What Dog Breed would you Suggest & which is your Favorite?

Research the breeds you like, meet quality adult dogs bred by someone with a good reputation in the breed and consider factors such as your attitude/personality, lifestyle, experience and requirements and the needs of the breeds and make up your own mind.

Basic information on the Doberman.

The Doberman is low maintenance for grooming, mid-range shedding, high maintenance in lifestyle, an adult needs a minimum of 2 hours daily exercise to tire it out and regular training, with a mental workout equally important. Not a breed that should be expected to left to its own devices bored, as it will find something to do, becoming noisy or destructive.

Has a naturally strong watch/territorial instinct, but should not be expected or relied on to guard or protect. Very few pet dogs will do anything but bark, tuck tail and run or bark in an owner’s time of need. Will love being out in a forest tracking and being provided with the level of exercise it needs to be healthy and happy.

The Doberman has a LOW tolerance for cold weather, having a single coat and will shiver when the temperature drops without a dog. Not suited by nature to live outside as the Doberman craves human companionship and wants to be nearby and take an interest in everything that is going on in the household.

My Dobermans cope with cold weather, including snow because I purchased thick double fleece dog coats.

If an owner knows what they are doing with training, experienced in reading what a dog is “telling” is them and reacting to it, teaching the behaviors you want and stopping the ones you don’t, they a Doberman can be home trained.

However, nice for the dog and owner to be taken to a club as training is ongoing and will work willingly, with focus and enjoyment if an owner taps into the individual dog’s abilities, which could be advanced obedience, cani-cross, agility, working trials/dog sport.

The Doberman is not the healthiest of breeds, with an average life expectancy of 10 years. Good breeders health test as standard with current results available on request for the sire and dam for:

- Hip dysplasia

- Von Willebrands (haemophilia)

- Cervical spondylopathy

- Hypothyroidism

- Dilated cardiomyopathy (heart failure – incurable, not all dogs respond to treatment, life expectancy post diagnosis is poor. Should DNA, Troponin blood test, echocardiogram and holter test)

Regardless of breed if you want a puppy purchase from a good breeder I suggest, who sets out to produce dogs are that is as sound in mind as they conformation and health, fit for its original purpose and stands by the dogs they produce, willing to or including a term in the contract that if the owner’s circumstances change, the dog is returned to the breeder.

The breed clubs are good starting points as they will give you a balanced account on what it is like to live with the breed and the personality and lifestyle necessary to meet its need. They will also know of availability on litters on the ground and planned, but it is buyer beware, because they do not guarantee the quality of KC registered puppies.

Visit dog sport clubs and/or championship shows to see dogs of both breeds being put to different uses if there are any within reasonable driving distance, good to see adult dogs in different environments. Arrange appointments with breeders who produce quality dogs to see how they respond to your personality and that what they breeder produces is a match to what you want in a pet.

If you are considering a rescue, contact breed rescue, as they have many young and adult dogs that in the right hands can make nice natured and reliable pet dogs.

Enjoy the search for your new dog, the right dog is worth the time it takes to find it.

I think you have an unrealistic list, and should hold off getting any dog for a while. Research the breeds that fit your LIFESTYLE, and forget about what other people might think of them.

Most of those breeds need a LOT of exercise, and would not be the couch potato you want most of the time. The only breed on your list that might come close is the Dane. Just be aware they have a number of health issues and an extremely short lifespan, so you want to make sure you get one from a responsible breeder who tests for as many health problems as possible.

Oh, and ears are cropped, not docked.

* Boxer (I want their ears docked): Then don't get a Boxer. Cropping a dog's ears is a very painful and cruel process.

* Scottie (I only want a black one though): Cute little dogs. You can read more about them here: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottisht... They are a bit suspicious around strangers though, so you have to socialize them well as a puppy to make sure the dog isn't aggressive.

* Great Dane (Prefer brindle or fawn, but any is fine) Can be hard to deal with because of their size. Need an experienced owner. You can read more about them here: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/greatdane...

* Doberman: They need A LOT of daily exercise. They are not couch potatos-don't get one.

* English Bulldog: Due to their deformed face, you can't take them out in hot weather though. They are not jogging companions. True couch potatos. I think it's kind of cruel to breed them though-they have a hard time breathing. You can read more about them here: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bulldogs....

* French Bulldog: Cute dog. Similar to the English. You can read about them here: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/frenchbul...

* Chow Chow (leaning towards white ones): Really dangerous dogs. They can be SUPER aggressive. They are not loyal, not affectionate, and basically hate everyone.

* Komondor: Too much exercise. Not couch potatos.

* Bull Terrier: Nice dogs. You can read more about them here: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/bullterri...

* Australian Shepard: WAY too much exercise. Need to run 24/7. Not for you.

* Dalmatian: WAY too much exercise. Not for you.

Of all of them, I'd say a Bull Terrier fits you the best. They look imposing, but are usually friendly. Like all breeds, make sure to socialize it enough though. Scotties are really nice dogs too.

And If you are looking for more breeds, here's a dog matchup quiz: http://dogtime.com/matchup There's lots more of these on the web. All you have to do is search up: which dog is right for me? and you will get TONS of results. These quizzes will make you answer questions and will find the dog that's perfect for your lifestyle.

Whatever you end up choosing, be sure to get your dog from one of these three places: reputable breeder, or even better, rescue or shelter. Please do not get your dog from a pet store, the puppies come from puppy mills: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/ By getting a dog from a pet store you are supporting these terrible places, while getting a dog that’s very likely to have many health, temperament, and house-breaking issues throughout its life.

Also, please consider adopting. This is a great website where you can type in your zip code, the age of the dog you want, and the breed, and there will be plenty of matches from shelters and rescues nearby. All these dogs have been temperament tested, and you can also visit the shelter to see what they're like: http://www.petfinder.com/ Adopting a dog is GREAT, you are saving a dogs life. In America, about 6 million dogs are in shelters and rescues with no homes. Every year about 4 million of them get killed. Please give these poor dogs a chance, they deserve it. Another nice thing about adopting a dog is that most of these dogs (at least the adult ones) are already house-trained and can hold their bladder while you're away. Some of them have even already been trained, and you won't have to deal with destructiveness of your house, chewing, teething, and all kind of puppy problems. An adult dog is so much easier, and will settle into your home very fast, ready to become your new best friend.

Finally, before you adopt/purchase your dog, I think you still have to do a little more reading and research. A dog is a BIG responsibility and should be thought over for a long time. A good book to read about caring for your new dog and making sure your dog leads a healthy and happy life is this book: http://www.amazon.com/Cesars-Way-Everyday-Understa... I read it and it's amazing! It taught me so much about caring for my dog and giving it the best life I can. You also might want to get this book: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/books/TYDv4.html?... I've never read it but I've heard it's great!

Good luck!

I think german shepherds would be good because they are extremely loyal and can be protective of their owner and can get big. They are extremely friendly though if they are socialized at a young age. I have a 6 month old gsd/lab mix and he has lots of playful energy for 1 hours in the night and morning and I take him for 2-3 walks during the day but the rest of the day he just hangs out with me and sleeps at my feet.

good luck

I prefer pugs but from your interests that wouldn't work since they don't look tough and are too friendly to be a guard dog. So I guess a English bulldog, boxer, German shepherd, saint Bernard, or Doberman pinscher would be best.

I'd have to say to go with a great dane. They are amazing dogs. They truly are gentle giants. I have experience with danes and my only concern is that if you dont teach them not to jump on people,they could easily tip over a child,unintentionally. They think they are little lap dogs,haha! Make sure you keep up with vet visits,and just so you know,they do not live for a very long time,only about 6-8 years. I was lucky,and my dane did not pass until he was 9.

Good luck!

i also used to hate small dogs. now i love them. they don't eat you out of house and home and their waste is much less. i don't like yippy though... so I've found that older dogs are more mellow. i love my 5 lb short hair chihuahua, which is something i never thought I'd say. i don't know why you want a scary dog, but i like mastiffs for big dogs. They tend to be intimidating but are actually teddy bears with a good owner. my aunt has a 95 lb mastiff who is convinced he's a lap dog. lol

Honestly, wanting a dog breed that "everyone is afraid of " is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard in my life. Please...none of the breeds you have mentioned need you to taint their reputations with having people fearful of them.

I love all dogs, I wold suggest a bassand hound, there a bit lazy I like them the most though cus they look soo cute and innocent, especially when they sad. Lol, and they have quite large ears like that fat elephant dumbo!

I would adopt the dog who most needs a home.. breed, sex, age are unimportant........