Doberman vs German Shepherd

[SWOLNUTZ]

I'm a dog man and train pro on the side. The state of the GSD is very bad in America. Hips, elbows, bloat, lumbar spine, and on and on and on

I saw a breeder tattoo her pups. I asked for the pink papers (denoting a dog breed under the more strict German system), only to find out she was simply tattooing to appear to be German-bred.

Dobermans have thier own issues like cardiac problem and on Willibrand.

Truthfully, if I wanted that type of dog, I would import from Germany or just buy a malinois.

Yes I think these breeds become negatively affected in the US because we breed for form and not function (i.e. show lines vs work). Apparently in WWII, there was a huge push to make Dobermans THE military working dog. They did fine, but they had more nervous issues when exposed to loud noises than the GSD did.

Now however, I have read about this von Willibrand's and they say other health problems too, and I think that when they get away from breeding for work it's a matter of time before genetic problems pop up.

As for the malinois, I have heard they're very resilient but that their drive is way too high unless you plan on devoting a VERY significant amount of time to their training/exercising. The ones I've seen seem like they can't slow down enough to play a little with other dogs. It's all about the ball/chew toy and nothing else will do.

As for importing from Germany, it seems like a good idea (or Netherlands or Belgium too). I'd consider working lines from both GSD and the Doberman

 

[MRX MRX]

Dobies all day!
Love em

 

[bigflex256]

German Shepard....great dogs and the one I had was great with family and kids

 

[Anubis]

If you end up wanting a Shep, I know an amazing breeder here in Canada, he's not cheap but no quality dog is going to be. The breeder competes in IPO with his dogs and his sable stud finished 13th in the world in their biggest comp apparently, so the line is strong. He brought him in from Germany. He has whites as well but they're more companion dogs and not work dogs like his sables. His sables are bought out in advance it's hard to get a hold of them, the whites are a little easier to get a hold of. He could tell you his experience and the protection agencies he supplies with his dogs if you decide you want to talk to him. He's so confident in his breeding he gives a lifetime health guarantee on hips and elbows. You don't get that on Sheps in North America. Just an option to look at if you do decide on Sheps.

edit, I didn't know he had a website I just met him in person but ckc says this is his website **broken link removed**

 

[jp4355]

I've owned 3 Dobermans.
One Blue Bitch, 1 Fawn Bitch, and 1 Fawn Male.

The Females are by far the more Intelligent, hands down.
The Blue was older, so when I got the 2 Fawns, she helped me to House Break and Walk them without a Leash.
I swear, when I would talk to her, she would look at me and Tilt her head, as if to say, I understand.
And She Loved to wear a Shirt, Hat, and Sun Glasses......................... JP
P.S.
I do like Shepherds, but not into cleaning up Dog Hair every day.