SearchGirl or Boy
Further on how to pick a puppy.
I had planned to go for a girl as I had read that they were calmer than boys and more affectionate. The breeder had a differnet view and said she thought boys were more affectionate?
Personally it makes no difference to me other than what I have read. I have spoken to the breeder and their aren't enough girls to go around but she has plenty of boys. I asked what she would recommend and she said you get calm boys and girls and that she breeds for this in her line. She suggested we go see her dogs but not the puppies yet as too young they might catch an infection and get an idea for a full grown male/female size and what the temperament of her dogs are like. She also said she will be watching the litter closely and can pick a more laid back boy for us.
I must say she was very helpful and I didn't feel pressured to have a boy just that she was giving me options. Another bitch from her line is 8 weeks behind this lot and she said there might be a girl in that litter if I wanted to wait.
I really would like a dog soon and as said before am not bothered about sex only the temperament.
What is your advise?
Sorry this is so long.
I've had two of each and I honestly prefer boys.Based on my experiences,I think males are more laid back and a little on the goofy side.My girls seem much more like working dogs.My girls were the barkers and seemed to have that guardian instinct more than my boys.The boys seemed a little more wild and full of energy as puppies,but mature into calm affectionate dogs.Actually,I've always had two dobermans at a time,1 girl,1 boy.That's really how I prefer it,but if I had to choose just one,it would be a boy.
Like Livelaughlove said,they are known as velcro dogs for a reason.They have all been very attached to me,boys and girls.Either way,you won't be disappointed.
I've had wonderful relationships with both male and female dobermans, but if I could only have one, it would always be a male (with red hair).
I do think there frequently is some chemistry kind of thing that occurs between dogs of one gender and owners of the other gender.
You definitely can find extremely affectionate dogs of both sexes, find laid back dogs of both sexes, etc. Those aren't personality traits defined by gender.
Ahh it would depend on your preferences, I think... Most of the male dogs my family owned in the past were outside dogs.
Our last dobe as a boy, and he was super affectionate. His one goal in life was to have human hands touching him and to preferably be sprawled on top of said human. We now have another boy who is not as affectionate, although I will say that I'm reserving final judgment on that since he's a rescue and just joined us and is probably still adjusting. I feel that he's getting more affectionate little by little as he gets more comfortable in our home and bonds to us more. And in any event, he is always happy to see us when we get home and gives vigorous tail wags. And he's always up for playing and walks and working on his commands. Well, I should say, he will work on his commands inside. We're still trying to come up with something valuable enough to him that he'll pay attention to us better outside.
If you want a 'laid back' dog, trust your breeder to pick out that specific personality in her pups, whether it be male or female. Your breeder has a good point in suggesting that you meet the parents and see what personalites they have, the size of male vs female, etc. You'll be able to get a pretty good idea of what the pups might turn out like just by observing the parents. BOTH genders can be total love-bugs if they have that attitude to begin with and your training and influence building upon it. Most dogs sort of adapt to their surroundings, so if you are really active and on the go a lot your dog will learn to love that lifestyle, but on the other hand, if you are not so active, have a low-key lifestyle, your dog will adapt to that, also.
I've had males and females both in my years of having Dobermans in my life, and although I love them all, I personally prefer the females, and the black/rust ones always steal my heart. My males were always such silly boys, full of mischief, but so willing to instantly turn into jello and flop right into my lap, kissing and licking and wiggling all over. My females are very lovable, too, but seem to me to be easier to housebreak, pick up on training at at earlier age, and are definitely a little more protective and aware of their surroundings. Of course, that's just based on the dogs I have had personally, not all Dobermans in general.
No matter which gender you end up with, you're gonna love it.
Thanks everyone. I have made an appointment to go and visit the breeder and all her dogs in 3 weeks. I am going to probably go for a boy which I will let her choose for me. I am sooooooooo excited!
Just gonna come out and say it. I found my boy to be much more laid back. Kay is a really driven dog. Really hyped up to train, play or walk. Jack was easier to train, but she's more willing to try new things. He was calmer in the house, she's as hyper in and she is out. He was up for a gentle cuddle on the couch, and she thinks everything's a game. Kay gets her feelings hurt a lot easier than Jack did, as well. I noticed the other week, when she decided that digging over the garden for "Kitty Crunchies" was the best idea ever. All I did was tell her in a loud voice that it's disgusting. She seemed so depressed all day. I'm happy to report, she's not a fan of Kitty Crunchies anymore. LOL. I could do anything to Jack. If I shouted, he walked away. If I ignored him, he ignored me. It was a pretty calm household. Shame it wasn't like that outdoors, but there you go. I thought girls were calmer than boys, as well. Kay really threw me off.
I was after a more laid back dog. I wouldn't trade my girl for a boy, but if I knew what I know now, back then...Well, I'd have taken Kasper instead of Kayenne.
So, if what you're after is a calm dog, then stick with your current choice. Males are definitely more laid back.
I always suggest a female for a first time Dobermann owner. The females are generally more in tune to a family and not as aloof as some males can be. I never alter the dogs until they reach an age were most of the maturation proccess has been attained. I spay the pet females after the first heat, and prefer the males to be atleast 22 months before altering so natural physical and mental growth is achieved. See ing the adults is a great idea if you never had any contact with Dobermanns. Also ask the breeder about trainer suggestions because you will need to utilze a group session to help socialize the pup and then a trainer who knows working breeds and uses more than one Method in their training program. Good luck, you have a big commitment in front of you. Dobermanns are a 24/7 family member, and occassionally a gigantic pain the ass!!!!! hahahahaha!! Von
Ask your breeder about their personality. She/he will known a little how they are. That is what we did. I wanted a male from day one. And I am a first time doberman owner. He is completely clingy, protective over me, and is pretty goofy. Our breeder told us the minute we picked him out he was very different. That he is stubborn and not sure how is drive would be. Sure enough! The other doberman we were choosing from she said was very energetic. I knew although that pup would have a better drive -- may not be the best since we like to chill in the house. Not have chaos! ha-ha.
I haven't been around a female doberman. I think it's your preference. Laith was a hard puppy but compared to other dogs he was a breeze. Everyone was jealous. So I think you will be very surprised either way you go! :)
I really hope so. I am not worried about either now and have told the breeder to pick a boy from the litter but I think we have first refusal if someone cancels a girl they have booked. The boys are all brown I think. Do you think the colour makes any difference to personality?
I have both, male female, red black. I have always owned female until Tango, our red male. He is 12 weeks old, potty trained, knows sit, down, come and stay is 75%. Knows fetch, drop and off. He has been very easy to train, though stubborn. Feel that is dobe and I have never owned a laid back dobe. They all demand attention, love to run, love to"work". Train your puppy, he or she will be a better dog for it. Enjoy your puppy and do not get frustrated.
No differeces in character as to color!!! Von
I'm still having a hard time deciding what gender I want. It's so hard!! It's especially hard because I hear more lately that males bond with female people better and vice versa. So that makes it hard. There are certain purebreds I want and the other future dogs I want will be rescues.
We had this convo the other night at the dinner table. I don't think the doberman bonds better - I think YOU bond better with a female/male doberman.
I don't like the thought of having a female dog. I can't tell you why-how it came about. Maybe jealously/attention, maybe past history (I grew up w/ mostly male dogs). I would imagine the same as the man of the house wanting a female doberman to add to the gang. Him and Laith are buddies, but they are nothing like Laith and I. We lay on each other, sleep curled up, he is always half a inch away from me. None of that happens -- but Laith still waits by the window everyday for him.
Just my opinion. I was clear what I wanted in a dog/doberman. I think I chose a long time before he decided to "bond" to me. lol
In watching this thread, I've had to look back and contemplate. The closest relationships I've had in the past. ( male vs. female dobes ) were with female dobes. (I posted a thread a long time ago about my first experience, the meanest dog ever that saved my life). The fact that I had a little male dog was a no brainer about getting a female. But, contrary to most of the posts, my girl is very laid back and very loving. But, she is VERY responsive to any noises etc. that happen and alerts me to it, to the point of standing over me in the middle of the night with hackles up. But when I welcome anyone in the door, she's all about making friends. She LOVES kids because she's used to them, it's all about what they're exposed to. Sometimes she has a feeling about someone that I pick up on, and she's right. I have a bumper sticker that reads:"If my doberman doesn't like you, neither will I" I agree LOL
I once rescued a golden retriever that was the sweetest dog ever, was always was with me like velcro, and defended me in the same manner if need be, would always sleep on the floor closest to me. She lived until 17 and my heart bled forever when it was her time. Her name was Mandy. Myself and 2 of my children have mistakenly called Fancy ..."Mandy"...hmmmm So, I vote females!
I have a black female and a red male. I have in the past had a red female. I definately think there is something different about red males. I don't know what it is! Though most of the male dobes I have known have been red and I think that is why I fell in love with the breed. My girl is the easiest, sweetest girl in the world. If we would have had her first- I don't think I would have Cisco. But thankfully we got the pain in the butt Cisco first and then Raven.
I think it is all a matter of what you want and everydog is different just like people!
I am with Happydance on this one! Dakota and I definitely have a stronger bond than she does with Ray, my husband. But since he leaves for work at 5:30 am and doesn't get back until 5:30 pm I am generally the one who feeds her, walks her, grooms her, plays with her, trains her and of course snuggles her as we both sleep in in the morning lol. When we get our second one it will be a male for practical reasons, but I have a soft spot in my heart for females. Kinda funny because Dakota was supposed to be Ray's dog, and I was gonna get the Viszla I've always wanted at some point down the road - now a year later I am HOOKED on Dobies and would probably never get another breed.
I'm going to be like sweetpea my partner is at work alot and I work 10mins away so will be training feeding, walking and snuggling! The same thing happened with my mum and our boxer he was male and followed her round like a puppy all the time! Cisco what do you think is different about brown males? Good or bad different? We are getting a boy whatever now I have had so many positive replies!
The crate arrived today sooo exciting!
LOl~ Well it is good and bad! I don't what it is! I just love Red Males... There is a thread on here somewhere about RMS (red male syndrome) He is just a big goofy lug, he is a little headstrong, but I am soooo in love with him!
Lol I will try and find the thread thanks
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Honestly, I think it depends more on teh dog itself. My red female is a complete lovebug, always has been. My male is also loveable but not quite as pushy when it comes to wanting attention. Then their is Sky who at 6 months old, she prefers to be on you whenever possible.
With the litter of puppies, at 2 weeks old their are deffinately those who I can see as more laid back and those who demand attention when they notice Im in the room. Boys are generally larger and in my experience, are more subborn when it comes to training and determining who is the boss. Of course they are called Velcro dogs for a reason, they all want nothing more than to be loved upon as often as possible.