Male/female Doberman pup

[Tgodb]

Hey all- sorry for the repetitive posts but I just wanted an “updated” opinion.
I’ve been doing my research on Dobermans, and we definitely are getting one. My question is male or female? My husband wants it to be “protective” of me since he’s always gone with the military and what not and had talked about getting a male since they’re generally bigger. I’ve only ever had female dogs growing up so I’m a little biased on the female vs male side of things. We met one male puppy tonight and he seemed goofy but smart! He ran to the end of the driveway and stood there and looked until the guy that had them told him to come back so he seemed to know where the boundary was that he could go.
So. Tell me your experiences with your males and females? I guess I just need a little reconfirmation that males aren’t all that bad hahahahaha.

 

[Tgodb]

I should also add that we met both mom and dad and they had good temperaments, I guess the only thing I’m kind of “put off” by is that he’s male and as I’ve said, I’ve only ever had female dogs growing up.
The little guy did seem pretty dang smart (which from what I’ve researched, is typical lol) and I really like that.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Welcome!

I've only ever owned males.

I don't know that one or the other sex is smarter. I don't think so. They may have different tendencies and personalities generally speaking.

I won't go into trying to write too much about the differences, nor am I an expert on the differences. Seems to me females are geared toward being capable of taking care of pups so they may be less goofy and more down to business. I've heard that males are more goofy, clingy and lovey.

Males mature more slowly. @Korrianne19 , this is a good tip for you as you are wondering about a boy v a girl.

I am with your hubby in wanting a male due to its larger size. I know there are plenty of female Dobes that can tear up the bad guys (and as the owner of a male who weighs what females ought to weigh, I know) but I like the increased intimidation factor of a larger Doberman and let's face it: When you want the big guns, you want the big guns.

 

[Tgodb]

Thank you for the reply! I’m glad that I got a reply so quickly.... if we decide on him we’ll be getting him in the next couple days.
I told my husband that I wanted to sleep on the idea- let’s face it, any dog, especially one that takes a lot of time, is a HUGE decision. I’ve done a lot of reading on them and I’ve come to realize that they are a dog that takes a lot of time and attention.... which I love!! That’s another reason that he wants a Doberman, he’s never home and I am and he wants me to have something that I can take care of, spend time with, and have it be my own. Id love that! I should also add that I’m the only female in the house.... maybe that’s another reason I was more inclined to have a female, but the more I think on it, the more it’s not really going to matter since it’ll be my dog regardless. I also really liked that it was a “house” litter. Both mom and dad live inside, it’s not the typical breeder. He said he’s worked with him with potty training, which will make it easier on me, and that he only really has accidents overnight, which he’s still a pup so I can totally understand that. Both mom and dad were nice as well when we met them.
I guess another thing was that he followed his human dad at the house and when my husband was there he came toward him more than me when all three of us were standing together. But when it was just me and the pup, he was playing with me and doing little puppy barks, which of course I fell for.
Like I said though, it’ll be “my dog” and I told him I wanted to sleep on it and if he was still there tomorrow/today, then it was meant to be. If not then I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I think someone else wanted to meet him when we went to go see him. But I definitely want a dog that will want to be with me and cuddle with me, but still “protect” me (even just with his looks lol) when I’m home alone or when I make the drive home (it’s a 14 hour drive, yet another reason he wants me to have my own dog so he doesn’t worry about me being on the road by myself).

 

[Tgodb]

I just read her post as well..... that was another thing that “worried” me.... if he’s be a boys dog or a girls dog. I’ve read (like her) that females attach to males, and males.... there isn’t tooooo much on that. But seeing as I’m going to be the main caretaker, I guess it wouldn’t really matter... they’re smart enough that they will learn that I’m “momma” and he’ll cling to me more. At least that’s what I’ve read mostly.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I just read her post as well..... that was another thing that “worried” me.... if he’s be a boys dog or a girls dog. I’ve read (like her) that females attach to males, and males.... there isn’t tooooo much on that. But seeing as I’m going to be the main caretaker, I guess it wouldn’t really matter... they’re smart enough that they will learn that I’m “momma” and he’ll cling to me more. At least that’s what I’ve read mostly.

I read in a book years ago that it's somehow better for a female to own a male Dobe, and a male to own a female Dobe. Like they get along, bond or coexist better.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Thank you for the reply! I’m glad that I got a reply so quickly.... if we decide on him we’ll be getting him in the next couple days.
I told my husband that I wanted to sleep on the idea- let’s face it, any dog, especially one that takes a lot of time, is a HUGE decision. I’ve done a lot of reading on them and I’ve come to realize that they are a dog that takes a lot of time and attention.... which I love!! That’s another reason that he wants a Doberman, he’s never home and I am and he wants me to have something that I can take care of, spend time with, and have it be my own. Id love that! I should also add that I’m the only female in the house.... maybe that’s another reason I was more inclined to have a female, but the more I think on it, the more it’s not really going to matter since it’ll be my dog regardless. I also really liked that it was a “house” litter. Both mom and dad live inside, it’s not the typical breeder. He said he’s worked with him with potty training, which will make it easier on me, and that he only really has accidents overnight, which he’s still a pup so I can totally understand that. Both mom and dad were nice as well when we met them.
I guess another thing was that he followed his human dad at the house and when my husband was there he came toward him more than me when all three of us were standing together. But when it was just me and the pup, he was playing with me and doing little puppy barks, which of course I fell for.
Like I said though, it’ll be “my dog” and I told him I wanted to sleep on it and if he was still there tomorrow/today, then it was meant to be. If not then I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I think someone else wanted to meet him when we went to go see him. But I definitely want a dog that will want to be with me and cuddle with me, but still “protect” me (even just with his looks lol) when I’m home alone or when I make the drive home (it’s a 14 hour drive, yet another reason he wants me to have my own dog so he doesn’t worry about me being on the road by myself).

Good on you for having the wisdom of sleeping on it and seeing if the pup is still there tomorrow!

It's always good that a breeder keeps their dogs inside the home as family members. To me, that's the best way – and it's actually quite common. When a breeder has their dogs out in some kennels, that feels to me like a breeding operation, not a passionate pursuit where the dogs are truly family members.

With my first Doberman purchase, while some may call him backyard-bred or perhaps at least hobby-bred, I will say that I went to their home and met both the dam and the sire. These were their only two dogs and in fact their family dogs, er, Dobes.

I relate to your husband in wanting you to have a credible guard dog. My Doberman is a major component of my security plan for my family. When I'm gone (and especially now that Oji is trustworthy outside of his crate) it is a very good thing that we have a Dobe in the house that absolutely rages at the sight, sound or scent of any human approaching the house. Sadly, he similarly rages at any and all non-human creatures near our home.

 

[Ddski5]

It is well known on this forum that one should not neuter or spay until at least 18-24months so that hormones can do their job with the maturing Doberman.

A positive on having a male is you don’t have to worry about the heat cycle of a female. I say that but a lot of members on here take it in stride and just use pull-ups. All depends on what you want really.

 

[Tgodb]

True... we've always spayed our females so I've never had the issue of the heat cycles and what not.

I told my husband that if he was still available this morning, that it was a sign. I have four days off "for free" this week so it's pretty perfect timing. We can get into a routine and what not, but if he's not available still.....well, then I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I just sent him a message and we'll see what happens. But I'm hoping that we can bring him home...

I've done even more reading last night and it doesn't seem like it's going to matter too much male or female. A doberman is a doberman no matter the gender.

 

[Tgodb]

Oh yes! I really liked that they were family dogs and they've started working with him with potty training and playing fetch and what not. He seemed like he was more sociable than what I've seen with puppies and parents being in kennels at big breeders.

 

[Ddski5]

Wow....
So you are pretty close, huh??

I remember my excitement and anxiety the days before. Also I had to go coach a soccer tournament in Florida so my wife and youngest daughter drove to Texas to pick him up.

When I finally got home, I could not contain myself. So excited and happy for you.

Be warned though, those damn puppies turn from cute angels into sharp toothed DoberSharks and then into intolerable teenagers quite fast. Get you head right for a lot of consistency, patience and training. You have to be a strong Alpha, no getting around it.

Last night, mine jumped up on the couch and put his head on my chest and went to sleep. The last year of chaos, frustration and daily training were well worth that one moment.

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Well this is exciting!

Does the breeder have a contract for you to sign? Should state the minimum age they recommend for getting your pup spayed/neutered, if you can't keep the dog that it MUST be returned to them, limited health warranty, and all that good stuff? Are mom and dad health tested at all? Do you know how old Mom and Dad are?

This breed is plagued by health issues so asking some of these questions up front can certainly help ensure you get a good pup AND that your breeder will be a good resource for all your puppy-rearing questions!

 

[Tgodb]

So I let my husband know that I wanted to get him if he was still available- we get pick him up today after 3 pm!

As far as contracts and all that go, I don't think that we have to sign anything or anything like that. He's chipped, wormed, first rounds of shots, etc. He comes from a good family and what not, so if we have any questions or anything like that, we can always get in contact with them. He comes "health checked" or whatever it's called.... he was telling us last night, but to be honest, my husband talked with him more than I did. I just was there for the pup lol.

My husband likes that they're so smart. I'm excited to add him to our little family. I really can't wait! He seems so smart and the fact that his first human dad has been working with him I think that it will help me to train him as well. Even though I'll be the one that takes care of him the most, I think that my husband being around sometimes will help him too as he has a more dominate voice.
I'm at work right now looking up what I need to get ASAP for the little guy. I've had dogs in the past but none of those were dobermans. I'm tired already, but I know that I will get super excited when I get home and he's there. Sorry I keep repeating myself.... I just can't wait to be a doggy momma again. I think it will help fill the little "hole" I have in my life right now.

 

[LifeofRubie]

A CRATE. Anytime the little demon... er, puppy... cannot be watched, he should be in a crate!

 

[Tgodb]

Oh yes! I told him I want to get him a nice collar and lead and a cage for him for at night and the few hours here and there during the day that I'm not home. And rawhides.... he looooooves those.

Luckily for me though I'm off work the next four days so the timing is just so good. That way me and him can bond, get in a routine, and I can teach him where outside is.

 

[Ddski5]

Read this forum from back to front!!

All the information you need is here.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even the ones you think are too silly.....

 

[Regalis]

No rawhides! Please, please, please no rawhides. Dobies are already so prone to obstructions and rawhides are problematic at best.

 

[Panama]

Welcome and congratulations on your decision of getting a pup!

At times you will wonder 'WHAT THE #$&@ WAS I THINKING?', but with consistent training and daily routine, you won't regret it.

Being owned by both males & females... I don't think I will ever be without a male. Although I have an amazing bond with with my girl Echo, the bond I have with my boy Joker is so much stronger. We have a Momma's boy & Daddy's girl going on here. But my husband was home more when Echo was a puppy then I was.

Look forward to seeing pictures of your new boy.

 

[Regalis]

Oh. And yeah. I'm all for males. I've owned one female (non-doberman) personally and we had a few growing up. I like my boys.

In fact, this is my current situation lol. Dobies are the epitome of Velcro in my experience. My lab (also male) is content laying on the love seat alone. But kaizer? No way. He's almost always touching or near me.

 

[Tgodb]

Oh no!! What kind of "bone" do y'all recommend then?! He had a rawhide that he was going to town on when we met him yesterday..... we've always given our dogs them growing up, but I don't want to give him something that can potentially hurt him....

Any other recommendations on things I should get? Or do first thing when we pick him up? Any and all advice is VERY welcomed, as I've never had a dog of "my own" as an adult and I've never owned a doberman.

Thank you all for the welcoming feelings- I appreciate it so much! I've been scouring this site all morning lol.

I will definitely post a picture of him when he comes home! He's such a cutie.