Should i get a Doberman or German shepherd?

Question

I have narrowed down my search to those 2 breeds of dogs but i can't decided between them and i was wondering what are the major or minor differents between those two types of dog both as a pet and guard dog?

Answer 1

I hope you plan to spend a LOT of time with your choice ! Dobies are velcro dogs that what to be with you all day every day, if this is going to annoy you , then I would suggest you NOT get a Dobie.

Answer 2

No one but you can really answer that question. Since you say you've studied both breeds, which one seems to fit best with your lifestyle and situation? What are their activity levels and need for exercise? What are the maintenance requirments in terms of space, being good indoors vs. outdoors, and so forth? Both breeds need a significant amout of training and socialization - are you willing to spend the time and money to do that? What are the health issues with each of these breeds?
If you're determined to raise this dog from a puppy, find reputable breeders and be prepared to pay the cost of a quality animal. Each has a breed club devoted to that particular breed, and they will have breeder referrals. You can find these by going to the AKC's website, and looking at the information on each breed.
Otherwise, consider getting a dog from a breed rescue. They are always looking for suitable homes for their dogs, and can help you determine which is best for you, as can a good breeder.
If there is a kennel club locally, they will probably have both Doberman and GSD owners that will be willing to talk to you about their breeds.
Both can be good pets, as well as being protective. But that's going to vary a lot with individuals. But when you say "guard dog", that's something very specialized, and NOT what you want.
If I were making the choice for myself, I would probably go with the Dobie. I had a GSD one time, and she was a good dog, but would still probably pick the Dobie. YMMV.

Answer 3

Let's address the last part first -

You are not experienced enough to own a guard dog - of any breed. Not now, and probably not ever.

Guard dogs are for professional handlers only. Period. Never ever ever ever ever get a guard dog for your home.

If you're that scared of the world, install an alarm system that calls the police. Have a long talk with your insurance agent and you'll find that your premiums will skyrocket - if the company doesn't drop you altogether for having a "Guard dog" However, an alarm system that calls the police - may actually reduce your premiums.

BUT NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER GET A GUARD DOG. YOU DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE NOR THE TRAINING TO HANDLE A GUARD DOG.

As for a fine family pet? It boils down literally to how much hair do you want to vacuum. GSDs shed a lot. Dobermans don't.

Answer 4

Wow, for once somebody asked us to compare breeds that an actually BE compared! I'm so proud of you. :-)

As a guard dog, I would say both dogs are equal. The minor difference I can see is that Dobies tend to be very affectionate lapdogs with their families, whereas Shepherds will play and wrestle with their owners, but may not be quite as cuddly.

Other things to think about are that GSDs will shed much more than a Dobie and require more grooming, and are also more prone to hip displaysia. On the other hand, Dobies are more prone to skin problems and obesity, cannot be left outdoors in extreme cold, due to their thin coats, and because of their more affectionate nature, they can sometimes be coddled too much and become nervous or fearful. GSDs tend to be more confident.

That's about all I can think of, either way you're getting a wonderful dog. :-)

Answer 5

I prefer GSD's simply because I grew up around them and have never had one turn on me. I was attacked by a doberman that I had known for years when I was a child. It took me 20 years to get close to a doberman again.

I think that it is all based on what you are looking for. I have met some sweet dobermans but I prefer GSD's simply because to me they are more lovable. They are more of a family dog than a doberman. Some people do not trust GSD's. Are you looking for a guard dog or a family dog?

I have found a really great website that has been great when I want any information on any type of dog. Here is the link:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/

Answer 6

Gaurd dogs are not pets and not handled like a pet nor are they acceptable to be treated as pets and live like a pet in a household environment.
They are specialized working dogs who are closely bonded to their handler and they are never going to be a family pet.

Dobes can be wonderful dongs in the right home.
They need lots (LOTS) of exercise. A walk does not do it for these guys.
They need a firm hand and very consistant training.
They do not always take direction well from children and some see themselves as superior over the children.
They are very much a velcro dog. They love to sleep in your bed and go in the car.
Without firm training they can run the household.
They can have skin and coat problems as well as digestion issues. They can be prone to a disease that is similar to hemophelia and can have heart problems as well as thyriod issues. Their grooming is minimal. Clip nails and brush when dirty.

GSD are easier to train and more willing to work for the owner than the dobe. They may also take direction from a child easier. They are smart but can be sneaky. They will also need a fair amount of exercise and consistant training.
They will shed more and need more grooming. The hair is longer and they do better in winter than the dobe.

Both can be great dogs but you are going to have to spend time training and working with the dog. Either one will intimidate a stranger at your home but then again so will most dogs. I have worked with both but I have owned dobes for 17 years.

Answer 7

hi both of these are good breeds BUT i think you need to decide wheather you wants a pet OR a guard dog.... they shouldnt be mixed a good guard dog has little contact with the family, im not here saying whats right or wrong just the facts. they are aggressive and vicious for reason and are trained to be that way. a pet on the other hand has lots of interaction with the family, socialisation with other dogs, lots of love and attention and can generally be trusted not to attack strangers.

i heard a statistic today of all attacks in the last year in australia 93% were alsation dogs (shepards)

up 2 u... sorry if i havent been much of a help

Answer 8

I have a 10 year old Do be , so guess my answer . Guard dog issue- I can tell you I have Never seen my Dobe show aggressiveness with the exception of two instances . Both the instances were tottally justified. He was completely startled - one by my mom just walking in the house ( visiting me ) and he was asleep she came thru the door " hey honey " and he bolted towards her barkin' and all, but as soon as he picked up her scent he stopped and greeted her as always.The other were some boys that ran up from behind and he turned around ( on Leash ) and alerted on them until I tugged him away and reassured it was O.K With that being said I came to the conclusion that it's instinctive and they just know that somethings wrong and handle it. a big part in me choosing Dobes was shedding and less overall coat maint. Dobe stay a puppy for 5/6 tears though. It got old after the 4th. They are all about personal comfort and if he wants to lay where you are he'll push you out....... Won't go out to pee in the rain......Whatever your decision please consider googling the rescue group in your area for whatever breed.

Answer 9

I don't know anything about German Shephards, but I just got a red doby puppy a couple weeks ago. And its true what everyone has been saying on here about how they don't want to leave your side. She has to be with me everywhere I go, if I'm in the kitchen doing dishes shes right there sleeping with her head on my feet, ect. She is extremely smart and sweet. It only took me about 5 days to get her potty trained and my cocker spaniel took forever!! So I think dobies are very good dogs but only you can make that choice. Hope this was kinda helpful.

Answer 10

First, do not train these dogs to be guard dogs. They will be protective on their own. Your goal is to make them as gentle as possible, so that they don't go off by accident. If you will socialize them with lots of people and lots of dogs before they are 3 months old, they will be sweet, gentle, and even more protective in a predictable way.

General differences among socialized Dobies and GSDs.
1. GSD is calmer, lower energy dog, requires less exercise.
2. Unsocialized GSD is unpredictable fear biter.
3. GSD is smarter, easier to train, better with kids.

1. Dobie is energetic, hyper, needs more exercise.
2. Dobie is usually a one person dog.
3. Dobie may be protective of one person.
4. Dobie will protect then retreat at territory lines.
5. Dobies are more alert, and more independent.

A socialized Dobie is not as good are kids as a socialized GSD,