Fetching Doberman Knowledge...

Our furry friends are worth the wait. We're fetching the latest and greatest Doberman information just for you. Thank you for your patience!

Popular Searches:
49
Q:

Which guard dog should I have at home between a Doberman, Rottweiler, or Belgian?

Hey everyone, I'm looking to get a guard dog for my home and I'm torn between three popular breeds - Doberman, Rottweiler, and Belgian. I live in a suburban area and I want a dog that can protect me and my family while also being a good companion. I've heard that these breeds are all great guard dogs, but I'm not sure which one would be the best fit for me.

I don't have any other pets, but I have young children, so I'm looking for a breed that is good with kids. I also have a decent-sized yard, so I want a dog that has space to run around and exercise. I'm willing to train my dog and provide it with proper care, but I want a breed that is not too difficult to train.

Based on your experiences and expertise, which of these breeds would you recommend for me? What are some pros and cons of each breed that I should consider before making a decision? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

All Replies

adams.johnpaul

Hi there, as someone who has owned both a Rottweiler and a Doberman, I can speak to my personal experience with both breeds. Both dogs were excellent guard dogs and were good with my children, but there were some notable differences between the two.

The Rottweiler was larger in size and had a more intimidating presence. He was naturally protective of our home and family and didn't require as much training in that regard. However, he did require regular exercise and had a tendency to be lazy if not given enough physical activity. He was also prone to health issues, such as hip dysplasia and ACL tears, which required expensive medical care.

Our Doberman, on the other hand, was more energetic and required more training to become a good guard dog. He was smaller in size but still had a commanding presence, and he was able to run faster and for longer periods of time. We found him to be more adaptable in different situations and easier to train overall. However, he did have a tendency to be more anxious and needy, and he required a lot of mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.

Overall, both breeds were great guard dogs and loving companions, but I found the Doberman to be more adaptable and easier to train. However, it's important to note that every dog is unique and has its own personality, so it's important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who can answer your specific questions and help you find a dog that suits your individual needs.

vandervort.lourdes

Hello everyone! I've had experience with both Rottweilers and Dobermans, and while they are both great guard dogs, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between them.

Rottweilers are well known for being protective and loyal, making them great guard dogs. They can be a little more relaxed than Dobermans, and they tend to be more of a "one-person" dog, meaning they will bond more closely with one person in the family. They are also generally very affectionate and gentle with children. One drawback, however, is that Rottweilers can have health issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, which can become expensive to manage.

Dobermans, on the other hand, are highly intelligent and highly trainable, making them great guard dogs. They are also highly energetic and require a lot of exercise and attention. Dobermans can be affectionate with their owners but tend to be more reserved with strangers. When it comes to children, Dobermans are typically gentle, but their energy can make them a bit too much for young kids to handle.

Ultimately, both breeds can make great guard dogs, but it's important to consider which one will be the best fit for your family and lifestyle. If you have young kids, a Rottweiler may be the better choice, while if you have an active family that can keep up with a high-energy dog, a Doberman may be the way to go.

becker.shana

Hey there! I have personal experience with a Belgian Malinois and I highly recommend them as guard dogs. Belgian Malinois are very loyal and protective of their owners, making them excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and highly trainable, so with proper training, they can be effective at protecting the home and family.

Belgian Malinois are high-energy dogs and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also great with kids but require early socialization to learn how to properly interact with children. They can be very affectionate with their owners while being cautious with strangers. Belgian Malinois are herding dogs by nature, meaning they may have a tendency to nip at the heels of their owners or strangers, so early training is crucial.

One issue that some owners may encounter with a Belgian Malinois is their high prey drive. This can cause problems if they aren't socialized properly, as they may chase and even attack smaller animals. It is important to note that Belgian Malinois can be more challenging to train compared to other breeds, and they require a lot of attention and patience from the owner.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Belgian Malinois as guard dogs, but they may be more difficult to train than other breeds. They require an active lifestyle and plenty of mental stimulation, but with the proper care and attention, they can be a loyal and effective guard dog for any family.

romaguera.alfonzo

Hi everyone! I have experience with both Dobermans and Rottweilers, and based on my personal experience, I would recommend a Rottweiler as a household guard dog.

Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, which makes them great family pets. However, they are also highly protective and territorial. A Rottweiler will guard its home and family with fierce determination, never backing down from a threat.

That said, there are a few things to be aware of before acquiring a Rottweiler. They can be stubborn and require a firm, consistent hand in training. They also require a lot of exercise, so if you don't have the time or resources to give them plenty of exercise and stimulation, a Rottweiler might not be the best fit for you.

In terms of behavior, Rottweilers generally do well around children and make great family dogs. However, socializing them from an early age is essential, as they can become overprotective and territorial if not given the right exposure to different people, places, and situations.

In summary, Rottweilers make excellent guard dogs and loyal family pets, but they require a lot of care and attention from their owners. If you are willing to invest the time and resources into training and socializing a Rottweiler and can provide them with plenty of exercise and stimulation, they can be an excellent choice as a household guard dog.

herman.rosella

Hello there! As someone who's owned a Belgian Malinois, I can share my personal experience and expertise on this topic. I believe that the Belgian Malinois is an excellent guard dog that could suit your needs.

Belgian Malinois are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent guard dogs. They are also known for being incredibly loyal and protective of their owners and their property. These dogs are bred for work and are known to have a lot of energy, so they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

One thing to keep in mind is that Belgian Malinois have a lot of energy, and they require a lot of attention and exercise to keep them happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. They are also quite sensitive and need a lot of positive feedback and reinforcement. While they are great with children, they can be overly active and rough during playtime, so it's important to supervise them during interactions with kids.

Overall, if you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and protective guard dog that can also serve as a loving companion, then the Belgian Malinois could be an excellent choice for you. Just make sure that you are committed to providing them with plenty of exercise, training, and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy.

glenna.hirthe

Hello everyone! I have personal experience with Rottweilers and I believe they are excellent guard dogs. Not only are they loyal and protective, but they are also very intelligent and trainable. With proper socialization and training, they can be a fantastic addition to any family.

Rottweilers are typically larger dogs, so they can be intimidating to strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs. Their loyalty and protective instincts also make them well-suited to guarding the home and family. They also tend to be quite affectionate with their owners as well as children, making them great family pets.

One issue to be aware of with Rottweilers is that they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, which can become expensive and time-consuming to manage. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help minimize the risk of these issues. Additionally, Rottweilers tend to drool quite a bit, so it's important to be prepared for that!

Overall, I think that Rottweilers can be fantastic guard dogs and family pets. They do require socialization and training from an experienced owner, but with the right care and attention, they can be a lifelong companion as well as a great protector.

thelma60

Hi there! I've owned a Doberman in the past, and I can say that they make excellent guard dogs. Dobermans are highly intelligent and trainable, with a strong desire to please their owners. They are loyal and affectionate with their families and usually reserved or cautious around strangers. A well-trained Doberman should have a natural instinct to protect their home and family.

As highly active dogs, Dobermans need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy playing games, and are very agile and quick, making them great for activities like agility training. They can be excellent companions given the right amount of socialization, training, and exercise.

However, Dobermans can develop behavioral issues if they are under-exercised or left alone for long periods. Without enough physical or mental stimulation, they may become destructive or prone to separation anxiety. They are also prone to certain health problems such as dilated cardiomyopathy, so it's important to choose a reputable breeder who tests for genetic health issues.

In conclusion, Dobermans can make excellent guard dogs given proper training, exercise, and care. If you are considering getting one, it is important to assess if you can provide the necessary attention and effort they require to thrive as a family pet and guard dog.

New to Doberman Wiki Community?

Join the community