Any advice/pros and cons about owning any of these dog breeds?

Question

I am getting a dog as soon as i finish college, and these are the breeds i am thinking about; a boxer, american bulldog, doberman, or german shepherd. I eventually want two dogs and the second will probably be one on that list also. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Boxers are very hyper so not good for a confined area. Although they are great jogging partners. American bulldogs can be confused with pit bulls and not allowed in certain areas (don't know why) but very friendly as is the one of homeward bound. Dobbies need good amounts of excersise and good socialization has pups to ensure a friendly dog. German shepards are prone to bad hips conditions, so you are better off spending a bundle to get a quality dog then a cheap one. I'm horrified that AKC still allows breeders to breed with the low hips.

Answer 2

Definitely do some research on each of the breeds. Contact breeders of them and talk to them and other people that have experience with the breed. The American Kennel Club website will have breed profiles as well as breeder and rescue lists. All of the dogs you are looking at need room and exercise for at least half an hour at least 3 times a day. German shepherds and Dobermans are great dogs but must definitely be socialized properly as puppies and you should still keep an eye on them in new situations or in a situation your dog could misread. Boxer are nice as well but have a lot of energy. They also can get a little smelly. American bulldogs are wonderful dogs but as another poster said they can be mistaken for pits so you have to make sure it is VERY VERY well trained and responsive to your commands. Do thorough research and pick which one will best suit your lifestyle.

Answer 3

I've not yet owned a boxer - but really do like them - but I HAVE owned or currently own the other 3 breeds -

All of my dogs came from rescues - all were and are superb animals. Every one of them! Even the American Bulldog - or Pit Bull. Remember that when you settle on a breed of dog - rescue dogs are ideal choices.

The key to owning any dog is obedience training. Make sure you go to a reputable class and keep up with his training even after the class is over - Obedience is a great sport btw - and excellent use of these dogs energy.

Check out communities' dog ordinances before you get any dog. Sadly, in US, some communities have banned the pit bull or American Bulldog - which is unfair but recognize that. As a young grad, you may have to go where the work is - not which is convenient to your choice of dog.

Also, make sure you have carved out significant time to spend with your dog. These dogs require at least 2 hours a day of "your" time - be it training, playing, or just hanging out on the couch - they need YOU.

Bottom line - all 4 dogs would be great pets.

Answer 4

You should fully research these breeds to determine each of their individual needs, energy levels, etc. Then, pick the dog that best suits your personality. Different breeds need different levels of exercise, so choose one that matches your activity level and be sure to consider how much time you will be able to devote to it. All of the dogs you are considering need a lot of attention and exercise. I think that all those breeds are beautiful and anyone of them would make a lovely companion, but in fairness to the dog, do your homework. A lot of people buy a purebred dog b/c they like the way it looks, and it ends up not fitting in with their lifestyle, or they can't give it all the attention/exercise it needs and it chews up everything in their house. These dogs end up in the pound or worse. Below are some websites that may help you, and good luck! There is nothing sweeter than a four-legged companion! These are just a few, but there are thousands!

Answer 5

Goldens really do need a fenced backyard. They're an active, working breed that needs to retrieve and run off their energy once a day. If you're dead set on getting one and can't find an apartment with a yard, bringing her to a dog park every other day may be an alternate plan. So look for an apartment within a few miles of a dog park. Getting another Pom could be good too, they are better apartment dogs than Goldens. I wouldn't worry about the attachment issue, if you're the only one walking/feeding her, and mostly the one playing with her, she'll attach to you just fine.

Answer 6

Well since I am very partial to Boxers that is the breed I can give you info on. You should go to your local library and check out a book called The Boxer Handbook by Joan Hustance Walker. They make great pets for a single person or a family of 10. Wonderful with kids. Great watch dog. Not NORMALLY aggressive. Beautiful, intelligent, charming, and energetic. They don't make good outside pets because they have short noses and overheat easily in the summer, and only have one coat which isn't enough to keep them warm in the winter. But ya better walk them everyday or they will do Boxer "burns" in the house. (Where they run frantically and jump around to burn off energy.)

Also check out www.boxerworld.com and http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a-z.htm

Answer 7

i would go with the american bulldog. just from a medical standpoint, boxers will almost always get some form of cancer or heart disease. doberman would be my secon d choice but they can also be predisposed to wobblers syndrome, von willebrands ( a bleeding disorder) and other things. shepherds can have really bad hip dysplasia so make sure you ask your breeder if they test their dogs hips. bulldogs have great personalities and they are generally
healthy. but make sure you research your breeder and ask lots of questions about line history, or go to a breed rescue. never buy a dog from a petstore.
make sure you research the type of dog as compared to where you live after college and make sure your lifestyle and living arrangement suit the dog and you.

Answer 8

American bull dogs, boxers are really gassie dogs. Just to tell you but they are good pets, the bull dog druwels abit.. the doberman, and the shepherd are big dogs and might cost you a bit of money to feed them( big dogs eat alot).
But I LOVE dogs and I think any dog is good as long as you have the time, the pashants, and are willing to pay for their every need then, probley GERMAN SHEPHERD I like big dogs too!

Answer 9

Your decision to own one of those breeds is premature at best. Have you considered the needs of those types of dogs? Have you considered that just out of college you may not have an appropriate yard or apartment for those types of dogs?

Those are considered large breeds and require lots of exercise (20 minutes daily of walking or running) and lots of attention. If those breeds are left in a small apartment and walked occasionaly you'll have problems and the poor animals will suffer because of your poor decision making.

Big dogs. Lots of exercise. YOU must be the pack leader or you will have trouble.

Advice: Get settled after college first, then in 6 months to a year begin looking at dogs. Think of the dog not yourself.

Answer 10

I have a german shepherd and she is the sweetest, smartest dog Ive ever had. Shes extremely laid back and adaptable. Beware though, they can jump really high. Mine clears the 6 ft privacy fence from the ground. Luckily shes just showing off and not trying to run away. You will never find a better all around dog!