Hi at the moment my family is deciding on the breed of dog we would like. we have never owned a dog before but our choices would be either a rottweiler , a boxer or a doberman. in your opinion which one would be the best breed for a first time owner? thank you.

As all of these are strong minded working/guarding breeds you should go and see as many adults of the breed as you can. I suggest you find out where the local training classes near you are and pop in as a visitor, watch the starters class, this will give you an idea of what to expect, and how to cope with a puppy. You will find some owners having a real struggle and others coping well. To own one of these breeds you need to be a person that can command respect, as any puppy requires sensible but kind discipline. You must realise a dog is an animal, and as a first time dog owner you will need to do a lot of reading of bookks that tell you how the dogs mind works, and commit to training!! Good Luck, oh also go see these breeds at a big show, Richmond Championship Shopw Working day is on Friday 7th September at Ascot Racecourse, judging starts 10am. You will have to bear in mind that these are trained and well socialised animals, but this is what you will be able to achieve with the right training and commitment :))

Why not have a read through our list of Breed Guides?
Maybe this will help you with your research as to which breed of dog is best suited to your lifestyle :-)

Leigh

Hi Guest,

I have Dobes (no puppies) but if you email me privately I can discuss the in's and outs of Dobes with you. Have never lived with Rotts or Boxers and have little indepth knowledge of them.

Christine
kerioakdobes@btinternet.com

Boxers are not the brightest of breeds (mine ate my sofa as a pup) but they tend to be very good natured like dobes and rotts if given the right training and socialisation as a pup. They can be incredibly boisterous though and as they can weight 5 stone or more you need to be very strong if they decided to do their Tigger impression whilst on the lead (yes they do bounce.....high.......very high!)

Bec, I really have to disagree that they are not the brightest, most I know are extremely intelligent. I do agree that they can be incredibly boisterous and can be incredibly destructive and yes they do bounce!

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

Thanks for that Joan. I knew Harvey just had to be the thick one! I suppose having terriers doesn't help either!

I own 2 boxers 1 year old and 22 week old .The eldest is rather quiet natured ,but the puppy is just wild(but fun).They need plenty of exercise and stimulation so
both go to training classes which helps a great deal.Would not part with them for the world.They are very hyper,and as said before can jump!!(They even get on with my 12 year old toy poodle).Hope this is of some help.