we met and by all accounts he was a superb dog who was very well adjusted and excellant with people.
Good luck with whatever you choose.....especially if you have a baby to look after too

Kerry
 
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#9
I've know a number of Dobes over the years and all were great with any kids, even the ones that didn't live there, but came over to play. I would recommend a Dobe over a GSP, they seem to be wall bouncers, and may be a little too much.
 

Danielle

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#10
Well, I'm a little biased since I have the most amazing GSP that I could ever ask for. That doesn't mean that she isn't a handful at times.... but I've learned many things about this breed. They are EXTREMELY affectionate. They love all of their owners equally. And if possible would just cuddle all day just to be close to a human. But, when that's not possible, yes, they want to run and play and point! They certainly need 2 walks or 2 runs a day. If you have a yard for them to play in then that's great. They are active as are dobermans. As long as they get activity in their schedules, they they won't be destructive and they'll leave you alone. If socialized with other dogs and children early on, their great. My dog never barks at other dogs. She loves to play with any dog she meets! They're great guard dogs and yes they're protective when someone new comes to the house, but in my opinion I'd rather that my dog be a bit reserved with someone she doesn't know. All in all, they're great, fun, affectionate, trainable, intelligent, funny and beautifully elegant dogs. So many people compliment her on her gorgeous coat!!! Get a GSP!!
 

Debi

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THE most wonderful dog I've ever known was a Dobie my brother in law had. They also had 4 children....and it was so amazing..with ALL children. This dog was the very best. Gorgeous....and so easily trained. She would come in the door and stop...and stay, until someone wiped her paws. OH, I LOVED her!! Truly the smartest dog I'd ever been around. One day she saw what I suppose she thought a threat outside their yard...she ran...and believe it or not, she tried to stop at the perimeter, but failed. She was hit by a car. No matter how many dogs I own that I adore........that Dobie was one fabulous dog that you just can't imagine...and just can't duplicate. They tried getting another pup from the same parents. She's nice and loveable........but not the caliber as that first amazing dog. It's a wonder I don't own a Dobe.......I have so much respect for their intelligence...just from that experience. I also favor GSD....they have also exhibited such an intelligence, if bred correctly. German shorthair pointers.....my neighbor has two. They live a bit away, and she is ALWAYS out looking for them. Seems those two are either curious, or wanting to be hunting...but it seems a pain to me. Course, you can't judge just by a couple. I think for either breed.........consider if you have enough time and space. They need both. Also...this neighbor doesn't have children, so I've no idea about the GSP with kids. All I do know from her is they do seem a bit hyper.
 

RedHotDobe

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#12
This is an old topic, but I'll post my opinion anyway.

Personally, I prefer Dobermans. I love the looks of a GSP, but I fell in love with the Dobe temperament. By no means are they independent. Duke will follow me everywhere, and if possible, would like to be touching be at all times. He doesn't usually sleep on the bed, but one night I looked at him the wrong way and before I knew it he was laying on the bed. He loves anyone that pets him, but there's always one person that Dobermans prefer the most. As far as kids go, he loves them. He'll stand there while they hang all over him. However, because I got him from someone who had him for a couple years, and they in turn got him from the shelter, I really don't know his whole history. I do know that he hates any man that walks in the house (and some that aren't). I have to hold his collar while he barks and tried to tear across the floor when the heat/AC guy comes. My neighbor actually walked in the yard once without Duke seeing him, which was a big mistake. He charged him and tried to take a few bites, but I grabbed his lead before he could. This may not be the case for you though if you get a dog that is properly socialized. Also, while he adores any dog that visits the house, or whom he visits at their house, he hates all dogs while out on walks. He was attacked while on a walk once by a black lab, and then attacked again about a month or two later by some sort of beagle mix. He seems to be getting over it, but he's still pretty testy around other dogs. (Offense is the best defense sort of strategy.) Again, get a properly socialized dog and this will not be the case with you. The only problem I could see with the dog park is that whatever happens, your dog will be blamed for starting it. I was at the dog park once and all the dogs were being rather rude about introducing themselves, so Duke voiced his opinion. Occasionally he'd growl and snap, but he'd stop after I called his name. Then a dog walked up to him and just started growling at him, so I left. I knew someone would start complaining about him. (All of the dog park trips were pre-dog attacks by the way.) As far as rescues go, they are great loving dogs. One things I've noticed is that the dogs in rescue recently are either small (45 to 60 pounds) or large (90 to 110 pounds).

Overall, the Doberman is a wonderful breed. Great temperament, great looks, highly intelligent, and a fearless protector.
 

agilitydobemom

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#13
I own three rescued Dobes and they are all great with kids and are a protective and intimidating dog (not one of mine would hurt a flea) and everyone is scared to death of them and thing they are going to rip there leg off
From the sound of it you are looking for a companion which Dobes are they are what I like to call "velcro" dogs they stick to you like glue I am sitting here at my computer and all three are lying right by me one beside, one behind and the other is under my desk and a dog who will protect you and this a Doberman will do thats what they were bred for but more than protect they will intimidate and probably will never have to inforce themselves they are also easily trained, and great with other dogs as long as they are well socialized and the suggestion to get from a rescue is great because mine were all over a year old when I got them and in dire needs of a great human and they let me know every day that they appreciate me saving their lives :)
 

SizzleDog

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I know, I know - old thread, but I'd just liek to point out that I read somewhere that dobes were used in developing the GSP... or was it vice versa?

Personally, I'm biased - I love the dobes. Then again, I'm really picky. I own a very drivey, intense dobe, and I know that dobes aren't the breed for everyone. They are extremely fast, strong, powerful, intense little buggers that have a defnite stubborn streak.
 
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#15
I have owned 2 GSP's and they were both very different one was from German working lines and the other from USA show lines. I rehomed the german dog and have just lost the other boy to old age. Whether you decide on a Dobe or a GSP remember to get the healthiest dog you can afford. I know of several problems in the Dobe breed but then the GSP's not perfect either. I think what I'm saying is go in with your eyes wide open and a head full of facts, not all breeders will tell you the truth.
 

smkie

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#16
old post but i just found it...Bin (the daddy dog) in my gallery was excellent with 2 footed and 4 footed children..u couldn't ask for a gentler dog..but oh my was he hyper and taught me everything I needed to know about running...after him that is..I got to where I could hurdle chain link fences and the neighbors said...we didn't see no dog but we wondered who in the world was chassing u! We thought u was on fire!!! just thought I would add my 2 cent worth. I have never had any experience with a dobby
 

Doberluv

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#17
My Doberman is 18 months old and I can tell you, they are no piece of cake as puppies. They can be very destructive if bored and not given ample exercise. As they grow they continue to need a lot of exercise. They are very, very active dogs, not content to just lie around the house. They're up like a shot at the slightest noise, on a mission at all times to make sure everything is on the up and up. If a dog who cannot relax and let noises outside pass by would make you nervous, a Dobe is not the breed for you. They are also obsessed with their owner and will tend to follow you everywhere. I love that, but some people would be irritated by it.

They do need to be saturated with socialization and obedience training. They take more than your average amount of involvement. They are wonderful dogs and I can't see living without one but be forwarned. I don't think I've had any more affectionate and loyal dog. And he flat out makes me laugh every day. They do the strangest, funniest things. I just think they're the "Cadilac" of dogs.

Puppies are work, a real project. Dobermans are known to tend toward dog aggressiveness, especially same breed/male to male aggressiveness. You never want to have two male Dobermans. So far, my Lyric is not. But he's been in group classes starting when he was very young. I definitely recommend the opposite sex of your other dog. And I would recommend a puppy to grow up with your children and small dog. The reason they are sometimes not good with other children who come to play is that the screaming and running sometimes is misconstrued as a threat to your children. But if brought up from puppyhood with these kids, the Doberman should be just fine. But of course, always, always supervise any dog with children. Their prey drive can get the best of them as they tend to have quite a strong prey drive and may chase a kid who is running and who knows what next?

Heavy socialization is a must. I cannot stress that enough. And that is from the moment you bring the pup home. Group classes, obedience, agility or other sport is very good for them. They DO need to feel like they have a job to do or they can become bored and frusterated.

I'm all for rescue. I think it's a wonderful thing to do to save those dogs and give them a good, happy life. And if you can be very, very sure of what you're getting, it may be nice to skip the puppy stuff. But sometimes they don't evalutate the dog well. I've heard of some cases where mistakes or carelessness has happened. I think if I had small children, I would lean more toward starting with a puppy and letting them imprint and grow from the get go. Of course, if your children are very small, you need to be extra careful. Plus you small dog can be hurt. Dobes can play awfully rough as pups. But I guess most larger breed pups do too, but these guys are something else again.

They are not a breed for someone who is not very, very familiar with having had dogs or not experienced with training their dogs and not for someone who is not assertive. They cannot be treated with a heavy hand or harshly....very sensative but at the same time, they need to have clear guidance and know who's in charge.

Whatever you decide, do your research and read everything you can get your hands on. Talk to people at shows who own the breed you're interested in. Get around and spend some time with that breed. And go to a reputable breeder. That is very important for not only health but finding the best temperament bred into them that you can find.


Good luck.
 

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