Dog Choices...

[Frizzle]

So I'm trying to get a dog. I've narrowed it down to a Rottweiler and a Dobermann. I'd really like to get some opinions of people that own or have owned either, and aren't dog freaks.

Anyone had any experience with either of these (no 'bit my hand off' stories) along the lines of training, daily living, comradery etc? I am having a real hard time deciding which one to go with as they are both beautiful animals.

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

Rottweiler. If you don't have to send them to the police dog academies, they're pretty good dogs.

 

[Danny Ocean]

Both are decent for training, but why those dogs in particular? You need security or self-affirmation?

If so, fair enough, but I'd get a whateveryouwant-collie cross. Collies are known for their intelligence, and (from my friend's experience (he's a farmer)) are great for training.

 

[Gxas]

My buddy has an Irish Wolf Hound. One of the nicest dogs ever. Only problem is that they are huge. By far one of the prettiest dog's I've ever seen though. Between your two choices, Rottweiler. Just don't let it get too vicious, my cousin almost lost his dog to one.

 

[Jamanticus]

What are you looking for in your dog? Both Dobermans and Rottweilers can be very loyal and loving, although Dobermans are generally easier to train.

Need more info.

However, with both breeds, you have to get them from reputable breeders, or else you're just begging for dogs that have health problems, are mega-aggressive, or are really timid.

EDIT:

My buddy has an Irish Wolf Hound. One of the nicest dogs ever. Only problem is that they are huge. By far one of the prettiest dog's I've ever seen though. Between your two choices, Rottweiler. Just don't let it get too vicious, my cousin almost lost his dog to one.

Irish Wolfhounds are made of awesome, win, and all other good things.

 

[Sycker]

I'd get a Collie -

1) They live for ages and are very sprightly.
2) Intelligent.
3) Obidient.
4) Can run like a silly bugger.

The majority of people i've seen with Rottweilers or Dobermans usually have them as status symbols, and these people are arseholes.

ALSO: Big Dogs need a fuckload of food and such.

 

[Jursa]

Well I've lived through 3 dobermans already and I have to say they're great dogs. Overenergetic, good of training and loyal. Only dog for me is a doberman...

 

[darkless]

My buddy has an Irish Wolf Hound. One of the nicest dogs ever. Only problem is that they are huge. By far one of the prettiest dog's I've ever seen though. Between your two choices, Rottweiler. Just don't let it get too vicious, my cousin almost lost his dog to one.

I have this theory wherein Irish wolf hounds are in fact mini horses and not dogs at all.

 

[bad rider]

Yeah I gotta say I prefer dobermans. However it really depends on what your situation is because they both aren't the type of dogs that like to be pent up.

 

[Gelp]

I like Rottweilers, my cousins had one they could not tame when I was 6. And it used to break free and play with/maul me whenever possible. I don't think they let it in the house though, and they found it as a puppy in the forest too... So, just make sure it's not a wild forest puppy and it's already housebroken.
that's all I know about dogs.

 

[Danny Ocean]

I realise my post sounds a bit mean, Sorry.

I'll pitch in again by saying our family has a Hungarian Visla. Apparently we've trained him so well he still acts like a puppy at three fucking years old.

Just imagine a 30lb puppy jumping on you every day when you get back from school.

He's dead cute though.

Just don't neuter them unless you really have to. They find it immoral.

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

No matter what kind of dog you get, DO NOT GET A DACHSHUND! ! ! ! ! They are evil little dogs. Yeah, when you go to adopt one, they act all cute and innocent. "Take me home with you!" But after about a week, they start to drive you crazy.

 

[Frizzle]

Both are decent for training, but why those dogs in particular? You need security or self-affirmation?

If so, fair enough, but I'd get a whateveryouwant-collie cross. Collies are known for their intelligence, and (from my friend's experience (he's a farmer)) are great for training.

A security thing if i had to pick one. But i also can't deal with smaller dogs, they seem too fragile to me. Another thing is the weather. There are another couple breeds i'd like, but i don't them to suffer in the 'hot as possible' weather i want to live in.

What are you looking for in your dog? Both Dobermans and Rottweilers can be very loyal and loving, although Dobermans are generally easier to train.

Need more info.

However, with both breeds, you have to get them from reputable breeders, or else you're just begging for dogs that have health problems, are mega-aggressive, or are really timid.

Being loyal and loving are some of the characteristics that brought me to them. I've heard that Dobermans are just a tad smarter, and less prone to biting everything, while Rottweilers are kind of a terror when they're young.

I want an active dog that is won't be harmed by going on a decently lengthed run every so often, things like that. I pretty much want it to go everywhere it can with me. I'm not trying to get a dog that will fight everything it will come accross, but I still want it to be a help, rather than a hinderance, if a situation calls for it.
I'm also pretty against the cropping of ears and tails. Seems kinda overboard for me, so i'd let them grow naturally.

 

[Hippobatman]

No experience with either, but I've owned a German Sheperd which was obediant and a great friend (cliché, I know)

My family currently have two dogs now, one Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky, and they're great. Requires some more training with these dogs, though. But it's so worth it.

 

[Enigmers]

My buddy has an Irish Wolf Hound. One of the nicest dogs ever. Only problem is that they are huge. By far one of the prettiest dog's I've ever seen though. Between your two choices, Rottweiler. Just don't let it get too vicious, my cousin almost lost his dog to one.

I have this theory wherein Irish wolf hounds are in fact mini horses and not dogs at all.

I think Irish Wolfhounds are the biggest breed of dogs, ever.

 

[Aardvark]

A friend of mine had a pair of Malamutes. Beautiful animals. Big as bears, loyal as hell and they scare the shit out of the local Rottweiler populace.

 

[TylerC]

Both are decent for training, but why those dogs in particular? You need security or self-affirmation?

If so, fair enough, but I'd get a whateveryouwant-collie cross. Collies are known for their intelligence, and (from my friend's experience (he's a farmer)) are great for training.

A security thing if i had to pick one. But i also can't deal with smaller dogs, they seem too fragile to me. Another thing is the weather. There are another couple breeds i'd like, but i don't them to suffer in the 'hot as possible' weather i want to live in.

What are you looking for in your dog? Both Dobermans and Rottweilers can be very loyal and loving, although Dobermans are generally easier to train.

Need more info.

However, with both breeds, you have to get them from reputable breeders, or else you're just begging for dogs that have health problems, are mega-aggressive, or are really timid.

Being loyal and loving are some of the characteristics that brought me to them. I've heard that Dobermans are just a tad smarter, and less prone to biting everything, while Rottweilers are kind of a terror when they're young.

I want an active dog that is won't be harmed by going on a decently lengthed run every so often, things like that. I pretty much want it to go everywhere it can with me. I'm not trying to get a dog that will fight everything it will come accross, but I still want it to be a help, rather than a hinderance, if a situation calls for it.
I'm also pretty against the cropping of ears and tails. Seems kinda overboard for me, so i'd let them grow naturally.

From that last part, it seems you should look at a collie. My family has an increibly loyal Border Collie. She's a beautiful dog, easy to train, absolutely LOVES to play, and enjoys going on runs. She eats her fair share of food, and she's a loving dog, I don't know what I'd do without her. Our dog goes everywhere with us, even stores where she'll wait in the car just to be with us.

Hope you find a good dog!

 

[Jamanticus]

Being loyal and loving are some of the characteristics that brought me to them. I've heard that Dobermans are just a tad smarter, and less prone to biting everything, while Rottweilers are kind of a terror when they're young.

I want an active dog that is won't be harmed by going on a decently lengthed run every so often, things like that. I pretty much want it to go everywhere it can with me. I'm not trying to get a dog that will fight everything it will come accross, but I still want it to be a help, rather than a hinderance, if a situation calls for it.
I'm also pretty against the cropping of ears and tails. Seems kinda overboard for me, so i'd let them grow naturally.

You've heard right about Dobermans and Rottweilers.

In this light, and like other posters here, I'd say to go with a Doberman. They're very intelligent (like you've said) and they're very active as well. They love active attention as much as they love just sitting next to their human feeling content. As long as you've got a lot of energy for playtime, I think you and a Doberman would both be quite happy.

(And I'm glad you're not in favor of cropping and docking and all that- makes Dobermans look so strange looking, especially with those pointy cropped ears.....)

EDIT: Although, if you don't have your heart set on necessarily having a Doby or Rott, I know a few other breeds of large dogs that would fill your wants.

 

[Frizzle]

My buddy has an Irish Wolf Hound. One of the nicest dogs ever. Only problem is that they are huge. By far one of the prettiest dog's I've ever seen though. Between your two choices, Rottweiler. Just don't let it get too vicious, my cousin almost lost his dog to one.

I have this theory wherein Irish wolf hounds are in fact mini horses and not dogs at all.

I think Irish Wolfhounds are the biggest breed of dogs, ever.

Dear god those things are huge... Somehow i don't think he'd do so well in hot weather though haha.

A friend of mine had a pair of Malamutes. Beautiful animals. Big as bears, loyal as hell and they scare the shit out of the local Rottweiler populace.

Also a beautiful animal. But i'm worried about heat exhaustion! haha. Bothe the Dobe and the Rottie have realatively small coats, so they won't die during the summer.
If i was going cold weather, the Malamute would totally be in the running with an Akita and a few others.

 

[bad rider]

No matter what kind of dog you get, DO NOT GET A DACHSHUND! ! ! ! ! They are evil little dogs. Yeah, when you go to adopt one, they act all cute and innocent. "Take me home with you!" But after about a week, they start to drive you crazy.

I got one of those. Luigi, I once spent an hour doing anything and everything I could do to anoy him... he licked my face.