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Q:

Doberman, German Shepherd, or Labrador Retriever?

Hey guys, I'm in the process of getting a dog for my family and I'm having a hard time deciding between a Doberman, German Shepherd, or Labrador Retriever. We have two young children and I want a dog that will not only be a great companion but also a good protector for our family. I've heard that Dobermans and German Shepherds are great guard dogs, but I'm worried about their temperament around kids. On the other hand, I've heard that Labrador Retrievers have a great temperament, but I'm not sure if they're as good at protecting as the other two breeds. Can anyone provide any insight or personal experience with any of these breeds? Thanks in advance!

All Replies

courtney.stark

Hey there! I've owned a German Shepherd for the past 5 years and I can honestly say that he's been fantastic with my kids. He's incredibly protective of our family, but he's also very gentle and patient when it comes to the kids. He's always by their side when they're playing in the yard, and I feel much more at ease knowing that he's watching over them. Of course, every dog is different, but I think German Shepherds can make great family dogs if you spend the time training and socializing them properly.

That being said, I've also heard great things about Labrador Retrievers as family dogs. They have a reputation for being friendly, gentle, and great with kids. While they might not be as fierce protectors as Dobermans or German Shepherds, they can still make great watch dogs and will bark if anyone unfamiliar comes to the house. Ultimately, it really depends on your individual needs and what you're looking for in a dog.

jaeden.cartwright

Hey everyone, as a dog lover, I think that every breed has its unique traits, playing an essential role in choosing the right dog for your family. Still, it would be best if you didn't entirely rely on generalizations or stereotypes, but rather on individual dog personalities or their environment.

The three breeds you are considering make great pets, but temperament and personality depend heavily on how the dog has been bred, socialized or trained. So, understanding the breed is essential to avoid any surprises, know what to expect, and make the right decisions.

From my experience, I would say that German Shepherds and Dobermans can be a great fit for older kids or teenagers, while Labradors Retrievers might be better companions for younger kids. This is not always the case, and every dog is different, but it's something to keep in mind.

However, I do believe that regardless of breed, what's most important is matching the dog's energy level with your family's lifestyle. For instance, active families with lots of time for outdoor activities make great homes for high-energy dogs like Doberman or German Shepherds. But if your family involves older or more relaxed members that want a dog to relax with, the Labrador Retriever might be a better fit.

In the end, it's crucial to spend time with various breeds, and once you find the perfect pet, devote your time and resources to training and socializing them to enhance the bond between the family and dog.

imills

I have owned a Labrador Retriever for the past eight years, and I can attest to their fantastic temperament and patience, especially when it comes to children. My dog is very loving and gentle, she loves to cuddle and play but also knows when it's time to relax.

While they may not be as good at guarding and protecting as Dobermans and German Shepherds, they can certainly act as an effective deterrent by barking and alerting to unusual activities in and around the home. Labrador Retrievers are also highly intelligent and trainable, making them perfect for families with children as they can be easily taught to obey commands and to behave appropriately around kids.

That being said, every breed of dog has its pros and cons, and it's important to do your research before making a decision. I would recommend spending time with dogs of all breeds, as well as interacting with their owners, to learn more about their temperament and whether or not they would be a good fit for your family. In the end, regardless of breed, every dog deserves a loving home where they can thrive and become an integral part of the family.

breanna.hartmann

I've owned two Labrador Retrievers over the years, and both were wonderful family pets. They were gentle, loving, and always eager to please. My kids loved to play with them, and they were very tolerant of their sometimes rough play.

One of the major benefits of Labrador Retrievers is that they are incredibly easy to train. They are very intelligent and eager to learn, which makes them perfect for families who are new to dog ownership or who might not have a lot of experience with training dogs.

That being said, I do think it's important to note that every dog is different, regardless of breed. While Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being friendly and gentle, there are always exceptions to the rule. It's important to spend time with any dog that you're considering bringing into your family to see if they're a good fit for your lifestyle and personality.

In the end, I think that all three breeds that were mentioned can make great pets for families, as long as you choose the right one for your individual needs and are prepared to invest the time and energy needed to train and socialize them properly.

dennis02

Hi everyone! I have personal experience with a Doberman and I have to say that they are excellent guard dogs. Our Dobie was very protective of our family and was always on high alert. However, I will say that he was not the best with young children. He had a high prey drive and was very excitable, which could make him a bit unpredictable around kids. I think it really depends on the individual dog's temperament and training, but I personally would not recommend a Doberman if you have young children. German Shepherds can also make great protectors, but like with any dog, it's important to properly train and socialize them. Ultimately, it's all about finding the right dog for your family and lifestyle. Good luck!

emely44

Hello there! I can share my experience with a Labrador Retriever. We got our Lab when my son was just a baby, and he has been nothing but loving and gentle with him ever since. Our Lab has always been very mellow and calm around children, and loves to play fetch and cuddle with my son. While Labs may not be as protective as other breeds, they definitely make great family dogs and are wonderful companions. However, like any other dog, it's important to socialize them and train them properly. I hope this helps with your decision!

schumm.cristian

As a former owner of a Doberman, I have to say that my experience with the breed was mixed. While my dog was definitely protective and fiercely loyal, she also had a tendency to be a bit aggressive and territorial, especially around strangers. I found that I had to be very careful when introducing her to new people and situations because she had a tendency to be wary and even hostile towards those she didn't know.

Additionally, I found that Dobermans can be quite high-strung and require a lot of exercise and stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you are not prepared to devote a lot of time and energy towards training, socializing, and exercising a Doberman, I would not recommend getting one as a family pet.

That being said, I think all three breeds mentioned have their pros and cons, and it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Labrador Retrievers are definitely great for families with young children, but they may not be the best choice if you are looking for a dog that can also act as a guard or watch dog. German Shepherds can make great protectors, but they require a lot of training and socialization to be safe around kids. Ultimately, you have to choose the breed that fits best with your individual needs and preferences.

xherzog

I have had a Doberman for the past two years and I must say that they make great protectors. My dog is always alert to what's happening around the house and always barks when he suspects a stranger or an unfamiliar person is around. He's also very loyal and always stays by my side whenever am home.

As for interacting with children, I have not had any issue with my dog so far. He's friendly and plays with my neighbor's kids who occasionally come over to play. However, I will advise that you get a good breeder because Dobermans have a reputation for being aggressive that may not be the best fit for kids. Ensure your dog is well trained and socialized just like other breeds.

In the end, I would say that any of the three breeds mentioned can make great family pets; you just have to make sure you choose the right one for your family, considering factors like size, activity levels, and temperament.

jewel.watsica

Hi there! I had a German Shepherd a few years ago and he was fantastic with my kids. He was very protective of us and our home, but he was also incredibly gentle with my young children. We always made sure to socialize him properly and he adapted well to our family. I think German Shepherds can be great protectors, but it really depends on their individual temperament and training. As for Labradors, they are known for their friendliness and great temperament, but they may not be as protective as the other breeds. Of course, all dogs are different and you never really know what you're going to get until you bring them home and spend time with them. Best of luck with your decision!

vandervort.lourdes

I have had both a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever, and I must say that both breeds are amazing in their own ways. My German Shepherd was very protective and loyal to our family, and he made sure to alert us whenever he sensed something was off. However, he could also be quite aggressive with strangers or anyone he perceived as a threat. Our Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, was much more laid back and approachable. She loved spending time with our family and was always eager to please. However, she was not as effective at protecting our home as our German Shepherd was.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to understanding the temperament and characteristics of each breed and finding the one that fits best with your lifestyle and expectations. If you're looking for a true protector and are willing to devote a lot of time and energy towards training and socializing, a Doberman or German Shepherd might be your best bet. If you want a more laid-back, family-friendly dog, a Labrador Retriever is a great choice. Regardless of which breed you choose, make sure to give them the love, care, and attention they deserve, as they will become an irreplaceable member of your family.

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