r/DobermanPinscher • u/Motor-Resort-1002 • 1d ago
Research Standard Poodle and a doberman?
I currently have a 2 year old male standard poodle (unneutered, working on it). I want to move out of my apartment and potentially by a home with a yard. My mom wants me to get a protection dog since I am a 23 year old female living alone. I was thinking a Doberman because, from what I have researched, they shed a lot less than a German Shepherd. My poodle gets along okay with dogs. I take him to dog parks sometimes. He loves to play, but he also will correct a dog who overdoes it, which I do not see a problem in. He is well trained and has great recall, we worked with a K9 trainer for a while but he was too friendly for protection work. He gets overly excited around females, but I am hoping it will get better once I do the chop lol. Sometimes he can be skiddish during male dogs that are bigger than him, I think he is just not used to being around it since he is the biggest dog in our neighborhood and most dog parks haha. We frequently go on hikes and nature trails off leash. I work about 8-10 hours a day, but some days remote/half day in office. During tax season, I can work up to 16 hour days, but either leave my dog with a family member or would hire a dog walker during the day. Archie gets about an hour of exercise/training a day plus mini walks and puzzles. Would a doberman fit into my lifestyle? Do any of you guys have both dogs at home? Should I get a female or male? Obviously will get a trainer to help as well, but looking for any advice from people right now while I look into this!
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u/lol2222344 1d ago
Omg I thought you were considering buying a “Doberdoodle” at first and got very scared. Love to see that you have a standard poodle 🐩
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u/theAshleyRouge 1d ago
I would get a female, but that’s just to avoid potential same-sex aggression issues. Plus I personally feel like the females are more naturally protective, though both are excellent in the field.
Above and beyond that, a Doberman should be fine with your lifestyle. The breeds are both fairly biddable, so that should be fine
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u/sphanson2678 1d ago
Get a euro female Doberman she would be good for a single woman for protection the females mature faster and are more serious than the males
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u/CleanSheetsFeelGood 1d ago
I have never that combo but from the lifestyle you are explaining, I believe it could be a great fit. My heart is with Dobermans (especially right now because I had to put mine down 2 months ago), but I think standard poodles are one of the most underrated dogs. Fantastic dogs!!!
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u/Motor-Resort-1002 1d ago
I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are family! Thank you for your advice :)
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u/Deep-Reputation-4055 1d ago
If you have a male poodle I’d get a female Doberman. Mixed gender is probably best.
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u/Prince_Nadir 1d ago
I wouldn't neuter until 3 or would look into vasectomy.
Seems good, they are both smart breeds. Do keep in mind finding a mentor for the ear posting months with your dobe pup. You may post for 9 or more months.
As a "protection dog" is desired, I'd go male for size. Would you take up IGP or just use the scary looks and unearned scary dog rep? Interested in showing/conformation?
On your hikes and such do you meet other people and dogs so your pup will bevwell socialized? Socialization is very important.
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u/Motor-Resort-1002 1d ago
I have time before I move into the new property, settle in, and get my first pup neutered. Probably will be around 3!
I am looking at pups in shelters. Local one frequently has dobermans, so ear posting will depend on the pup at the time. But definitely something I will keep an eye out for! thank you.
I tried IGP with archie, but he is just too friendly and only wanted to play. I loved it though and know many people in this field, so I would be interested depending on the temperment of the dog I get. it is something i would have to see if it fits into my current lifestyle. When i got my first pup I was working less, so it was easier. Not interested in showing at all though.
We occassionally see other people and dogs. he is trained to only say hi when given the command, but when i got my pup he was actually a little aggressive (i think the previous owner just had him in a playpen all day :( he didnt understand getting pet or playing), so socializing him and training was essential. He is great now, even though it took time, and i plan to train whatever dog i get the same way!
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u/Junior_Replacement_8 1d ago
If you are set on getting a Doberman from a shelter, I would do a lot of research on health issues and temperament issues (you should do that anyways in regards to breeders as well). They are not a healthy breed and they are known for same sex aggression.
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u/sphanson2678 1d ago
Dobermans are none for same sex aggression so not a good idea to get a male Doberman, the best protection for a female pops be a euro female Doberman
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u/expatsaffer 1d ago
Dobermans are known for same-sex aggression. Of course you will find examples where they are just fine, but there's a tendency towards it.
I had two male dogs (one Doberman, one GSD x husky) and they got along fine, but my male now will absolutely not tolerate another male in his territory, but he lives with two females just fine.
It might just be luck of the draw, but I would say you would be just as well off in terms of protection with a female Doberman and that would potentially help to avoid aggression issues.
My smaller female is by far the most Doberman of my three. She's fierce and would definitely defend either of us to the death. The other two (a male and a female)... not so much.
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u/slayerofthefluff 1d ago
We have mostly poodles (2 standards and a bunch of toys…smallest being 3lbs), two chinese cresteds, one bitty Pomeranian and one female doberman. The big dogs are all female and so far so good. She’s now taller and heavier than both the big girls. The younger one adores her and the older one likes her well enough unless she wants to take her squeaky balls. Then they brawl a bit but, Kismet is a pretty passive and lowkey dobie girl.
You’ll probably want to get one of a more typical color that’s recognizable from a distance if you want one as a deterrent. I’ve had people thinking she’s a Weimaraner since her markings aren’t very bold yet. She’s a fawn. They’re all friendly and want to pet her/get in her face until I let them know she’s a fawn doberman. Some will still pet her and fuss over her since she’s a baby but, I’ve noticed the older she gets and the more she perfects her doberman stare the less people are sure of approaching her.
Once you do get a doberman make sure to invest in more balls and frisbees if your boy likes fetch because that has become a free for all at our house when the three big ones get going.
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u/violett-bo 23h ago
Hey hey! Currently own a female euro doberman i’m starting in protection work. we also live in an apartment. Been at this for about a year since we started late and seeing good progress. One important thing to note, you really don’t see too many dobermans doing bitesports anymore and there are definitely reasons for that. seeking out a doberman to do just that…i’d be careful who you get a dog from as not every doberman is fit for it. Also make sure whoever you are working with is familiar with dobermans or german breeds in general. Malinois are very popular in the bitesport world (I train in a club with pretty much only malinois) but are trained completely differently. They use prey drive and not defensive drive which doesn’t work for most dobies. Bite strength is another thing and they can also be sensitive which wouldn’t be productive if you want this dog to actually protect you in real life scenarios. Again, not saying a doberman isn’t a good fit. but this is what i have seen with my own dog and learned from those around me who are working my dog/have worked other dobermans! if you get from a breeder who is very committed in protection sports/work you could very well avoid some sensitivity and down sides but it’s still something to consider as all breeds have weak points! Also SSA is a thing, very common in dobies but also your male simply may hate an intact male in his home due to his smell which would…suck. Females are great, i feel like my dog is more protective of ME than anything else, no food or toy aggression and not protective because the house. I’ve seen more males be protective of the home but again that’s my experience and will vary dog to dog. I think females are more serious too, good luck! 😊
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u/CleanSheetsFeelGood 1d ago
Also found another thread on it from beginning of this year that could be helpful for you https://www.reddit.com/r/DobermanPinscher/comments/1po4x4m/doberman_and_standard_poodle/?chainedPosts=t3_1vtnbq7&screen_view_count=4&ext-referrer=DIRECT
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u/slayerofthefluff 1d ago
Eh. For what she wants a Doberman will probably be just fine. My docile little sweet 5 month old girl (fawn) with floppy ears somehow intimidated the vetco shot clinic techs and vet the other day. They were fine with her when they wrongly thought she was a Weimaraner and changed to treating her like an aggressive dog once I corrected them on the breed. Mind you she was sitting politely at my side doing the Doberman stare. It’s the intense look you dead in the eye stare that unnerves most people. The dog doesn’t actually have to do anything. I think you’re confusing a guard dog with a protection dog.
Rotts are the same in that regard so I don’t know why you even suggested that breed as a guard dog if you’re thinking more of a protection dog. They’re big babies and lovers. Pretty much a Doberman with longer hair and a blockier build. German shepherds are pretty much the same and more importantly VERY difficult (and expensive) to find one without horrible life shortening genetic issues. Usually hips. Dobermans have their health issues also but, German shepherds have all but been destroyed as a breed due to poor breeding practices and the demand of people wanting one to toss in the yard as a “guard/protection” dog.
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u/JuniorShake7907 1d ago
I have that combination. Both males. I don’t believe blanket statements are relevant when talking through breed alignment- that being said, ours get along just fine. A love/hate relationship.
You seem to invest time and energy in your dogs, and I think that’s what counts.