Opinions and actual experience

[LindaR]

I am trying to decide between two different breeds of dogs. If you have owned both (not necessarily at the same time) please tell me your opinion.

I have owned German Shepherds and love the breed! What I do not love is the amount of hair! Shed every day. Lots of it.

I have always wanted (but never owned) a Doberman Pinscher. Short hair!

I like a dog with intelligence and personality and the ability to "think." I have no problem/have never had a problem with being alpha and I do fully train my dogs.

I want a large dog.

So anyone have specific experience with GSD vs. Dobie?

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I can't speak about German Shepherds, but I grew up with Dobies and I would trust them with my life, and my child's life! They are very intelligent and loyal, and have great personalities! They can be very protective, which can be a good thing... I was left home alone a lot at too young of an age, but fortunately for me, my Dobies kept me safe from strangers. Just their presence is enough to keep people away! Of course the same can be said for German Shepherds.

I currently have a Border Collie mix and an Aussie mix, because we wanted to adopt from the shelter, but if I could hand-pick my dogs from any available breed, I would go with Dobies!

The one thing to watch out for is they are prone to serious health problems.


From Wikipedia:

"On average, Doberman Pinschers live about 10–14 years, and they frequently suffer from a number of health concerns. Common serious health problems include dilated cardiomyopathy,[25][26] cervical vertebral instability (CVI),[27] von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder for which there is genetic testing)[25], and prostatic disease.[28] Less serious common health concerns include hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia.

Studies have shown that the Doberman Pinscher suffers from prostatic diseases, (such as bacterial prostatiti, prostatic cysts, prostatic adenocarcinoma, and benign hyperplasia) more than any other breed. Neutering can significantly reduce these risks (see Dog for information).

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death in Doberman Pinschers. This disease affects Dobermans more than any other breed.[29] Nearly 40% of DCM diagnoses are for Doberman Pinschers, followed by German Shepherds at 13%.[29] Research has shown that the breed is affected by an attenuated wavy fiber type of DCM that affects many other breeds,[30] as well as an additional, fatty infiltration-degenerative type that appears to be specific to Doberman Pinscher and Boxer breeds.[30] This serious disease is likely to be fatal in most Doberman Pinschers affected[31] Across multiple studies, more than half of the Doberman Pinschers studied develop the condition. Roughly a quarter of Doberman Pinschers who developed cardiomyopathy died suddenly from unknown causes,[30][32][33] and an additional fifty percent died of congestive heart failure[33] In addition to being more prevalent, this disease is also more serious in Doberman Pinschers. Following diagnosis, the average non-Doberman has an expected survival time of 8 months; for Doberman Pinschers, the expected survival time is less than 2 months.[29] Although the causes for the disease are largely unknown, there is evidence that it is a familial disease inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.[34] Investigation into the genetic causes of canine DCM may lead to therapeutic and breeding practices to limit its impact[35]"


Good luck with your decision!

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Sorry, I also forgot to add, if my memory is correct, Dobies do shed a bit, just shorter hair and not quite as much of it. Problem is, the hair is pokier.

 

[NYPDwife]

I had a GS and my mom had a Dobie. Both are great breeds. We actually adopted our GS and she was wonderful with the kids! They can suffer from stomach bloat which is what happened to our dog. The hair was horrible, that I will say, but she was a good dog and made up for it.

My mom's dog was wonderful!! Very protective, VERY high energy, a little wary of strangers (which is good IMO), but would warm up if she saw you around enough times. She shed ALOT and I can't say there was a difference in shedding amounts, but it is harder to see Dobie hair on black clothes.

They're both great breeds. Good luck!

 

[LindaR]

Thanks so far! Trust me, I HAVE done massive research and, as I stated, have owned a few GSD's.

Just looking for personal experiences to help me decide if I want to go with the "new and unknown" or stick with "old and familiar!"

They are very similar types anyway. Both strong-willed and protective and extremely intelligent. Just what I like!

 

[airhead]

I've lived and trained Dobermans for 30 years. Currently have 2. Be VERY careful where you get your Dobe.

 

[Mermaid02]

The only dobie I ever met was a big ol sweetie! I've never met a nice shepherd.... I've only "met" 3 different shepherds....

Check your Home owners isurance and make sure they will cover you with either of those breeds.... ours wanted to drop us when we got our weimaraner... the idiot agent got "weimaraner" and "rottweiler" mixed up....

 

[elgerber]

The only dobie I ever met was a big ol sweetie! I've never met a nice shepherd.... I've only "met" 3 different shepherds....

Check your Home owners isurance and make sure they will cover you with either of those breeds.... ours wanted to drop us when we got our weimaraner... the idiot agent got "weimaraner" and "rottweiler" mixed up....

We have a shepherd next door, and I was very concerned, as I have 2 very small dogs. Luckily, she is a sweetheart. That said, I would much rather have a Doberman. I have known some wonderful Dobermans, and my dh would really love to have one now. But we already have two tiny dogs. We have thought about adding a dobie to the brood, but that would require a LOT of thought LOL.

 

[jaminmd]

My baby (5 months old) and I vote German shepherd! ETA: Ever since I bought the FURminator, his shedding isn't as bad as I remember from my last gsd.

 

[MiniGirl]

I like both of those breeds. I've had good friends that have owned them, but I never have. I did own a standard poodle for almost 13 years though. What a great dog. They are big and do not shed at all, but must be groomed. They are also very smart. Great dogs, and not a dog many people consider when looking at big dogs because most people think of the smaller poodles.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

I had a Dobie growing up and I loved that dog so much!!! He was such a great dog and a great guard dog.

My DH had a German Shepherd when we first married (we had to put him down a few years ago due to old age). He was also a very sweet dog but totally neurotic. I think that was just him though, not the breed in general. He did shed a TON though.

I would definitely recommend a Dobie. Such great dogs.

 

[pixiewings71]

Well I have your perfect dog. LOL As best as anyone can tell our dog is a GS/Dobie mix. He looks like a GSD but has the black and tan coloring of a Dobie. He's a really good dog, most days. LOL Good luck, I honestly think both breeds are awesome dogs.

 

[Nickimouse]

We had a Dobie when I was growing up! Best dog ever!!! So sweet!

 

[LindaR]

Thanks, everyone! I am SO torn!!!!! I've really been thinking about this alot (our GSD had to be put to sleep last month at age 10.5). This is not something I plan on doing soon as I have two other senior dogs!

I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Do you own a home? Check with your insurance carrier- some home carriers have issues with certain breeds

Love those big guys!

 

[golfgal]

I agree about the homeowners insurance--Dobies are on pretty much everyone's list as are German Shepards. What happens is if you don't tell them you have one (and they won't cover you if you do tell them) and one of the dogs bites someone or causes damage (ruins a neighbors fence, etc.), they won't cover it. Just something to think about.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My current GSD is my 6th. I can vouch for the fact that they shed A LOT - year round. They have a heavy double coat that you really need to brush every day in addition to doing regular grooming/blowing out of excess hair. And even then you'll still have hair around, lol. I've never had a Dobie but have known some and I like the breed. I can't speak for their coat.

 

[DisneyKT]

The only dobie I ever met was a big ol sweetie! I've never met a nice shepherd.... I've only "met" 3 different shepherds....

Check your Home owners isurance and make sure they will cover you with either of those breeds.... ours wanted to drop us when we got our weimaraner... the idiot agent got "weimaraner" and "rottweiler" mixed up....

Aww you should have met my Shepherds. They were dolls..

To OP: I love Shepherds I lost my two when the were just under 12yrs of age. It certainly leaves a big empty space.

We are under contract right now to get a Shepherd from a breeder in April. I can't wait. I have missed them so.

Yes, the hair tons of it.
My DH had both types of dogs growing a GSD and Doberman. Both great breeds. Strong and Steady. The Dobermans hair is short but boy did get stuck in everything.

Good Luck.

 

[DisneyKT]

My baby (5 months old) and I vote German shepherd! ETA: Ever since I bought the FURminator, his shedding isn't as bad as I remember from my last gsd.

So darn cute...