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Q:

Should I buy a Doberman or a Rottweiler? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both breeds?

Hi everyone,

I'm considering getting a new dog and I'm torn between a Doberman and a Rottweiler. I've heard great things about both breeds, but I'm not sure which one would be the better fit for me.

A little bit about my lifestyle - I live in a house with a decent-sized yard and I have a lot of free time to spend with a dog. I'm looking for a breed that is loyal, affectionate and protective of its family. I'm also interested in a breed that is intelligent and easy to train.

I've done some research on both breeds and here are the advantages and disadvantages that I've come across:

Doberman:

Advantages:
- Loyal and protective of its owner
- High level of intelligence and trainability
- Energetic and playful
- Minimal shedding

Disadvantages:
- Can become anxious and nervous if not socialized properly
- Can be aggressive towards strangers if not trained correctly
- Prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems

Rottweiler:

Advantages:
- Loyal and protective of its family
- Confident and courageous
- Calm and well-mannered indoors
- Good with children

Disadvantages:
- Can be aggressive towards strangers if not socialized properly
- Prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and cancer
- High shedding and requires regular grooming

Based on the above information, which breed do you think would be the better fit for me? Any personal experiences with either breed would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

All Replies

jackeline81

Hi there,

I am a long time breeder of Rottweilers, and I wanted to share my perspective on this topic. Rottweilers are known to be one of the most loyal breeds, and I think it's due to their loving and affectionate nature. As a breeder, I have seen many families who choose Rottweilers as a family dog, and they do very well in that role.

Rottweilers are large dogs, so living space is essential. They require adequate room to move around, play, and even exercise. In my experience, Rottweilers take a bit longer to potty train compared to other breeds. Thus, patience, positive reinforcement and consistency are the keys to success.

The breed also requires daily exercise, and playtime is a must for them to be happy and healthy. They also enjoy scheduled feedings, which can be helpful for managing their weight. It can be a bit overwhelming to care for a Rottweiler, but with the right care, they make excellent and loyal companions for life.

One concern pet owners have with Rottweilers is their tendency to be aggressive. However, I have found that this is more of a perception than a reality. Most of the time, Rottweilers are well-behaved, and they usually only become aggressive when their family is threatened. Early socialization and obedience training can help eliminate that risk.

Overall, I believe Rottweilers are an overlooked breed, and it's unfortunate, as they have a lot of love to give. With proper training, socialization and love, Rottweilers can be great family pets. However, as with any breed, it's essential to do your research and ensure you're prepared to give them the care and attention they deserve.

buckridge.polly

Hello,

I am an owner of a Doberman pinscher, and I would say that one thing I love about my dog is his intelligence. Dobies are known to be brainy and can learn commands quickly. One of the most successful ways to train them is through positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praises whenever they do something good.

Another great quality of Dobies is their loyalty. They are fiercely protective of their family and will go to great lengths to keep them safe. They are also loving and affectionate towards their owners, and they'll be your best friend if you show them love and attention.

Dobermans are an energetic breed and require a lot of exercise. They love to run and play and do well with a lot of outdoor activities. When they don't get enough physical activity, they can become bored and destructive, so it's essential to provide them with daily exercise and playtime.

Finally, Dobies can be prone to various health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems. It's crucial to take them to the veterinarian regularly for check-ups, and as a responsible owner, you should provide them with the best possible care and attention.

In conclusion, Dobermans are a great choice for anyone who wants an intelligent, loyal, and affectionate companion. They have a lot of energy, so they are best suited for people who are active and who can give them the attention and exercise they need. As with any breed, it's important to do your research and ensure that Dobies fit your lifestyle and personality.

sigrid54

Hello,

As a pet owner and a veterinary technician, I have had the opportunity to work with dogs of different breeds, including the Doberman and Rottweiler. I would say both are great breeds, but one issue that can arise with both of them is their predisposition to inheriting certain genetic health conditions.

Dobermans can inherit several health complications such as hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and Von Willebrand disease. I have seen many Dobermans that suffer from these conditions, which can be challenging for pet owners to manage without the proper knowledge or veterinary care.

Rottweilers are also known for their susceptibility to hip dysplasia, as well as certain types of cancers and heart diseases. As with Dobermans, these conditions can be very difficult for pet owners to manage, and some of them require lifelong medical treatment or even surgery.

It's important to keep in mind that all breeds, including the Doberman and Rottweiler, have their health risks. However, it's useful to be aware of any underlying health conditions or genetic predispositions before bringing your dog home, which can help you identify and manage any health issues before they become too severe.

Thus, I recommend that before making a decision on which breed to choose, you speak with a veterinarian or a credible dog breeder, seek advice regarding the dog's potential health problems, and be prepared to make a commitment to give your dog the best possible care.

iboyle

Hello,

I'm an owner of a Rottweiler and I just had to add my two cents to this thread. My Rottie is an extremely loyal and loving dog that quickly became a member of our family. Their calm and well-behaved temperament makes them great indoor companions too. She's also great with children and has become inseparable with my son.

As mentioned before, grooming can be a bit of a task with this breed. Their thick fur coat sheds a lot, especially in the summer months. However, brushing her a few times a week keeps the shedding under control. Additionally, their large size means they tend to eat a lot so you'll need to watch their weight and make sure they get enough exercise.

One of the most notable things about Rottweilers is how protective they are of their family. My Rottie has been trained to alert me should anything be off around the house, and they also have an intimidating presence, which is a good thing when it comes to security.

While I haven't owned a Doberman, I have several friends who do, and there doesn't seem to be much difference other than appearance. Both breeds are highly intelligent, energetic, and require a lot of attention and training.

In my opinion, owning a Rottweiler has been one of the best experiences of my life, and she has become an irreplaceable companion. However, like any breed, they are not for everyone, so I'd suggest doing thorough research before making a final decision.

monahan.edwin

Hello everyone,

I used to work in a shelter and I saw many Dobermans and Rottweilers come through. I can say that both breeds tend to have a bad rap because they are known to be aggressive. However, from personal experience, these dogs are often misunderstood.

The Doberman breed can be very loyal and affectionate towards their owners. However, they can also be reserved and aloof with strangers. It's essential to socialize them at an early age so they can learn how to interact appropriately with unfamiliar people or dogs. I've seen Dobies be excellent family pets, and it's evident they genuinely bond with their owners and want to protect them.

As for Rottweilers, they are known to be intimidating, but they are often a big softies at heart. They are loyal, affectionate, and protective of their family just like any other dog. However, they tend to be more vocal than Dobermans, which can be useful if you're looking for an excellent watchdog. They're also great with kids, making them one of the most popular family dogs.

In shelters, both breeds tend to have an unfortunate tendency to be overlooked due to their reputations. But I always advise people to consider adopting a Doberman or a Rottweiler if you want a loyal and loving companion. With the proper training and socialization, they can make wonderful pets and enrich your life in many ways.

I hope my experience can help you in your decision-making process. Remember, always evaluate the individual dog's personality and characteristics, rather than relying solely on the breed's reputation.

bechtelar.selina

Hi there,

I'm a proud owner of a Doberman, and based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend this breed. Dobies are smart, loving, and loyal to their owners. They are also playful and energetic, which makes for a great companion for someone who enjoys spending time outdoors. I've found that, as long as they are socialized properly from an early age, they get along great with people and other animals.

However, I will say that their high energy level requires a lot of attention and exercise. They need daily walks, runs, and plenty of playtime. In terms of health concerns, my Doberman has been relatively healthy so far, but I always make sure to take her for regular check-ups at the vet.

I can't speak to my experience with Rottweilers since I've never owned one, but from what I've observed, they are also great dogs. However, they require more grooming due to their shedding and they can be more intimidating in appearance compared to a Doberman.

Ultimately, I think both breeds make great pets, but it comes down to individual personality and preferences. Good luck with your decision!

hilpert.ryann

Hello everyone,

I've owned both a Doberman and a Rottweiler, and I think both breeds have their advantages and disadvantages. I would say that it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and lifestyle.

My experience with the Doberman was incredible. They are brilliant, quick learners, and very loyal to their family. I found that they are extremely protective and my dog always kept a watchful eye over our home. One downside, however, is that they can be prone to anxiety and nervousness if not socialized properly. They are also a high energy dog and require a lot of daily exercise and attention.

On the other hand, Rottweilers are massive and powerful dogs, but they are also well-behaved, calm, and have a wonderful temperament. They are great with children and are a breed that is easily trainable. I found that grooming can be time-consuming with this breed since their fur tends to shed a lot.

Between the two breeds, I would say that if you are looking for a dog with a high work ethic, then a Doberman may be more suitable. However, if you are looking for a calm and loving dog that is good with kids, then a Rottweiler could be the better choice.

Overall, both breeds can make great pets, but it's essential to do your research and know what you're getting into before making a decision. Consider the dog's size, temperament, activity level, grooming needs, and potential health concerns. This will help ensure that you make the right choice for you and your family.

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