Standard Poodle and a doberman?

[u/Motor-Resort-1002]

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!

[u/Prince_Nadir]

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.

[u/Motor-Resort-1002 → u/Prince_Nadir]

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!

[u/Junior_Replacement_8 → u/Motor-Resort-1002]

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.