Doberman, Boxer, or Something Else?

Question

So I've been looking for a dog to adopt. I need a dog that doesn't shed too much, is active, smart, loyal, and above all, of a decent size (no offense to anybody, but a yappy little ankle chewer isn't a dog in my book). I live in rural nowhere, so when it's nice outside (I live in Ohio, it's been hot and nasty lately), I normally disappear for a few hours to walk down the roads and on the edge of farm fields. I'm finishing up high school online, so available time will not be a problem until I graduate and throw myself into the working force. And whatever I come home with must be cat friendly and able to tolerate my grandmother's Pomeranian. I also have previous experience with large or stubborn breeds, and two acres of property for them, so space and ability to deal with a bull-headed animal aren't going to be issues here.

So I go to petfinder.com, and find the most gorgeous Doberman at a private rescue center. This dog seems to be the answer to my prayers. He's other pet friendly, only 15 months old, smart as a whip, and all basic obedience/housebreaking has been taken care of. It's not a guarantee I could get him though, being a private rescue, they thoroughly screen potential homes, and I'm paranoid I might not be the perfect home for him, even though I'm sure I am.

On the other hand, there's a Boxer in the local paper, 3 years old, not sure if he's altered, and much cheaper to take home. Problem is, I don't know anything about him other than the fact that he's a reverse brindle and has AKC paperwork on him. I plan on scheduling a visit to find all of this out though. If he's not the right dog, I have found plenty of other Boxers who could be good candidates.

So my question is this: If the Boxer qualifies for my needs, which breed would be better for me? Or is there a better breed or dog type out there that I should be looking at? I'm open to suggestions as long as they're not small dogs or the dogs that are typically stereotyped as "vicious". My grandmother is a firm believer that dogs like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls are nothing but monsters waiting for a chance to rip our faces off, and it took me long enough to make her think differently of the two dogs I'm considering, though she still holds a prejudice on them for being "ugly".

Answer 1

boxers have been popular w/ my friends. my bf 's mother breeds boxers. when trained right, they are a very loving breed.

Answer 2

Go for a Boxer, they are great guard dogs, wonderful with kids and great fun. They all tend to be a bit manic and need plenty of exercise and a good space to run round in. I speak from experience having had several. Trust me on this.

Answer 3

Rottweilers for me hands down. they are not noisy, they are loyal brave and smart. but since ur granny hates them, choose the boxers.

Answer 4

I'd say go for the doberman, but keep in mind that dobermans cannot be left alone for long periods when you eventually take your plunge into the work force. Your other pets this might occupy him, but i would recommend there being other ppl in the house when you leave. Since you say he is properly trained and is 14months old you might not have to deal with seperation anxiety as much as if he were a puppy. Anyway hope you choose the dobes, you'll love him.

Answer 5

Perhaps something else!  You say that you do not want a dog that sheds. Both of these breeds will.  They are short haired varieties, which in fact are harder to clear that longer haired breeds, (the little hairs just stick in like swords!) which with a pair of rubber gloves just rolls off soft furnishings and clothing.  Better still a breed like a poodle whose coat does not shed at all.  If you dont like smaller dogs, standard poodles? They are sporting dogs, and long walks will be great for them, and fancy cuts of coat are totally uneccessary. I do not think that either the boxer or the rottie breeds are neccessarily unsound tempers, The important thing of course is that whoever you chose, you love and care for each other!

Answer 6

If the doberman sounds like your perfect dog, at least go meet him. The worst they can tell you is no. But if he is already trained and gets along well with other pets, it sounds like it would be a good match.

Boxers are excellent dogs, but typically have very hyper puppy years and they do like to box. And if your grandma is already leary of these breeds, it might be a wiser choice to persue the dog that has the training already. With the boxer, you don't know how easy it will be to train at this stage, and you're going to have to go through the entire potty training and chewing stage again. Plus, if the boxer starts playing with the pomeranian and boxing, your grandma might take it as aggression or playing too rough and get upset. And with the bower, chances are he isn't neutered. Most dogs don't get neutered until they're 5-6 months old, with a couple exceptions, one exception is dogs from a rescue, and another exception is dogs from a breeder that they don't want bred for a specific reason. So do your homework on the boxer pup, because even if he's cheaper to take home you'll still have to pay to complete his shots and neuter him, and if he is neutered from the breeder he might not be breeding quality. A lot of times it isn't a huge deal, but if he is neutered already really check him out for obvious problems like an underbite or gait/leg problems. Good luck finding your dream dog!

Answer 7

I say a great dane they are playful yet big but gental look them up !

hope i helped :-)